Knoxville, TN (May 3, 2025) – An accident unfolded on the morning of May 1, leaving a pedestrian dead after he was struck by a vehicle along North Broadway Street in Knoxville.

According to the Knoxville Police Department, 44-year-old Michael Young lost his life after being hit by a southbound Chevy SUV while attempting to cross the road. Officers responded to the scene Wednesday morning, where emergency medical personnel confirmed Young had died from his injuries. Witnesses shared that Young had been in a nearby fast-food restaurant around 9 a.m. and was seen with his head in his hands before walking toward another eatery across the street.

Young, who was known in the area and often stayed nearby, was remembered by local business owners as someone who was familiar to many in the community. One fast-food employee recalled seeing him regularly, sometimes as early as 6 a.m., and mentioned he had been inside the building shortly before the crash. Authorities said Young entered the roadway when the SUV, traveling south on North Broadway Street, struck him. The collision led to road delays in the area as police carried out their investigation and cleared the scene. At this time, authorities are continuing to gather information to determine all contributing factors in the crash.

We hope those affected by this loss find strength during this difficult time. Our heartelt sympathies go out to them.

Pedestrian Accidents in Tennessee

Pedestrian accidents in Tennessee continue to be a significant safety concern. According to state crash data, hundreds of pedestrians are injured or killed each year in traffic-related incidents. While urban areas tend to see a higher volume of these events, pedestrian fatalities can occur in any city or town across the state. These tragic events underscore the need for increased awareness among drivers and pedestrians alike.

Understanding what follows after such an incident is important, particularly when it comes to the type of injuries involved. Below are some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries and how they can affect a person's recovery:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A pedestrian's head is especially vulnerable during impact. TBIs range in severity, and even minor ones can affect memory, coordination, and cognition. More serious brain injuries may require long-term rehabilitation or result in permanent damage.
• Spinal Cord Damage: Injuries to the spine can lead to partial or full paralysis. Recovery from these types of injuries can be long, expensive, and life-altering. Specialized medical equipment and physical therapy are often necessary.
• Broken Bones: Fractures in the legs, arms, hips, and ribs are common due to the force of a collision. These injuries can limit mobility and often require surgery and extended physical therapy to heal properly.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, bruises, and deep tissue damage, which may not be immediately visible. Soft tissue injuries can cause long-term discomfort and may lead to chronic pain if not addressed.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding can be life-threatening and are sometimes not visible right away. Quick medical attention is critical for these types of injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it's important to act quickly. Call our Knoxville wrongful death attorneys at DZ Law. Having a trusted legal team can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. An attorney can assist in recovering medical costs, lost income, and other damages. It's crucial to have an advocate who can gather the right evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and focus on getting the best result for your case. Don't delay in taking the first step toward justice.

Our team at DZ Law is here to help you through every step of your case. We offer free consultations and can help determine your legal options after an accident. Our Knoxville-based attorneys understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with an accident's aftermath, especially if you or a loved one is injured or grieving. We're here to listen, offer support, and help pursue fair compensation. There are no fees unless we win your case. Let our renowned legal team stand with you during this time. Call now and speak with someone who cares. Call us today at 865-259-0020 to get started.

Notes: This post was compiled using information from secondary sources, including but not limited to local news outlets, state and local police reports, social media, and eyewitness accounts related to serious accidents in Eastern Tennessee. While DZ Law strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we have not independently verified all details of this incident. If you believe any information in this post is inaccurate, please contact us immediately so we can make corrections and ensure accuracy. Additionally, we are happy to honor requests to remove this post if necessary.

Disclaimers: This accident update is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended as a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Please note that the content in this post should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the image accompanying this post is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the accident described.