Posted in Car Accident,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 29, 2015
Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle and Killed on Interstate 40 in Tennessee
A 50-year-old man was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle on Interstate 40 in Henderson County, Tennessee, on Monday.
A report by WBBJ says that the accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. near mile marker 96 when the victim stopped his vehicle to help direct traffic around an accident that had previously occurred.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said that the driver of the speeding vehicle swerved to avoid the backed-up traffic near the accident scene and struck the man who was standing on the roadway.
A man who was at the scene of the accident told WBBJ that drivers on that stretch of interstate often speed and don’t slow down for anyone. He also stated that good Samaritans who stop their vehicles to help crash victims or motorists in distress may temporarily forget to look out for their own safety, which can put them at significant risk of suffering a serious injury themselves.
The THP says that the crash is still being investigated and that the driver of the vehicle, who wasn’t hurt in the accident, may face charges at the investigation’s conclusion.
What Should You Do If You See an Accident on the Highway or Interstate?
Eventually, almost all drivers will come across an accident that just occurred. If you’re ever in this situation, it’s important to understand that every second counts and that your actions during this time can help save lives—but you should always put your own safety first.
If you notice an accident on a street, highway, or interstate, here are a few tips that can help save lives while also keeping you out of harm’s way:
As soon as it’s safe to do so, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road away from traffic, turn on your emergency lights, and call 911 to report the accident. Tell the dispatcher as much information about the accident and its location as possible, including how many vehicles are involved, the street, highway, or interstate the accident occurred on, which mile marker or landmarks are nearby, and which lane you’re in. Stay on the phone until emergency responders arrive at the scene.
If reaching the victims requires you to cross multiple lanes of traffic, it’s best to stay in your vehicle and wait for emergency services to arrive. But if you’re able to safely reach the victims and know basic first aid techniques, doing things like applying tourniquets to wounds and giving victims water or other liquids can help until medical professionals arrive.
Unless you’re a trained medical professional, it’s important that you don’t over step your boundaries as a good Samaritan at the scene of an accident. Never move victims unless their lives are in imminent danger due to engine fires or other post-accident emergencies. Instead, wait for EMS crews to stabilize the victims, as moving them without proper care and caution can cause serious head, neck, and spinal injuries.
The most important thing to remember after witnessing a car accident is to call 911. In most cases, emergency medical services will arrive at the accident scene within minutes and can begin life-saving medical intervention. Only leave your vehicle if doing so doesn’t put you in danger. By responding quickly and staying alert and cautious, you can help save lives while protecting your own.
The Nashville car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and without warning—especially when other drivers are distracted, impaired, or driving recklessly. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident-related expenses.
Get in touch with our legal team by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free online form to find out how we can help you get the money you deserve.
