Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

A Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer represents people who were injured after being struck by a vehicle while walking. These cases often involve serious injuries because pedestrians have little protection when a motor vehicle makes contact.

Pedestrian accidents can happen during routine activities. Someone may be crossing a neighborhood street in East Nashville or walking through a busy area along West End Avenue. When a driver fails to slow down or yield, the consequences can be severe.

At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we represent injured people throughout Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Smyrna. If a vehicle hit you while you were walking, we can explain what Tennessee law allows and whether a pedestrian accident claim may be available.

Call (615) 220-4180 to schedule a free consultation with a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer.

Why injured pedestrians turn to Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers

After a pedestrian accident, the first question is usually simple: What are my legal options? Understanding your rights under Tennessee law is the first step toward deciding how to move forward.

Before representing injured people, Joe Weir and Tony Kestner worked as insurance defense attorneys. That background provides firsthand insight into how insurance companies review and respond to injury claims.

Communication also matters during a pedestrian accident case. These claims can take time to resolve, and questions naturally come up along the way. The team at Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers works closely with clients throughout the process so they understand how their case is developing and what to expect next.

Clients often appreciate:

• Regular updates from our legal team, even when there is little movement in the case
• Flexible scheduling that allows meetings at home or in the hospital when necessary
• Digital signing so documents can be completed quickly
• The opportunity to speak with an attorney once a potential case has been qualified

We take time to explain the legal process so our clients understand how their case is progressing and what to expect as it moves forward.

What clients say about working with us

Pedestrian accident cases often arise during a difficult time for the injured person. Clear communication can make the legal process easier to manage.

“Thankfully, I had the help of Weir & Kestner. They made what would’ve been a stressful, scary process so much easier.”

“We were well informed throughout this process and pleased with the outcome.”

“I would rate my experience with Weir & Kestner and their handling of my case a 10 out of 10.”

How pedestrian accidents happen in Nashville traffic

A pedestrian was killed every 72 minutes in traffic crashes in the United States in 2023. Most pedestrian accidents occur when a driver fails to notice someone walking nearby. In Nashville, these crashes often happen in places where foot traffic and vehicle traffic overlap.

Common situations include:

• Drivers turning through crosswalks without noticing someone already crossing
• Distracted driving that delays a driver’s reaction
• A vehicle backing out of a parking space or driveway
• Drivers moving too quickly through residential streets

Areas around Broadway, the Gulch, and other busy parts of downtown Nashville often see heavy pedestrian traffic. When drivers fail to slow down or stay alert in those areas, the risk of a collision increases.

Where pedestrian accidents often happen in Nashville

Pedestrian accidents in Nashville frequently occur in locations where drivers and people on foot share the same space.

Intersections with heavy traffic and busy entertainment districts often see a higher level of pedestrian activity. Residential streets can also present risks when drivers travel too quickly through neighborhoods.

As Nashville continues to grow, pedestrian safety has become an increasing concern in areas where development brings more vehicles and more people walking.

Injuries often seen in pedestrian accident cases

Pedestrian injuries can be severe because the human body absorbs the full force of the impact. Many people need immediate medical care after a pedestrian accident, and treatment may continue for weeks or even months, depending on the injury.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Fractures involving the legs or hips
• Damage to the spine
• Internal injuries requiring emergency treatment

Recovery may involve surgery or physical therapy. Some people can’t return to work right away, which can create financial pressure while medical bills continue to accumulate.

Understanding fault in Tennessee pedestrian accident claims

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. In many pedestrian accident cases, the driver may be responsible for failing to yield or driving recklessly near crosswalks.

In some situations, questions arise about whether the pedestrian also shared responsibility. When a pedestrian is at fault for an accident, compensation isn’t available if the pedestrian’s share of responsibility reaches 50 percent or more. When fault falls below that level, any recovery may be reduced based on the pedestrian’s percentage of fault.

Insurance companies sometimes argue that a pedestrian crossed outside a crosswalk or stepped into traffic unexpectedly. Understanding what actually happened requires careful review of any available evidence. Each pedestrian accident claim depends on its own facts and circumstances.

Evidence in a pedestrian accident case may include:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• Medical records documenting the injuries

Driver responsibilities toward pedestrians in Tennessee

Tennessee law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care when pedestrians are present.

Under Tennessee Code §55-8-134, drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting someone who is walking near the roadway. Drivers must remain alert and take precautions when pedestrians are visible.

In practice, this duty often means slowing down near crosswalks, paying attention at intersections, and remaining cautious in areas where people frequently walk. When a driver fails to follow this duty and a pedestrian is injured, the injured person may have grounds for a pedestrian accident claim.

Compensation that may be available after a pedestrian accident

A pedestrian accident claim may allow an injured person to recover compensation for both financial losses and the effects the injury has on daily life.

Some damages relate to direct financial costs. These can include medical treatment, ongoing care, and income lost during recovery. Other damages relate to how the injury affects a person’s life. Pain, physical limitations, and lasting changes to normal activities may fall into this category.

The amount of compensation in a pedestrian accident case depends on several factors, including the seriousness of the injury and the insurance coverage involved.

Case example involving a Tennessee pedestrian accident

Pedestrian accident cases often require careful investigation.

In one case we handled, a client was walking through a restaurant parking lot in Smyrna when a vehicle struck him and left the scene. Surveillance video and witness statements helped identify the driver responsible for the crash.

Our client required emergency treatment and follow-up medical care. After reviewing the evidence, we developed a strategy that secured the liability policy limits and additional compensation through uninsured motorist coverage.

Each pedestrian accident case develops differently. The outcome in one case does not guarantee similar results in another, and compensation depends on the specific facts and evidence involved.

FAQs about Nashville pedestrian accident cases

Can a pedestrian file a personal injury claim after being hit by a car?

Yes. When a driver’s negligence causes a collision, an injured pedestrian may bring a personal injury claim. The claim may address medical expenses and the broader life effects of the injury.

How long does a pedestrian accident case usually take?

The timeline varies depending on the injuries involved and how liability issues develop. Some cases resolve during negotiations with insurance companies. Others require filing a lawsuit so the evidence can be fully evaluated.

Should I speak with a lawyer after a pedestrian accident?

Working with a personal injury lawyer in Nashville can help clarify your legal options and determine whether pursuing a claim makes sense based on the circumstances of the accident.

What if the driver who hit me does not have insurance?

Even when the driver does not have insurance, compensation may still be available. Many auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage, which can apply when a pedestrian is injured by an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run accident. A lawyer can review the available insurance policies and explain what options may exist.

Local resources for pedestrian accident injuries in Nashville

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
1211 Medical Center Dr
Nashville, TN 37232

Nashville General Hospital
1818 Albion St
Nashville, TN 37208

Metro Nashville Police Department
600 Murfreesboro Pike
Nashville, TN 37210

Nashville Department of Transportation
720 South 5th Street
Nashville, TN 37206

Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers – Nashville
3200 West End Avenue, Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37203

Talk to a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer about your options

A pedestrian accident can lead to a long recovery period. Medical treatment may continue for weeks or longer, and questions about insurance coverage often follow. At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we help injured clients understand their options under Tennessee law. We focus on guiding people through the legal process while building a strategy that reflects the facts of the accident.

Call (615) 220-4180 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with a pedestrian accident lawyer Nashville clients can speak with directly at Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers