Sequatchie County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Many Sequatchie County residents enjoy Tennessee’s rugged, natural beauty by traveling on foot. When walking near traffic, pedestrians across the region face unique dangers.
Too often, motor vehicles strike pedestrians, resulting in serious injury or even death for the accident victim. If you were recently hit by a car or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, call a Sequatchie County pedestrian accident lawyer at Massey & Associates now.
As your attorney, we will hold the at-fault driver accountable in court, seeking financial compensation on your behalf. Call an experienced Sequatchie County accident lawyer now to discuss your case in more detail.
Tennessee Pedestrian Laws
Pedestrians, like all others on the road, have a responsibility to act reasonably and avoid accidents when possible.
This means that pedestrians in Sequatchie County should follow traffic rules, such as obeying crosswalk signals, using sidewalks when available, and facing traffic when walking on a roadway.
However, drivers have a responsibility to avoid hitting pedestrians even when a pedestrian is not observing these traffic laws.
In fact, Tennessee Code Section 55-8-136 explicitly states that “every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway…” This means that drivers have a strong duty to avoid hitting pedestrians since vehicle-on-pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries for the person on foot.
Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents
When a driver fails to “exercise due care” and strikes a pedestrian, they are considered negligent. Pedestrians injured in such an accident can sue the negligent driver for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and their pain and suffering. Some examples of negligent driving commonly seen in Sequatchie County include:
- Intoxicated driving
- Drug-impaired driving
- Texting while driving
- Other forms of distracted driving
- Excessive speeding
- Failing to obey traffic signals
- Failing to stop when required
- Failing to yield to pedestrians crossing the street
- Road rage incidents
Pedestrian accident victims usually suffer severe, life-altering injuries. Often, injured victims have to pay high medical bills for necessary care. Injured victims also may not be able to work while recovering, and thus lose wages during this period.
If a driver’s negligence causes these injuries and subsequent financial losses, the pedestrian can sue for compensation. Anyone hurt in a pedestrian accident in Sequatchie County should contact a Sequatchie County pedestrian accident lawyer at Massey & Associates for help right away.
Pedestrian Accident Fatalities
In 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 86 pedestrian accident fatalities in Tennessee. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to fatal injuries because they have no protection in a crash.
This is why the law requires that drivers act reasonably to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pedestrian traffic fatalities are far too common and happen with increasing regularity due to higher instances of distracted driving across the state.
Wrongful Death Claims
When a pedestrian is killed in a motor vehicle accident, their family can sue the at-fault driver in a wrongful death claim.
Surviving family members can sue for medical expenses resulting from the crash; funeral and burial costs; lost future earnings; loss of companionship and support; and their pain and suffering. Grieving families should reach out to a Sequatchie County pedestrian accident lawyer to learn more about filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Contact a Sequatchie County Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one were recently involved in a pedestrian accident in Sequatchie County, call us to talk to a dedicated lawyer today. Your Sequatchie County pedestrian accident lawyer can answer your questions about how much compensation you are entitled to, and what your legal options are.
