Some drivers don’t pay enough attention to pedestrians, and if you are hit, you may not know how to fight for your damages. Let the best personal injury attorney in Nashville advocate for you. Chadwick Meyers of Meyers Injury Law, listed on the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association, is committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
It is unfortunate and sad when you get hit by a negligent automobile driver. Injuries from pedestrian accidents are often disastrously life-threatening. If you’ve suffered injuries and are dealing with expensive medical bills, lost wages, and more, speak to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney about what happened.
Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys can review your case and find out if you are owed compensation based on your accident. Your Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer is trained in personal injury law and can calculate the maximum amount of damages you are owed. Contact Meyers Injury Law today for a free consultation to learn more.
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
There are several common causes of a pedestrian accident, which can include the following:
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are distracted by their phones, passengers, or other things are less likely to notice pedestrians and may not stop in time to avoid a collision.
Speeding
When drivers are speeding, they have less time to react to pedestrians who are crossing the street.
Failure to Yield
Reckless drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections are a common cause of pedestrian accidents.
Impaired Driving
Impaired drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to cause pedestrian accidents due to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
Poor Visibility
Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur in low-light conditions or in areas without proper lighting or pedestrian infrastructure.
Ignoring Traffic Device
Some drivers fail to adhere to traffic laws and don’t stop at red lights or ignore other traffic devices which can result in a pedestrian getting hit.
Common Pedestrian Injuries Caused by an Automobile Accident
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries due to the force of impact from a vehicle. Here are some common pedestrian injuries caused by automobile accidents:
Broken Bones
Unfortunate pedestrians who are struck by a vehicle may suffer from broken bones, including fractures in the arms, legs, hips, or pelvis.
Head Injuries
Pedestrians hit by a car may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, or bleeding in the brain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Some pedestrians may suffer from spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs, nerve damage, or paralysis.
Soft Tissue Injuries
In some cases, pedestrians may suffer from soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, or strains, due to the impact of the vehicle.
Internal Injuries
Pedestrians may suffer from internal injuries, including organ damage or internal bleeding, due to the force of impact.
Cuts and Lacerations
Some pedestrian accident victims may suffer from cuts or lacerations from broken glass or other debris from the accident.
Pain and Suffering
After a terrible personal injury, pedestrians who are involved in a serious accident may suffer from emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
Who Is Liable in Pedestrian Accidents?
Liability in a pedestrian accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. In general, the person who caused the accident or their insurance company will be held responsible for compensating the injured pedestrian. Here are some possible scenarios:
Driver Negligence
If the driver of a vehicle was negligent, such as by speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be held liable for the accident.
Pedestrian Negligence
When the pedestrian was negligent, such as by jaywalking, not using a designated crosswalk, or crossing against a red light, they may be held partly or fully responsible for the accident.
Government Agency Negligence
Whenever the pedestrian accident was caused by a dangerous condition on public property, such as a broken sidewalk or inadequate lighting, the government agency responsible for maintaining that property may be held liable.
Vehicle Defect
If the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle, such as faulty brakes or a steering malfunction, the vehicle manufacturer or repair shop might be held liable.
When to Call a Nashville Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Nashville, it’s important to contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. Here are some situations where it would be advisable to contact an attorney:
Serious Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a pedestrian accident, such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries, you should contact a Nashville pedestrian accident attorney right away. Serious injuries may require extensive medical treatment and can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Liability Disputes
When there is a dispute over who was at fault for the accident, it’s important to have an attorney on your side who can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine liability.
Insurance Company Disputes
If the insurance company is offering a settlement that is inadequate to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, an attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement.
Wrongful Death
When your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim in Nashville against the person or entity responsible for the accident. An attorney can help you through this difficult process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need to Choose Meyers Injury Law
A Meyers Injury Law attorney can provide a range of services to a pedestrian accident victim, including:
Legal Advice
Our lawyers can provide legal advice to the victim and their family on the best course of action to take after a pedestrian accident, including whether to pursue legal action.
Investigation
Our team can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts, to determine liability.
Negotiation
Your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident to ensure that the victim receives fair compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Litigation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can file a lawsuit on behalf of the victim and represent them in court to seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
Medical Referrals
Your lawyer can refer the victim to medical specialists and other healthcare professionals who can provide the necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation services to help the victim recover from their injuries.
Ways You Can be at Fault for Your Own Injuries
While pedestrians generally have the right of way, they can sometimes be held liable for their injuries in a car accident if they acted negligently. Some examples of ways a pedestrian can be held liable include:
Jaywalking
Pedestrians who cross the street outside of designated crosswalks or intersections can be held liable if they cause an accident.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Neglectful pedestrians who ignore traffic signals, such as crossing against a red light, can be held liable for their injuries.
Intoxication
Pedestrians who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cause an accident can be held liable for their injuries.
Distracted Walking
In some cases, pedestrians who were distracted by electronic devices or other distractions while crossing the street can be held liable for their injuries.
Walking in Prohibited Areas
Pedestrians who walk in areas where pedestrian access is prohibited, such as highways or private property, can be held liable for their injuries.
Talk to a pedestrian accident attorney about your recent accident to get fair compensation. If you’ve been injured at no fault of your own, you should receive a settlement. There is no need to pay us until we’ve won your case. Contact Meyers Injury Law now for a free consultation with a Nashville personal injury lawyer.
The Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys at Meyers Injury Law are devoted to you and your case. We recover millions of dollars for our clients every year and will work aggressively to seek the maximum compensation for you.
Resources for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Nashville
Hospitals & Medical Centers
1. Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Address: 1211 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37232
Phone: +1 (615) 322-5000
Services: Vanderbilt University Medical Center is one of the leading hospitals in the region. It provides a wide range of services, including specialized care in cancer treatment, heart disease, neurology, orthopedics, surgery, trauma care, pediatrics, and a variety of research-driven medical fields. It is also a major academic teaching hospital.
2. Saint Thomas Health
Address: Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital: 2000 Church St, Nashville, TN 37236
Phone: +1 (615) 284-5555
Services: Saint Thomas Health includes several hospitals, with Saint Thomas Midtown being a well-known one. The network offers services in emergency care, maternity and women’s health, cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, orthopedic surgery, and physical therapy.
3. TriStar Centennial Medical Center
Address: 2300 Patterson St, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: +1 (615) 342-1000
Services: TriStar Centennial is known for trauma care and emergency services. It also specializes in surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, maternity services, cancer care, and imaging. The hospital is a key facility in the area for critical care and trauma.
Police Stations
1. Metro Nashville Police Department – Headquarters
Address: 200 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: +1 (615) 862-8600
Services: This is the main police station for the city of Nashville. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) provides law enforcement services across Nashville, including patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency response, and community policing. The headquarters also coordinates citywide public safety initiatives.
2. Central Precinct (Metro Nashville Police Department)
Address: 601 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
Phone: +1 (615) 862-7400
Services: The Central Precinct handles law enforcement services in downtown Nashville and surrounding areas. It provides patrol services, criminal investigations, emergency response, and specialized services, including support for events like concerts, festivals, and large gatherings in the area.
