Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on December 29, 2014
Two EMTs Injured After Car Crashes into Ambulance in Wilson County
A black sedan collided with an ambulance in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Sunday night, sending two people to the hospital with injuries.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred around 8 p.m. near the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency Fire Station 4 on Saundersville Road in Mt. Juliet.
The impact of the collision caused the ambulance crew to suffer injuries. One paramedic and one EMT were both transported to a local hospital for evaluation, but both are expected to make full recoveries.
The accident caused a road closure for around two hours, but it has since reopened after crews were able to clean up the debris.
According to WKRN’s report, the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency is using the accident as a teaching opportunity to emphasize the importance of Tennessee’s Move Over law. In Tennessee, all drivers are required by law to change lanes or slow down when approaching or being overtaken by an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens.
Why Does Tennessee Have a Move Over Law?
Tennessee’s state legislature enacted a “Move Over Law” in 2006 as part of the “Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles Law.” Currently, all states except the District of Columbia have Mover Over laws to protect emergency responders.
Move Over laws require all drivers to merge into adjacent lanes of traffic when an emergency vehicle is stopped on the shoulder of the road. In Tennessee, drivers who violate the law can be fined up to $500 and sentenced to up to 30 days in jail.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers support Move Over laws for several reasons:
Drivers who pull their vehicles over to the side of the road due to car troubles or accidents are vulnerable to being struck by other cars—especially on high speed roads like highways and interstates. Because Move Over laws require drivers to merge into adjacent lanes away from the shoulder, motorists who are waiting for help or injured on the side of the road are less likely to be victims of a second accident.
Police officers and emergency responders put themselves in harm’s way every time they respond to an accident or stranded motorist on a busy street, highway, or interstate. Because they have to leave their vehicles and work close to the flow of traffic, they’re highly vulnerable to being struck by a passing car and suffering severe injuries. The Move Over law helps drivers be more aware of emergency responders and give them plenty of room to work safely.
Motorists and emergency responders aren’t the only people who benefit from Move Over laws. Although many state laws don’t include provisions about moving over in the presence of roadwork crews, many drivers who are familiar with the law move over when approaching a worksite on the side of the road.
At Matt Hardin Law, our entire legal team is in favor of any laws that help protect the safety and well-being of emergency responders and injured or stranded motorists. Highways and interstates can be dangerous places, especially when you’re outside of your vehicle, and the Move Over law helps protect those who put their lives on the line every day to help those in need.
If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by someone’s negligence or by someone who violated a traffic law like the Move Over law, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident-related expenses, including your medical bills and lost wages. Get in touch with our Nashville car accident attorneys by dialing (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form.
