Being hit by a car while walking through a crosswalk can leave you with serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and a lot of questions about what happens next. Many people assume the driver is automatically at fault if a pedestrian is struck in a crosswalk, but insurance companies don't always see it that way. In many cases, they look for ways to shift blame or argue that the pedestrian contributed to the accident.
Crosswalk accidents happen throughout Tennessee, including in busy areas of Nashville where heavy traffic, distracted driving, and crowded intersections create dangerous conditions for pedestrians. Whether you were crossing at a marked crosswalk, walking through an intersection, or using a pedestrian signal, the steps you take after the accident can have a significant impact on a future injury claim.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in Tennessee Crosswalks?
Many drivers and pedestrians are surprised to learn that the answer is not always as simple as yes or no. Tennessee law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in many crosswalk situations, but every accident must be evaluated based on the specific facts involved.
Factors such as traffic signals, pedestrian signals, visibility, road conditions, and driver behavior can all become part of the investigation. Even when a pedestrian is lawfully crossing the street, an insurance company may still argue that the pedestrian was distracted, crossed unexpectedly, or failed to exercise reasonable care.
That doesn't mean those arguments are correct. It does mean that proving what happened is often one of the most important parts of a pedestrian accident claim.
Why Drivers Hit Pedestrians in Crosswalks
Most crosswalk accidents are preventable. Drivers are expected to remain alert and watch for pedestrians, particularly near intersections, schools, shopping areas, and downtown districts. Unfortunately, many crashes occur because drivers fail to pay attention to their surroundings.
Some of the most common causes of crosswalk accidents include distracted driving, texting behind the wheel, speeding, failing to yield at intersections, running red lights, and making turns without checking for pedestrians. Left-turn and right-turn accidents are especially common because drivers often focus on traffic and overlook someone crossing the street.
In Nashville, increased traffic congestion and growing pedestrian activity have created additional risks. Areas with heavy foot traffic can become particularly dangerous when drivers rush through intersections or attempt to beat traffic signals.
Common Injuries After a Crosswalk Accident
Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians have very little protection when a collision occurs. Even a crash at a relatively low speed can result in significant injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
Pedestrian accident victims frequently suffer:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others may not fully appear until hours or days after the accident. Seeking prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates documentation that may become important if you pursue a claim.
What Evidence Can Help Prove Fault After a Pedestrian Accident?
One of the biggest challenges in many crosswalk accident cases is establishing exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision. Drivers and pedestrians often have different versions of events, and insurance companies rarely accept responsibility without reviewing the evidence.
Several types of evidence may help support a pedestrian injury claim, including police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, traffic camera footage, photographs from the scene, medical records, and vehicle damage. In some cases, cell phone records may also become relevant if distracted driving is suspected.
The sooner evidence is preserved, the better. Surveillance footage can disappear, witnesses can become difficult to locate, and accident scenes change quickly. Taking action early often makes it easier to build a clear picture of how the crash occurred.
What Compensation May Be Available After Being Hit by a Car?
A pedestrian accident can create financial challenges that extend far beyond an emergency room visit. Depending on the severity of the injuries, victims may face ongoing medical treatment, missed time from work, rehabilitation costs, and long-term physical limitations.
An injury claim may seek compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the available evidence, and the impact the accident has had on the victim's life.
Crosswalk Accidents Are Becoming More Common in Nashville
As Nashville continues to grow, so does the number of people walking throughout the city. Busy entertainment districts, residential developments, and increased tourism have all contributed to more pedestrian traffic. Unfortunately, that increase in foot traffic has also led to more opportunities for serious pedestrian accidents.
Many of the same issues that contribute to crosswalk accidents also affect other roadway users. Nashville's growing use of electric scooters has created additional concerns involving collisions, roadway hazards, and injuries involving riders and pedestrians. If your accident involved a scooter rather than a passenger vehicle, our scooter accident page provides additional information about those types of claims.
Regardless of how the accident occurred, injured pedestrians often face an uphill battle when dealing with insurance companies that are focused on minimizing payouts.
What to Do After a Crosswalk Accident in Tennessee
The period immediately following a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially when injuries are involved. While every situation is different, several steps can help protect both your health and your potential claim.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Report the accident to law enforcement, follow through with recommended treatment, and keep records related to medical care and expenses. If possible, preserve photographs, witness information, and any other evidence connected to the crash.
It's also important to be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. Early statements can sometimes be used to challenge the extent of injuries or shift blame for the accident.
Talk With Aubrey Givens & Associates About Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Being hit by a car in a crosswalk can leave you dealing with physical injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty about what comes next. You shouldn't have to sort through those challenges on your own while an insurance company looks for ways to reduce what it pays.
At Aubrey Givens & Associates, PLLC, we help injury victims throughout Tennessee pursue compensation after serious accidents. If you were struck by a vehicle while crossing the street and have questions about your legal options, our team is here to help. Call Aubrey Givens & Associates, PLLC to discuss your case and learn how we may be able to help.
