Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury on October 5, 2016
Two Pedestrian Accidents Reported in Nashville This Weekend
Two separate pedestrian accidents were reported in Nashville over the weekend, and one of the accidents proved fatal for the victim.
According to reports by WKRN.com, the first accident occurred on Saturday in East Nashville at around 7:15 p.m. when a woman was crossing the street. Police say the 53-year-old woman was crossing Gallatin Pike and Greenwood Avenue when she was struck by a 2013 Chrysler 200.
Metro Police say that their investigation revealed that the woman wasn’t using a crosswalk at the time of the accident. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained at the accident scene to speak with police, but he or she isn’t facing charges at this time.
A second pedestrian accident occurred Sunday night in South Nashville when a person was struck by a vehicle after stepping into traffic.
Metro Police say that this accident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. on Lafayette Street near Second Avenue South when the person entered the roadway in the path of a vehicle and the driver didn’t have time to stop or swerve to avoid a collision.
The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and his or her identity hasn’t been released at this time.
Tips for Avoiding Nighttime Pedestrian Accidents as a Driver
Pedestrians can decrease their risks of being involved in accidents while walking in the evenings or at night by wearing bright and reflective clothing, walking only in well-lit areas, and staying on sidewalks. But it’s also important for drivers to take a cautious approach when driving at night to prevent causing pedestrian accidents, as visibility is reduced and it can be difficult to see pedestrians until it’s too late.
To help reduce your risk of being involved in a nighttime pedestrian accident as a driver, do your best to follow these tips:
Your headlights are your greatest protection against causing a pedestrian accident. And while headlights are highly effective at illuminating the roadway, they can cause a false sense of security, especially when they’re weakened due to age or foggy casing. Be sure to immediately replace burned out or dimmed headlights and replace your headlight cases if they are foggy and reduce visibility.
Pedestrians don’t always stick to sidewalks and crosswalks. Even if they don’t necessarily have the right of way, it’s still vital to recognize areas where pedestrians may be, including areas near crosswalks and areas near restaurants, bars, and other areas of interest that attract heavy foot traffic. By expecting to encounter pedestrians, you’ll be able to more quickly react to their presence by coming to a stop if you encounter them in the roadway.
Just because you can see a pedestrian doesn’t mean he or she is aware of your presence. If a pedestrian is in the roadway or on the sidewalk and appears to be walking into the roadway, always slow down or come to a stop. Some drivers assume that pedestrians see them and will move out of the way, but many pedestrian accidents occur due to pedestrians being distracted or impaired and unaware of their surroundings.
The Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that it’s up to both pedestrians and drivers to keep the roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks in Middle Tennessee safe for everyone. When both pedestrians and drivers are aware of each other’s presence and follow common sense safety tips, the chances of accidents significantly decrease. That means driving at a reasonable speed, wearing reflective clothing, using headlights, and never driving or walking while distracted or impaired.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how our legal team can put its two decades of experience to work for your family, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form. It’s our goal to help you get the money you deserve.
