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If your car breaks down or if you have to change a tire by the roadside, you will often face a high degree of danger from other road users.
Drivers can be careless about looking out for people stranded on the roads or pedestrians in general. On Thursday night, a man was injured when he was hit by an SUV in Suffolk as he attempted to push his disabled vehicle out of the road.
Police said the 20-year-old man was hit by an SUV close to the intersection of East Washington Street and Hollywood Avenue in downtown Suffolk, just before 10:30 p.m.
The SUV also crashed into the disabled vehicle. Investigators said the driver remained on the scene of the accident. The 20-year-old and his two passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The accident remains under investigation.
Drivers have a duty to look out for motorists who may have broken down, or disabled cars, even when it’s dark or if visibility is poor. If you have been hit and injured at a breakdown scene, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the insurance policy of the driver who caused the wreck.
You should also take some basic precautions if you break down to protect yourself. These safety tips are brought by Allied Insurance.
1 – Get Your Vehicle to a Safe Place if Possible
Aim to get your car to the side of the road or, ideally, off the road. Even if you have your warning lights on, other drivers may still hit your car.
2 – Never Make Repairs in the Road
Even if you think you can repair your car or change a tire, it’s safer to call on the experts. Don’t make repairs on the road, if you can’t get your car to a safe place.
3 – Call for Help
If you can’t get your vehicle to move or it’s badly damaged, stand in a safe place and call for help. You should always call the police if you have broken down in a hazardous area.
4 – Be Prepared
Carry items such as flags, reflective triangles or flares in your vehicle in case of breakdown. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights.
You should have a safety kit in the event of a breakdown that includes:
5 – Be Cautious
When you break down you may be vulnerable and liable to be preyed on. Use good judgment in accepting help from strangers. If you get your car to a safe place you should be inside with the doors locked. Be cautious of accepting help from people you don’t trust. Ask them to make a call for you, if you don’t have a phone.
On occasions in Hampton Road, we have seen tragedies involving people who broke down. Make sure to exercise the ultimate caution if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself in this position. If you need to file an injury lawsuit against an at-fault driver, you should be cautious about dealing directly with an insurance company. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at (757) 455-0077.