A Nashville Pedestrian Accident Attorney Discusses the Problem
Nashville is on track to set a terrible record - the most pedestrian deaths recorded in the city in a single year.
It's only March, but as of this writing, six people on bicycles or out walking have been killed in city traffic accidents.
The high number of fatal pedestrian accidents has local advocates calling on the mayor to improve street safety. Walk Bike Nashville (WBN) is taking a leading role in the push for things like additional lighting, crosswalks, and protection for bike lanes.
"Those things can all have a really big impact on safety for everyone using the road," Lindsey Ganson, WBN's communications director, told News Channel 5. "They don’t cost a lot, and don’t take a lot of time."
In a statement, the mayor noted Nashville has invested $20 million in improvements and signed on to Vision Zero (a national project to eliminate pedestrian crashes) in May. Metro is in the midst of implementing traffic calming projects in 50 neighborhoods.
Metro Nashville's most dangerous streets
Not all Nashville roadways are dangerous for pedestrians. WBN estimates that there are just seven roads that account for about half of all fatal pedestrian crashes.
Pedestrian accidents often occur when a driver is backing up or making a turn and fails to yield or stop for a pedestrian. Over the past five years or so, the following Metro Nashville streets have experienced multiple fatal bicycle and pedestrian accidents:
- Lafayette Street.
- W Trinity Lane.
- Broadway.
- Church Street.
- Dickinson Pike and Gallatin Pike (US-31).
- Old Hickory Boulevard (Highway 45).
- Rosa L. Parks Boulevard (Highway 12).
- I-24 (between Woodland Street and Shelby Avenue).
Pedestrian crash factors
No one can predict exactly when a crash involving a pedestrian or cyclist is going to happen. We do, however, know a lot about factors that are most likely to contribute to or raise the risk of an accident. There are five types of factors researchers have identified as contributing to pedestrian crashes: driver, vehicle, roadway/environmental, demographic/social/policy, pedestrian.
Top factors include:
- Distracted drivers.
- Speeding.
- Alcohol and drug impairment.
- Driver experience (younger and new drivers pose a higher risk).
- Large trucks.
- Roadway design.
- Age of pedestrian (the very young and very old are most likely to be hit while walking).
Reducing accident risk
With regard to a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian accident, the vehicle's speed largely determines how severe the person's injuries will be. Typically, the faster a car is moving, the worse the injuries for crash victims. This is why "reducing vehicle speed" tops most lists of ways to reduce crash risk. Slower speeds reduce the severity of injuries and give drivers and pedestrians more time to notice each other so they can make adjustments.
Other proposed countermeasures proposed by the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration include pedestrian safety zones, enhanced visibility improvements, and targeted traffic enforcement.
Talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Nashville today
When pedestrians and cyclists are injured due to the negligence of others, it is important that the victims are fully compensated for their damages. If money is left on the table, crash victims can end up paying expensive medical bills and other expenses out of pocket.
That's why if you were injured after getting hit by a car, you need to talk to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who can determine the true cost of your injuries and advocate for the financial compensation you deserve.
At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, Inc., we proudly fight for the rights of crash victims in the Metro Nashville area. We put in the work to get the best possible results for our clients because we know that's what it takes to win tough cases.
Discover what our law firm can do for you by scheduling a free case evaluation. There are no obligations, everything you tell us will remain confidential, and you pay no fees unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Nashville pedestrian accident attorney.