Authorities have identified a man who was killed in a crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 44 near Vandeventer.
According to the report, 48-year-old, Donald Patton pulled over to the side of I-44 because he was in a crash. After he pulled over, he was hit again from behind by another vehicle. That vehicle also struck a pedestrian.
Patton died at the scene and the pedestrian, whose name has still not been released, was transported to the hospital with injuries.
Car Accident? Move Over Or Slow Down!
Unfortunately, accidents involving cars that are stopped on the side of the road are not uncommon. This is especially true following an accident that caused the car to pull over in the first place.
Sometimes, there is enough damage to the car that the vehicle cannot leave enough clearance between their car and oncoming traffic. Other times, hazard lights are damaged, so drivers do not notice the car. Most commonly, drivers are not paying attention when passing a stopped vehicle.
It is the duty of all drivers to watch for vehicles in distress or emergency vehicles, and give them as wide a berth as possible when passing them.
When Pedestrians Are Present
Since the identity of the pedestrian in Wednesday’s accident has not yet been identified, we cannot speculate why the pedestrian was walking on the side of the road.
However, we have heard of numerous occasions in which police officers or emergency personnel are injured or even killed when oncoming traffic crashes into them.
Regardless of the reason someone is walking along the side of the road, it is crucial that drivers be aware of their roadside surroundings.
St. Louis Roadside Accident Lawyers
If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one due to a roadside accident, contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers immediately at 314.444.4444. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of car accident cases including those involving stopped vehicles and pedestrians struck on the side of the road.
Consultations with our personal injury attorneys are always 100% free of charge. You don’t pay a dime unless we recover compensation for your accident.
