While there are many benefits to walking instead of driving, including saving money on gas and auto repair, there are also distinct disadvantages and risks pedestrians face whenever they are out and about.
Negligent driving practices or thoughtless actions put pedestrians at severe risk of harm, and there are many incidents each year. When you are out walking and are injured by a careless driver, you have the right to hold the liable party responsible with help from an experienced personal injury attorney. Reach out to a Cut Off pedestrian accident lawyer today when you need help collecting an award for damages.
The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Sometimes, the person on foot fails to look for approaching vehicles before stepping off the curb or following the standard safety rules, but most accidents occur because of careless driving or failing to comply with state traffic laws. Some examples include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Low visibility at night or from poor weather
A Cut Off pedestrian accident attorney could conduct a detailed investigation to determine why it happened and collect proof to prove fault.
Recoverable Damages
The injuries pedestrians sustain after a car strikes them can be catastrophic and leave them with permanent disabilities that require extensive medical care. The settlement can be significant and may cover the following when injuries are severe:
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering, and emotional distress
- Inconvenience and loss of the enjoyment of life
- Loss of pay for the time the individual misses work to rest and recover
- Medical equipment, devices, medicine, and physical or psychological therapy
- Cost of medical care and ongoing healthcare services and treatment needed to recover
The court seeks to return the injured person to their financial position before the accident.
State Pedestrian Laws
State laws protect pedestrians and aim to keep them safe while walking or jogging for enjoyment or commuting. While they enjoy rights to the road, they also have rules and responsibilities to understand and follow. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 32 § 212, people already crossing the street in crosswalks when cars approach have the right-of-way in most cases.
Vehicles must stop until everyone crossing safely reaches the sidewalk on the other side of the road, but the statute prohibits pedestrians from abruptly stepping off the curb and into the road when approaching cars. The court may find the injured party liable for damages when there is evidence they stepped into the path of an approaching vehicle without enough room to stop.
Traffic laws prohibit motorists from passing stopped cars waiting for pedestrians to cross intersections with marked or unmarked crosswalks. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Cut Off could review the applicable statutes and help determine the best strategy to collect damages from the at-fault party.
Call a Knowledgeable Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Cut Off Today
Civil laws allow you to pursue relief in monetary damages when negligent drivers cause avoidable collisions leading to bodily harm and other losses.
Contact an experienced Cut Off pedestrian accident lawyer who could help you through the process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Scott Vicknair works on contingency, and you will not pay legal fees unless you collect a settlement from the liable party. While money cannot change what happened, it can cover your medical care and other expenses to alleviate some of your stress and trauma.
