NASHVILLE PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER: EMPOWERING VICTIMS TO FIGHT BACK

NASHVILLE PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER
TIMOTHY L. MILES
(855) TIM-M-LAW (855-846-659)
[email protected]

(24/7/365)

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Table of Contents


Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Fighting Back

Nashville Pedestrian Accident and Personal Injury attorney meets with client who was Injured in a Nashville pedestrian accident,
If you were injured in a Nashville pedestrian accident, call Timothy L. Miles for a free case evaluation

As a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer, I am well-aware that Tennessee experienced its deadliest year for pedestrians since 1995, as pedestrian deaths made up 10% of all roadway fatalities statewide. My experience as a pedestrian accident lawyer in Nashville has shown me the devastating effect these accidents have on victims and their families.

Nationwide statistics paint an even grimmer picture. 7,522 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic crashes during 2022, and dark conditions contributed to 74% of these tragedies. We recognizes the vital need for strong legal representation for Nashville’s pedestrian accident victims. As a dedicated personal injury attorney, I work hard to help victims secure deserved compensation while guiding them through complex legal proceedings after these traumatic events.

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Nashville

Nashville ranks as one of America’s most dangerous cities for pedestrians.  In fact, a study concluded Nashville ranks second for pedestrian dangers. The low walking score of 28.8 out of 100 shows how tough it is to be a pedestrian here.

Current accident statistics

A Pedestrian accident lawyer in Nashville meets with his new client who was a Nashville Pedestrian accident victim
Call Timothy L. Miles for a free case evaluation if you were injured in a Nashville pedestrian accident

Recent numbers paint a grim picture of pedestrian safety in Nashville. The city saw 36 pedestrian deaths and one bicyclist death in 2023. The number of people killed while walking on state routes jumped 17%, going from 24 to 28 deaths. Just 6% of Nashville’s roads account for 59% of all deadly crashes.

High-risk areas in Nashville

Data analysis shows several dangerous spots for pedestrians in Nashville:

  • Lafayette Street and Charles E. Davis Boulevard
  • Gallatin Pike intersections (especially at Berkley Drive and Madison Street)
  • Murfreesboro Pike (near Millwood Drive)
  • 14th Avenue North and Broadway Street
  • Nolensville Pike and Welshwood Drive

 

Murfreesboro Pike became Nashville’s deadliest road in 2023 with five pedestrian deaths. The corner of Eighth Avenue and Lafayette Street proved risky with 58 pedestrian accidents.

Common accident scenarios

Nashville’s pedestrian accidents happen because of several key factors:

  1. Infrastructure Challenges:

    • No sidewalks in busy areas
    • Bad lighting
    • Unsafe transit stops
    • Unprotected bike lanes
  2. Environmental Factors:

Nashville sees about 84 hit-and-run incidents involving pedestrians each year. One in four pedestrians ends up with serious injuries or dies in these accidents. While only 3% of Nashville’s people walk as their main way to get around, pedestrians make up 17% of all serious traffic injuries and deaths.

The city’s Vision Zero program received $12.50 million to make things safer. They are adding curb extensions, pedestrian signals, and protected left turns. These changes should help protect people walking in Nashville’s most dangerous areas from being Injured in a Nashville pedestrian accident.

Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident

Tennessee law protects pedestrians involved in accidents. Victims can seek fair compensation after an accident by understanding their rights.

Tennessee pedestrian laws

A Nashville Pedestrian Accident and Personal Injury attorney meets with his client who was Injured in a Nashville pedestrian accident,
Call a pedestrian accident lawyer in Nashville today if you were injured in a Nashville pedestrian accident

Under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55, drivers must:

  • Exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians
  • Yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks
  • Stop completely at marked crosswalks in school zones
  • Avoid passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians

 

Pedestrians also have specific responsibilities:

  • Use sidewalks when available
  • Walk facing traffic on the left side without sidewalks
  • Yield to vehicles when crossing outside marked crosswalks
  • Stay on curbs until safe to cross

 

The state follows a modified comparative fault rule. A pedestrian’s compensation decreases by their fault percentage in an accident. They cannot recover damages if found 50% or more at fault.

Time limits for filing claims

Tennessee law sets strict deadlines for legal action after pedestrian accidents:

  1. Personal Injury Claims:

  2. Wrongful Death Claims:

 

Some exceptions can extend these deadlines:

  • Minors can file until their 19th birthday
  • Mental impairment cases get three years after competency restoration
  • Criminal charges against the negligent party may extend the deadline to two years
  • The time limit pauses if the defendant leaves Tennessee

 

These complex legal requirements make it vital to consult a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer quickly. Quick action helps preserve evidence and witness statements, particularly if you are Injured in a Nashville pedestrian accident.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Quick action after a pedestrian accident greatly affects your health and legal rights. My experience as a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer shows these steps will help strengthen your position to get compensation if you are Injured in a Nashville pedestrian accident.

Immediate medical attention

You need to get medical care right away, even when injuries seem minor. Medical professionals document injuries that might not show symptoms right away. This documentation becomes vital evidence for your case because insurance companies often question injuries of a Nashville pedestrian accident victim without immediate medical records.

Documenting the scene

Good documentation makes your position stronger. Here’s what you need to collect:

  1. Complete Photos:

    • Accident location from multiple angles
    • Vehicle damage and position
    • Traffic signals and road conditions
    • Visible injuries
    • Skid marks or debris
  2. Critical Information:

    • Driver’s contact details and insurance information
    • Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
    • Witness names and contact information
    • Weather conditions and time of day

Reporting to authorities

Official reports create a formal record of what happened. Here are the reporting requirements:

    • Injuries occurred
    • Property damage exceeds $400
    • The incident involved death

 

You can get accident reports through CRASHDOCS.org 5-7 business days after the incident. Only involved parties, their attorneys, or insurance representatives can access these reports. Reports that involve pending criminal charges or fatalities cannot be accessed online.

Never discuss fault or make statements that could hurt your claim. Focus on documenting facts and gathering evidence. These steps create a solid foundation for your case and protect your legal rights.

Types of Compensation Available

Tennessee law covers several key areas of compensation after a pedestrian accident. My role as a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer helps victims understand their rights to financial recovery through these main categories.

Medical expenses coverage

Medical compensation has both immediate and future healthcare costs:

 

Victims can claim their full medical bills under Tennessee law, whatever their insurance coverage. The state’s collateral source rule prevents defendants from benefiting when insurance payments reduce expenses.

Lost wages claims

Compensation for wages goes beyond just salary losses:

  • Recovery time away from work
  • Lost paid time off and benefits
  • Reduced earning ability
  • Future income losses until retirement

 

To cite an instance, victims forced to switch from a USD 30.00/hour position to a USD 17.00/hour job can claim that difference throughout their disability period. Permanent disabilities that affect work ability warrant compensation until retirement age and lost retirement benefits.

Pain and suffering damages

Non-economic damages address how injuries affect personal life:

  • Physical pain from injuries and treatments
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Life enjoyment losses
  • Disfigurement or permanent impairment
  • Lawyers often use a multiplier method to calculate these damages. Economic damages of USD 50,000 multiplied by a factor between 1.5 and 5 determine the non-economic compensation.

 

Victims can pursue both economic and non-economic damages together under Tennessee law. Those found more than 50% at fault cannot receive compensation. Courts may award extra punitive damages in cases with malicious or reckless behavior, such as hit-and-run incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Being Injured in a Nashville Pedestrian Accident

Q1. What is the typical timeline for settling a pedestrian accident case in Nashville? The settlement process for pedestrian accidents can vary, but it often takes several months. Due to the complexities of the legal system, some cases may extend up to two years before a settlement is reached. Each case is unique, so the timeline can depend on factors such as the severity of injuries and the willingness of parties to negotiate.

Q2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in Tennessee? In Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is crucial to observe. Failing to file within this period typically results in losing your right to seek compensation through the court system.

Q3. Can I sue a driver who hit me while I was walking? Yes, you can sue a driver who hit you while you were walking, provided you were following pedestrian laws at the time of the accident. This typically includes crossing at designated crosswalks or with proper signals. Your case may involve seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Q4. What types of compensation can I claim after a pedestrian accident? After a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible for various types of compensation. These can include coverage for medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The specific compensation available depends on the details of your case and the extent of your injuries.

Q5. How important is it to seek immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident? Seeking immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident is crucial, even if injuries seem minor. Prompt medical care not only ensures your health and safety but also provides official documentation of your injuries. This medical evidence is vital for your legal case, as it establishes a clear link between the accident and your injuries, strengthening your claim for compensation.

Conclusion

Nashville pedestrian accidents just need immediate attention and expert legal guidance. My experience as a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer shows how proper legal representation makes a vital difference in victim outcomes.

These points are significant for pedestrian accident victims:

  1. Swift action matters – Medical documentation and evidence collection strengthen your case
  2. Legal deadlines are strict – Tennessee’s one-year statute of limitations requires prompt response
  3. Multiple compensation options exist – From medical expenses to pain and suffering damages

 

Nashville’s dangerous intersections and rising pedestrian fatalities highlight why skilled legal representation matters. Our core team will protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery. Let’s discuss your case and legal options in a free consultation.

Note that each pedestrian accident case brings unique challenges. Getting experienced legal counsel early will give you better protection of your rights and increases your chances to receive fair compensation.

Contact Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Timothy L. Miles Today

If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, contact Timothy L. Miles, a pedestrian accident lawyer 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 attorney can do for you. (855) 846-6529 or [email protected] (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: [email protected]
Website: www.classactionlawyertn.com

SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION

NASHVILLE PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER

TIMOTHY L. MILES
(855) TIM-M-LAW (855-846-659)
[email protected]

(24/7/365)