Passenger Retrieving Fallen Item on the Highway Struck by Oncoming Vehicle

Idaho State Police reported a passenger retrieving a fallen item on the highway was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The injury crash occurred on US95 near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A Ford F-150 pickup truck was traveling southbound when something blew out of the truck. The driver pulled over to the shoulder and the passenger of the pickup got out to retrieve the object. A Toyota Tacoma traveling on the highway failed to see the person along the side of the highway and struck them in the lane of travel. The highway was partially blocked for two hours while crews worked to clear the collision. Officials reported the struck passenger had to be air lifted to a medical center in Spokane, Washington for evaluation of injuries. No one else was reportedly injured from the collision.

Retrieving Fallen Item on the Highway

When fallen debris has landed on the roadway from your vehicle, it may seem tempting to stop and pick it up. It probably even seems like the right thing to do. However, if the debris or object has fallen out on a highway or somewhere that is unsafe to stop, forget it. Instead, it is better to report the fallen object to the police and let them handle the situation. A policeman will be able to put up warning indicators to protect other drivers from hitting the fallen object.

How to Avoid Debris in the Roadway to Avoid an Accident

As much as 37 percent of fatal car accidents in road-debris collisions are from drivers attempting to dodge an object in the road. Overcorrecting causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle and often results in a serious car crash. Road debris creates a dangerous driving condition for everyone. However, there are steps to take to reduce the risk of being involved in car accident when there is road debris.

1. Be prepared by constantly scanning the road in front of you. Knowing what 12 to 15 seconds is ahead can give you enough time to avoid hitting road debris.
2. Always try to keep an open space or an out around your vehicle. If you drive in the far left or right lane, oftentimes you can use the emergency lane to avoid hitting an object in the road. If you are driving in the center lane, try to keep far enough away from other vehicles to leave space for you to move over.
3. If you are forced to swerve or hit debris, hit the debris. Swerving often leads to more serious accidents.

Car Accident Attorneys and Auto Accident Lawyers in Spokane, WA

Don’t wait to call a Spokane car accident lawyer, call now. We can take the stress out of a claim and we’ll fight to get you full value for your car accident injuries working on your case. Call (509) 482-7274 to speak with an experienced Spokane car accident lawyer during a free consultation.

Spokane, Washington Law Office

Our Spokane, Washington law firm services clients in and surrounding Spokane, including for injuries and accidents in Spokane Valley and injuries and accidents in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Visit or call our Spokane law firm today. Parke Gordon LLC 421 W Riverside, Suite 515 Spokane, WA 99201 Phone:(509) 482-7274