Crosswalk Safety in Murfreesboro: Rights of Pedestrians Under Tennessee Law

In Tennessee, pedestrians have the legal right to use marked and unmarked crosswalks safely, and drivers must yield to them when they are lawfully crossing. Tennessee law places major responsibilities on drivers to slow down, stop, and avoid putting pedestrians at risk, particularly at intersections across Murfreesboro. However, pedestrians also have specific duties—such as obeying traffic signals and avoiding sudden entry into traffic—that impact how fault is evaluated in a pedestrian accident. 

Understanding these rights and responsibilities is essential for anyone injured in a crosswalk collision. The Law Office of Gritton & Gritton, PLLC helps victims understand their legal options and navigate Tennessee’s pedestrian-injury laws.

Understanding How Tennessee Law Defines Crosswalks

A “crosswalk” under Tennessee law is broader than what many people imagine. It includes:

Marked Crosswalks

These are painted or visibly indicated crossings where pedestrians are expected to cross.

Unmarked Crosswalks

Even without painted lines, most intersections automatically count as crosswalks. This means a pedestrian legally crossing at an intersection—whether lines exist or not—is considered to be in a crosswalk.

This distinction matters because drivers must yield to pedestrians in both types. For Murfreesboro residents, this applies to high-traffic intersections downtown, school zones, and residential neighborhoods where markings fade or are absent.

Pedestrians’ Rights in Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks

Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-134 makes one key rule clear: Drivers must stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are lawfully in a crosswalk.

This includes:

Right to Cross Safely

When a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk—on the driver’s side of the road or approaching closely—the driver must slow or stop to allow safe passage.

Protection Against Passing Vehicles

If one vehicle stops for a pedestrian, another vehicle cannot legally pass the stopped car. Tennessee adopted this rule to prevent “multiple-threat” collisions, where a pedestrian steps out from in front of a stopped vehicle and is struck by a passing driver.

Right-of-Way During Walk Signals

At signalized intersections, pedestrians have the right-of-way when the “Walk” symbol is displayed or when a green light allows crossing.

Right to Be Visible and Protected

Drivers must operate their vehicles with caution, remain attentive, and anticipate pedestrian presence—especially near MTSU, Murfreesboro City Square, and high-foot-traffic commercial zones.

Pedestrian law prioritizes human safety above vehicle convenience. But this does not mean pedestrians always have the right-of-way. There are legal responsibilities that affect every pedestrian crossing Tennessee roads.

Responsibilities Pedestrians Must Follow in Tennessee

Tennessee law provides pedestrians specific rights, but they also must follow certain rules to ensure safety. These responsibilities help courts examine comparative fault if an accident occurs.

Obey Traffic Signals

Pedestrians must follow crosswalk signals and cannot legally begin crossing during a “Don’t Walk” sign or a flashing hand indication.

Avoid Suddenly Entering the Roadway

Pedestrians cannot step off a curb or out from between parked vehicles into the path of an oncoming car when it is too close for the driver to stop safely.

Yield When Crossing Outside a Crosswalk

If someone crosses mid-block or away from an intersection, they must yield to drivers. Tennessee does not completely outlaw mid-block crossings, but they greatly affect fault in a collision.

Use Sidewalks or Walk Facing Traffic

Where sidewalks exist, pedestrians must use them. If none are available, they must walk facing traffic, staying as far to the left as practicable.

These rules matter during accident investigations and insurance claims. A pedestrian following the law is more likely to be seen as having the right-of-way, which strengthens their position when seeking compensation.

Drivers’ Responsibilities at Crosswalks Under Tennessee Law

Tennessee imposes strict expectations on drivers near intersections and crosswalks, including:

Yielding to Pedestrians

Drivers must slow down or stop for pedestrians in crosswalks—marked or unmarked.

Avoiding Distractions

Distracted driving, especially texting or smartphone use, is a major factor in Tennessee pedestrian crashes and forms part of the negligence analysis in injury claims.

Safe Turning Practices

Right turns on red are a frequent hazard. Drivers must always check for pedestrians in the crosswalk before turning.

Caution in School Zones

When lights are flashing or children are present, drivers must reduce speed and remain vigilant. Tennessee law imposes enhanced penalties for violating school-zone safety rules.

Not Passing Stopped Vehicles at a Crosswalk

Doing so is illegal and extremely dangerous.

These legal expectations ensure that drivers maintain the highest duty of care when crossing paths with pedestrians.

Frequent Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Murfreesboro

Many pedestrian collisions in Murfreesboro result from predictable behavior patterns and urban conditions. These include:

Vehicle Turning Conflicts

During right-on-red turns or left turns through oncoming traffic, drivers often fail to see pedestrians already crossing.

Multi-Lane Road Crossings

On roads such as Rutherford Boulevard or Memorial Boulevard, one vehicle might stop while another keeps going.

Nighttime Collisions

Low visibility on unlit stretches can lead to cars failing to see pedestrians—even when pedestrians have the right-of-way.

Distracted Driving

Texting and driving or using in-dash systems remain major risk factors.

Speeding

High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of injuries.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol-related pedestrian crashes still constitute a meaningful percentage of Tennessee collisions.

While each accident is unique, these scenarios often shape how liability is assessed.

How Fault Is Determined in Tennessee Pedestrian Accidents

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning:

• A pedestrian can recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault.
• Their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
• If the pedestrian is 50% or more at fault, they are usually barred from recovering damages.

What Does Comparative Fault Look Like in Practice?

Consider these examples (not legal advice):

Example A:

A pedestrian crosses in a marked crosswalk with a walk signal, and a speeding driver hits them. The driver may bear most or all fault.

Example B:

A pedestrian wearing dark clothing crosses mid-block at night, while a car is speeding. Both parties may share fault.

Example C:

A driver turns right on red without stopping and strikes a pedestrian already in the crosswalk. The driver likely holds majority fault.

These examples illustrate how Tennessee courts and insurance adjusters analyze fault—not how any specific case will turn out. The facts determine everything.

Evidence Used in Crosswalk Accident Investigations

In both legal and insurance evaluations, evidence often includes:

• Police crash reports
• Video footage from traffic cameras or business surveillance
• Event data recorder (“black box”) information
• Eyewitness accounts
• Cellphone records (in distracted driving cases)
• Photographs of skid marks, crosswalk visibility, and signage
• Road lighting conditions at the time of collision
• Medical documentation

This information helps reconstruct what happened and evaluate who had the legal right-of-way.

Why Pedestrian Accident Claims Are Often Complex

Pedestrian collisions usually lead to serious injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Internal trauma
• Permanent disability

Because injuries are severe and fault is often contested, pedestrian injury claims frequently involve:

• Detailed fault analysis
• Multiple insurance carriers
• Conflicting eyewitness statements
• Disputes about whether the pedestrian followed crossing laws
• Issues involving vehicle speed or distracted driving

Navigating these legal complexities is difficult without experienced representation.

How Gritton & Gritton, PLLC Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims

The Law Office of Gritton & Gritton, PLLC has a strong history of representing individuals injured in pedestrian collisions throughout Murfreesboro and across Rutherford County. As a local firm, they understand the unique hazards of walking near busy Murfreesboro intersections and the legal nuances of Tennessee’s pedestrian-right-of-way laws.

Conclusion

Crosswalk safety is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers, and Tennessee law clearly outlines what each must do to prevent harm. When drivers ignore these rules—speeding through intersections, failing to yield, or driving distracted—serious injuries often follow.

For anyone harmed in a pedestrian or crosswalk accident in Murfreesboro, understanding your rights is only the first step. The legal process can be overwhelming, especially when injuries are severe. The Law Office of Gritton & Gritton, PLLC helps pedestrians and their families navigate these cases with clarity, compassion, and a strong commitment to securing fair compensation.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.