Skip to content
Tennessee Pedestrian Laws & Right-of-Way
What are Tennessee’s pedestrian laws?
In Tennessee, pedestrians have several rights. These include:
- Pedestrians can utilize any non-access-controlled road. Access-controlled roads include interstates and some highways.
- Pedestrians proceeding on a Walk signal have the right-of-way. At crosswalks without operating traffic signals, drivers must yield as required by Tennessee law.
- Pedestrians can cross Tennessee roads unless it is restricted.
- Pedestrians must yield to drivers on roads when crossing outside of crosswalks.
Drivers must also be aware of and follow pedestrian laws when behind the wheel.
What are Tennessee’s driver laws?
Drivers have a duty to protect other drivers and pedestrians when behind the wheel. The laws regarding drivers include:
- Drivers must exercise caution and avoid crashes with other drivers and pedestrians.
- Drivers must operate vehicles at safe speeds.
- Drivers must remain in control of the vehicle.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Drivers must stop for pedestrians crossing within marked crosswalks or at intersections with no marked crosswalk in marked school zones when warning flashers are operating.
- Drivers should remain distraction-free when operating vehicles.
- Drivers cannot overtake and pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross.
- Drivers should not use mobile devices when operating a vehicle in accordance with Tennessee’s hands-free law.
Drivers are expected to share the roadways with pedestrians. Even with the pedestrian laws in place, accidents still happen. And some instances of fault are difficult to prove or are challenged. Anyone involved in a pedestrian accident should speak to a lawyer about their options.
Common injuries in pedestrian-vehicle accidents
Pedestrian-vehicle accidents can cause severe injuries to the pedestrian. Some of the most common ones include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
TBIs are extremely common injuries after a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle. People can hit their heads on the pavement, the vehicle, or other things in the area. TBIs can cause long-term issues with memory, concentration, speech, and overall function.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also common injuries pedestrians may suffer. They can be permanent and life-altering, changing a person’s whole trajectory. These injuries can affect a person’s life in every way.
Broken bones
Broken bones are another common injury. Pedestrians struck by vehicles may suffer from one or more broken bones that could take months to recover from if severe enough.
Internal damage
Traumatic forces may cause internal damage. This could be internal bleeding or significant damage to organs. Internal injuries may need surgery to heal.
Tennessee pedestrian law FAQs
Many people have similar questions about Tennessee pedestrian laws. We have answered the most common ones below:
How do accidents in crosswalks work?
Crosswalk accidents can be complicated. There are many factors involved that can impact a claim. Distracted driving, speeding, and other issues may cause accidents that otherwise would not have happened. It is important to investigate crosswalk accidents and gather all the relevant evidence. If you need help, we highly recommend speaking with an experienced lawyer.
Is the driver automatically at fault if I had the right-of-way as a pedestrian?
No. In all personal injury cases, the claimant must prove fault through evidence. Having the right-of-way does not automatically establish fault. An experienced lawyer helps their clients navigate these nuances to build a strong case.
How much is my case worth?
It is impossible to value a case without knowing the details of the accident. If you are wondering about possible compensation for your case, speak to an attorney. Compensation is not guaranteed for any case, but we generally fight for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional anguish
An experienced attorney can help you understand what compensation may be possible for your case. Please contact us today to request a free appointment.
What if the insurance company blames me for the accident?
Insurance companies often focus on saving money and may try to place blame where it is not warranted. In Tennessee, a person who is less than 50% at fault may still recover damages, reduced by their percentage of fault. In these situations, evidence is critical to prove fault. The team at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers has experience helping clients with these types of questions. We may be able to help you, so please contact us today to request a free case review.
Do I really need a lawyer for my claim?
It depends on the circumstances of the case. Many people benefit from a dedicated lawyer by their side, but some cases do not need them. It is impossible to say yes or no without knowing the details. We encourage you to speak to a lawyer to understand whether they can help with your situation.
How can an attorney help with my case?
Pedestrian accident lawyers help their clients in many ways. They not only investigate and strengthen your case, but also provide legal support. A dedicated lawyer can make all the difference when someone is going through the legal process after an accident. If you are curious whether a lawyer can help you, we recommend you speak to a personal injury lawyer about your situation.
Call Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers today for a free case review
Pedestrian laws in Tennessee may seem confusing when it comes to accidents. Many people struggle to heal from injuries and navigate the never-ending insurance nightmare associated with claims. The good news is victims do not have to go through the legal process alone.
At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, we offer free case reviews to understand your situation better. This allows us to offer personalized legal recommendations. We would love to talk to you about your situation. Please contact us today to get started.