nashville pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accidents disrupt lives instantly, leaving victims with severe injuries and the challenge of recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially. Negligent drivers and unsafe road conditions must face accountability.
When medical bills pile up, and work remains on hold, you deserve a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for fair compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Nashville
Nashville’s busy streets and growing traffic put pedestrians at risk daily. Driver negligence and poorly maintained roads often make it dangerous to walk through the city.
What leads to these incidents and how they happen remains a serious Nashville concern.
Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones, GPS, or other devices take their focus off the road, leading to collisions with pedestrians. Even a brief distraction risks lives.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Drivers who ignore speed limits reduce their reaction time for crossing pedestrians, increasing the severity of accidents and injuries.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: Many drivers disregard right-of-way rules, putting pedestrians at risk, especially at crosswalks and intersections.
Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, making intoxicated drivers a significant danger to those walking on or near the roads.
Poorly Marked Crosswalks and Low Visibility Areas: Inadequate signage, poor lighting, or faded crosswalks create hazardous conditions, making it harder for drivers to spot and stop pedestrians.
These factors make Nashville’s roads more dangerous for those on foot.
Addressing these causes helps create safer streets, but those affected deserve justice when accidents happen.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
Without the vehicles’ protection, pedestrians face direct impacts that require extensive medical care and long-term recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head impacts from accidents cause concussions, brain swelling, or bleeding. These injuries disrupt cognitive function and memory, requiring months or even years of rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Collisions may damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Victims face challenges with mobility and chronic pain and may need assistive devices.
Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a vehicle striking a pedestrian easily breaks bones in the legs, arms, and ribs. These injuries often involve painful recovery and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries: The impact of a crash leads to internal bleeding and damaged organs. While not always visible, these injuries require emergency medical intervention.
Cuts, Bruises, and Soft Tissue Damage: Road rash, deep cuts, and muscle damage frequently occur when pedestrians are thrown to the ground or hit by vehicles.
These injuries may seem less severe but still result in painful recovery periods. They not only bring physical pain but also emotional and financial burdens.
Legal representation ensures you receive the support you need during recovery and beyond.
Why Choose Us?
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is a nationally recognized firm that stands out for its dedication to pedestrian accident survivors and a rock-hard commitment to achieving results.
With a presence across Tennessee and the country, we bring deep-rooted local experience with the strength of a large, influential legal team.
With over 500 legal professionals, we have the experience and resources to stand up to even the most resistant insurance companies, ensuring you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to.
Here’s why Nashville pedestrian accident victims trust Alexander Shunnarah:
- Proven Results: Our Nashville personal injury attorneys have recovered over $1.5 billion in compensation for accident victims, providing the financial support they need to rebuild their lives after a crash.
- Client Satisfaction: Numerous five-star reviews show that we prioritize client care. Clients commend our transparency, dedication, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes, even in challenging cases.
- Aggressive Representation: We don’t back down regarding your rights. Our team pushes for the highest compensation possible through skillful negotiation and, when needed, a willingness to take your case to trial.
- Local Experience, National Reach: With a deep understanding of Tennessee law and a robust nationwide network, we offer personalized, local service with the strength and resources of a major law firm.
- No Fees Unless We Win: Our contingency fee arrangement means you won’t pay anything upfront. You only pay when we secure a favorable outcome for your case, making top-quality representation accessible without financial risk.
By choosing Alexander Shunnarah, you’re selecting a firm that relentlessly advocates for your pedestrian rights and pursues the best outcome.
Focus on your recovery. We’ll handle the rest.
Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
Establishing liability after a pedestrian accident involves pinpointing who acted negligently. Determining fault helps ensure that those responsible face the consequences of their actions and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Driver Negligence: Drivers who speed, ignore traffic signals, or drive under the influence frequently bear responsibility for pedestrian accidents. Their actions put others at risk and create dangerous conditions on the road.
Poor Road Conditions: Government agencies or property owners may share liability if poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate signage contribute to the accident. These conditions make it difficult for both drivers and pedestrians to navigate safely.
Distracted Driving: Drivers focused on their phones, GPS devices, or other distractions often fail to notice pedestrians in time, leading to serious collisions. Their failure to stay alert places pedestrians directly in harm’s way.
Shared Fault: Sometimes, both the pedestrian and the driver contribute to an accident. In these cases, Tennessee’s comparative fault rules determine how compensation is divided based on each party’s level of responsibility.
Building a strong liability case requires gathering evidence, witness statements, and profound analysis. With experienced legal support, accident victims hold those at fault accountable and receive the financial relief they need to move forward.
FREE CASE REVIEWCompensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrian accident victims in Nashville seek compensation to cover the wide-ranging effects of their injuries. This support helps address immediate costs and the long-term consequences of serious accidents.
Medical Expenses: Compensation includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and any ongoing medical needs related to the injury.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Victims may recover wages lost due to time away from work and compensation for reduced ability to earn income in the future.
Pain and Suffering: This addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, acknowledging the non-financial impacts of serious injuries.
Rehabilitation and Therapy: Physical and psychological therapy costs fall under compensation, helping victims recover physically and mentally from their trauma.
Wrongful Death Claims: If an accident leads to the loss of a loved one, families may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased provided.
Each type of compensation eases the burden on victims, helping them focus on recovery without facing overwhelming financial strain.
Why It’s Necessary to Hire a Lawyer
Dealing with the consequences of a pedestrian accident brings many challenges, from understanding legal procedures to securing fair compensation.
A lawyer helps you through these complexities, advocating for your best interests and ensuring you don’t face the process alone.
Understanding the Legal Process: Pedestrian accident claims involve strict deadlines, extensive paperwork, and negotiations with insurance companies. An experienced lawyer manages these tasks, ensuring every step is handled correctly.
Building a Strong Case: Lawyers gather crucial evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to strengthen your case. Their knowledge helps establish fault and build a compelling argument for maximum compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line and may offer low settlements. A lawyer fights for your best interests, negotiating for a fair settlement that truly reflects your needs.
Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer will take your case to trial, presenting your case to a judge and jury. This representation ensures your story is heard, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Having a lawyer by your side means you don’t face these challenges alone. They provide the legal support needed to focus on recovery while pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Tennessee?
You must file a personal injury claim within one year of the accident date under Tennessee’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation, so act immediately.
What if I am partially at fault for the accident?
Tennessee follows a comparative fault rule. If you share some responsibility for the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. However, you still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault.
What compensation is available for pedestrian accident injuries?
You may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, etc. The specific amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
Do I need a police report to file a claim?
A police report is not required to file a claim, but it strengthens your case by providing an official record of the accident details. It is valuable evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
Most pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They only receive payment if they recover your compensation, making legal representation accessible even if you face financial challenges.
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor. Report the accident to the police, gather contact information from witnesses, take photos of the scene, and contact a lawyer to discuss your options and protect your rights.
Can I file a claim if the driver fled the accident scene?
If the driver left the scene, you can still pursue compensation through an uninsured motorist (UM) claim on your insurance policy. A lawyer guides you through this process and works with your insurance company to secure the compensation you deserve, even when the responsible party isn’t identified.
What if my injuries don’t show up until days after the accident?
It’s common for some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, to appear after the initial shock wears off.
Seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms, and keep detailed records of your medical visits. Delayed injuries are included in your claim, but timely medical documentation is crucial for proving their connection to the accident.
How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident claim?
The timeline for settling a claim varies based on factors like the severity of injuries, the case’s complexity, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate.
Some cases resolve within a few months, while others take longer, especially if they proceed to trial. A lawyer provides guidance and keeps you informed throughout the process.
Will my pedestrian accident case go to trial?
Most pedestrian accident claims are settled outside court through negotiations with insurance companies.
However, your case may proceed to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or disputes liability.
A lawyer helps prepare your case for trial if needed, ensuring you have strong representation at every step.