How Crosswalk Rules Impact Your Injury Claim
Nashville attracts swarms of pedestrian traffic, and crosswalk accidents in the city are as dangerous as they are common. There are specific crosswalk rules in Nashville that can directly affect your personal injury claim, and having a better understanding of how these rules apply can help. If a negligent motorist causes you to be injured while you’re on foot, you need professional legal counsel backing you up. And our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Bednarz & Bednarz are in your corner.
Crosswalk Laws in Tennessee
Drivers throughout Tennessee are required to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Crosswalks in this context refer to every intersection, whether they are marked or not. When a pedestrian crosses the street from one side to the opposite side at the end of a sidewalk, they use a crosswalk.
Marked Crosswalks
Some crosswalks in Nashville are clearly marked with white lines or bricks, which indicate they are safe for pedestrians. Some marked crosswalks in Nashville, however, are not at intersections but are, instead, in the middle of specific blocks. These are called mid-block crosswalks, and they often have crossing signals to alert drivers to their presence.
Unmarked Crosswalks
Most crosswalks throughout Tennessee, including in Nashville, are unmarked. This does not, however, alter the fact that motorists must yield to pedestrians in them.
Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
As a pedestrian, you are not absolved of all responsibility when it comes to crossing the street. You’re required to obey all relevant traffic signs, lights, and signals. And you should never dart into traffic unexpectedly.
Crosswalk Rules
Ultimately, there are specific crosswalk rules that can directly affect how your pedestrian accident claim is resolved. Choosing the safest route when you cross the road on foot can work in your favor in terms of your safety and the strength of your claim.
For example, if you are struck while crossing the street in accordance with a green pedestrian signal, there is a strong likelihood that the driver who hit you will be held responsible. While crossing outside of a crosswalk is not against the law in Nashville, you must yield to traffic. This means that, if you’re injured in the process, you are more likely to bear fault.
Shared Fault
In Tennessee, you can seek compensation for your losses in a pedestrian accident even if you share some of the blame. If you didn’t carefully follow the state’s crosswalk rules or were distracted in the process of crossing the street, a percentage of fault can be assigned to you. As long as this amount is not more than 50 percent, you can seek compensation for the percentage of your losses that the driver is responsible for. And a resourceful pedestrian accident lawyer can help.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Nashville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
Our capable Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys at Bednarz & Bednarz have the experience and legal insight to help make a big difference in the outcome of your claim. Learn more by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 615-623-8789 today.
