Auto accidents occur on the roads around Tarrant County every day. As a car crash lawyer, I often write about the many hazards which could cause you to crash while driving around Fort Worth, but did you know that you are also at risk of being seriously injured when you're not even moving? If you have broken down or pulled over to the side of the road, you are still at risk of being hit by another vehicle. To demonstrate just how dangerous roadside accidents can be, the AAA estimates that one police officer is killed nationwide every month conducting routine traffic stops.
If you are stranded and awaiting roadside assistance, you should make sure that you pull off on to the hard shoulder as far away from the road as possible. Blocking any part of the roadway, even if it is just the back corner of your vehicle, can be extremely dangerous. Make yourself as visible to other traffic as possible. Switch on your headlights and hazard lights. AAA recommends carrying flares or emergency reflecting triangles which you can set out along the approach to your car to warn other motorists that you are stopped up ahead.
Due to the risk of your stalled car being hit by another vehicle, experts recommend you stay as far away from moving traffic as possible while you wait for help to arrive. It is critical that you do not sit or stand directly in front or behind your vehicle as you will not be able to get out of the way in time in the event another driver does lose control of their truck and collide with your stationary car. Instead, you should move to a safe distance to take shelter and wait.
Mark Anderson has been recognized by Fort Worth Magazine as a top personal injury attorney and is the author of the book 15 Mistakes That Could Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. To request a complimentary copy of the book, or to arrange a fee no obligation consultation on your PI or wrongful death case call toll free on 800-354-MARK (6275) or locally on 817-294-1900.
