Have You Been In A Pedestrian Accident On Louisiana Roads?
Whether walking, riding a bicycle, using a skateboard, scooter, or rollerskates, there are certain laws that pedestrians must obey – but vehicle drivers are also required to exercise appropriate care toward pedestrians.
If you have been involved in a collision with an automobile as a pedestrian, and you believe that the auto driver was negligent in causing the crash, you have the right to seek money damages for what you have been through. A Shreveport/Bossier City pedestrian accident attorney can help you through the legal process . We will handle every detail of your case while you focus on recovery.
High Rate of Collisions
As one might imagine, the number of pedestrians on the roads will directly affect the frequency of pedestrian-involved crashes, and in Louisiana, that number is elevated. Crash data reports from the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) at Louisiana State University show that in recent years the numbers of injuries and fatalities for pedestrians have both been rising consistently, with another rise predicted in the data for 2022.
There are several different reasons for pedestrian-involved collisions to happen, though many of them can be traced to driver negligence. Examples include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and failure to yield the right of way. While obviously, not every incident involving a car and a pedestrian can be laid at the driver’s door, it is fairly common for the vehicle driver to be held liable because pedestrians have so few tools to protect themselves from injury.
Should I Bother Filing Suit?
If you have been injured in this kind of collision, you may be hesitant to file suit against the driver because you believe that you contributed to your own injuries. However, Louisiana state law follows a legal doctrine called the comparative fault theory. What this means is that unlike in other states, you may still recover money damages in Louisiana even if you are deemed to have been partially responsible for your own injuries. For example, if you are ruled to have been 20 percent at fault for the harm you suffered, you would (in theory) receive 80 percent of the damages you seek.
Even with the knowledge of comparative fault, some injured pedestrians are still hesitant to file suit against the person who allegedly caused their injuries because they fear the stress and the potential fallout from a civil lawsuit. This is where a knowledgeable attorney can be the difference between success and failure. Our experienced attorneys will handle every details of your case and create a strategy to maximize your potential recovery.
Being struck by a vehicle when you were out enjoying a sunny day is potentially life changing for anyone. If your injuries are severe, it can feel even more overwhelming to try and recover the damages to which you are entitled. The Shreveport pedestrian accident attorneys at Rice & Kendig have handled these cases before, and are ready to help you with yours. You do not have to suffer alone. Call our office today at 318-222-2772 for a free consultation.
Source:
datareports.lsu.edu/Reports.aspx?yr=2022&rpt=A3&p=ci