Walking can be an excellent source of exercise and an efficient way to get to work or run errands. Many people will be required to cross the street or walk along the shoulder of the road to get where they are going, which opens them up to danger. The simple fact is that all drivers assume a duty to protect pedestrians whenever they are behind the wheel. If they fail to provide this protection and cause a collision, they are liable for all resulting harm.
A Bartlett pedestrian accident lawyer can help you collect compensation for your losses resulting from one of these collisions. David E. Gordon, a Board-certified personal injury attorney, can provide assistance in obtaining evidence concerning the incident, helping you understand the relevant laws, and making it clear to an insurance company that their driver was to blame for your losses.
Laws that Require Drivers to Protect Pedestrians
In general, every driver must do everything in their power to protect others they may encounter while behind the wheel. This extends to people traveling on foot. Motor vehicles are dangerous machines, and the law places a burden on motorists to use them responsibly.
More specifically, some state laws govern the interactions between drivers and pedestrians. According to Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-134, pedestrians retain the right of way when using a crosswalk to enter a roadway. Drivers must slow down or stop to avoid people who are already in the road. Violating this law can be a clear indicator of fault for a collision. A Bartlett pedestrian accident attorney could fully investigate any incident to collect the information needed to build a strong case against negligent drivers.
Seeking Fair Compensation for the Victims of Pedestrian Accidents
There is no doubt that a collision between a person and a motor vehicle can result in severe harm. Even at low speeds, cars can impart thousands of pounds of force directly into a person’s body. At minimum, a person could fall to the ground and suffer severe bruising, lacerations, or a concussion. Crashes at higher velocities can break bones, separate joints, or see a person become crushed between vehicles.
Every pedestrian injury case that results from a driver’s negligence will demand payments to cover the costs of all necessary medical care, including an ambulance ride, emergency surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.
However, most people find that their experiences after an accident stretch beyond their physical injuries. It is possible that a person experiences emotional trauma in the form of nightmares, PTSD, or flashbacks. This reduction in their overall quality of life is another potential source of compensation.
Finally, if an injury keeps a person out of work, they may seek reimbursement for lost wages. This can apply to both temporary absences and incidents that have resulted in a permanent disability. A Bartlett pedestrian accident lawyer works to understand how their client’s life has changed because of an incident and makes a case for appropriate compensation.
Let a Bartlett Pedestrian Accident Attorney Fight for Your Legal Rights
A collision with a moving vehicle has the potential to change every part of your life. You may accumulate significant medical bills and need to take time off work to make your best recovery. At the same time, you may be dealing with substantial emotional trauma that reduces your ability to spend time with loved ones.
Whenever a driver was responsible for an incident that resulted in your losses, you deserve financial payments to set things right. A Bartlett pedestrian accident lawyer from the Law Office of David E. Gordon will stand by your side as you seek fair payments from the at-fault driver and their insurance company. Give us a call now to set up an appointment.
