Some Tennessee drivers do not provide runners, joggers and walkers sufficient safe on the roadway. Further, pedestrians may be distracted and enter the roadway at unsafe times. f you are injured due to the negligence of a motorist, first seek medical attention, then contact a Franklin pedestrian accident lawyer George Angelopoulos for a consultation. No one can ever imagine the trauma of being struck by a car or truck. However, as more people are opting to walk instead of driving to areas that are close to home and work, pedestrian accidents in Franklin Tennessee are becoming more common.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Unfortunately many of our area roads are still not safe for pedestrians. Drivers who are careless, impaired or distracted cause serious pedestrian injury accidents daily. Despite traffic laws protecting those on foot approximately 65,000 pedestrians are injured by cars and over 5,000 innocent bystanders are killed annually. You may be surprised in the financial resources available even if the at fault driver is without insurance or when the injuries are caused by a hit and run driver.
Rights and Responsibilities of Pedestrians
Tennessee Law Title 55 Chapter 8 provides the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians while in intersections, crosswalks and roadways. Some of the laws include:
- Pedestrians have right of way in crosswalks while abiding by the pedestrian control signals
- Motorists must yield to pedestrians when they are closely approaching the crosswalk or within the crosswalks
- Pedestrians must adhere to the same traffic regulations and laws as motorists
- No walking on the roadway when a sidewalk is accessible
- Use care before crossing the crosswalk by looking both ways
Franklin pedestrian accident lawyer George Angelopoulos can explain how Tennessee pedestrian law can help your personal injury claim against a negligent driver.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Auto accidents involving pedestrians generally have inevitable results. Walkers and joggers have no safety devices to reduce impact causing substantial personal injury when you are the unlucky pedestrian involved. As a result, the injuries springing from these pedestrian car accidents may be sever. The personal injuries sustained cause substantial pain and medical bills. Retaining George as your Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer can help navigate the burden caused by the at fault driver’s negligence.
More than 50% of auto accidents involving pedestrian injuries result in a fatality. If not lethal, it is likely that they have incurred serious damage permanently altering their lifestyle. If you or someone you love has been injured by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, or wrongful death.
Do you need a Franklin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Tennessee law requires that the injured party (plaintiff or claimant) prove that the person who caused the harm is negligent. Proving negligence in a pedestrian accident case is similar to proving negligence for any personal injury. Basic elements include:
- Defendant owes Plaintiff a duty of care
- Defendant breached that duty
- Defendant’s negligence caused Plaintiff’s injury
- Plaintiff suffered injuries because of the Defendant’s negligence
When children are involved a higher duty of care is owed because children are smaller and their behavior is less predictable. Drivers should be on high alert when in the proximity of school zones, playgrounds, neighborhoods and other areas where children are likely to be present.
Tennessee subscribes to modified comparative negligence laws. Therefore, if the court finds that someone contributed to their injuries by not observing pedestrian laws, their settlement can be decreased by their percentage of fault. Franklin pedestrian accident lawyer George Angelopoulos can help explain your rights.
Because of the significant damages and complex legal scenarios that arise you should seek the guidance of a pedestrian accident lawyer. Get the representation you deserve and please complete the contact form to the right or give us a call at (615) 422-7171 for your free case evaluation. No attorney fee unless we recovery compensation for you.