Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents We Handle
In 2022, Louisiana tragically recorded 190 pedestrian fatalities and 1,306 injuries. These accidents are often preventable, and many occur under circumstances that could have been avoided with more careful driving and better infrastructure. Here are some of the common types of pedestrian accidents we handle:
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries We Handle
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the complete lack of protection when struck by a vehicle. We understand these injuries impact not just your health but your entire future.
Our experience includes representing victims who've suffered:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
From concussions to severe brain trauma requiring lifelong care and rehabilitation. - Spinal Cord Injuries
Including partial or complete paralysis that fundamentally changes victims' lives. - Multiple Fractures
Broken bones often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. - Internal Organ Damage
Life-threatening injuries needing emergency surgery and ongoing care. - Severe Road Rash
Deep tissue damage that can lead to infection and permanent scarring. - Orthopedic Injuries
Severe damage to joints, ligaments, and the musculoskeletal system. - Psychological Trauma
PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the accident. - Wrongful Death
When families lose loved ones to negligent and reckless drivers.
Whatever injuries you've sustained, our team fights so you receive comprehensive care and fair compensation for immediate and long-term impacts.
Critical Steps After Being Hit by a Car in Shreveport, LA
The moments after a pedestrian accident are crucial for your health and legal rights. Here's what you need to do:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even if you think you can walk away, get medical attention immediately. Internal injuries and brain trauma may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical care creates vital documentation for your case and protects your health.
2. Document Everything Possible
Gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos of the area, vehicle, and injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver, note traffic signal operations and weather conditions, and preserve any damaged personal items.
3. Report the Accident
Always call law enforcement. Their official accident report becomes crucial evidence for your case. Provide accurate information, but avoid speculation about fault or making statements that could be used against you.
4. Avoid Insurance Company Tactics
Don't give statements to insurance adjusters or accept quick settlement offers. Their goal is to minimize your claim and to pay you as little as possible. They take advantage of people who are struggling to pay their bills or put food on the table and offer a small settlement. Let our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys handle all insurance communication to protect your rights.
Types of Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrian accidents often result in substantial financial and personal losses. At Rice & Kendig, we fight to secure full compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Your health comes first, and medical costs can be staggering. We pursue compensation for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment needs, including future medical care and necessary medical equipment.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
When injuries keep you from working, the financial strain affects your whole family. We fight for compensation covering missed work time, reduced earning capacity, and career retraining if needed, ensuring your family's financial security.
Pain and Suffering
The physical and emotional toll of a pedestrian accident extends far beyond medical bills. We help you recover compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of life enjoyment, ensuring your complete recovery needs are met.
Additional Damages
From property damage to home modifications for new disabilities, we pursue compensation for all accident-related expenses. This includes transportation costs, family impact, and wrongful death damages when applicable.
Your recovery matters in all its aspects. We work to secure compensation that truly reflects the accident's full impact on your life and future.
Understanding Louisiana Pedestrian Laws
Recent Changes to Filing Deadlines
Louisiana has modified the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims:
- For accidents before July 1, 2024: One-year filing deadline.
- For accidents after July 1, 2024: Two-year filing deadline.
While this gives victims more time, we recommend acting quickly while the evidence is fresh and witnesses' memories are clear. If you miss this filing deadline, then you will be forever barred from seeking money damages for your injuries.
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:212
- Pedestrians have right-of-way at marked crosswalks.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing with walk signals.
- Pedestrians must use sidewalks when available.
- Vehicles must stop for school buses and in school zones.
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:214
- Pedestrians crossing without signals must yield to vehicles.
- Drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Special protections exist for visibly confused or incapacitated pedestrians.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323
- Establishes comparative fault in pedestrian accidents.
- Allows recovery even if the pedestrian shares some blame.
- Requires consideration of all contributing factors.
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:232
- Defines traffic signal compliance requirements.
- Establishes pedestrian signal regulations.
- Sets standards for crosswalk usage.
Comparative Fault Considerations
Louisiana's pure comparative fault system means:
- Pedestrians can recover damages even if they are partially at fault.
- Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
- Multiple parties may share responsibility.
- No complete bar to recovery regardless of fault percentage.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for pedestrian accidents:
Primary Liable Parties
- Negligent drivers.
- Commercial vehicle operators.
- Trucking companies.
- Government entities (for road design/maintenance).
- Property owners (for private property accidents).
Additional Potentially Liable Parties
- Construction companies (for work zone accidents).
- Traffic signal maintenance contractors.
- Vehicle manufacturers (for equipment failures).
- Third-party maintenance providers.
Understanding all potential liable parties is crucial for maximizing your compensation. Our team thoroughly investigates every angle to ensure no responsible party escapes accountability.
Struggling After Your Accident? We're Here to Help.
At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport car accident lawyers have more than 40 years of experience helping clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Get your free case review now!
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(318) 222-2772