Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on January 24, 2017
Pedestrian Suffers Serious Injuries after Getting Hit by Car on Gallatin Pike
A man in his late 50s was struck by a vehicle while he was crossing Gallatin Pike North Saturday evening, causing him to suffer serious head injuries.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred at around 6 p.m. in the 1700 block of the street. Metro Nashville Police say that he was crossing outside of a crosswalk and using a walker to steady his balance. In addition to injuring the man, the impact of the collision smashed the vehicle’s windshield.
The victim was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for his injuries, and police haven’t indicated if the driver will face charges.
Another pedestrian accident occurred Saturday evening at around 7:15 p.m. on Old Hickory Boulevard and Gallatin Pike South when a man was struck crossing the street outside of a crosswalk.
After getting up from being hit by the first vehicle, he was struck by another car. Luckily, the man suffered only minor injuries because of the accidents. Neither driver has been charged for their roles in the accident.
Safety Tips for Disabled Pedestrians
Nearly 20 percent of the population in Tennessee suffers from a disability. When a disability affects a person’s ability to walk, they can be at a high risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident, especially when they’re attempting to cross a street.
Pedestrians are already at a heightened chance of being struck by vehicles and seriously injured, so it’s vital that people who take more time or need assistance to cross a street are aware of the increased dangers and how to manage them.
A few tips that people with disabilities can follow to reduce their risks include:
Wheelchair, walker, and cane users should be extra cautious when entering and exiting sidewalks near crosswalks. Most sidewalks have ramped or sloped areas that make it easier to enter and exit. Try to identify these areas before you approach the crosswalk and before you exit it to ensure a smooth crossing.
Not all intersections are equal when it comes to the amount of time that pedestrians get to cross the street. If it takes you a little longer to cross the street than others, try to stick to crosswalks that provide ample time to safely cross. Planning your route ahead of time and sticking to crosswalks that are both equipped with walk signals and large spaces separating pedestrians from traffic is one of the best ways to stay safe.
This tip applies to all pedestrians, but is helpful for disabled pedestrians, too. Although walk signals are a great safety measure for pedestrians, they should never cause you to take your safety for granted when you’re in a crosswalk. Continue to scan the roadway in both directions as you cross and be aware that drivers may not see you and that some drivers may run red lights, even when you’re crossing.
If you have a visual impairment, always use crosswalks that are equipped with auditory signals to safely make it to the other side of the street. To further enhance your safety, be sure to wear clothing that’s brightly colored and reflective—especially if you’re walking during times of reduced visibility.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys know that all pedestrians face risks when they’re walking near vehicles. Whether they’re in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, in a neighborhood, or even in a parking lot, people who spend time on foot near vehicles can suffer serious, disabling, and even life-threatening injuries in the blink of an eye. Following precautions can help decrease these risks, but they can’t eliminate them—especially when drivers are negligent.
If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a careless driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Our legal team has two decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims like you, and we know what it takes to win. Get in touch with us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form.
