Pedestrian Accident

Crash alert: Driver charged after pedestrian struck

NASHVILLE, TN – Police say a driver is facing charges after a pedestrian was struck in Nashville Tuesday night, WKRN reported.

The accident was reported at about 10:45 p.m. in the area of Nolensville Pike and Allied Drive in South Nashville. The pedestrian was hit by 46-year-old Brian Sandidge as he was driving on Nolensville Pike, according to Metro Police.

The victim was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with injuries that were described as life-threatening.

Sandidge was arrested on two charges and was released on bond.  Police say they learned that his driver’s license had been revoked, adding that he also admitted to not having insurance on his vehicle.

If you were hurt or if you lost a loved one in a collision in Nashville, contact Ponce Law right away for help. Our Nashville car accident lawyers have more than 25 years of experience helping people like you get the justice and fair compensation they deserve when someone else’s negligence causes them harm. Call us at (844) 204-6765 or reach out to us online. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.

Pedestrian fatally struck by freight train in Smyrna

SMYRNA, TN – Police are investigating after a man was fatally struck by a freight train on the tracks in Smyrna over the weekend, according to a report by WGNS.

First responders were dispatched to the scene at about 9:11 p.m. Saturday on the tracks near the intersection of Sam Ridley Parkway and North Lowry Street.

The victim had been hit by a northbound CSX freight train, railroad officials said.  No members of the train crew were hurt in the accident.

CSX police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

If you were hurt or if you lost a loved one in a collision in Nashville, contact Ponce Law right away for help. Our Nashville car accident lawyers have more than 25 years of experience helping people like you get the justice and fair compensation they deserve when someone else’s negligence causes them harm. Call us at (844) 204-6765 or reach out to us online. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.

Man fatally struck in hit-and-run crash in Nashville

NASHVILLE, TN – Authorities are searching for the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a man in Nashville Friday night, wkrn.com reported.

The incident happened around 11:15 p.m. on Lafayette Street near its intersection with Fairfield Avenue. Police say 41-year-old Robert Preston III was crossing the street when he was hit by a Hyundai sedan going south.  Preston was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

According to witnesses, the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed before the crash.  Preston was not in the crosswalk at the time, police said.

The vehicle involved was described as a charcoal gray Hyundai sedan.  Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities.

If you were hurt or if you lost a loved one in a collision in Nashville, contact Ponce Law right away for help. Our Nashville car accident lawyers have more than 25 years of experience helping people like you get the justice and fair compensation they deserve when someone else’s negligence causes them harm. Call us at (844) 204-6765 or reach out to us online. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.

Woman killed after being hit by dump truck

NASHVILLE, T.N. – A woman was killed after being hit by a dump truck in the West End on Tuesday afternoon, WKRN reports.

31-year-old Ruonan Yao was crossing West End Avenue in a crosswalk when she was hit by a truck turning left onto 31st Avenue South. Yao was a graduate student at Vanderbilt University. She was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and later died of her injuries.

The District Attorney’s Office is still determining whether or not charges will be filed.

Walking Under the Influence is Dangerous, Too!

Safety organizations, police departments, and media outlets have spent countless dollars and decades educating the public on the dangers of driving while intoxicated. The effects of alcohol make it extremely difficult for drivers to safely maneuver their vehicles and avoid putting themselves and others at risk.

But did you know that walking under the influence can also be dangerous? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were nearly 6,000 pedestrian deaths in the U.S. in 2017. One in three of those deaths involved a pedestrian whose blood alcohol content was at or over the legal limit of 0.08%.

Any amount of alcohol can impair fine motor skills, which affects your ability to walk in a straight line. It also affects judgment, decision-making skills, and even your ability to track moving objects. Combined, the effects of alcohol can make a simple task like crossing the street or walking on a sidewalk more dangerous for pedestrians, especially at higher levels of intoxication.

In addition, walking in public while intoxicated can put you at risk of receiving a citation or even being arrested for public intoxication. Don’t risk it, and don’t underestimate the dangers of alcohol consumption even on tasks that seem safe, such as walking home after a night out with friends. Appoint a designated driver, use public transportation, or call a rideshare vehicle to pick you up instead.

The Nashville pedestrian accident lawyers at Ponce Law have seen too many lives upended due to the dangerous effects of alcohol on people who use Middle Tennessee’s roadways. If you or someone you love was harmed by a drunk driver, we want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Stay Safe on Nashville’s Streets this Season

For many people, getting out and enjoying the beautiful spring weather is a welcome respite from being stuck indoors all day while we wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to resolve. Whether you walk downtown, through 12 South, along the riverfront, or anywhere else in Music City, it’s important to remain focused on your safety.

While it’s true there are significantly fewer cars on the road than normal, that isn’t an excuse to engage in dangerous behaviors. You should still take the following precautions while walking:

• Stick to sidewalks—Most of Nashville’s neighborhoods are equipped with sidewalks, and they are by far the safest place for pedestrians.
• Use crosswalks—When you’re ready to cross the street, use crosswalks to do so. Even if you don’t see any vehicles approaching, it’s still important—and legally required—to use crosswalks when they’re available.
• Avoid distractions—Whether you’re walking or running, avoid the temptation to blast music on headphones, talk to friends and family on your phone, or send and receive text messages. Walking while distracted is dangerous, as walking near traffic requires full concentration.
• Watch for vehicles exiting driveways, side streets, and alleys—If you’re running or walking in neighborhoods more densely populated areas of the city, be prepared for vehicles to suddenly appear in front of you as they exit homes, businesses, and alleys.
• Walk towards traffic—Visibility is important while walking, and that includes you being able to see approaching vehicles and their drivers being able to see you. Walking towards traffic makes you more easily seen and gives you more time to react.

Ponce Law’s Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys hope everyone stays safe this spring and summer, and we’re always here to help anyone hurt by a negligent driver. Contact us today for a free consultation.