NASHVILLE PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
TIMOTHY L. MILES
(855) TIM-M-LAW (855-846-659)
tmiles@timmileslaw.com
(24/7/365)
As a Nashville pedestrian accident attorney, I am well-aware that Nashville ranks among America’s most dangerous cities for pedestrians, with a safety score of just 28.8 out of 100. The city witnessed 36 pedestrian deaths in 2023. All but one of these deaths occurred on just 6% of Nashville’s roads.
These numbers tell stories of real people whose lives changed forever. Nashville sees about 84 hit-and-run accidents with pedestrians yearly. One in four victims faces serious injuries or death, which makes experienced legal help vital.
I work as a Nashville pedestrian accident attorney and see how these accidents affect victims and their families. Tennessee’s law gives you just one year to file a personal injury lawsuit. You need to act fast to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Do not wait, contact Nashville pedestrian accident attorney Timothy L. Miles today if you were a victim of a Nashville pedestrian accident.
Nashville’s alarming pedestrian accident rates stem from two major causes: distracted driving and poor infrastructure. Victims of a Nashville pedestrian accident can build stronger cases by learning about these factors when they seek legal help.
Distracted driving takes thousands of lives each year. The nationwide death toll reached 3,308 in 2022. Nashville drivers who use phones, entertainment systems, or navigation devices put pedestrians at serious risk. A simple text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. That’s like driving blindfolded across a football field at 55 mph.
Mobile technology makes crashes more likely in four ways:
Nashville’s infrastructure problems make pedestrian accidents worse. Roads where pedestrians die have an average speed limit of 43 mph. At this speed, pedestrians have a 90% chance of dying if hit. These accidents usually happen on roads that are five lanes wide.
Dark streets pose another deadly threat. About 76% of pedestrian deaths happen after sunset. Even worse, 47% of these nighttime deaths occur where street lighting is poor or missing.
The city’s infrastructure falls short in many ways:
About 90% of dangerous intersections sit in vulnerable areas. State-controlled arterial roads with multiple lanes and higher speeds account for more than 80% of pedestrian deaths.
The Nashville Department of Transportation knows these problems exist. They increased the sidewalk fund from $460,000 to $850,000. Yet this amount is tiny compared to their $15.70 million special purpose funds.
These infrastructure problems help strengthen legal claims for pedestrian accident victims. As a pedestrian accident attorney in Nashville, I help my clients document these dangerous conditions. We show how they led to injuries. By understanding these systemic issues, we build strong cases against negligent parties – whether they are distracted drivers or government agencies responsible for safe roads.
Tennessee law protects pedestrians involved in accidents. Victims need to understand these rights to get fair compensation after an accident.
Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55 gives pedestrians the right to use any road that is not access-controlled. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, alleyways, and driveways. Drivers must also yield to pedestrians at every Tennessee intersection, even those without striping, called “unmarked crosswalks”.
Drivers must come to a complete stop in school zones until pedestrians cross the roadway. Pedestrians must be careful and should not suddenly step into traffic when vehicles are too close to stop safely.
Tennessee uses an at-fault system for accident claims, which means the responsible party’s insurance covers damages. Victims can get compensation for:
Pedestrian accident victim in Nashville might still recover damages through their own uninsured motorist coverage or medical payments coverage if the at-fault driver has no insurance or leaves the scene.
Tennessee has strict deadlines to file pedestrian accident claims. Victims must file their lawsuit within one year from the accident date. Missing this deadline will likely block any chance of recovery.
Some exceptions apply to:
The law requires an accident report within 20 days of the crash. Quick consultation with a Nashville Pedestrian Accident and Personal Injury lawyer will protect your legal rights and ensure timely filing of documents.
Tennessee’s modified comparative fault rule lets victims recover damages if they’re less than 50% responsible for the accident. The determined percentage of fault directly affects the compensation amount.
Finding a skilled legal professional is a significant step to get fair compensation after a pedestrian accident. A full picture of potential attorneys will give a match that works best for your case.
Experience is the life-blood of choosing a Nashville pedestrian accident attorney. Look for lawyers who show:
Take time to review the attorney’s track record. Read online Testimonials and detailed feedback about their work process, efficiency, and courtroom skills.
Schedule consultations with potential representatives before you decide. Here are some key questions to ask:
A good Nashville Pedestrian Accident attorney should be clear about their experience, approach, and fee arrangements. They should also tell you about possible challenges without making promises they can not keep.
Note that attorney-client privilege protects all your conversations with your lawyer. This privacy lets you discuss sensitive details needed to build a strong case. The privilege starts when both sides agree to work together, whether through a formal contract or mutual understanding.
A strong pedestrian accident claim needs careful attention to detail and smart planning. My role as a Nashville pedestrian accident attorney helps victims use proven strategies to get the most compensation possible.
Detailed medical documentation is the life-blood of a winning claim. Medical records prove injuries, treatments, and how they affect daily life. Good documentation also needs:
Expert witnesses make claims stronger. Their testimony builds trust and authority, especially for cases with severe injuries. Medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and economic experts show the true extent of damages.
Insurance companies start low with settlement offers. They hope victims take the money without asking questions. Smart negotiations need more than just accepting what they first offer:
Evidence-based approach: Show solid proof of who’s at fault and the damages. Economic experts calculate future costs, like lost wages and upcoming medical bills.
Strategic timing: Insurance adjusters push hard for quick deals, especially before victims talk to lawyers. Never rush to settle until you know how bad your injuries really are.
Settlements wrap up cases faster and get you compensation sooner. Both sides agree to specific terms, unlike the uncertainty of trials. Settlements stay private, while trials become public knowledge.
Sometimes going to trial makes more sense:
Q1. How long does it typically take to resolve a pedestrian accident case in Nashville? The resolution time for pedestrian accident cases can vary. While settlements may be reached within 3-6 months, more complex cases or those going to trial can take up to two years. It’s important to act quickly due to Tennessee’s one-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
Q2. Can a pedestrian sue a driver who hit them in Nashville? Yes, a pedestrian can sue a driver who hit them, provided they were crossing legally. In Nashville, pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks and even in unmarked crosswalks at intersections. However, the pedestrian must have exercised reasonable care and not suddenly stepped into traffic.
Q3. What are typical attorney fees for handling a pedestrian accident case? Most pedestrian accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. The fee is usually calculated as a percentage of the total settlement or verdict amount, typically ranging from 33% to 40%. It’s important to discuss fee structures during initial consultations.
Q4. What types of compensation can I seek in a pedestrian accident claim? In a pedestrian accident claim, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, ongoing treatments, lost wages during recovery, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of severe negligence, additional punitive damages may be considered.
Q5. How important is documentation in a pedestrian accident case? Documentation is crucial in building a strong pedestrian accident case. This includes comprehensive medical records, photographs of injuries, records of damaged personal items, a daily recovery journal, and all medical bills and receipts. Expert witness testimony can also significantly strengthen your claim, especially in complex cases involving severe injuries.
Pedestrian accidents can turn lives upside down, especially in Nashville where poor road design and distracted drivers create real dangers. The statistics tell a troubling story, but victims have legal paths to seek justice and compensation.
You need to act fast after a pedestrian accident. Tennessee law gives you just one year to file a claim, so protecting your rights requires quick action. A detailed record of everything and smart negotiations will affect your claim’s success.
Insurance companies can be overwhelming to deal with alone. My team knows Nashville’s specific challenges and legal requirements. We build strong cases that consider both current and future effects of pedestrian accidents.
We work hard to get fair compensation through settlements or trials that truly covers accident damages. My team stays with our clients throughout their recovery. You can focus on healing while we fight to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, contact Timothy L. Miles, pedestrian accident attorney in Nashville, for a free case evaluation. The call is free and so is the fee unless we win or settle you case, so call today and see what a Nashville Pedestrian Accident and Personal Injury lawyer can do for you. (855) 846-6529 or tmiles@timmileslaw.com (24/7/365).
Timothy L. Miles, Esq.
Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
300 Centerview Dr. #247
Mailbox #1091
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: (855) Tim-M-Law (855-846-6529)
Email: tmiles@timmileslaw.com
Website: www.classactionlawyertn.com
NASHVILLE PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER
TIMOTHY L. MILES
(855) TIM-M-LAW (855-846-659)
tmiles@timmileslaw.com
(24/7/365)
Mon – Fri: 24/7
Sat – Sun: 24/7
