Louisiana Pedestrian Injury Lawyer

Take a stroll down the streets of Louisiana, and the chances are high that you’ll run into hundreds of residents and tourists enjoying the beautiful weather the city has to provide. Louisiana is rich with history and cultural attractions that bring in millions of people each year.

The constant hustle and bustle of the cities in Louisiana is one of the many things that draw so many pedestrians to the streets. Unfortunately, busy streets pose a danger to pedestrians, and with this lively activity comes the risk of sustaining serious injuries as a pedestrian.

If you or a loved one has sustained an injury after a pedestrian accident with a car or big truck, you may qualify to seek financial compensation for your injuries with the help from a Louisiana pedestrian injury lawyer. To learn more about your rights, contact the Louisiana personal injury lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys: Rely on Experience

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we care about our fellow citizens of Louisiana—and our state’s guests. Suffering an injury in a pedestrian accident can take an emotional and physical toll on you and your family. Our job is to help guide you through the process and protect your rights. Since the early 1980s, we have focused our efforts on representing injured individuals. Our team of over 180 employees, including 130+ staff and 47 attorneys, has worked to recover over $3 Billion in damages for clients from many different backgrounds and experiences. We understand the unique challenges of each case.

At our firm, we don’t just care about our clients, but we also deliver results. It’s not just about how your injury affects you now, but also the challenges you may face in the future. Our job is to make you whole.

Some of our past results include:

• $1.9 million award for wrongful death claim after a pedestrian accident
• $100,000 settlement for a pedestrian injured on the highway
• $500,000 settlement after an accident resulting in severe injuries requiring surgery

Don’t hesitate to ask us to fight to protect your rights. Let us help. Contact us today to learn more.

Click to Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Louisiana Today

Why Accidents Happen: A Deeper Look at Louisiana Pedestrian Accidents

While there are many things that you can do to keep yourself safe, sadly, not every accident is within your control. Human and outside forces play a role in why accidents happen. While you can’t prevent all accidents, you can and should take steps to stay safe. One of the best ways to do so is to understand the leading causes of pedestrian accidents.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors, and it’s also one of the most common. Speeding consistently ranks as one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the United States.

As a pedestrian, you should:

• Exercise extra caution on busy roads.
• Do not attempt to cross the road if you see a driver approaching, as he or she may not stop.
• Look and listen before you cross the road.

Poor Visibility

Not all accidents happen because of recklessness. Poor visibility can make it difficult for drivers to see hazards in the road.

Variables that may affect visibility include:

• Weather, including rain or fog
• Blind curves
• Lack of lighting
• Physical items blocking the driver’s view, including trees, buildings, and parked cars
• Nighttime conditions

Avoid driving during periods of low visibility. Check the weather or the area in which you will be traveling. If you choose to go out, wear bright colors, choose safe routes, and use extra caution.

Failure to Yield the Right of Way

Under Louisiana law, drivers must yield to pedestrians while they are in or stopped at a crosswalk, including unmarked crosswalks at intersections. While most drivers stop for pedestrians, accidents can happen when a driver runs a red light or fails to look before turning onto an adjacent street. Do not count on drivers to stop. Always look before you cross. If you are waiting at a crosswalk, and you see a driver approach, wait until the vehicle makes a complete stop before you enter the roadway.

Distracted Driving

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately eight people die every day due to distracted drivers. A driver is guilty of distracted driving when they participate in any activity that takes their attention off the road.

These activities include

• Talking or texting on the phone
• Looking back at or talking to passengers in the vehicle
• Adjusting the radio

Unfortunately, this behavior can make driver behavior very unpredictable. Signs of a distracted driver include sudden braking or acceleration, swerving, and reckless behavior.

Types of Injuries That Result From Louisiana Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. It’s important to understand that injured pedestrians are not typically financially responsible for their injuries’ costs. An experienced Louisiana pedestrian accident attorney can help you pursue damages from the at-fault party to cover all associated costs. Possible injuries after a pedestrian accident include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

The brain is one of the body’s most vital organs. It is what makes us, us. As such, a serious injury can cause tragic consequences. While some brain injuries are immediately apparent, others progress as the brain begins to swell. This is why it is always important to seek medical attention after any severe injury, particularly if you think you may have hit your head.

Common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Memory problems

If you experience any of these symptoms or any other signs that something is wrong, contact a medical professional right away.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord relays messages to and from the brain throughout the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury can occur when you get a serious neck injury or back injury. For pedestrian accidents, this can happen from the force of the vehicle’s impact or a fall to the ground. Like brain injuries, the symptoms of a spinal cord injury may not appear right away, so take care immediately following a pedestrian accident.

In most cases, spinal cord injuries lead to permanent paralysis. The degree of paralysis depends on the injury’s location, which may affect one or both sides of the body.

Some of the most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include

• Extreme neck or back pain
• Difficulty moving or walking
• Numbness or tingling in your limbs
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Soft Tissue Injuries

One of the most common pedestrian injuries is road rash. Road rash occurs when the body scrapes across the ground, causing lacerations, bruising, and abrasion. One of the biggest concerns with road rash is the risk of infection. In some cases, your doctor may suggest antibiotics or skin ointment. In severe cases, you may require surgery or skin grafts to repair or replace the skin.

Other common soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, tears, and disc injuries. In most cases, these injuries will heal with very little medical intervention; however, your doctor may suggest physical therapy, massage, medication, or chiropractic treatment to help with the pain.

Mental Health Injuries

Pedestrian accidents are often traumatic experiences. It is not uncommon for victims to have difficulty coping with the events of an accident. After an accident, you may experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health injuries are just as serious as physical injuries, so seek care if you are suffering. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, or other natural remedies.

Signs to look out for include

• Constant worry
• Feelings of low self-worth or hopelessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Difficulty concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, then call us.

Broken Bones

Fractures are common after a traumatic accident. To prevent further injury, do not attempt to put weight on your limbs if you suspect a broken bone. In some cases, you may notice the bone protruding from the skin; this is an open fracture and a sign you need immediate medical attention. However, not all fractures involve visible signs of injury. Use caution if you experience extreme pain, difficulty moving, swelling, or hear a crunching or grinding noise.

What You Should Do After a Louisiana Pedestrian Accident

The steps you take after an accident will not only affect your safety but can also have a bearing on your financial recovery. Even if you think that you hold some responsibility for the accident, you may still have a case against the other party. Your health and safety are the number one priority following an accident. Do not attempt to push yourself if you are badly injured.

Your actions after an accident may vary, but here are some of the steps you should take immediately.

1. Check for injuries: Some injuries will appear obvious, while some may not. Pay attention to any signs that something is off. If you are in pain, do not attempt to move, as doing so can cause further injury. If you cannot move, ask for someone to call for help.
2. Get the driver’s information: If you can communicate with the other driver, ask for their contact and insurance information. This data can help you pursue a legal claim if necessary.
3. Gather evidence if possible: Skip this step in the event of serious injuries. Always prioritize your health. If you can move around, take pictures and talk to witnesses. This information may prove valuable if you decide to file a claim. If someone you trust is with you, he or she can help with this step.
4. Go to a doctor: Pedestrian accidents are serious. Even if you feel fine, you should at least get checked out by a medical professional. If you are in pain, it’s probably best to wait for an ambulance. If you choose to transport yourself or have someone else drive you, go to the doctor immediately after the accident.
5. File an accident report: An accident report is a written account of the accident. These reports generally name the parties involved, insurance information, witnesses, vehicle damage, and injuries. This form can provide valuable information during your case. If police officers arrive at the scene, they will likely make a written report of the accident. If the police do not show up, you can make a report by contacting your local police station.
6. Contact your Louisiana pedestrian accidents lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys: Pedestrian accidents are serious. In addition to physical injuries, an accident may also affect your ability to work and participate in everyday activities. These things can affect not only your health and happiness but also your ability to pay your bills. You don’t have to bear this burden alone. An experienced attorney can help you recover costs associated with your accident and help ensure that you get the care you need.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Due to the high number of pedestrians in the city’s streets, Louisiana experiences numerous pedestrian accidents each year. While some of these accidents only result in minor injuries, others result in permanent disabilities and even fatalities. Every year, more than 1,000 people suffer pedestrian injuries in Louisiana, and sadly, Louisiana has the second-highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the country.

Know Your Rights After a Louisiana Pedestrian Accident

Louisiana’s laws allow victims to pursue damages from the at-fault party (or parties) after an accident. To qualify, you must prove that you were injured and that someone else caused your injuries. To recover these damages, you must file a Louisiana pedestrian accident lawsuit against the driver that hit you and his or her insurance company.

An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and will facilitate all legal matters associated with your claim. While we cannot promise a specific outcome or provide an exact value for your case, our team will fight diligently to help you reach a fair and just settlement of your case.

Statute of Limitation Changes in Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

Demand Justice: Contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys’ Louisiana Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. If a pedestrian accident injured you or a loved one, you deserve a fair and reasonable settlement. Severe injuries can leave a permanent mark on your life and affect your family and friends. Fight for what you deserve. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we fight for our clients. We understand how complicated this process is and strive to provide a comfortable and supportive environment. If you ever have questions, our attorneys are ready to help. Our initial consultation is free, and it’s your opportunity to get to know what we believe in and our firm. To learn more about your rights after a pedestrian accident, contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 888.501.7888, or visit us online to schedule a free consultation.

Louisiana Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me

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