Is it Illegal to Walk on the Highway in Tennessee?
Pedestrians have as much of a right as motorists to be on the road. At one time or another, most of us have been pedestrians, making us aware of the dangers of sharing the road with motor vehicles. Although pedestrians have a right to walk on any road in the Volunteer State, they are prohibited from walking on the highway or any road that is accessed- controlled.
Whatever mode of transposition you choose, our TN pedestrian accident attorneys would like to review the state’s traffic laws pertaining to pedestrians.
Tennessee Pedestrian Laws
According to Tennessee law, pedestrians have the right to:
- Use any road in Tennessee, excluding any access-controlled road
- Cross the road at any point unless it is prohibited by local ordinance or between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation
- Have motor vehicles yield to them when the pedestrian is within a marked crosswalk, alleyway, or driveway
Pedestrians must:
- Yield the right-of-way to motor vehicles when crossing the road at any point besides a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk
- If a pedestrian chooses to cross the roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing is provided, the pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to motor vehicles
- Use sidewalks when available unless they are obstructed
- Take proper safety measures, not running into the path of a moving vehicle
- Use the left-hand side of the roadway, if no sidewalk is available, facing traffic
Penalties for Walking on the Shoulder of a Highway in TN
Walking on the side of a highway is a Class C misdemeanor in the state of Tennessee. Although this is the least serious type of misdemeanor offense, you could be sentenced to 30 days in prison, fined $50, or potentially both. Besides imprisonment and fines, you will have a criminal record.
Recovering Compensation as an Injured Pedestrian
In the law, damages are designed to compensate injured persons or parties for their losses, attempting to make them “whole” again. If you suffered an injury as a pedestrian while adhering to state law, you may be entitled to the following damages:
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning
- Ambulatory services
- Emergency room visit
- Surgeries and procedures
- Specialist visits
- Prescription costs
- Physical therapy
- Home modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress
- Scarring and/or disfigurement
Advocacy for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Both pedestrians and drivers must follow traffic regulations. Motorists are required to maintain a safe speed, proper control, and yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks. Everyone has a right to use the road, and these laws are put into place so that pedestrians and motorists can safely share the roadway.
A pedestrian will likely suffer severe injuries when struck by a motor vehicle. A Tennessee pedestrian accident attorney will gather the necessary information to piece together the details of the crash. We will not rest until you recover the compensation you need to pay for your medical expenses and other losses.
Consult with Our TN Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Immediately
A pedestrian accident can leave you unable to work, compromising your ability to pay for your rent, household expenses, and other necessities. We believe that your priority following an accident should be healing, not taking legal action. To arrange your complimentary, no-obligation consultation, we can be reached online by phone.