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Providing Roadside Assistance Can Be Dangerous

Posted On : Jan-23-2012 | seen (1490) times | Article Word Count : 463 |

WCNC-Charlotte reported in December that a pedestrian suffered serious injury while trying to help a stranded co-worker.
WCNC-Charlotte reported in December that a pedestrian suffered serious injury while trying to help a stranded co-worker. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, the person was trying to help a co-worker push a stranded vehicle off of Independence Boulevard near Bojangles Coliseum when another car slammed into the back of the disabled vehicle. The accident closed down that portion of Independence Boulevard for hours while emergency crews attempted to clear the road from the early morning accident. At the time of the news report, it was unclear what, if any, charges would be filed. However, the accident led to two pedestrians being taken to the hospital. According to emergency crews, the victim who suffered the serious life-threatening injury was transported to CMC. The second victim who was also seriously injured, but whose injury was not considered life-threatening, was taken to Presbyterian Hospital.

Because of the danger of injury inherent in providing roadside assistance to broken-down vehicles, several states have enacted “slow down, move over” laws. These laws require drivers who are approaching a stationary emergency or maintenance vehicle to move to the other lane if it is safe to do so. If the driver cannot move over, a reduction in speed is required. The goal of such laws is to make it safer for tow truck drivers, paramedics, police, firefighters and all roadside professionals to do their jobs.

North Carolina has such a law in place. Motorists in Charlotte and throughout the state are required to move over and/or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road with its lights flashing. Failure to follow this law results in a mandatory fine of $250 plus court costs. Unfortunately, however, these laws can do nothing to protect the Good Samaritan who stops to render aid from injury. These pedestrians are at the mercy of other drivers who see them and have the common sense to slow down or move over. Sadly, the two pedestrians on Independence Boulevard were not fortunate enough to encounter such a driver.

When other drivers do not exercise common sense, good judgment, and alert driving practices, accidents where injury is present are bound to happen. These same drivers should then be held responsible for all damages, including any medical expenses that arise because of the injury. If you or someone you love is suffering from an injury sustained in an accident, contact a Charlotte injury attorney today. Just because that other driver did not use common sense doesn’t mean that you should continue to suffer. Your Charlotte injury attorney will see to it that you are fully compensated for your injury and any other damages. Call an injury attorney in Charlotte as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Providing Roadside Assistance Can Be Dangerous_137489.aspx

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