Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Lafayette

Louisiana’s traffic laws are designed to protect pedestrians from devastating collisions. However, these laws only work when people follow them. Tragically, negligent or reckless drivers continue to put pedestrians at risk of life-altering injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Lafayette, The Thibeaux Firm can help you pursue compensation and accountability from the person who hit you — and at no upfront cost to you.

Our firm has a proven record of success representing injured accident victims across Louisiana. It’s not just because we do great work — it’s also because we’re home to “The 25% Attorney.” Attorney Omar Thibeaux represents pedestrian accident victims on a contingency fee basis and charges a flat 25 percent fee, which you only pay if he wins compensation in your case. This is much less than the 22 to 40 percent that other law firms demand, so more money stays in your pocket.

As a pedestrian hit by a car or another motor vehicle, you deserve to seek financial recovery and justice from the negligent or reckless driver who injured you. Let The Thibeaux Firm help you demand it. Contact us today for a free initial case review with a Lafayette pedestrian accident lawyer, and let’s get started right away.

Benefits of Hiring a Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you’re dealing with the painful aftermath of a pedestrian accident in Lafayette, you should have the freedom to focus on your medical treatment and rehabilitation. Undergoing treatment at the same time as you’re pursuing your legal claims can be a tricky balancing act. By hiring a Lafayette pedestrian accident attorney from The Thibeaux Firm, you’ll get a legal advocate who can handle the details of your case so you can devote your time and energy to your recovery.

Let our pedestrian accident law firm pursue the financial relief and justice you deserve by:

• Thoroughly investigating the accident to secure all available evidence, including police accident reports, surveillance and traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and accident scene photos and videos
• Identifying at-fault and liable parties to evaluate your legal options for pursuing compensation
• Documenting your injuries and losses, including consulting with your medical providers and other experts, to determine how much compensation you are entitled to
• Filing your insurance or legal claims and handling negotiations with adjusters and defense lawyers on your behalf
• Taking your case to trial as necessary to demand accountability and justice for the harm you’ve endured
• Never charging you anything unless we recover compensation for your pedestrian accident case

We know that hiring an attorney may seem intimidating. That’s why The Thibeaux Firm strives to create a respectful, understanding, caring environment, one that makes you feel supported by a dedicated advocate who’s working hard to win your case. And, because we’re known for “The 25% Attorney,” you’ll keep more of the money we recover so that you can heal with confidence.

When you’re ready to get started, contact us and let an experienced Lafayette pedestrian accident attorney protect your rights.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Taking prompt action after a pedestrian accident can protect your health, safety, and legal options for pursuing financial compensation. Here’s what to do:

• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Request a copy of the police crash report if an officer responded to the accident scene.
• Seek medical attention to get examined for any injuries you sustained in the accident.
• Follow your physician’s treatment plan and recovery instructions.
• Obtain copies of your medical records documenting your treatment and rehabilitation.
• Keep bills, invoices, and receipts to document your medical or long-term care expenses.
• Gather your pay stubs/income statements to calculate your lost wages if you miss time from work due to injuries or need to transfer to a lower-paying position due to medical restrictions on your ability to work.
• Avoid discussing the accident on social media or posting photos or videos of yourself while undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, as insurance carriers can use your words against you.

Finally, contact a Lafayette pedestrian accident attorney from The Thibeaux Firm as soon as possible to start pursuing compensation from the driver who hit you.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Depending on how the pedestrian accident happened, you may have legal claims against several different parties, including:

• An At-Fault Driver – A driver who carelessly or recklessly hits a pedestrian is typically liable for the pedestrian’s injuries and losses.
• The At-Fault Driver’s Employer – When a driver causes a pedestrian accident while on the clock, the driver’s employer may also bear liability for the pedestrian’s injuries in an employer/vicarious liability claim.
• The Owner of the At-Fault Driver’s Vehicle – A third party who allowed the at-fault driver to borrow the vehicle involved in the pedestrian accident could be liable under the theory of negligent entrustment. A vehicle owner should not knowingly allow an irresponsible person to drive their car, such as someone who’s visibly intoxicated or lacks a driver’s license.
• The Manufacturer of the Driver’s Vehicle – In the event of a pedestrian accident caused by a defective component, the company that manufactured the vehicle or the part in question could be liable for the pedestrian’s injuries.
• A Local or County Government – A government entity responsible for designing and maintaining a road or intersection could be liable if mistakes or errors on its part made the area inherently unsafe. Examples include obstructed lines-of-sight, lack of marked crosswalks and traffic signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

If someone else is to blame for the pedestrian accident that injured you, they should be responsible for the financial and personal harm you suffered as a result. To that end, pedestrian accident compensation in your claim could involve money for your:

• Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, pain management, medical and orthopedic equipment purchases, and physical and occupational therapy
• Costs of long-term disability care, including home health services, housekeeping and childcare assistance, or installation of disability accommodations at home
• Lost wages and other income from missed time from work or reduced earnings while working in a part-time/light-duty role
• Loss of future earning capacity if you become permanently disabled from your job or other types of work
• Physical pain and anguish from your injuries and subsequent medical treatment
• Emotional trauma or distress
• Loss of quality of life caused by physical disabilities or visible scarring or disfigurement

If the driver who hit you was intoxicated, and you choose to take your case to trial, a jury may award you punitive damages if it finds that the driver acted with a wanton or reckless disregard for pedestrians’ safety. Punitive damages do not compensate for losses you suffered due to your injuries. Instead, they punish the at-fault driver for their conduct and dissuade others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Attorney Thibeaux can tell you whether you might be entitled to these damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations gives you only one year from the date of your injuries to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. While certain situations could extend or diminish this timeline, it’s important to act fast. The statute of limitations gives you little time to file an injury claim, and one year’s time can move fast. Don’t risk the dismissal of your pedestrian accident claim by filing it late. Speak to The Thibeaux Firm today.

How Many Pedestrians Are Killed in Louisiana Each Year?

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, there were over 180 pedestrian accident fatalities statewide in one recent year. In addition, over 1,220 pedestrians suffered injuries in collisions with motor vehicles. Approximately 32 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents in Louisiana involved alcohol.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Most collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians occur due to drivers’ carelessness. Some of the top causes of pedestrian accidents in Louisiana include:

What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrians are at high risk of severe injuries in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle, even when it happens at low speeds. Common examples of pedestrian accident injury include:

Contact a Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian, get the legal help you need to demand compensation for what you’ve suffered. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Lafayette. Discover how we can help you seek financial recovery for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.