When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, they are likely to suffer severe, life-altering injuries. At just 17 mph, there’s a 10% risk of severe injury to pedestrians; this increases to 90% at speeds over 48 mph. In Baton Rouge, 29 pedestrians lost their lives in 2023, and another 117 were injured in traffic accidents.
Our personal injury attorneys at Dudley DeBosier have seen first-hand the harm that pedestrian-auto collisions can cause. If you’re hurt by a careless driver in Baton Rouge, speak with our legal team immediately. We can help you through the claims process and secure the financial support you need for recovery.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
In Baton Rouge, pedestrian accidents are a serious concern for residents and visitors. Common causes of these crashes include:
- Distracted driving from using phones, eating, or talking to passengers
- Vehicles traveling at high speeds
- Poor visibility or lighting at night in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic
- Lack of proper pedestrian infrastructure, such as missing sidewalks
- Alcohol impairment, particularly during nights and weekends
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Busy areas like intersections or major boulevards
- Poorly designed roads or unclear traffic signals
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Taking swift action can protect your rights if you’re hit by a car when walking in Baton Rouge. First, seek immediate medical attention. Get checked out by a doctor, even if you think your injuries are minor. They can assess your condition and provide you with medical records to support your case.
As soon as possible, report the accident to authorities. This is required in Louisiana for accidents involving injury or death. When police arrive at the scene, they’ll make a report containing information like the time and date of the crash, traffic citations given, and their assessment of fault. Make sure to order a copy of the report to use for your claim.
If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the collision. Take photos of the vehicle that hit you, any visible damage, your injuries, and road conditions such as skid marks or traffic signs. Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance details, names, and phone numbers with the other driver.
Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
Various parties can be held liable for a pedestrian accident. At Dudley DeBosier, we investigate your case to identify the at-fault party and hold them responsible. This can include:
- The driver of the vehicle involved
- The city or municipality, for inadequate road design or poor maintenance
- The manufacturer of a vehicle or parts, if a defect contributed to the accident
- A parish-owned vehicle if a city worker caused the crash while on duty
- A construction company, if ongoing work or poorly marked sites led to the accident
Louisiana uses pure comparative fault to assign liability and award compensation. Under this doctrine, compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, the other side may argue that you darted in front of their car at an unmarked intersection. Our attorneys can gather evidence, like witness statements and traffic camera footage, to disprove their claim and maximize your settlement.
Recovering Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents
After a pedestrian accident, you will likely face high medical bills, lost wages, and other associated expenses. Your attorney from Dudley DeBosier calculates the full extent of your losses and negotiates a fair settlement with insurers, including the following damages:
| Damages | What They Cover | How They are Calculated |
| Special Damages | Medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, future medical care, rehabilitation costs | Calculated by tallying all verifiable financial losses. |
| General Damages | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life | Often calculated by multiplying special damages by between 1.5 and 5, based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. |
Importance of Hiring a Baton Rouge Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When you’re hurt by a careless driver, you need a pedestrian accident attorney who can fight for your rights and help you get the recovery award you’re entitled to. At Dudley DeBosier, we have years of experience fighting for injured pedestrians.
Our team has won over $1.2 billion for accident victims (though past results are no guarantee of future results), and we can provide the following advantages for your case:
- Protect Your Interests: Our lawyers ensure your rights are upheld by negotiating with insurance companies and other lawyers to get you the compensation you deserve.
- Compassionate Representation: We understand the emotional burden of legal proceedings and provide supportive guidance to ease your stress.
- Winning Legal Strategy: With our understanding of Louisiana traffic laws, we use strategies to help secure the best possible outcome for your case.
- Local Legal Insights: Our knowledge of Baton Rouge courts and legal standards enables us to manage your case effectively and anticipate challenges unique to the local area.
- No Upfront Costs: Our fee is contingent on the outcome of your case, allowing you to proceed with your claim without concern over upfront costs.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Since 1996, Dudley DeBosier has championed the rights of personal injury victims. If you or a loved one has been hit by a car and injured by a negligent driver in Baton Rouge, we’re here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation to discuss your claim.
