New Orleans Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking through New Orleans should be safe, but accidents happen often. Whether crossing Bourbon Street or walking through the Garden District, a careless driver can change life in an instant

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is practical to contact an experienced New Orleans pedestrian accident lawyer right away. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we help injured pedestrians get through the legal process and seek the compensation they deserve. Our legal team understands Louisiana’s traffic laws and insurance policies to make sure you get the legal support you need to move forward.

Who is Liable in a New Orleans Pedestrian Accident?

Fault in a pedestrian accident can be very complicated to determine. Several parties may be liable depending on the situation:

1. Negligent Drivers

Drivers are required to drive with care and to look out for pedestrians. A driver may be held liable if driving in excess of the speed limit, driving while distracted (using an app, watching a movie, etc.), and disregarding traffic signals.

2. Third-Party Vehicle Owners

If the negligent driver at the time was driving a vehicle owned, being owned by their employer, or even being on loan, it would be covered under the owner’s insurance.

3. Government Entities

Poor traffic signals, a lack of crosswalks, or careless road construction may all amount to a pedestrian accident. This means that sometimes, the state or municipal may also be held liable.

4. Pedestrian Negligence

While the drivers are usually liable, pedestrians still must follow traffic laws. Under Louisiana’s comparative fault law, partial fault may be apportioned to a pedestrian who was jaywalking at the time or crossing the street while distracted.

A skilled New Orleans pedestrian accident attorney will assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians happen to be among the most vulnerable road users. In most instances, low-speed impacts are capable of causing serious injuries. Some of the common kinds of pedestrian injuries are as follows:

• Broken bones – Often affecting the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis
• Head injuries – Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries – Potentially leading to paralysis
• Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, bruises, and lacerations
• Internal injuries – Internal bleeding or organ damage

Even if you feel fine after an accident, seeking medical attention is crucial. Some injuries take time to appear, and a medical report will be essential for your personal injury claim.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Severe injuries, financial burdens, and emotional trauma may result from pedestrian accidents. If you were struck down by a vehicle while walking in New Orleans, you may have rights to recover for the damages you’ve experienced. Every accident is different, and the amount you might seek in damages will depend upon the particular circumstances surrounding your own case-including the severity of the injuries, specifics of the accident, and even the degree of negligence involved.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of pedestrian accidents may recover the following types of damages:

• Medical Bills – Covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and any future medical treatment because of your injuries.
• Lost Wages – If your injuries are of a nature that keeps you away from work, you may be compensated for lost income. This could include potential future earnings if your injuries render you long-term disabled.
• Pain and Suffering – Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, including trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property Damage – If any of your personal belongings were damaged in the accident– anything from a phone to glasses to other valuable items, you may be reimbursed.
• Wrongful Death – You may receive your compensation if your loved one died in a pedestrian accident. This will be explained a little bit further below.

Factors That Affect Compensation

There are plenty of elements at play in awarding the right amount to any pedestrian accident victim. Those aspects include the following:

• Severity of Injuries – The greater the injuries, the more serious are the compensations because treatment from medical intervention can be much long-term in such cases.
• Liability and Negligence – Determination of fault is the first and foremost thing. In Louisiana, comparative fault principles (will be tackled further later) make a state where your reward could be reduced based on partial fault for the accident.
• Insurance Coverage – The compensation may be restricted to the policy limits of the insurance coverage of the liable driver, and underinsured/uninsured actions might be necessary in case they are under- or uninsured.
• Daily Activities – Where your injuries will likely result in a permanent disability or long-term impairment, there may be an additional claim for loss of enjoyment of life damages and future medical expenses.