Pedestrian Killed after Being Run Over by Vehicle in Ashland City Parking Lot

Posted in Car Accident,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on April 9, 2015

Pedestrian Killed after Being Run Over by Vehicle in Ashland City Parking Lot

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle in a Walmart parking lot in Ashland City, Tennessee, Thursday morning.

According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred at the Walmart supermarket located at 1626 Highway 12 South. City officials stated that the driver of the car told them that they were unaware that they had backed over the victim or that anyone was behind their vehicle at the time of the accident.

The vehicle dragged the victim for a short distance, causing them to suffer life-threatening injuries that proved fatal. The victim’s identity hasn’t been released.

The Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law express our condolences to the family of the victim who died in this tragic accident.

Parking Lot Safety Tips

Although most people associate parking lots with safety due to slow-moving vehicles and orderly traffic, in reality they can be very dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. To increase your safety and reduce your risks while driving or walking in parking lots, do your best to follow these tips:

Pedestrian Safety

• Never assume that drivers can see you when you’re walking near or behind a vehicle. In many cases, drivers don’t take the time to fully observe their surroundings before turning or backing up. Always walk as far from moving vehicles as possible and be ready to move out of the way if necessary.
• Never walk through empty parking spaces as a shortcut while cross parking lots. Drivers may pull into empty spots without seeing you, putting you at serious risk of being struck by a vehicle while standing in the empty parking space.
• Treat parking lots the same way you do actual roadways. Never walk into traffic without looking both ways, and always use crosswalks and sidewalks when they are available.
• Avoid areas where it may be difficult for drivers to see you, such as loading dock areas or areas of parking lots with large trucks, SUVs, construction equipment, or motorhomes.

Driver Safety

• Slow down and drive at or below any posted speed limits. Parking lots are unpredictable places for drivers, as other vehicles and pedestrians can suddenly appear in your path with little to no warning. By driving slowly, you will have more time to react and stop your vehicle.
• Always look both ways and use your mirrors before backing up out of a parking space. Crowded parking lots can make it difficult to easily see pedestrians or oncoming traffic, so be extra cautious and vigilant when putting your vehicle in reverse.
• Turn your lights on as soon as you enter your vehicle. Not only does this signal to pedestrians and drivers that you are about to leave, but it also makes your vehicle more visible and gives you better visibility of potential hazards in the parking lot.
• Park far away from the entrance to protect your vehicle, yourself, and other people in the parking lot. Not only does parking further away make your vehicle less likely to suffer damage due to other cars, but it also makes you less likely to be involved in a parking lot accident.

At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers know that most people don’t think of parking lots as being dangerous places where accidents are likely to occur, but the limited visibility and unpredictable movements of both vehicles and pedestrians can put people at risk for serious injuries.

If you or someone you love was injured in a parking lot due to another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for you medical bills and lost wages. Get in touch with our legal team today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free online form. We’re here to help you and your family every step of the way.