Tennessee has many attractions that bring tourists. With this increase in visitors also comes a higher number of people walking around to view the sights. Unfortunately, driver negligence, poor visibility, road conditions, or simple distractions can result in collisions between autos and those on foot. After an accident, taking the appropriate actions is critical for preserving your safety as well as your opportunity to collect compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you were involved in an incident while walking, schedule an appointment with the Law Office of David E. Gordon to review your case and learn more about the necessary steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Memphis.
What to Do After Pedestrian Accidents
Wrecks involving cars and trucks that strike an individual on foot or while riding a bicycle can result in catastrophic injuries that significantly impact the injured person’s life. The essential steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Memphis that help increase the possibility of maximizing compensation awarded include:
- Remain at the scene of the accident
- Call 911 for help
- Seek medical care
- Call an attorney
- Exchange contact and insurance information with those involved in the collision
- Take photographs at the scene if possible
- Gather the name and number of all witnesses
- Call insurance providers to report the accident
- Follow the healthcare professional’s medical advice and recovery plan, including keeping all follow-up visits
The injured pedestrian should never leave the scene without calling for help or seeking medical treatment. In many pedestrian-related crashes, the individual on foot must go in the ambulance right away for emergency medical care. When they cannot take the steps needed, people with the injured party or others near the scene could help by completing the above steps.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way in Marked or Unmarked Crosswalks
Because of the significant rate of pedestrian accidents in Memphis, there are many regulations for those on foot and in vehicles to follow to lessen these incidents. According to the Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-134, motorists must stop and give the right-of-way to pedestrians, even when there are no traffic signals. When people on foot are crossing roadways, the driver must slow down and come to a complete stop when necessary.
If the driver is traveling in a school zone and the warning lights are flashing, the motorist must come to a complete stop when pedestrians are present. They can only legally proceed once all pedestrians cross and exit the road, even when there is no marked crosswalk.
Pedestrians must also adhere to safety regulations when crossing streets to avoid accidents and harm. It is unlawful for an individual to step off the curb into the road and path of approaching vehicles. David E. Gordon can answer questions about steps to take after a pedestrian crash in Memphis when the incident was caused by a pedestrian failing to follow traffic laws.
Meet With an Attorney to Learn About the Steps to Take After a Memphis Pedestrian Accident
Tennessee’s laws entitle you to pursue compensation for your losses when you sustain injuries in a collision with a negligent driver while traveling by foot. However, simple mistakes could mean losing eligibility to collect these damages. Because of this, it is essential to understand what steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Memphis.
After seeking medical care, contact the Law Office of David E. Gordon to begin reviewing the details of your incident and for critical advice on what to do next.
