As a pedestrian, you expect drivers to watch where they are going and follow the rules of the road at all times. Unfortunately, for various reasons, not all drivers take safety precautions, which can lead to accidents. If you need a Cordova pedestrian accident lawyer after a recent incident, the Law Office of David E. Gordon is here to help.
Deal with the shock of the accident by taking action with a Board-certified personal injury attorney. Depending on the cause of the crash, you could be entitled to damages that pay for ongoing medical care and lost wages if you cannot work for a significant length of time.
Why Are Pedestrian Injuries More Severe?
Car accidents involving pedestrians can have serious consequences because the individual has nothing to protect them, like a metal car frame or even a helmet. The resulting injuries can take months to heal or require medical attention for the rest of the person’s life. Some of the most common injuries pedestrians experience include:
- Bruises, lacerations, and burns
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Loss of limbs
- Head trauma/brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
If possible, pedestrians should photograph their injuries or have a bystander capture images. If neither of these actions is feasible, then a local pedestrian collision lawyer can acquire the medical records that detail the injuries.
Can a Pedestrian Claim Damages Even if They Were Partially to Blame?
The Tennessee Department of Transportation requires pedestrians to follow traffic signals and avoid entering roadways with active drivers. While individuals on foot can contribute to collisions with vehicles in certain ways, such as walking into the street while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can still claim damages.
Tennessee uses modified comparative negligence laws to assign blame in personal injury cases, meaning an individual who is mostly to blame for a car accident receives an adjusted damage payout. For example, if the person is found 75 percent responsible for an accident, the damages they request from the court will be reduced by that percentage. Other states rely on strict comparative negligence laws that allow compensation only when the plaintiff is less than 50 percent responsible for the incident. A Cordova pedestrian injury attorney can help an injured client determine how responsible they are for an accident and fight for as much of the damages award as possible.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in Tennessee
According to Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-3-104, pedestrians and all others who were hit by a car must file claims against the appropriate parties within one year. Property damage claims must get filed within three years as per Tenn. Code. Ann. § 28-3-105. If the accident resulted in fatalities, family members can file wrongful death claims. In such instances, the filing takes place within one year of the person’s death.
Those who file beyond the statute deadlines generally see their cases thrown out. Working with an experienced legal professional like David is important because he can ensure all appropriate documents are filed on time.
Take Legal Action with a Cordova Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Speak with the Law Office of David E. Gordon at your earliest convenience if you were struck by a vehicle and sustained serious injuries. One of our esteemed attorneys can go over the case specifics with you and gather all evidence in order to strengthen your legal claim. Reach out to a Cordova pedestrian accident lawyer today to take the first step in recouping damages for your injuries and other losses.
