Nashville Crosswalk Accident Lawyers
Being hit by a car is one of the most harrowing experiences a pedestrian can have. When these collisions occur in crosswalks – where pedestrians generally have the right-of-way and an expectation of safety – they can lead not only to catastrophic harm, but also to a deep desire to hold the driver accountable.
If you suffered injuries because a driver hit you while you were walking in a crosswalk, you may face significant physical challenges, medical expenses, financial stress, and a long path to recovery. A Nashville crosswalk accident lawyer from Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC can pursue an injury claim against the driver and any other responsible parties to recover compensation for your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Why You Need an Attorney for Your Crosswalk Accident Claim
Dealing with the aftermath of a crosswalk accident can be daunting, between your physical injuries, missed work, and medical bills. You deserve to be able to focus on recovery rather than having to manage a complex injury claim on your own. Working with an experienced Nashville crosswalk accident attorney will help you save your energy and maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you need for a full recovery.
Crosswalk accident injury claims can be extremely complicated, as they involve a detailed investigation, gathering and reviewing evidence, and building a case against the at-fault party. An attorney will be familiar with these processes and have the resources to devote to your case. They’ll also protect you from insurance company tactics designed to minimize payouts, which can impede your recovery and leave you without the resources you need to move forward after a devastating accident.
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Tennessee Crosswalk Laws
According to data from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, 792 pedestrians were injured in accidents in a recent year, including 218 in Nashville and Davidson County. Sadly, many of these accidents occur in crosswalks because these spaces are specifically intended for pedestrian use.
In Tennessee, pedestrians generally have the right-of-way at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the street in these designated areas. More broadly, they have a responsibility to protect pedestrians and avoid causing accidents through safe driving practices, including maintaining a focus on their surroundings and operating their vehicles at safe speeds.
Pedestrians also have responsibilities under Tennessee law. They must obey traffic signals and crosswalk signs and use crosswalks and sidewalks when available.
Where Do Crosswalk Accidents Happen?
Crosswalk accidents can occur in a variety of places, each presenting unique risks to pedestrians:
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Urban Intersections 1
High traffic volume and frequent pedestrian activity make urban intersections common sites for crosswalk accidents. Even with marked crosswalks, dangers arise from turning vehicles, distracted drivers, and traffic signal violations.
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Residential Areas 2
Accidents often occur in neighborhoods, especially near schools or parks. Drivers might not anticipate pedestrians, which can lead to dangerous situations. Children and elderly pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in these settings.
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Parking Lots and Driveways 3
These areas pose risks due to drivers reversing or maneuvering in confined spaces, which can make it difficult to see pedestrians. This leads to accidental collisions, especially in busy shopping centers or office complexes.
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Near Public Transportation Stops 4
Crosswalks near bus stops and other public transport hubs can be hazardous due to the high concentration of both foot traffic and vehicles.
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Shopping Centers and Entertainment Venues 5
High pedestrian activity in these areas increases the likelihood of crosswalk accidents. The mix of people walking and drivers searching for parking spots can create dangerous conditions because the possibility of distraction is high.
What Are Some Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents?
Crosswalk accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, often involving negligence or inattention from drivers. Understanding the common causes can help in identifying risk factors and implementing safety measures to prevent these accidents:
Typical Crosswalk Accident Injuries
Accidents in crosswalks often result in serious harm to pedestrians due to their vulnerability and lack of protection. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Lacerations and bruises
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
- Crush injuries
Who Is Liable in a Tennessee Crosswalk Accident?
Determining liability in a crosswalk accident begins with identifying the parties responsible for the collision. Identifying all liable parties is crucial in helping injured people receive the compensation they need for their recovery. Potentially liable parties in crosswalk accidents may include:
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Negligent Drivers 1
The most common liable parties, drivers who fail to yield, are distracted, speeding, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be held accountable for the accident.
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Municipalities 2
Local governments can be liable if the crosswalk is poorly designed, lacks proper signage, or is inadequately maintained, leading to unsafe conditions for pedestrians.
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Property Owners 3
In cases where a crosswalk is on private property, such as in a shopping center or apartment complex, the property owner may be liable for not maintaining safe conditions or adequate signage.
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Vehicle Manufacturers 4
If a vehicle defect, such as brake failure or a malfunctioning warning system, contributes to the accident, the manufacturer can be held responsible.
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Pedestrians 5
While drivers have a significant responsibility, pedestrians can also be partially liable if they were jaywalking, crossing against traffic signals, or otherwise acting negligently.
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Other Third Parties 6
Other parties, such as contractors working on or near the roadway, may be liable if their actions created hazardous conditions that contributed to the accident.
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Compensation Available in a Nashville Crosswalk Accident Injury Claim
The available compensation in your crosswalk accident claim depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your injuries, your long-term likelihood of making a full physical recovery, the factors that caused or contributed to the accident, the number of liable parties, and the available insurance coverage. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Past, ongoing, and anticipated future medical expenses
- Lost income, including loss of future earning capacity
- Diminished quality and enjoyment of life
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Property damage
Additionally, if you were partially responsible for causing the accident, this may affect the amount of compensation you can recover. In Tennessee, a pedestrian who is less than 50 percent liable may still recover compensation, but their award will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Being at least 50 percent at fault makes you ineligible to recover compensation. Your attorney will fight attempts to diminish your compensation by establishing the greater fault of the other liable party or parties.
What’s the Deadline to File a Crosswalk Accident Lawsuit?
Tennessee law gives injured parties just one year from the accident date to file a lawsuit in most crosswalk accident cases. This means there’s no time to delay in seeking legal representation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident so they can begin investigating the accident and building your case.
How a Crosswalk Accident Attorney Can Help
Following a crosswalk accident, Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC can take the burden of managing a complex insurance claim off your shoulders. We’ll meet with you to understand your situation, discuss your needs and goals, and outline the possible next steps. If you choose to retain our firm, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, identify all liable parties, and calculate the amount of compensation you deserve before filing claims with the at-fault parties’ insurers.
Your attorney will handle all negotiations with insurance companies and defense attorneys. We know the tactics powerful parties may use to minimize your claim and avoid taking responsibility for the harm their policyholders and clients have caused, and we’ll put our skills to use in fighting for the compensation and accountability you deserve.
While most crosswalk accident injury claims settle out of court, sometimes it’s necessary to file a lawsuit and go to trial to recover compensation. We’re always prepared for this possibility and will do everything we can to see that justice is served.
Contact Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC Today for a Free Consultation
The attorneys at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC have a lengthy track record of winning fair settlements through negotiations and at trial for injured parties, and we’re ready to put our knowledge, experience, and resources to work for you. If you suffered injuries in a crosswalk accident, contact us online or by calling 615-676-7060 to discuss your circumstances in a free initial consultation. We’ll provide the legal support you need and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.