A Hit-And-Run Victim Was Left For Dead Near Centennial Park
I recently learned of Jenn McCombs, who had fallen victim to a hit-and-run at the intersection of 28th Avenue and Poston Avenue while riding her bike near Centennial Park.
An SUV had T-boned McCombs and knocked her off of her bicycle. The vehicle did not slow down and continued driving after having hit McCombs.
Unfortunately, she learned that anyone can become a victim to vehicular traffic, even when it’s least expected.
“Whoever hit me doesn’t know if I am dead or alive,” said McCombs.
Several witnesses rushed to her aid after she had been flung off of her bicycle and into the side of a parked car. Witnesses claimed that the driver was a white male who had loud music blaring from his vehicle. The driver was shirtless and sported a bandana. Additionally, hey said the man frequents the area, but has not been identified.
McCombs sustained an array bruises and several broken bones, including an open-fracture on her leg. Despite her physical injuries, McCombs is most concerned with recovering from the emotional distress and trauma. He hopes the driver will turn himself in to police.
What Can You Do to Avoid Hit-and-Run Accidents?
With traffic on the rise in the Nashville metropolitan area, it is likely that more and more stories like McCombs’ could arise. It is imperative that pedestrians take precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them, because hit-and-run incidents can happen to anyone.
What can you, as a Nashville pedestrian, do to protect yourself from the possibility of being in a hit-and-run scenario.
1) Stay Alert and Attentive
In today’s world, it is so easy to get distracted by our surroundings. These distractions can range from our phones to the pedal taverns that populate the downtown area, and it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
2) Stay Within Safe Areas of Travel
Using crosswalks and sidewalks instead of main roads and highways for traveling without a car can help to drastically cut down on the likelihood of a hit-and-run. Staying in well-lit areas allows for both you and the drivers around you to have better visibility of one another, which is crucial in street safety.
3) Be Aware of Who Has Hit You
If you are hit, it is important to make a mental note of who injured you. If you are unable to gather the information yourself, seek out the aid of witnesses to assist you. Important details are:
- What was the driver’s license plate number? Perhaps the most efficient way of finding who has hit you is to remember their license plate number, as it can lead to finding the vehicle and its driver as fast as possible.
- What did the driver and/or their passengers look like? Being able to tell authorities what the driver (and their passengers) looked like can help to ease the identification process.
- What kind of vehicle did the driver have, and were there any unique markings to the vehicle? If you are able to identify the vehicle and any characteristics about it can help authorities match a vehicle with who may have hit you.
- What happened in your location leading up to the incident? Having details about the environment leading up to the accident can help the police gauge what happened at the scene leading up to the accident.
- Make sure you are insured: By definition, a hit-and-run incident implies that the driver who hits the victim flees the scene, which means the victim will be on his or her own for medical costs. Having insurance can help to alleviate the stress of expensive medical costs on top of your physical and emotional damages.
I’m the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Accident… Now What?
Accidents are scary. As the victim, you are often left with more questions than answers, which can leave you feeling lost and helpless in a situation that you did not ask to be a part of.
Wait for police to arrive to the scene and file a police report. This will include any pertinent details like the location, place, time, date, and any information you may have on who has hit you. If you are unable to provide this information, officials can rely on witnesses’ accounts to fill in any informational gaps, so be sure to get their contact information.
As a victim, you do not have to feel alone. Seeking legal counsel ensures you exercise your rights to the fullest extent. Choosing someone to represent you is a way for an innocent victim to help make up for that which they may have lost in an accident.
The legal aid of someone with local expertise and knowledge can help ensure that you have the most favorable outcome possible in your difficult situation.
I am able to use my extensive past experience as an injury attorney in the Nashville area to help compensate you for the physical and emotional expenses you may face in addition to the time you may lose due to your injury.
“Fighting for your rights” Contact David Weissman__ and the law firm of Raybin & Weissman for a confidential consultation of your case today at 615-237-8934.