Goodlettsville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Our law firm has decades of experience building strong cases and getting results
Walking in Goodlettsville should be safe, but one reckless driver can change everything. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, you need a lawyer who understands what you’re going through and knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve. For 25 years, the Law Office of Eric Beasley has helped injured pedestrians recover from the financial and emotional toll of these accidents. Whether you were hit in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or along the road, we’re here to listen and take action.
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, and insurance companies don’t make the process easy. They may downplay your injuries, place the blame on you, or push for a low settlement. That’s where we come in. Some of our most notable pedestrian accident case results include:
- $2.5 million – Recovery for wrongful death in a pedestrian accident caused by an impaired driver, exceeding state tort limits.
- $450,000 – Settlement for a pedestrian wrongful death involving a food delivery vehicle.
- $250,000 – Policy limits settlement for internal injuries after a pedestrian was struck by a drunk driver.
- $100,000 – Policy limits settlement for a knee injury from a parking lot pedestrian accident.
Our legal team knows how to build strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable. We know the strategies insurers use, and we won’t let them dictate what you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a dedicated Goodlettsville pedestrian accident lawyer. Let’s discuss your case, answer your questions, and start the fight for justice together.
“This team is like family. They remember you and work to give you the results you are striving for. My case took a little less then one year to complete and settle and I’m happy for the results. I was repaid all of my medical bills and I feel whole thank you for caring so much for myself and my mother Schuyler. You were there since the very first day. Thank you Donna for always answering my questions and keeping up on my receipts that I sent In. Thank you God Bless!!!!!” – Chung D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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FAQs About Goodlettsville Pedestrian Accidents
We’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pedestrian accidents:
- What are the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Goodlettsville?
- What rights do pedestrians have under Tennessee law?
- What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
- How do I prove that a driver was at fault for my injuries?
- What types of compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
- Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
- How long do I have to file a claim for a pedestrian accident in Tennessee?
- Will my pedestrian accident case go to court, or can it be settled out of court?
- Can I file a claim if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
- What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
- How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in Goodlettsville?
- What if the driver who hit me is uninsured?
- What if a pedestrian accident involves a rideshare driver like Uber or Lyft?
- How long does it typically take to resolve a pedestrian accident claim?
What are the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Goodlettsville?
Pedestrian accidents in Goodlettsville often happen because of driver negligence and failure to obey traffic laws. Speeding is a leading factor, as drivers going too fast have less time to stop for pedestrians. Distracted driving often leaves drivers unaware of people crossing streets or walking near roadways. Drunk or impaired driving increases the risk of pedestrian accidents because it impacts reaction time and judgment.
Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections is another common cause. Many drivers don’t pay attention to pedestrians’ right-of-way, especially in busy areas or poorly marked crossings. Additionally, pedestrian accidents can occur when vehicles back up without checking for pedestrians in parking lots or driveways.
What rights do pedestrians have under Tennessee law?
In Tennessee, pedestrians have specific rights designed to protect them while sharing the road with vehicles. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. If there are traffic signals, pedestrians have the right to cross when the signal indicates it is safe to do so. Drivers are also required to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks until they have safely crossed the lane the vehicle occupies.
Pedestrians also have the right to use sidewalks and other designated walking areas without interference from vehicles. In areas without sidewalks, pedestrians have the right to walk along the road’s shoulder, facing oncoming traffic for better visibility. Tennessee law expects drivers to exercise caution and avoid actions that could harm pedestrians, even if the pedestrian is outside a crosswalk or jaywalking.
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, prioritize your safety and health. First, move to a safe location if you can, away from traffic, and call 911 to report the pedestrian accident and request emergency medical help.
While waiting for emergency responders and police to arrive, gather as much information as possible. Take photos of the crash scene, including your injuries, the vehicle involved, license plates, and any traffic signs or signals. Get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information too, so they can later provide supporting statements.
Avoid discussing fault or apologizing at the accident scene, as this could negatively impact your claim later. Once you’ve addressed immediate concerns, contact a skilled Goodlettsville pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can help you understand your rights and guide you through the steps to protect your claim.
How do I prove that a driver was at fault for my injuries?
To prove a driver was at fault for your pedestrian accident injuries, you need to establish that they acted negligently and that their actions directly caused the crash. You’ll need to show that the driver breached their duty to operate their vehicle safely, and that this breach of duty led to your injuries and damages. This could include evidence of speeding, running a red light, failing to yield at a crosswalk, or driving while distracted or impaired.
Collecting and preserving evidence is key to the success of your case:
- Witness statements can help confirm what happened and corroborate your account of your pedestrian accident.
- Surveillance footage, traffic camera videos, or dashcam recordings may capture the collision or the events leading up to it.
- Photographs of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries can also help build your case.
- Police reports document the officer’s observations and may note violations committed by the driver.
- Medical records help link your injury to the pedestrian accident you were involved in.
An attorney at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can use this evidence and more key facts to strengthen your case and fight to maximize your compensation.
What types of compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
After a pedestrian accident, you may recover compensation for economic damages such as:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost income: This includes lost wages from missed work, along with diminished earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your job.
- Property damage: If any of your personal property was damaged or lost in a pedestrian accident, you can be reimbursed for the cost of repair or replacement.
You may also be eligible for non-economic damages that address the physical and emotional toll of your pedestrian accident. These can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases, disfigurement or permanent disability. If your pedestrian accident significantly disrupts your personal relationships, you may also recover damages for loss of consortium.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still be eligible for compensation if you were partially at fault for a pedestrian accident in Tennessee. The state follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you remain eligible to recover damages as long as your fault is 49% or less. If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover compensation.
For example, you’re found 10% at fault for crossing outside of a designated crosswalk, and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would still be entitled to recover $90,000.
Fault percentages are often disputed, which is why it’s important to have a lawyer advocate for your side. Insurance companies often try to assign greater fault and may try to use Tennessee’s comparative negligence rule to reduce your compensation.
Building a strong case with indisputable evidence can help minimize your share of the blame. Even if you think you may be partially responsible, one of our attorneys can evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a claim for a pedestrian accident in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you generally have one year from the date of the pedestrian accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts, regardless of the strength of your case.
Acting quickly after a pedestrian accident is important, to meet the legal deadline and build a strong case. Waiting too long can make it harder to collect witness statements, obtain crash scene photos, or obtain video footage. Contacting a Goodlettsville pedestrian accident lawyer soon after the crash allows you to protect your rights and ensure that your claim is filed on time.
Will my pedestrian accident case go to court, or can it be settled out of court?
Most pedestrian accident cases settle out of court through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Settling can save time, money, and stress while allowing you to recover fair compensation. However, if the insurance company disputes liability, downplays your injuries, or offers too little, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to seek full compensation.
A lawsuit often prompts better negotiations. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present evidence to prove the driver’s negligence and how your pedestrian accident affected your life. While trials take longer and carry some risks, they may be the best option if settlement offers fall short. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can help you weigh your options and fight for the best outcome, whether through settlement or court.
Can I file a claim if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
You can still file a claim if a hit-and-run driver flees the scene. If the driver is identified, you may be able to seek damages from their insurance company. However, if the driver isn’t found, you can seek compensation through your own insurance policy.
If you have auto insurance in Tennessee, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is automatically offered to all drivers unless waived in writing. It applies to hit-and-run accidents, even those involving pedestrians.
UM coverage can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. An experienced attorney at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can help you explore your options for seeking compensation, even if you can’t pursue damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance provider.
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
If an insurance company offers you a settlement after a pedestrian accident, approach it with caution. It may be tempting to accept a quick payout, especially if you’re in desperate need of money. However, initial settlement offers are often much lower than what you may actually deserve.
Insurance companies often try to settle pedestrian accident claims quickly and reduce their financial liability. This can leave you without the resources needed to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Once you accept a settlement, you won’t be able to seek additional compensation.
Before accepting any offer, review it thoroughly with an attorney. One of our lawyers can evaluate whether the settlement reflects the true value of your claim. If the offer falls short, we can negotiate on your behalf to seek a fairer amount.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in Goodlettsville?
Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer in Goodlettsville costs nothing upfront. The Law Office of Eric Beasley works on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we recover full compensation for you. If your case is successful, the lawyer’s fee is usually a percentage of your settlement or court award. This fee structure allows you to access legal representation without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.
What if the driver who hit me is uninsured?
Pedestrian accidents are typically covered under UM coverage in Tennessee. If you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance, UM coverage can step in to help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
In order to use this coverage, you must have an auto insurance policy and must have opted for UM. If you have auto insurance, you likely already have UM coverage, unless you specifically rejected it in writing.
What if a pedestrian accident involves a rideshare driver like Uber or Lyft?
If a rideshare driver hits you, your compensation options depend on whether the driver was using the app during the pedestrian accident. If they were logged in and waiting for a ride, on the way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may apply. If the driver wasn’t using the app, their personal auto insurance becomes the primary coverage.
In some situations, both the rideshare company’s policy and the driver’s personal insurance might be involved. A Goodlettsville lawyer at the Law Office of Eric Beasley can assess the details, identify the applicable coverage, and negotiate for the compensation you deserve, whether the driver was on duty or off.
How long does it typically take to resolve a pedestrian accident claim?
The timeline for resolving a pedestrian accident claim varies based on the case’s details. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in a few months, while cases involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties can take a year or longer.
Several factors affect the timeline. Your medical recovery is key. It’s best to wait until reaching maximum medical improvement before settling to account for all medical expenses.
Negotiations with insurance companies can also add time, especially if initial offers are low or liability is denied. If a settlement isn’t possible and the case goes to court, additional time will be needed for discovery, court schedules, and a potential trial.
An experienced Goodlettsville pedestrian accident lawyer can help move the process along by managing negotiations, gathering evidence, and keeping everything on track. While waiting for a resolution can be frustrating, a careful and thorough approach often results in a stronger outcome for your claim.
A Goodlettsville lawyer can help if you were injured in a pedestrian accident
When you handle a pedestrian accident claim alone, you’re up against insurance companies that intend to keep their costs down, even at your expense. If you let them take advantage of your situation, they dictate the outcome of your case. Hiring a Goodlettsville lawyer after a pedestrian accident allows you to fight back against the insurance companies and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
The Law Office of Eric Beasley knows what it takes to get the best possible outcome for your case. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your case with an experienced attorney, contact us online or call our Goodlettsville law office for a free consultation.