Deadly Bus Crash Exposes Nashville’s Ongoing Pedestrian Crisis
When you’ve lived in Nashville long enough, you learn the rhythms of its roads — the morning congestion on I-24, the busy intersections and dangerous turn lanes along Trinity Lane, the overlooked crosswalks scattered across North Nashville. But nothing can prepare a community for the shock of a fatal pedestrian crash, especially when it involves a public transit bus and a neighborhood already pleading for change.
On October 3, 2025, a WeGo bus struck two pedestrians near the intersection of Dickerson Pike and Ewing Drive, killing a 64-year-old woman and injuring another person. The tragedy has renewed longstanding concerns about pedestrian safety along that stretch of road, where residents have long described traffic as aggressive, fast, and dangerous.
A Community Left Grieving and Demanding Change
Metro Police confirmed that the crash occurred while the pedestrians were crossing the road. The driver of the WeGo bus reportedly attempted to avoid the collision, and there was no initial sign of impairment. Still, the impact has rippled through the community.
Ben Hubert, a nearby resident, told WSMV that “this tragic accident really shows that there is a lot more that needs to be done to make this part of town safe for our senior citizens, for our kids and for us.” His statement echoes a sentiment that’s been building for years in areas like Ewing Drive, where pedestrian infrastructure often falls short of the needs of residents.
Dickerson Pike Has a History of Crashes
This isn’t the first time safety along Dickerson Pike has come under scrutiny. The Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) had already reduced speed limits in the area by 5 mph following previous crashes. But residents like Steven Hamblen say it’s not enough.
“People use this as a cross to get to the other side, and they’re speeding. The speed limit has not changed anything,” Hamblen told WSMV.
NDOT has promised to add more signage, traffic posts, and raised pavement markers this fall. But for the families of the victims and the thousands of Nashvillians who walk these streets every day, the question remains: why did it take another fatal crash to spark these upgrades?
When Public Transit Collides With Pedestrian Risk
WeGo buses are meant to connect neighborhoods and reduce congestion, but they also carry significant responsibility. A bus driver must operate a large vehicle through tight corridors, busy intersections, and residential areas filled with pedestrians. One mistake or one poorly timed crossing can have catastrophic consequences.
In this case, the fatal crash is being investigated by NDOT to determine whether further safety improvements are needed. It’s unclear whether any charges will be filed against the driver.
But from a legal perspective, fault in pedestrian crashes isn’t always straightforward. Investigators must consider:
- Whether the crosswalk was marked or visible
- Whether lighting, signage, or visibility played a role
- How fast the driver was going and whether they had time to stop
- Whether NDOT or the city failed to provide safe pedestrian infrastructure
These details matter, especially when families are seeking justice after the loss of a loved one. Proving negligence, whether it’s by the driver, the transit agency, or the municipality, requires a careful, fact-based investigation.
Demanding Accountability After a Pedestrian Accident
When someone is killed in a pedestrian crash involving a city bus, legal responsibility can fall on multiple parties. It’s not just about whether the driver made a mistake. It’s also about whether the driver was properly trained, whether the agency followed safety protocols, and whether the city did enough to prevent such crashes through road design and maintenance.
Attorney Eric Beasley knows how to hold negligent parties accountable. For more than 25 years, he’s taken on tough cases — including fatal crashes that other lawyers were hesitant to pursue. He understands how to gather the facts, preserve evidence, and fight for grieving families who deserve answers.
In cases like this one, time is critical. Bus surveillance footage, witness accounts, and crash scene evidence need to be collected before they’re lost or destroyed. These pieces can help build a strong wrongful death claim and prevent other families from suffering the same tragic fate.
We Don’t Just Handle Cases — We Stand With Families
At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we’ve built our reputation on being the firm that doesn’t back down. We don’t chase headlines or easy wins. We take on the tough fights — the ones that matter most to our community.
When a pedestrian is hit and killed in a crash like this, it’s more than a news story. It’s a family torn apart. It’s a city forced to confront the flaws in its infrastructure. And it’s a legal system that sometimes overlooks the needs of those who walk instead of drive.
If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a pedestrian crash involving someone else's negligence, we can help you seek justice. We understand the laws. We know the insurance tactics. And we’re ready to stand by your side and fight for what’s right. To see how we can help you, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
"The Law Office of Eric Beasly did a wonderful job for my accident case, and they got way more than was expected. ...I would recommend him to anyone that has any kind of an accident insurance case; I am more than pleased, and that is an understatement." — Carol L., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐