Attorney
Have you ever suffered a tire blowout or an auto part failure on a major roadway? There are some ways that you can safely pull over a disabled vehicle and reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident.
First, before an incident occurs, it may be wise to invest in a roadside assistance program. These programs are offered through cellular phone service providers and auto insurance companies. When your vehicle experiences problems, a roadside assistance representative can send someone out to aid you with a tire change, electrical jump or offer you a tow.
Regardless of whether or not you have roadside assistance, if you experience issues with your car while you are driving, you should try to find a place on the shoulder of a roadway, out of the way of traffic. After this point, we suggest:
- Turning on your hazard lights
- Turning your wheel away from the side of the road where traffic is
- Applying your emergency brakes
- Making sure it is safe before getting out of your vehicle
- Placing reflective items behind your vehicle if you have them
If you need to change your tire, make sure that you are as far away from traffic lanes as possible.
Additionally, if you feel unsafe at any time, it may be a good idea to contact a local emergency line—many jurisdictions will send law enforcement officials out to sit behind disabled vehicles, while a person is changing a tire or awaiting a tow.
Woman Killed By Drunk Driver While Changing Tire in DC After Blowout
We bring this subject up because on July 14, a 32-year-old woman was killed while she was changing a tire near the corner of Suitland Parkway and Firth Sterling Avenue, in Washington D.C.
According to CBS News, a 52-year-old driver was operating a truck that struck the woman at about 10:15 p.m. She was standing next to her disabled vehicle when the crash happened. The woman suffered massive body trauma and died shortly after the accident.
Police said the man who struck her was speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He has been charged with second-degree murder, in addition to other charges.
Our Injury Attorneys Help Family Members of Fatal Car Accident Victims
Unfortunately, even when a driver takes safety precautions when responding to a disabled vehicle, he or she can be injured or killed by reckless drivers.
If your loved one has been killed by a reckless driver, it may be important to take legal action. A lawsuit could help you deal with his or her loss of income. Although this money will not bring your loved one back, it may help you recover financially.
Our attorneys have obtained million-dollar verdicts and settlements for car accident victims. You can reach us by clicking on the live chat option on this page.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Washington, D.C. Injury Attorneys