Pedestrian accidents have become an alarming issue in Lafayette, with dozens of pedestrians injured by vehicles in Lafayette Parrish every year. Whether walking to work, exercising, or simply enjoying a stroll, pedestrians are at risk of being involved in serious accidents.
Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protective barrier, which makes them vulnerable to severe injuries in the event of a collision. A single moment of negligence—such as a driver failing to yield, speeding, or being distracted—can have devastating consequences for those on foot.
At Dudley DeBosier, we understand the unique challenges that pedestrian accident victims in Lafayette face and are committed to helping injured pedestrians get the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can happen in an instant, often due to driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. Understanding the common causes can help determine liability and ensure victims get the compensation they deserve.
- Distracted Driving (Texting, Phone Use): Drivers who are focused on their phones or other distractions are less likely to notice pedestrians, leading to dangerous collisions.
- Failure to Yield at Crosswalks: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at crosswalks, putting pedestrians in immediate danger.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: High-speed collisions are especially devastating for pedestrians, as drivers have less time to react when they notice a pedestrian crossing the road and the force of impact at high speeds can cause catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
- Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers often have delayed reaction times and poor judgment, increasing the risk of hitting pedestrians, especially at night or in poor visibility conditions.
- Poorly Marked or Maintained Crosswalks: Inadequate signage, faded markings, or poorly maintained crosswalks make it harder for drivers to notice these crossings, leading to accidents that could otherwise be avoided.
Each of these factors can create hazardous conditions for pedestrians, often resulting in life-changing injuries or even fatalities.
Louisiana Pedestrian Laws
In Louisiana, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks when there are no traffic signals or when the signals are not working. If a pedestrian is already crossing the street, drivers must stop and allow them to cross safely. However, pedestrians should not suddenly step into the path of an oncoming vehicle if it’s too close to stop in time.
Additionally, when one vehicle has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian pass, other drivers approaching from behind are not allowed to pass that stopped vehicle. This ensures that pedestrians can cross safely without the risk of being hit by another car.
Pedestrians should also be aware that these rules don’t apply in areas where pedestrian tunnels or bridges are provided for crossing the road.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection pedestrians have compared to occupants of motor vehicles. The force of impact from a vehicle can lead to catastrophic injuries, some of which have long-lasting effects.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in pedestrian accidents, especially when the victim’s head makes contact with the vehicle or the ground. These injuries can range from concussions to more severe brain trauma that leads to cognitive impairment or permanent disability.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a vehicle can easily break bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs. Some fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, leaving the victim unable to work for an extended period.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life. These injuries often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Damage: Pedestrians are also at risk of suffering internal injuries, including damage to the liver, lungs, and other vital organs. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require immediate emergency surgery.
- Fatal Injuries: Tragically, pedestrian accidents often result in fatalities. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the lack of protection makes them highly vulnerable to life-ending injuries, leading to wrongful death claims by grieving families.
Each of these injuries can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the victim and their family.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Victims of pedestrian accidents often face severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens from their injuries. The compensation they receive can help alleviate some of these challenges, ensuring they have the resources needed to recover and move forward with their lives.
- Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation: Pedestrian accidents can lead to extensive medical costs, including for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatments. Compensation can cover these immediate expenses, as well as long-term rehabilitation costs like physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices required for recovery.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Potential: Serious injuries often prevent victims from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently. Compensation for lost wages helps cover the income lost during recovery, while loss of earning potential takes into account the victim’s reduced ability to work in the future due to permanent disability or diminished capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the financial impact, pedestrian accidents cause significant physical pain and emotional trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the victim’s mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
- Compensation for Wrongful Death (if applicable): In the tragic event that a pedestrian accident leads to death, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation via a wrongful death lawsuit. This can cover medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of the financial support the deceased provided had they lived.
Seeking full compensation ensures that victims and their families can focus on healing physically and emotionally, rather than worrying about the financial strain caused by the accident.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
With decades of experience and a proven track record of helping tens of thousands of clients recover more than $1.2 billion total in compensation, Dudley DeBosier is committed to fighting for accident victims in Lafayette. It’s important to understand that past results are not an indicator of future results. What we can tell you is that we will always strive to give our clients the best legal service possible.
Our dedicated team of nearly 200 legal professionals understands the unique challenges faced by those injured in pedestrian accidents, and we’re here to provide personalized legal strategies that are tailored to your case.
At Dudley DeBosier, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We take the time to listen to your story, gather the facts, and build a strong case to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s for medical expenses, lost wages, or your family’s pain and suffering, our priority is securing maximum compensation for your recovery.
Plus, you only pay if we win your case. When you work with Dudley DeBosier, you can trust that you’re backed by a team that treats every client like family and is ready to stand up to insurance companies on your behalf.
Contact Our Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. The team at Dudley DeBosier is here to provide the compassionate, experienced representation you deserve. We’ll fight to protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let Dudley DeBosier help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman of Dudley DeBosier’s New Orleans office.
