Nashville Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Walking is a great way to get to know a city like Nashville, however, it can also be dangerous. Unfortunately, Nashville ranks as the second most dangerous city in the United States for pedestrians according to a 2023 study. Close to 50 pedestrians per year are killed in Nashville traffic accidents and many more suffer serious injuries.

If you or your close family member were harmed by a negligent driver in a Nashville pedestrian accident, you should speak to an experienced attorney at Selvidge Injury Law. Our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys fight to protect our clients against common insurance company tactics like offering fast, lowball settlements or assigning an undue percentage of blame to the victim. Call our Nashville injury lawyers today to hear about your case during your free confidential consultation.

Why Choose Selvidge Injury Law After a Serious Pedestrian Accident

Selvidge Injury Law is a large city law firm with a small-town heart. Our compassionate legal team advocates for injury victims against powerful insurance companies that protect their profits at the injury victim’s expense. Our Nashville personal injury lawyers get to know our clients and work for their compensation just as we would for our own loved ones. Your Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer offers the following advantages in your case:

• A free evaluation and no fees until we secure your compensation
• Availability and honest communication throughout the process of your claim
• Strong investigative skills to document evidence of driver liability in your accident claim
• Over a decade of experience negotiating the largest possible settlements for our injured clients
• Years of litigation experience in Nashville courts so we’re more than prepared to go to trial if the insurance company fails to offer an acceptable settlement amount or wrongfully denies your claim

Attorney Adam Selvidge is a dedicated client advocate. Understanding the impacts of injuries on a client’s life and family makes a Nashville car accident attorney a stronger negotiator to secure the largest possible settlement.

From start to finish Adam was very easy to work with. I had never been in any type of accident so I needed help navigating the entire process. I recommend him to anyone who needs help with this process.

Jalisa H. | Nashville, TN

Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur in a variety of scenarios, often resulting in severe injuries. These incidents typically happen in areas where vehicles and pedestrians share space, such as crosswalks at intersections, and parking lots.

Crosswalk Collisions

Accidents frequently occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. This is often due to speeding, distraction, or ignoring traffic signals. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, making these collisions especially dangerous and legally complex.

Turning Vehicle Accidents

Drivers making left or right turns at intersections sometimes fail to check for pedestrians. These accidents often happen because the driver focuses on oncoming traffic rather than those crossing the street.

Parking Lot Accidents

Pedestrians are at risk in busy parking lots due to drivers backing out of spaces without checking for foot traffic, and being focused more on finding a spot than looking for people walking. Limited visibility and crowded conditions increase the likelihood of these incidents.

Sidewalk Accidents

Drivers who lose control of their vehicles can swerve onto sidewalks, putting pedestrians in immediate danger. These accidents are often caused by impaired or distracted driving.

What Compensation Can I Expect for a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Nashville?

When a vulnerable pedestrian and an average 4,000-pound vehicle collide, the results are devastating to the pedestrian. Injuries in pedestrians claims include the following common types:

• Head injuries and Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Facial injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries 
• Road rash (serious abrasions)

Pedestrian accidents can be life-altering, resulting in permanent disability. Even less serious injuries can quickly cause financial hardship to families. When a driver’s error or negligence caused the accident, their insurance must cover the victim’s damages. Under Tennessee’s comparison negligence insurance laws, accident victims often need the help of experienced Nashville pedestrian accident lawyers at our law offices to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable for all damages. If you were injured as a result of a vehicle accident with a truck or 18-wheeler, contact our Nashville truck accident attorneys at Selvidge Injury Law.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Nashville Pedestrian Accident?

Common compensation for damages in pedestrian accidents include the following:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future income loss
• Lowered earning capacity due to disability
• Pain and suffering
• Any other non-economic damages that apply in your case such as PTSD, disfigurement, loss of limb, or loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death compensation if a loved one died in a pedestrian accident 

Your personal injury attorney from Selvidge Injury Law will carefully calculate your economic and non-economic damages to recover the largest possible settlement or court award for your damages on your pedestrian accident case.

Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex, as it often depends on the unique details of the incident. Liability typically hinges on whether one party’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident.

Driver Responsibility

Drivers are frequently held liable for pedestrian accidents, especially when they violate traffic laws. Actions like speeding, failing to yield, or running red lights are clear examples of negligence. Distracted driving is a leading cause, with activities like texting diverting the driver’s attention from the road.

Impaired driving is another significant factor, as alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction time. Drivers also have a duty to adjust their behavior in high-risk areas, such as school zones or residential neighborhoods. When drivers fail to act responsibly, they can be held accountable for the injuries they cause. Call our Nashville drunk driving accident lawyers for legal help today.

Pedestrian Responsibility

Pedestrians can sometimes share liability if they do not follow traffic laws or act carelessly. Common examples include jaywalking, crossing outside designated areas, or failing to obey pedestrian signals. Situational awareness, such as avoiding distractions like texting while crossing streets, is vital.

However, even when pedestrians are partially at fault, they may still recover compensation per Tennessee’s comparative fault laws under Tennessee Code § 20-1-119. Their recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault. Pedestrians should be aware that their actions significantly impact both their safety and potential liability in an accident.

Third-Party Liability

In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver or pedestrian involved. Employers may be liable if the driver was working at the time of the accident, such as during a delivery route. Identifying all potentially liable parties ensures that victims can pursue full compensation for their losses. 

What Is the Statute of Limitations?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is one year, as outlined under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104. This means you must file your lawsuit within one year from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline will bar you from recovering compensation.

The one-year timeline applies to personal injury claims but may differ for cases involving wrongful death or minor victims. For minors, the statute of limitations typically begins when they reach the age of 18. You always should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney when trying to figure out what time limitations may apply to your situation or case.

Call Our Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review

No one should take on a complex legal case at the same time they’re recovering from serious pedestrian injuries. Call or contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers today at (615) 864-0343 so we can talk about your accident and begin strategizing prompt action on your claim.