Pedestrian Accidents Outside Crosswalks: Your Rights
Even if you are outside of a crosswalk, a driver does not have the right to hit you. While it creates right-of-way issues, it is never okay to run into a pedestrian.
Pedestrian accident injuries often include broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A pedestrian who is hit by a motor vehicle is at risk of suffering these severe injuries and many more. These injuries can result in lost wages and exorbitant medical bills, with long-term effects requiring further compensation.
At some point, we have all been pedestrians, so it is important that you understand pedestrian laws in the Volunteer State. At Raybin & Weissman, our Nashville pedestrian accident lawyers have helped countless individuals recoup lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering damages. If you are interested in learning more, our legal team is eager to hear from you.
Pedestrian Crosswalk Laws in Nashville, TN
As a pedestrian, motor vehicle drivers must yield to you if you are in a marked crosswalk, alley, or driveway. If a crosswalk is available, you should use it. However, if a pedestrian chooses to cross the street outside of a crosswalk, he or she must yield the right-of-way to motorists. Pedestrians must also yield to traffic when crossing the road at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided.
Pedestrians are only required to use a crosswalk if they are between adjacent signalized intersections or in any place in which a local ordinance requires it. Otherwise, pedestrians are not required to use a crosswalk. Crossing the street in an illegal manner is jaywalking. This is considered an infraction, which comes with steep fines if you are caught in the act.
Comparative Negligence and Reduced Compensation
While there may be evidence suggesting that you are partially at fault for your injuries, circumstantial evidence can show a motorist’s degree of fault. If you were breaking a traffic law at the time of your accident, you can expect your compensation to be reduced but not necessarily negated. That is because the state of Tennessee recognizes modified comparative negligence. Under this principle, a plaintiff can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% liable. If you are more than 50% at fault, then you will be barred from recovery.
Aggressive Representation: Defending Your Interests
As previously mentioned, pedestrians who experience injuries may incur thousands of dollars in medical bills. These medical costs may involve the cost of being transported in an ambulance to the hospital, being evaluated by an emergency room physician, undergoing surgery, several physical therapy sessions, and the cost of mobility aids.
Your injuries can easily prevent you from earning a living while your medical debt steadily increases. At Raybin & Weissman, we believe that pedestrians deserve to be compensated for the entirety of these expenses. If you need guidance in navigating your pedestrian accident claim, our personal injury attorneys are ready to be of service.
Contact a Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Pedestrians walking or in a wheelchair can suffer severe injuries, preventing them from pursuing their goals. Our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys have seen the devastating injuries that pedestrians sustain due to a driver being distracted or careless. If you have been injured while visiting Music City or north-central Tennessee, the legal team at Raybin & Weissman would like to hear from you. To arrange your free, no-risk consultation to discuss your matter, contact our office online or by calling (615) 256-6666 at your earliest convenience.