What you should do if you are injured in a Nashville pedestrian accident

Often, people only think of car accidents involving vehicles. However, it has become increasingly common to see accidents involving cars and pedestrians. These incidents can leave victims with serious injuries and expensive medical bills. Keep reading to learn what legal rights injured pedestrians have under Tennessee law, then connect with a Abogado de accidentes automovilísticos en Nashville de Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers para una representación personalizada y accesible.

Why pedestrian accidents are rising

Nationally, pedestrian deaths may finally be declining, but the numbers remain far above pre-pandemic levels. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), an estimated 3,304 pedestrians were killed on U.S. roads in the first half of 2024, representing a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. Still, that’s 353 more deaths than during the same period in 2019. Tennessee’s numbers tell a similar story. 

• 2019: 65 pedestrian deaths
• 2020: 69
• 2021: 71
• 2022: 84
• 2023: 90
• 2024 (Jan–June): 63

Even with this decline, Tennessee continues to see more pedestrian deaths than it did five years ago.

So, what’s driving the danger? There are many factors, but the most common ones include distracted driving, speeding, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, poor lighting at night, and alcohol or drug involvement.

Why pedestrian accidents are so dangerous

These cases involve all sorts of accidents. Frequently, they can involve accidents that happen at intersections, crosswalks, or to people pulling into or out of parking garages. We have heard of accidents happening to people sitting on the sidewalk waiting to cross, and a driver cuts the corner just a bit short and runs over the pedestrians’ feet, or worse. These accidents are often much more serious than a car accident, as the pedestrian has no protection and is at the mercy of the car. Because pedestrians have no seat belts, airbags, or vehicle frames to protect them, even a low-speed crash can lead to:

• Huesos rotos
• Lesiones cerebrales traumáticas
• Lesiones medulares
• Hemorragia interna
• Long-term disability or disfigurement

If the driver was distracted, speeding, or failed to yield, they may be held legally responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What should you do after a pedestrian accident?

Take pictures of the scene immediately

In Nashville, especially, you have tourists walking in areas they are not used to or people driving in areas that are under construction, which causes unknown hazards for pedestrians. When you are injured in this type of accident, if you can take photos of the scene, we highly recommend that you do so. If you cannot do it immediately at the time, have someone else photograph the area of the accident as soon as possible. Things change fast in Nashville and Murfreesboro, and getting these photos can be vital to record exactly what the area looked like at the time of the accident.

Photos can help document things like traffic signals, vehicle damage, skid marks, weather conditions, and road obstructions. These images could play a major role in proving fault for the accident or showing how vehicle damage occurred.

Get medical attention right away

Even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first, symptoms like internal injuries or concussions can appear hours or days later. Getting immediate medical care helps protect both your health and your personal injury claim. Medical records create a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is critical when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. Delaying treatment may give the insurance company a reason to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.

Don’t speak with the insurance company before talking to a lawyer

Insurance companies often reach out quickly after a pedestrian accident and ask for a recorded statement or offer a fast settlement. While this might seem helpful, it’s usually a tactic designed to minimize what they have to pay. If you accept a settlement or say the wrong thing on record, you could lose your chance to seek full compensation later, especially if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you initially thought.

Before you speak to any insurance adjuster, it’s important to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer who understands how these cases work. At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we know how insurance companies operate, and we push back when they try to undervalue serious injuries. We’ve helped clients injured in crosswalks, construction zones, and busy areas like Old Nashville Highway and State Route 266 in Smyrna, where traffic congestion and poor visibility are common.

When you hire our firm, we’ll take care of every part of your case. We help you avoid costly mistakes, gather medical records and evidence, file your injury claim, and negotiate directly with the insurance company for the compensation you deserve.

Were you injured in a Tennessee pedestrian accident?

There’s no need to suffer alone due to someone else’s negligence. The experienced legal team at Abogados de lesiones Weir & Kestner focuses on providing the best possible representation to victims of pedestrian accidents. 

Llamanos al (615) 220-4180 o Contacta con nosotros en linea today for a free consultation and speak with a car accident lawyer in Murfreesboro, Nashville, or Smyrna who will take your case seriously.