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Pedestrian Accidents Continue to Plague Memphis, Tennessee and the Rest of the Country

A recent report in the Memphis Commercial Appeal served as a reminder that the roads are dangerous places for pedestrians across the United States, including in Memphis and other parts of Tennessee. According to the report, 14 pedestrians have been killed so far this year on Memphis’s roads. Those figures include six hit and run fatalities. This is indicative of a sobering trend that, as the roads become safer for motorists and the number of motorist fatalities caused in motor vehicle accidents is decreasing, pedestrian fatalities on America’s roadways continue to increase.

Cars Are Becoming Safer, But The Roads Are Becoming More Dangerous for Pedestrians

One of the most interesting points made in the article is that there has been a marked increase in the number of pedestrian deaths nationwide over the last 6-7 years. As the article notes, nearly 6000 pedestrian fatalities occurred nationwide in 2015. This reflected a 46 percent increase over 2009, which is particularly significant given that, prior to 2009, pedestrian fatalities had been decreasing every year since the 1980’s. This is in direct contrast to motorist fatalities in motor vehicle accidents, which have been steadily trending downward over the past 20 to 30 years as safety technology in motor vehicles has improved.

Tennessee Law Regarding Motorists Responsibilities When Pedestrians Are Present

Under Tennessee law, pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections and driveways. However, pedestrians must act responsibly, using pedestrian signals and sidewalks where they are available. In addition, under Tennessee law, every driver of a vehicle is required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway, and is required to give a pedestrian who is in a roadway warning by sounding the horn. Notwithstanding any speed limit or zone in effect at the time, or right-of-way rules that may be applicable, every driver of a vehicle is also required to exercise due care by operating his or her vehicle at a safe speed, by maintaining a safe lookout, by keeping his or her vehicle under proper control and by devoting full time and attention to operating the vehicle.

Contact the Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys of Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley if You Are a Pedestrian Who Has been Injured in Tennessee

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Tennessee, contact the experienced Tennessee personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley. We have represented numerous victims of pedestrian accidents in Tennessee and their families from our offices conveniently located in both Memphis and Chattanooga. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Tennessee, our experienced Tennessee personal injury attorneys are available to speak with you at 901.313.3411 or contact@schwedlawfirm.com today. The consultation is free and our attorneys are here to help you understand your legal rights associated with injuries suffered in a pedestrian accident in Tennessee.