Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Lafayette

Pedestrians crossing streets do not expect to be hit when walking. For example, pedestrians crossing Johnston Street by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette rely on drivers to notice someone in the street. University Avenue and Pinhook Road pose similar risks for pedestrians and vehicles sharing the road. A Lafayette pedestrian accident lawyer may investigate crashes caused by negligent drivers and represent injured victims in their claim.

Decades of Experience Challenging Negligence

Brothers James and William Cox established Cox Law Firm in 1969 to challenge large and small companies acting negligently. Our trial lawyers provide over 135 years of combined experience to our personal injury cases and have helped secure multi-million-dollar recoveries, including one judgment for $262 million against over 15,000 healthcare defendants.

Based in downtown Lake Charles in the Wachsen-Williams House, Cox Law Firm advocates for injured people across Louisiana and takes each case to trial when necessary.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Lafayette

Drivers cause pedestrian accidents when they don’t see pedestrians, don’t try to stop for them, or aren’t paying attention to where they’re driving. Busy intersections can also increase risk for everyone in traffic and pedestrians crossing the street. Examples of negligence causing pedestrian accidents include:  

• Distracted driving. When a driver is distracted, they might not notice pedestrians walking into a crosswalk.
• Failing to yield. Turning vehicles may hit pedestrians crossing through an intersection.
• Speeding. The faster vehicles are traveling, the less time drivers have to spot potential hazards.
• Driving under the influence. Alcohol and drugs can impact drivers’ awareness and ability to focus on the road.
• Reduced visibility. Nighttime collisions, blocked views, and poor lighting can make pedestrians difficult to see.

Drivers and pedestrians should take extra care near downtown Lafayette, the UL Lafayette campus, and busy business districts like Ambassador Caffery Parkway. Multiple traffic factors must be assessed to determine negligence contributing to a specific crash.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics Reveal Serious Safety Risks

Pedestrian accidents are serious traffic safety issues across the United States. Relevant statistics have shown:

• 7,314 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 20 23, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• NHTSA also reported that another 68,244 pedestrians were injured in crashes in 2023.
• 77% of pedestrian deaths occurred at night, according to NHTSA.

Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons, which is why crash investigators look at traffic patterns, driver distractions, and more. Local studies can highlight specific pedestrian dangers near busy roadways.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Collisions

Pedestrians, unlike drivers, aren’t afforded the protection of seats, seatbelts, or airbags when a vehicle strikes them. A pedestrian can suffer injuries by being struck by a vehicle or by hitting the ground.

Pedestrian accident injuries can include brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and internal bleeding. Some accidents may cause lifelong disabilities or require amputation. Emergency room doctors can identify injuries that are not visible to the naked eye. Medical records can support injury claims by showing treatment professionals detected losses affecting a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities.

Understanding Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

Damages in a personal injury case are influenced by the severity of the injuries, evidence proving fault, and other factors showing negligence. Someone injured while walking outside may recover payment for: 

• Medical bills for emergency care and hospitalization
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages if unable to work
• Expected future medical costs
• Loss of earning capacity if injuries affect future income

Non-economic damages may apply to physical pain and suffering. Each claim has its own value based on financial losses and should not be compared to how much someone else received in a settlement.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If an insurance company won’t admit fault, refuses to pay for your medical care, or offers a settlement too low to cover your costs, it’s wise to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer. A Lafayette pedestrian attorney can review evidence to prove liability.

Your attorney can also project lost wages into the future, argue against claims that the pedestrian was responsible, and advocate on your behalf with insurance providers. If a settlement offer is unreasonable, your attorney can file your case in court.

If a pedestrian accident happened in Lafayette Parish, you could file your pedestrian accident claim in the 15th Judicial District Court of Lafayette Parish at 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501.

FAQs

Can I File a Pedestrian Accident Claim If I Was Not in a Crosswalk?

Yes, not crossing in a crosswalk does not automatically bar you from filing a pedestrian accident claim. The location where you crossed, the traffic conditions at the time, and the actions of both drivers and pedestrians can play a role in determining who was at fault. Drivers should exemplify reasonable care, but pedestrians should obey traffic laws that apply. Just because a collision occurred outside of a crosswalk does not mean you cannot recover damages.

What Happens If the Driver Who Hit Me Leaves the Scene?

Hit-and-run accidents present an additional challenge in pedestrian accident cases since the at-fault driver may not be found. If possible, notify police and provide them with a description of the vehicle, license plate number, and any other information that could help identify the driver. In some situations, uninsured motorist coverage may offer a method to recover damages if you are unable to locate the driver who hit you.

Can I File a Claim If I Was Hit by a Delivery Driver?

Yes, you can file a claim if you were hit by a delivery driver. Whether or not the delivery company can be held liable depends on a variety of factors. Some issues that may determine who is financially responsible include whether the driver is considered an employee of the company and what they were doing at the time of the accident.

What If a Pedestrian Accident Happens in a Parking Lot?

If a pedestrian accident happens in a parking lot, individuals may still be able to file a claim. While rules of the road can vary in parking lots versus public streets, all drivers should still operate their vehicles with due care. Conditions on the property or parking lot design might also become an issue.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Cox Law Firm Today

Cox Law Firm understands pedestrian accident laws. We can help you in your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.