When drivers fail to follow the rules of the road, pedestrians often suffer serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Louisiana, it’s important to understand your legal rights and how to seek compensation for your injuries.
Dudley DeBosier’s Louisiana pedestrian accident lawyers will guide you through the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Louisiana
Many negligent driving behaviors can cause accidents injuring pedestrians in Louisiana. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Impaired or drunk driving
- Poor road conditions or signage
- Vehicle malfunctions
Louisiana Pedestrian Laws and Rights
Louisiana’s pedestrian laws offer legal protections to pedestrians that are designed to prevent accidents, such as right-of-way rules and crosswalk regulations. These laws exist to make sure drivers remain alert and extra cautious when near pedestrian crossings.
However, Louisiana follows comparative fault laws. This means that if a pedestrian shares some of the fault in an accident—such as if they fail to yield the right-of-way to vehicles outside of a crosswalk—the compensation the pedestrian can recover will be reduced proportional to their degree of fault.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often lead to severe injuries with both short-term and long-term challenges. Many of the pedestrian accident injuries we see every day include:
- Fractures: Broken bones, often requiring surgery or physical therapy
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions or more severe brain damage, leading to cognitive or physical impairments
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis or other serious mobility issues
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, which may not be immediately obvious
Getting immediate medical attention is crucial to both your recovery and the success of a legal claim.
Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
Liability in pedestrian accidents is determined by investigating who was at fault for the accident. Various parties may be liable, including:
- Drivers: If negligent driving caused the accident
- Municipalities: When poor road conditions or inadequate signage contribute to the incident
- Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases where vehicle malfunction plays a role in the accident
Proving negligence is key to holding the responsible party accountable, which experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can help you navigate.
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Louisiana can pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses: Including immediate care and any future medical costs
- Lost Wages: If the injury caused the victim to miss work or made them unable to return to work
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Property Damage: Recovery for personal items damaged in the accident
- Wrongful Death Claims: Compensation for family members in cases where the pedestrian accident results in a fatality
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, see a doctor immediately. Your injuries may not be apparent right away.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, the vehicle, and your injuries.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
- Contact an Attorney: Reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
- Avoid Making Statements to Insurance Companies: Do not provide statements or sign documents without legal guidance.
How a Louisiana Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
A skilled Louisiana pedestrian accident lawyer is essential to protecting victims throughout the legal process. An experienced lawyer will do the following:
- Investigate the Accident: Collect evidence and determine fault
- Work With Experts: Consult with medical, accident, and other experts to strengthen your case
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies: Ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries
- Litigate if Necessary: Take your case to court if a fair settlement can’t be reached
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
With a track record of success in pedestrian accident cases, our firm is experienced in handling these types of claims in Louisiana. We provide all our clients with personalized attention, tailoring our legal strategies that fit your unique needs. We’re committed to helping you in every way possible to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Louisiana pedestrian accident lawyers are here to assist. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we fight for the compensation you deserve.
