Posted in Car Accident,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on December 1, 2015
Pedestrian Dies after Being Struck by Vehicle in Nashville on Monday Night
A 52-year-old man was struck by a vehicle and suffered fatal injuries in Nashville on Monday night.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. during a heavy rain storm on Charlotte Avenue at the intersection with Fifth Avenue North.
Metro Police Officers told reporters that the man was crossing the street in an area other than a designated crosswalk when he was struck by the vehicle. Witnesses who were in the area when the accident occurred say that the man was walking in pouring rain with his hood pulled up over his head and was facing the ground while he was crossing the street.
Police are still investigating the accident to determine its cause, and the driver of the vehicle that struck the man isn’t facing charges at this time. No additional information about the accident has been released.
Safety Tips for Walking Near a Roadway at Night
Pedestrians always face certain risks when they walk near areas where vehicles are present, but those risk can be magnified when they walk at night or in conditions where drivers have reduced visibility. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risks that you might face when walking at night, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your risks and make you or your loved ones less likely to be involved in accidents.
The most effective way to reduce your risk is to avoid walking at night if possible. If you can’t change your schedule, do your best to stick to well-lit areas, including roadways with plenty of lighting from street lights and local businesses. In addition, plan your route to include roads with sidewalks, as limited visibility for drivers becomes less of a factor when you can walk in an area that’s separate from the roadway itself.
Crosswalks are important safety measures for pedestrians. Whether they’re at intersections with stops signs or intersections with traffic lights, crosswalks are immediately recognizable to drivers and help pedestrians cross the street safely when traffic is stopped. Attempting to cross the street outside of a crosswalk can be extremely dangerous, as drivers may not be prepared for the presence of pedestrians in those areas and also may be traveling at high rates of speed. Never rely on just checking for traffic before stepping into the road, as vehicles may be difficult to see due to elevation changes or dimmed lights.
Pedestrians can be extremely difficult for drivers to see at night—especially if they’re wearing dark clothing. If you’re planning on walking after dark or just before dawn, always wear clothing that’s as bright and reflective as possible. To make yourself even more visible—and to help you avoid obstacles while walking—consider carrying a flashlight or using a flashlight app on your smartphone. The more light you emit and reflect, the easier it will be for drivers to see you, which further reduces your chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys know that people who are struck by cars or trucks while walking often suffer disabling and life-threatening injuries. The victims of these accidents often face long roads to recovery, including physical rehabilitation, hospitalization, surgeries, and even counseling. The expenses and difficulties that victims face can put significant strain on their lives and the lives of their family members, especially if they have to pay for their medical bills out of pocket.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent or carless driver, our legal team may be able to help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how we can put our two decades of experience to work for you, just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
