Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Nashville, Tennessee
Pedestrians have the right to walk safely throughout Nashville, TN. But when drivers are careless or distracted, serious accidents can happen. Unfortunately, pedestrians almost always suffer the most in these collisions. If you or someone you love has been hurt as a pedestrian, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
A Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer can fight for your rights. At Ross Moore Law, we are here to hold negligent drivers accountable and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Contact our Nashville personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Davidson County
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, at busy intersections, in residential neighborhoods, or even in parking lots. In most cases, these accidents are caused by a driver’s negligence.
Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents we see in Nashville, TN.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted drivers may not spot a pedestrian crossing the street.
- Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, which can have devastating consequences for pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: Tennessee law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore this rule, putting lives at risk.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Drivers who don’t obey traffic signals often strike pedestrians crossing the street legally.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced coordination.
- Left-Hand Turns: Pedestrians are often hit by drivers making left turns at intersections. Drivers may focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice someone crossing in front of them.
- Low Visibility: Poor lighting, bad weather, and dark clothing can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night. But it’s still the driver’s responsibility to remain alert and cautious.
- Backing-Up Accidents: Pedestrians are sometimes injured in parking lots or driveways when drivers fail to check behind them while backing up.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Nashville, TN
The moments after a pedestrian accident can be frightening and confusing. Taking the right actions can help protect your health and legal rights.
Call 911 and Get Medical Help
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Nashville, your safety and health come first.
Call 911 right away if you’re injured. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Getting medical attention also creates a record of your injuries, which can be important if you file a claim later.
Report the Crash to the Police
Always report the accident to the police, even if the driver wants to handle things without involving the authorities. The police will create an official accident report, which can be valuable evidence for your case. When speaking with officers, stick to the facts and avoid guessing about details.
Gather Information and Take Pictures
Try to gather as much information as possible. Get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information too.
Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, the vehicle involved, and anything else that might help show what happened, such as skid marks, traffic signs, or crosswalks.
Don’t Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Company
Avoid talking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. They might try to get you to say something that hurts your claim or offer a quick settlement that’s far less than what you deserve.
A Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer can communicate with the insurance companies and protect your rights.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Injury Attorney
It’s important to contact a Nashville pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. A dedicated car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you hold the responsible driver accountable. With the right support, you can focus on healing while your lawyer handles the legal work needed to pursue the compensation you deserve.
A Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Fights for You
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while walking, the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial pressure can feel overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, you might be unable to work, and insurance companies may already be calling you with questions or lowball offers. This is where a skilled Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer can make a powerful difference.
At Ross Moore Law, we understand the complexities of pedestrian accident cases in Tennessee. Here’s how we help clients like you get the support and compensation they deserve.
Building a Strong Case
We start by digging into the details of your accident to prepare a strong case against the at-fault driver. This includes:
- Reviewing the police report and accident scene photos
- Collecting video footage, if available
- Interviewing witnesses
- Gathering medical records and other evidence
This detailed investigation prepares us to counter any arguments the driver’s insurance company might make.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses, and their main goal is to protect their profits. Insurance adjusters may try to twist your words, blame you for the accident, or convince you to accept a quick (but unfair) settlement.
Our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys handle all communication with the insurance company. You won’t have to deal with phone calls, paperwork, or pressure tactics. We’ll negotiate aggressively for the full compensation you deserve.
Representing You in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Many pedestrian accident claims settle out of court, but that only happens when the insurance company sees that your lawyer is fully prepared to go to trial if needed.
Ross Moore Law is not afraid to take on big insurance companies. Whether we’re negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in front of a jury, we’ll be your strongest advocate every step of the way.
What Compensation Can Injured Pedestrians Demand?
Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian can lead to severe injuries that affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to work to your long-term physical and emotional health. Tennessee law allows injury victims to seek compensation, known as damages, to help them recover from these losses.
Medical Expenses
This includes all costs related to your treatment, such as:
- Ambulance fees and emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment (crutches, wheelchairs, braces)
- Future medical care you may need due to long-term injuries
We’ll work with your doctors and experts to fully document your past, present, and expected future medical needs.
Lost Wages and Earning Ability
If your injuries forced you to miss work, we’ll seek compensation for lost wages. You can claim damages for loss of future earning ability if you can’t work anymore because of a disability, must work fewer hours, or must take a lower-paying job.
In cases involving serious or permanent injuries, this category of damages can make up a large portion of your total compensation.
Pain and Suffering
Not all losses are financial. Tennessee law allows victims to recover damages for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety or depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering damages are harder to calculate, but they’re a critical part of seeking justice after a serious auto accident.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
If the accident left you with a permanent disability, such as paralysis from a spinal cord injury, we’ll pursue financial compensation for the impact on your quality of life. This can include:
- Loss of enjoyment from sports, hobbies, or activities you can’t do anymore
- Less independence
- Changes in physical appearance from scarring or amputation
Loss of Consortium
If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family, such as loss of companionship, support, or intimacy, your family may be eligible to seek additional compensation.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for especially reckless actions or intentional misconduct and to discourage similar behavior. Pedestrians can seek punitive damages if a driver was grossly negligent, such as driving under the influence.
How Can a Lawyer Help Families After a Fatal Pedestrian Collision?
Losing a loved one in a car crash is heartbreaking. A compassionate law firm like Ross Moore Law can help your family file a wrongful death claim after a fatal pedestrian traffic accident. This type of case can cover funeral costs, loss of income, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, a Nashville wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial stability and hold the responsible driver accountable.
Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee
After a pedestrian accident, time is not on your side. Tennessee law imposes strict time limits on when you can file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
In most cases, you have just one year from the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nashville. If you miss this deadline, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is or how badly you were injured. There are exceptions to the one-year time limit. For example, the statute of limitations may be paused if the injured pedestrian is under 18.
You should speak with a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer at Ross Moore Law as soon as possible. The sooner we can start working on your case, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.
How Much Does a Nashville Pedestrian Accident Attorney Cost?
One of the biggest concerns injury victims have is, “How much is hiring a pedestrian accident attorney going to cost?” At Ross Moore Law, the answer is simple.
You pay nothing upfront, and nothing at all unless we win. Our payment comes as a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover on your behalf.
This ensures that every pedestrian accident victim has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. And because we only get paid when you do, we’re motivated to fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Contact Ross Moore Law Today
If you were hit by a car while walking in Nashville, don’t wait to take action. The road to recovery can be long, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our Tennessee accident attorneys at Ross Moore Law can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us now or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. You never pay a dime unless we win your case.
