Are Pedestrian Accidents On The Rise in Nashville?
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the deadliest year for pedestrians in Nashville is 2022, with 49 pedestrian fatalities. Preliminary data from the TDOT shows that pedestrian accidents in the city are slightly lower than in 2022. As of October 2023, 91 pedestrian crashes involving serious injury and death have occurred in Nashville. 22 of those crashes resulted in death. Around the same time in 2022, there have been 108 pedestrian accidents. 30 of those accidents were deadly.
The 91 pedestrian accidents this year involved two construction zone crashes, three crashes due to speeding, and eight crashes due to an impaired driver. TDOT data also shows that most pedestrian crashes involving deaths and serious injuries regularly occur in West End Ave., Murfreesboro Pike, Dickerson Pike, and Koreans Veterans Blvd. Reports also found that many pedestrians, which include bicyclists, are getting hit by vehicles because the city’s infrastructure is not pedestrian-friendly. Specifically, Nashville lacks sidewalks.
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. Motor vehicle drivers and occupants have seatbelts, airbags, steel frames, and other protective measures that pedestrians do not have. That’s why pedestrians are usually the ones who get seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Nashville
Pedestrian accidents can happen due to various reasons, such as drivers failing to exercise reasonable care and distracted pedestrians. However, most crashes occur due to the negligent actions of drivers and government entities, including:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while drunk or drugged
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Not yielding the right-of-way
- Ignoring stop signs or traffic lights
- Lack of sidewalks
- Unmarked or poorly maintained crosswalks
- Unclear, malfunctioning, or lack of traffic signals or signs
It is vital to note that by law, drivers are legally obligated to exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians, provide ample warning by using their horns whenever needed, drive at safe speeds, and exercise extra caution when they notice children or incapacitated or confused pedestrians on the roadway.
In the same vein, pedestrians are also legally required to exercise proper care when using the roadway to avoid accidents. If a pedestrian fails to follow the traffic rules, walks while intoxicated or distracted, or jaywalks and gets into an accident, they may be found partly at fault for the accident.
It’s immensely crucial to identify and prove the cause of pedestrian crashes so the party liable for the crash is held accountable and pays injured victims the compensation they are entitled to.
Get Legal Help From a Skilled Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer at Raybin & Weissman fights for the legal rights of pedestrians who get injured or killed in accidents. You can trust our Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer to investigate the circumstances of your accident and build a strong injury claim to hold the at-fault party liable for their negligent actions and secure the compensation you deserve. Call our office at 615-256-6666 or fill out our online form to arrange your free case review with our Nashville pedestrian accident attorney.