Elderly Woman Hit and Dragged by Negligent MTA Bus Driver
At a bus stop on Charlotte Avenue near the Music City Terminal a routine day turned into a nightmare.
A 64-year-old woman stepped off the bus near the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and 5th Avenue. As she began to walk in front of the bus to cross 5th Avenue from east to west, the negligent MTA bus driver struck this woman down and dragged her body over fifty yards through the intersection, severely injuring her.
Although the woman did walk in front of the bus at a green light, there is no excuse for the MTA bus driver to have proceeded as the woman was in plain sight.
This Murfreesboro resident is one of the several victims of careless decisions by bus drivers and motorists alike when coming in close proximity with pedestrians.
If only the bus driver had kept an eye out for the very pedestrians that exited the bus this woman would not have experienced a more traumatic experience than most people go through in a lifetime. This action resulted in the woman being transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
Fortunately the victim was able to survive this horrible accident, but she could have easily lived her last day that Friday.
Stories like this one is why I have spent my career fighting for those who have been the victim of avoidable accidents to ensure they get the restitution they deserve.
Awareness and Habits: The Keys to Safer Nashville Roads
As a driver, especially in downtown, your eyes should be on two things: the road and pedestrians.
You can keep our roads safer every day as a driver by keeping the following in mind:
- Slow down when you are approaching an intersection
- Always be aware of where pedestrians or cyclists are walking and riding
- Never drive through an intersection when pedestrians are crossing the street even when you have a green light
As a pedestrian commuting around downtown, these tips can save your life and others from a potentially fatal accident:
- Always cross at a designated crosswalk when you have the right away when oncoming traffic is stopped
- Be aware of oncoming traffic as well as traffic turning into the crosswalk you are approaching or walking across
- Never walk in front of a bus you are getting off of. Walk directly to the sidewalk and use the appropriate crosswalk at the appropriate time
As a driver or a pedestrian, you are using awareness and building habits that promote safety for yourself and those around you. Being vocal for pedestrians and drivers around you if you see a potentially dangerous situation can be the difference between life and death at times.
Where to Turn As a Struck Down Pedestrian
This woman, even with a strong recovery, will not have the life she had before last Friday. The physical and psychological damage from her traumatic experience should never happen to anyone.
If you or a loved one you know has been struck down by a vehicle simply for walking on a crosswalk, let me and my legal team offer a hand when it is needed most. As a passionate advocate against negligent driving, I’ve represented scores of individuals and families to restore a sense of normalcy back in their lives after an accident.
“Fighting for your rights” Contact David Weissman and the law firm of Raybin & Weissman for a confidential consultation of your case today at (615) 256-6666 or contact us online immediately.
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