Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents cause more than broken bones. They upend lives. Victims deal with injuries as well as the stress of dealing with insurance companies. A Lafayette pedestrian accident lawyer can help make those responsible pay the price.

Digging Deep to Build Strong Cases

At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, we treat every case like it’s personal. Our past verdicts speak for themselves. We helped a seaman who fell 24 feet win a $7 million settlement. A family that lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler crash received a $594,233 payout. We offer real dedication to our clients.

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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

In 2021, 60,577 pedestrians were injured in a traffic accident. Most of these accidents happen when drivers don’t pay attention or ignore traffic laws. Many crashes take place in familiar areas and at night. These are some of the most common causes:

• Distracted driving. Using a phone while driving is a major cause of crashes. A driver who isn’t watching the road can easily miss a person crossing the street. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to serious injury or death.
• Speeding in residential areas. Drivers who speed on local streets can’t stop fast enough when someone walks into the road. Children and older adults are especially at risk in neighborhoods. Speed also makes injuries worse when a crash happens.
• Failing to yield. Some drivers don’t stop for people who have the right of way. This often happens at crosswalks. Drivers may roll through stop signs or ignore walk signals. This puts pedestrians in danger.
• Low visibility. Out of all the pedestrian deaths that occur, it is estimated that 76% of them happen in the dark. Some drivers don’t use headlights or speed through dim areas. They may not see someone walking until it’s too late. Poor lighting or dark clothes can make things worse.
• Impaired driving. Drivers under the influence lose focus and judgment. This puts everyone around them at risk. Pedestrians stand no chance when hit by a speeding car driven by someone who’s not alert.

Pedestrian safety depends on driver behavior. Many crashes are avoidable. When someone breaks the rules of the road, they need to pay the consequences.

Legal Rights for Injured Pedestrians

Pedestrians in Lafayette have the right to use public roads and sidewalks. Drivers must watch for people crossing. Sometimes, this happens outside of marked zones. When a car hits a person, the driver is often at fault. That opens the door for a legal claim.

Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. If the pedestrian shares some blame, that doesn’t stop the claim. But it can reduce how much money is recovered. For example, if a person crosses against the light, the court might assign partial fault.

An injured pedestrian has the right to file a claim for monetary damages. That claim can be made against different people depending on the accident. It could be made against the driver or even the city if poor road design played a role. Rights after a pedestrian crash depend on quick action. Waiting too long can affect what’s possible. The deadline to file is short. That’s why legal help often makes a real difference.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

The first step is medical care. Even if injuries seem small, some damage shows up later. Go to the hospital or doctor. Keep all records from that visit. Medical reports help prove that the injury came from the crash.

Next, call the police. A crash report helps track what happened and who was involved. If possible, take photos of the scene and any injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Avoid speaking to the driver’s insurance company before speaking to a lawyer. Insurers often try to lower payouts or shift blame. Be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts.

Then, talk to an experienced pedestrian injury attorney. The law sets a short deadline to file a claim. An attorney can help deal with insurance and protect your rights. A pedestrian accident attorney steps in to protect the injured person. They collect evidence and witness statements. They also work with investigators to show how the crash happened.

FAQs

What Types of Damages Can a Pedestrian Recover?

The types of damages a pedestrian can recover include money for medical care, lost wages, and other losses. The claim can also cover future treatment or reduced ability to work. Pain and mental distress are often part of a claim. The severity of the injury affects the range of damages. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can also recover funeral costs.

Does Insurance Cover If You Hit a Pedestrian?

Insurance can cover hitting a pedestrian. This type of coverage comes from the driver’s liability insurance. It helps pay for the pedestrian’s medical bills and lost wages. In some cases, additional coverage like medical payments or umbrella policies can apply. If the pedestrian shares some fault, the amount they might get can be lowered.

What Happens If You Accidentally Hit a Pedestrian?

If you accidentally hit a pedestrian, you can be held responsible. Law enforcement will usually respond and make a report. The driver should stay on the scene. Speak honestly to the police and avoid guessing about how the accident happened. Once medical help is given, the injured pedestrian can file a claim.

Can I Still File a Claim If the Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?

A pedestrian can still file a claim if the driver is uninsured or underinsured. The pedestrian’s own auto policy might apply in this case. Louisiana law allows this type of coverage to protect people injured in crashes. This applies even if they weren’t in a car at the time. The process can be more complicated, but it is still possible.

Hold Drivers Accountable

There has been an average of 6,502 pedestrian deaths annually from 2017 to 2021. Any pedestrian harmed by a careless driver deserves to be heard. The law can’t reverse what happened. But it can help with bills and peace of mind. Schedule a consultation with Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, to start filing your claim.