Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Louisiana

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Louisiana

Pedestrian accidents usually occur because a driver fails to follow traffic laws or exercise reasonable care. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving, including texting or using navigation systems
• Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
• Speeding in residential neighborhoods or city streets
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Improper left or right turn collisions
• Poor lighting, missing signage, or unsafe roadway design

Busy streets, tourism traffic, and urban congestion across Louisiana increase the risk pedestrians face every day.

Pedestrian Accident Injuries Are Often Catastrophic

Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no protection. Even low-speed crashes can result in devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment.

Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Nerve damage and spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and crush injuries
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Severe lacerations and road rash
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

These injuries often affect a victim’s ability to work, care for family members, and maintain independence.

Who May Be Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Identifying who caused a pedestrian accident is critical to pursuing compensation. Depending on the facts, liable parties may include:

• A negligent driver who violated traffic laws
• A commercial driver and their employer
• A government entity responsible for unsafe intersections or road conditions
• Another third party whose actions contributed to the crash

A thorough investigation helps establish fault and strengthens a claim.

Compensation Pedestrian Accident Victims May Qualify For

Pedestrian accident victims may qualify for compensation that reflects the full impact of their injuries. Potential damages may include:

• Medical expenses, including future care
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Permanent disability or reduced quality of life
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one passed away

Each case is unique, and compensation depends on how the injuries affect the victim’s life now and in the future.

Louisiana Laws That Affect Pedestrian Accident Claims

Louisiana uses a fault-based system for personal injury claims. The person or entity responsible for the accident may be held financially accountable for the harm caused.

The state also follows a modified comparative fault rule, per Louisiana Civil Code § 2323. This means compensation may be reduced based on a person’s percentage of fault, but recovery is denied to any person who is 51% or greater at fault. Insurers are aware of this law and may try to place a greater degree of blame on you to avoid paying fair compensation.

Your Louisiana pedestrian accident lawyer can counter these arguments with strong evidence. In these cases, they would collect such evidence as police reports, witness statements, medical records, photos and video from the accident scene, and physical evidence.

How a Louisiana Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

A pedestrian accident lawyer from one of our law firm partners can handle the legal process while you focus on recovery. An attorney can:

• Investigate the accident and determine liability
• Gather police reports, video footage, and witness statements
• Work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts
• Handle insurance company communications
• Pursue fair compensation through settlement or litigation

Our law firm partners handle these cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Legal fees come from a recovery, so you owe nothing unless they win.

Contact The Goldwater Law Firm for a free case consultation today.

Deadlines for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana

In most pedestrian accident cases, victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, per Louisiana Civil Code § 3493.1. However, certain exceptions could shorten or extend that deadline, so it is important to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Failing to meet this deadline can prevent recovery entirely. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protects your legal rights.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and preserve important information:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
• Report the accident to law enforcement and ensure an official report is created
• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, traffic signals, and visible injuries
• Gather names and contact information for any witnesses
• Keep copies of medical records, bills, and accident-related expenses
• Avoid discussing fault or providing recorded statements before understanding your options

These actions can help document what happened and create a clearer record of the accident and its impact.