What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Tennessee?

A pedestrian is anyone who is walking, running, using a wheelchair, or otherwise moving near a roadway without a vehicle. If you were involved in a pedestrian accident caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness, you have several legal rights and options available to you. Continue reading to discover what you should do after being involved in a pedestrian accident, and consult with a Memphis personal injury lawyer to secure skilled legal counsel.

How Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?

A pedestrian accident happens when a car, bicycle, or other type of vehicle or moving object collides with a pedestrian. These types of accidents can occur for a variety of reasons in Tennessee. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following.

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Driving under the influence
• Poor visibility
• Distracted walking
• Failure to obey traffic laws
• Jaywalking

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in TN?

Whether you were walking to work, jogging for exercise, or crossing the street to meet a friend, it is important to understand what to do after being involved in a pedestrian accident. Consider the following steps.

1. Seek medical attention: Get medically evaluated to ensure you are treated for your injuries and a medical record is created. This is important even if you feel fine.
2. Report the accident: Call 911 to file an official report and get help on the scene. This will document the accident and act as important evidence later on.
3. Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident, vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, etc. Gather contact information from the other individuals involved and witnesses.
4. Contact an attorney: Secure skilled representation and legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process of securing compensation and filing a claim or lawsuit.
5. Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance provider of the accident with the help of your attorney. This will help protect yourself and your rights.
6. Document the aftermath: In the days and weeks following the accident, document your experience, including your medical appointments, treatment, missed work, bills and expenses, physical pain and suffering, and more.

Taking the above steps will help protect your legal rights and ensure that you are prepared for any legal action to come.

Can I Recover Compensation?

If you were struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. However, it is important to understand that you must be able to prove the driver’s fault.

You can do this by establishing the driver’s negligence. However, it is possible that you caused or contributed to the accident as well. If you were crossing the street while texting, did not wait for the walking light, or crossed the road where there was no crosswalk, for example, you could be found partially at fault. Tennessee operates under comparative negligence laws, meaning that you can still recover damages even if you are found somewhat responsible for the accident, given that the other party is more liable than you.

For more information, reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney today.