- May 17, 2023
Thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed yearly in motor vehicle accidents. Pedestrian accidents are often caused by negligent drivers who fail to exercise caution and care. Louisiana law protects pedestrian rights. But seeking justice can be difficult if you’ve been hit by a careless driver.
That’s where a pedestrian accident lawyer comes in. They can help you navigate the legal system and hold those responsible for their actions accountable. This blog post will explore how a lawyer can protect pedestrians’ rights and ensure that negligent drivers are held responsible for their actions.
What Are Pedestrian Rights in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, pedestrians have certain rights and responsibilities when using roadways and sidewalks. Here are some of the key pedestrian rights in Louisiana.
- Right of way at crosswalks: Louisiana law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the road in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Pedestrians have the right to cross the road safely, and drivers must come to a complete stop if necessary to allow the pedestrian to cross.
- Use of sidewalks: Pedestrians have the right to use sidewalks for walking or running. Bicycles and other wheeled devices are not allowed on sidewalks, except for children’s tricycles and bicycles with wheels under 26 inches in diameter.
- Walking on roadways: If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians have the right to walk on the shoulder facing traffic. Pedestrians should walk as far to the left side of the roadway as possible and not obstruct the flow of traffic.
- Prohibitions on hitchhiking: Staying on a roadway and soliciting a ride from passing motorists is illegal. This is known as hitchhiking, and it is not allowed in Louisiana.
- Use of pedestrian signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic and pedestrian signals at intersections. When the pedestrian signal shows “walk,” pedestrians have the right of way to cross the road safely.
- No jaywalking: Jaywalking or crossing the road outside a marked crosswalk is prohibited in Louisiana. Pedestrians should always use crosswalks and pedestrian signals when available.
- Safety gear: Although not a law, it is recommended for pedestrians to wear reflective clothing or accessories when walking at night or in low-light conditions to increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
Both pedestrians and drivers need to be aware of these pedestrian rights and responsibilities to ensure the safe and responsible use of Louisiana roadways.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers pedestrian safety tips.
If you have been hit by a car as a pedestrian, you should contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you investigate your case and collect evidence proving the driver’s negligence. They can also help you negotiate with the insurance company and get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
There are many reasons why pedestrian accidents occur, but some causes are more common than others. One of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. When drivers are not paying attention to the road, they are more likely to hit pedestrians. Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is drunk driving.
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to cause accidents because they cannot drive as safely as sober drivers. Speeding is also a common cause of pedestrian accidents. When drivers speed, they have less time to react to pedestrians on the road and are more likely to hit them.
How a Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Rights
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, you may be wondering if you have any legal recourse. The answer is maybe. Whether or not you have a case depends on several factors, including the driver’s negligence and your state’s laws.
A lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights. Here’s how:
- Investigate the accident. A lawyer will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and whether there are any other potentially liable parties.
- Gather evidence. Your lawyer will collect evidence to support your claim, including witness statements, photos of the accident, and the driver’s insurance information.
- Build a strong case. Once your lawyer has gathered all the necessary evidence, they will work to build a strong case against the negligent driver.
- Negotiate with insurers. If the driver’s insurance company is unwilling to fairly compensate you for your injuries, your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve
Negligence and Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, you may wonder if the driver can be liable for your injuries. The answer depends on whether the driver was negligent. If the driver was not paying attention or wasn’t following the rules of the road, they may be held liable. However, you may be found at fault if you were jaywalking or not paying attention to your surroundings.
A lawyer can help investigate your accident and determine who is at fault. They can also help you recover damages from the responsible party. Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer today to discuss your case if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident.
Types of Damages You May Be Entitled To
There are many different types of damages you may be entitled to if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident. These can include:
- Medical expenses: You may be able to recover the costs of any medical treatment you need as a result of your injuries. This can include hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and more.
- Lost wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages. This can include both past and future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you have endured as a result of your injuries.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. These are designed to punish the negligent driver and deter others from behaving similarly.
Call a Louisiana Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today!
As a pedestrian, you have the right to walk on sidewalks, crosswalks, and other public areas without fear of being hit by a careless or distracted driver. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the driver who hit you and their insurance company. You may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Louisiana accident lawyer to discuss your case.
