Injured While Walking? Get a Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Who Fights to Win.
Straight talk. Hard work. Real results for pedestrian injury victims in Middle Tennessee.
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the consequences are often devastating – and too often, the injured person is left struggling while the driver faces few consequences. These crashes happen in crosswalks, parking lots, and on streets in the Gulch and other neighborhoods – the kinds of places where people should feel safe. In Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee, pedestrian accidents are usually the result of driver inattention or carelessness, not anything the victim did wrong. And yet, insurance companies still try to shift blame or downplay the harm. Victims and their families deserve better – and they deserve full compensation for everything they’ve lost.
Eric Beasley is a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer with more than 25 years of experience standing up for injured Tennesseans. Born and raised in Goodlettsville, he’s practiced law his entire career in Tennessee – and that matters. He knows the local roads, the court system, the insurance companies, and the people they try to push around. Pedestrian injury cases might seem straightforward, but they rarely are.
Getting results takes hard work, legal skill, and someone who understands how things work in this part of the state. If you or someone you love was hit by a car, contact the Law Office of Eric Beasley for a free case evaluation.
“If I would refer anyone – it would be Eric! He takes the time to listen, understand, and truly cares when it comes to helping his clients!” – Brandon, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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FAQ About Nashville Pedestrian Accidents
Getting the right information after a pedestrian accident matters. Get it from a trusted source, the Law Office of Eric Beasley.
- What should I do if I was hit by a car while walking in Nashville or another Middle Tennessee community?
- Can I file a pedestrian accident claim if I was crossing outside a crosswalk?
- Who is legally responsible when a pedestrian is hit in a marked crosswalk in Tennessee?
- How do pedestrian accident claims work if the driver fled the scene or was uninsured?
- What types of damages can injured pedestrians recover under Tennessee law?
- Are pedestrian accident injuries usually considered the driver’s fault in Middle Tennessee?
- How long do I have to file a pedestrian injury lawsuit in Tennessee?
- What evidence helps prove fault in a pedestrian accident claim in Nashville?
- How do insurance companies try to reduce or deny claims after pedestrian crashes?
- My loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident – can our family file a wrongful death lawsuit?
- What if the driver says they “didn’t see” the pedestrian – does that still count as negligence?
- How do road design, lighting, or speed limits affect liability in a Tennessee pedestrian accident?
- Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
- What makes pedestrian accident claims in cities like Nashville more complicated than other personal injury cases?
- Why should I hire a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer instead of handling the claim myself?
What should I do if I was hit by a car while walking in Nashville or another Middle Tennessee community?
Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident can protect both your health and your legal options. Even if you're in shock or unsure how badly you're hurt, it’s important to document the incident and preserve evidence early – before it disappears. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 immediately: Request medical help and make sure a police report is filed.
- Seek medical attention promptly: Some serious injuries – including head trauma – don’t show symptoms right away.
- Gather information: Get the driver’s name, insurance details, license plate, and contact information.
- Take photos and video: Document the accident scene, vehicle position, your injuries, and anything that might have contributed to the crash (such as poor lighting or a blocked crosswalk).
- Get witness contact info: If anyone saw what happened, their statement could help prove liability.
- Avoid giving a statement to insurers: Insurance companies may try to use your words against you before you know the full extent of your injuries. Don’t talk to them.
- Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer: Having legal guidance from the beginning ensures your rights are protected and nothing is overlooked. Contact the Law Office of Eric Beasley for a free case evaluation if you were hit by a car and injured.
Even if the situation seems straightforward, it’s easy for victims to be taken advantage of when they’re focused on recovery. A lawyer can deal with the insurance company and help you pursue full compensation from day one.
Can I file a pedestrian accident claim if I was crossing outside a crosswalk?
Yes – under Tennessee law, pedestrians may still have a valid claim even if they were not in a marked crosswalk. Drivers have a duty to exercise due care and avoid hitting people, particularly in urban areas like Broadway, Murfreesboro Road, or near Bicentennial Park where foot traffic is heavy. Liability depends on the circumstances, including speed, visibility, and driver behavior. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help determine whether you have a strong case for compensation.
Who is legally responsible when a pedestrian is hit in a marked crosswalk in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, drivers are required by law to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. When a pedestrian is hit in one of these zones, the driver is usually presumed to be at fault – but there are still factors that must be carefully proven.
Responsibility in a marked crosswalk accident may fall on:
- The driver: Failing to yield, speeding, or being distracted are common reasons drivers are held liable.
- A third party: If a second vehicle blocked the view or forced the driver to swerve, that driver may share some blame.
- Local government or property owners: In rare cases, poor maintenance, broken signals, or a dangerously designed crosswalk may contribute to liability.
Tennessee law favors pedestrians in marked crosswalks, but proving fault still requires evidence and legal strategy. An experienced lawyer can make sure the facts are documented and the right parties are held accountable.
How do pedestrian accident claims work if the driver fled the scene or was uninsured?
Being hit by a driver who flees the scene or lacks insurance makes a bad situation worse. But you may still have legal options – especially if you carry the right type of insurance coverage or if police are able to identify the vehicle.
Here are some of the ways hit-and-run pedestrian accident claims are handled:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: If you or someone in your household has auto insurance with UM coverage, it may apply even though you were walking.
- Police investigation: Traffic cameras, witness accounts, and vehicle debris may help identify a hit-and-run driver.
- Civil claims against other parties: In some cases, road design, faulty signals, or a second driver’s negligence may contribute to the crash.
- Crime victims’ compensation fund: Tennessee provides limited compensation to victims of criminal acts like hit-and-runs, though it’s not a substitute for a lawsuit.
Hit-and-run and uninsured driver cases are legally complex. Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer ensures no potential source of recovery is missed.
What types of damages can injured pedestrians recover under Tennessee law?
Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses – not just medical bills. These damages (legal term for financial compensation) are meant to cover both economic and personal impacts of the injury, and they can add up quickly.
- Medical expenses: Hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and future treatment needs.
- Lost wages: Income you missed while recovering or attending medical appointments.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries impact your ability to work long-term.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma resulting from the accident.
- Disfigurement or permanent disability: Compensation for lasting physical changes or impairments.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to engage in hobbies, exercise, or daily activities you once enjoyed.
To get full and fair compensation, your claim must be thoroughly documented – and that’s much easier with help from an attorney who knows how to value and pursue every category of damages.
Are pedestrian accident injuries usually considered the driver’s fault in Middle Tennessee?
In many cases, yes – especially when the pedestrian was in a crosswalk, on the sidewalk, or in a parking lot. Common causes include speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield, particularly in congested areas like Charlotte Avenue or Old Hickory Boulevard. Tennessee drivers are expected to watch for pedestrians and avoid preventable harm. A lawyer can help gather evidence and establish fault under local traffic laws.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian injury lawsuit in Tennessee?
Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country: just one year from the date of the injury. That deadline applies whether the crash happened in downtown Nashville, a neighborhood in Madison, or outside a school in Smyrna. If you miss this deadline, you likely lose your right to sue – no matter how strong your case is. Speaking with a lawyer early helps ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
What evidence helps prove fault in a pedestrian accident claim in Nashville?
Proving fault is essential in any pedestrian accident case. Even if the driver admits responsibility at the scene, their insurance company may dispute the claim later. The right evidence can make all the difference. Key evidence includes:
- Police report: Documents statements, citations, and initial assessments of fault.
- Traffic and surveillance video: Footage from nearby businesses or city cameras may capture the moment of impact.
- Eyewitness testimony: Independent witnesses often carry significant weight in supporting the pedestrian’s account.
- Photos of the scene: Images showing skid marks, crosswalk lines, or street lighting conditions help reconstruct the crash.
- Medical records: These show the timing and extent of injuries, helping link them directly to the collision.
- Expert testimony: Accident reconstructionists or medical experts may be needed in contested cases.
An experienced Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to gather, preserve, and present this evidence effectively – often before it disappears.
How do insurance companies try to reduce or deny claims after pedestrian crashes?
Insurance companies are not on your side – even when the driver they insure is clearly at fault. Their goal is to limit payouts, and they have many tactics to do it. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid common traps.
Here are some of the ways they try to minimize claims:
- Blaming the pedestrian: They may argue you were distracted, jaywalking, or stepped into the street without warning.
- Disputing the severity of injuries: Even with serious injuries, insurers may claim your pain is exaggerated or pre-existing.
- Rushing you into a settlement: Quick offers often come before the full cost of treatment is clear.
- Requesting a recorded statement: These statements can be twisted and used to hurt your claim.
- Delaying the process: Some insurers stall, hoping financial pressure will make you accept less.
Legal representation prevents these tactics from working. A lawyer can deal directly with insurance companies, speak for you, manage communication, and make sure your claim is taken seriously.
My loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident – can our family file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Yes. Tennessee law allows close family members – such as a spouse, parent, or child – to file a wrongful death claim if someone is killed due to negligence. These cases often involve drivers who were speeding, distracted, or impaired, particularly on fast-moving roads like Broadway or 12th Avenue in Nashville. A wrongful death lawsuit can recover funeral costs, lost income, and the value of your family’s loss – and a lawyer can help guide your family through every step.
What if the driver says they “didn’t see” the pedestrian – does that still count as negligence?
Yes – claiming “I didn’t see them” is not a legal defense. Drivers are expected to be attentive and maintain a proper lookout, especially near crosswalks, bus stops, schools, and areas with heavy foot traffic like Gallatin Pike or Antioch Pike. Failing to see a pedestrian often means the driver wasn’t paying attention, which is negligence. A lawyer can hold them accountable and help prove their inattention caused the crash.
How do road design, lighting, or speed limits affect liability in a Tennessee pedestrian accident?
The conditions of the road often play a role in pedestrian crashes. This is common in cities like Nashville where traffic, development, and outdated infrastructure can create dangerous environments for people on foot.
Here’s how external factors can affect liability:
- Poor lighting: Dim or broken streetlights can reduce visibility and may shift some blame to the city or property owner.
- Lack of crosswalks or signals: If a pedestrian is forced to cross in a poorly designed area, liability may be shared.
- High-speed zones: Excessive speed limits near residential areas, schools, or parks can be challenged as unsafe.
- Blocked sightlines: Overgrown bushes, parked vehicles, or signage may hide pedestrians from view – increasing driver responsibility.
- Road construction or detours: Confusing layouts or missing sidewalks may shift fault beyond just the driver.
These elements may involve multiple parties – not just the driver. A lawyer familiar with local codes and roadway responsibility can help determine all sources of fault.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule – you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50 percent at fault. For example, if you stepped into the street outside a crosswalk but the driver was speeding on Harding Place or texting behind the wheel, liability may still fall primarily on them. However, your compensation could be reduced based on your share of fault. A lawyer can argue for a fair assessment and protect your right to recover compensation.
What makes pedestrian accident claims in cities like Nashville more complicated than other personal injury cases?
Nashville’s dense traffic, inconsistent pedestrian infrastructure, and mix of local and state roadways make these cases uniquely complex. Factors like poor lighting, missing crosswalks, and speeding on roads like West Trinity Lane or Dickerson Pike often contribute – and multiple parties, including government agencies, may share liability. Insurance companies also exploit these conditions to deny fault or blame the pedestrian. A local attorney who knows the area and how these cases are handled in Middle Tennessee courts can make all the difference.
Why should I hire a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer instead of handling the claim myself?
Pedestrian injury claims often seem clear – but insurance companies know how to complicate them. From blaming the victim to minimizing payouts, their strategies work best when you’re alone and overwhelmed. The right lawyer levels the playing field.
Here’s what an experienced Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer brings to the table:
- Knowledge of Tennessee law: Local statutes, fault rules, and municipal codes can all impact your case.
- Evidence collection: Attorneys know how to preserve key facts, obtain footage, and work with experts.
- Claim valuation: Many victims underestimate what their case is truly worth without legal guidance.
- Negotiation power: Insurance companies often offer more when they know your lawyer is ready to take them to court.
- No upfront costs: Our personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.
You only get one shot at a full recovery. Having the right lawyer on your side doesn’t just make the process easier – it can be the reason you walk away with the compensation you deserve.
Call a Nashville pedestrian accident attorney who fights to win
If you were hit by a car while walking in Nashville or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, you need more than just a good lawyer – you need one who knows the streets, knows the system, and knows how to win. Eric Beasley has built his reputation on straight talk, hard work, and real results. He’s been standing up to insurance companies for more than 25 years, and he’s not afraid to take on the tough cases – because that’s what it takes to get justice.
Contact the Law Office of Eric Beasley for a free case evaluation. You don’t pay anything unless we win – and when we take your case, we take it seriously.