Sidewalks are one of many features meant to protect pedestrians from drivers. When drivers ignore walkways, stop signs, and crosswalks, there are catastrophic consequences—in Tennessee alone, an average of 123 pedestrians lose their lives in traffic accidents every year. If you or a loved one are involved in a pedestrian accident, Jungers Law Firm is here to represent you.
Most pedestrian accidents involve negligence. The driver is either distracted, intoxicated, or drowsy, which hinders their driving ability. Even if a driver takes their eyes off the road for a second, an accident can result.
Some of the other causes of pedestrian accidents include:
As the primary factor in approximately 36% of cases, drunk driving is the most common cause of traffic fatalities in Tennessee.Alcohol is not the only intoxicating substance, either. Drivers may cause an accident while under the influence of marijuana, prescription drugs, or other medication.
Pedestrians have no protection against cars, so injuries are often severe. It’s not uncommon for victims to suffer broken bones, concussions, and even brain damage. While pedestrians can wear bright clothes and observe traffic laws to minimize the chances of an accident, it’s not always enough.
Injuries vary in pedestrian accidents, as do the costs associated with those injuries. If the court awards compensation, settlements can reach up to $750,000 in non-economic damages. This payout covers intangible damage, such as pain and suffering or loss of consortium.
Seek medical assistance immediately if you’re in a pedestrian accident. Even if you sustain minor injuries, such as light-headedness or cuts, visit a healthcare professional.
While it’s more important to preserve your health than documenting the scene, if you’re in a clear state-of-mind, take the time to document your injuries. Do you have ripped clothes? Are you bleeding? Do you have visual wounds? Where is the pain? Take photos or videos to record all these potential injuries. One of our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys will leverage the images when building your case.
Call the police as soon as possible. An officer will document the scene and record your side of the story.
Make sure not to admit fault at any time. Even if you are sorry for the accident, admitting fault will undercut your case. Keep your explanation of the events to the point for the police report. Avoid unnecessary details that might be misconstrued as fault.
Only give your story to the police and your lawyer. Don’t talk to any insurance companies. They’re focused on protecting their bottom line, which means paying out the minimum settlement. At Jungers Law Firm, we will deal with the insurance company for you, and ensure you get the representation and reimbursement you deserve.
Ready to take your case to court? Jungers Law Firm has a Nashville pedestrian accident attorney waiting to assist you. Give us a call and schedule your consultation today.