When most people think about traffic accidents, they think about collisions between motor vehicles. However, it is estimated that a pedestrian dies every two hours in the United States in a crash related accident. During 2013, 150,000 pedestrians were treated for injuries resulting from traffic crashes and 4,735 pedestrians lost their lives. In fact, pedestrians are about one and half times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident compared to those in passenger vehicles.
Pedestrian deaths have increased significantly in Tennessee since 2012. According to data from the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, 68 pedestrians died in Tennessee traffic accidents in 2012. That number has increased each year, reaching 108 pedestrian deaths in 2015. The increase in pedestrian deaths can be attributed to several factors, including but not limited to:
- A higher number of distracted drivers on our roads;
- More people choosing to walk for health, economic, and social reasons; and,
- More vehicles using the roads every day due to a better economy, lower unemployment rates, and lower gas prices.
Have you been injured in a Knoxville pedestrian accident?
If so, our Knoxville pedestrian accident lawyers can help. You and your family should not be forced to bear the financial burden of a pedestrian accident caused by a distracted, reckless, or negligent driver. Contact Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC by calling 865-292-2307 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Knoxville personal injury attorneys.
Why Are Pedestrians More Susceptible To Traumatic Injuries In A Crash?
Pedestrians are at a higher risk of death and serious injury in a traffic accident for the same reason motorcyclists and bicyclists are at an increased risk — lack of protection.
Occupants of a passenger vehicle are protected by the vehicle in a collision. The vehicle takes the majority of the impact; however, a pedestrian receives the full impact of a collision. There is nothing to protect the pedestrian from the force of the impact; therefore, the injuries in a pedestrian accident tend to be catastrophic or deadly.
Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include brain injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis, internal bleeding, broken bones, and fractures. Even low-impact pedestrian accidents can result in injuries that leave the victim with permanent disabilities. A careless or distracted driver can turn your world upside down in a matter of seconds leaving you with substantial damages.
What Damages Are Available In A Pedestrian Accident?
When you are injured as a pedestrian, you suffer great physical pain and emotional stress. However, you also suffer substantial financial hardships due to medical bills and lost wages. The cost of a pedestrian accident can quickly add into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if the injuries result in permanent disabilities.
In most pedestrian accidents, the victim, and/or the victim’s family, is entitled to receive compensation for:
- Past, present, and future lost wages, including the loss of earning capacity
- Past, present, and future medical expenses, including compensation for long-term medical care and personal care
- Cremation, funeral, and/or burial expenses
- Loss of love, support, guidance, and companionship, in the event of a death
- Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Travel expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
A monetary award cannot undo the damage caused by a reckless or negligent driver, but it can provide the financial support you need to take care of you and your family’s needs. You should not bear the financial burden caused by a pedestrian accident. You deserve to receive compensation for your losses, injuries, and damages.
How Can A Knoxville Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help Me?
A pedestrian accident attorney can provide the support, guidance, and trusted legal counsel you need after a pedestrian accident. Most individuals have no experience handling an accident claim. Dealing with insurance adjusters while you are trying to recuperate can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. Your first priority is your health and the well-being of your family.
In addition to protecting your legal right to receive full compensation from the driver who caused your injuries, a personal injury attorney handles the insurance adjuster and others so that you can focus on your recovery. Furthermore, your attorney conducts an independent, thorough accident investigation to identify and preserve key evidence to prove the driver is at fault for the accident. This is essential in order to receive compensation in a pedestrian accident case.
Do not let an insurance adjuster convince you that you do not need a Knoxville pedestrian accident attorney. The insurance company prefers you do not hire an attorney because that is in their best interest. Do what is in your best interest — call our office for a free legal consultation today.
A Trusted Knoxville Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Contact Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC by calling 865-292-2307 or by visiting our website to schedule a free consultation with a Knoxville accident lawyer.
