Murfreesboro, TN (December 26, 2024) – A devastating parking lot accident left a Tennessee woman hospitalized in critical condition after she was pinned between two vehicles in what authorities are calling a “freak accident.” The incident occurred just before 3:00 PM on Monday at the LongHorn Steakhouse located in The Avenue Mall.
According to the Murfreesboro Police Department, a man who uses a wheelchair was getting into a Honda CR-V modified for mail-carrier operations, featuring accelerator and brake pedals on both the driver and passenger sides. A woman in the driver seat was backing out to allow the man to enter the passenger seat, while another woman assisted the man, who had recently suffered a stroke and lacked feeling in his left side.
During the process, the man accidentally pressed the gas pedal, causing the vehicle to reverse uncontrollably. The Honda spun erratically, colliding with another car and pinning the woman, who assisted the man between the two vehicles. The out-of-control car then reversed into two additional parked vehicles before coming to a stop.
Emergency responders from Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue quickly arrived at the scene. The injured woman was rushed to St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital and later transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition. The woman in the driver’s seat and the man involved were not injured in the crash.
The Murfreesboro Police Department’s Fatal Accident Crash Team is actively investigating the incident. Our thoughts are with the injured woman and her family during this difficult time.
Unusual Accidents in Tennessee
Accidents like the one in Murfreesboro are a stark reminder of the potential risks in parking lots, where unpredictable events can lead to severe consequences. While parking lot crashes are generally low-speed, the unique circumstances in this incident demonstrate how even minor errors can result in life-altering injuries.
Modified vehicles, such as those equipped with dual pedal controls, offer convenience but also pose unique challenges, particularly when used by individuals with recent medical conditions. Tennessee authorities often emphasize safety measures to prevent such incidents, including driver awareness and vehicle usage training for those adapting to modified controls.
Victims of parking lot accidents may face significant physical and emotional recovery challenges. Tennessee law provides avenues for injured individuals to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by negligence.
This incident highlights the importance of safety precautions in parking lots and the role of vehicle modifications in contributing to unexpected outcomes.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.