Pedestrian Accident Attorney in New Orleans

Being injured in a pedestrian accident can lead to significant physical and financial challenges. You might face an extended hospital stay, extensive medical treatment, and lost income from time off work. A personal injury claim gives you a chance to recover compensation for your injuries, but the legal issues involved can add to your stress.

At The Thibeaux Firm, we are here to ease your burden. A New Orleans pedestrian accident lawyer can fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Attorney Omar Thibeaux and his team will take on the insurance companies for you, giving you time and space to focus on other aspects of your recovery. We’ll manage the legal details so you can concentrate on putting your life back together. Plus, as home to “The 25% Attorney,” you’ll never be subject by excessive and unfair legal fees.

Call The Thibeaux Firm today or complete our contact form for a free consultation and to learn what your pedestrian accident case could be worth.

Benefits of Hiring a New Orleans Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Without legal help, it’s easy to make mistakes that could jeopardize your pedestrian accident claim. Hiring a New Orleans pedestrian accident attorney can make a significant difference in your case’s outcome. When you work with The Thibeaux Firm, you get experienced help to maximize your potential compensation. Our team can gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a strong case for you. We will manage the paperwork and negotiations and represent you in court, so you don’t have to worry about these legal details.

A pedestrian accident lawyer in New Orleans can also deal with the insurance companies for you. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, but we will fight for full compensation for your injuries. We know the tactics insurers use and how to counter them effectively.

Accident victims throughout Louisiana know Attorney Thibeaux as “The 25 Percent Attorney.” He got that moniker because he only charges a flat and fair 25 percent fee for personal injury cases — which is much less than the industry standard of 33 to 40 percent — and only does so if he successfully recovers compensation for you. If The Thibeaux Firm doesn’t win, you don’t pay, so there’s no financial risk in securing the legal representation you need.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic experience. Knowing what to do afterward will protect your health and legal rights. Here are the steps you should take in addition to seeking immediate medical treatment:

• Follow Medical Advice – Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. Keeping detailed records of your treatment and recovery progress is essential for your pedestrian accident case.
• Report the Accident – Report the accident to the police right away if you did not do so at the scene. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
• Document Everything – Keep a journal of your injuries, pain levels, and how the accident impacts your daily life. Photos of a pedestrian accident injury and any damaged personal property are compelling evidence for your claim.
• Gather Witness Information – If possible, collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. Their statements can be key evidence in your pedestrian accident claim.
• Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – Reach out to a qualified attorney, like those at The Thibeaux Firm. They can guide you through the legal process, communicate with insurers, and help you build a robust case.
• Avoid Discussing the Accident – Refrain from posting about the accident or discussing it with anyone other than your lawyer and medical professionals. Remember, the driver who hit you or their insurance company can use anything you say against you.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Identifying who caused the crash is essential to a pedestrian accident claim.  Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on how the accident happened. Some potentially liable parties include:

• Drivers – Any traffic law violation that led to the accident can make the driver liable. Drivers may be liable for a pedestrian accident due to reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield.
• Employers – Employers must ensure their drivers follow safety protocols and maintain their vehicles properly. If the driver was on the job when the accident happened, their employer might be partly responsible. This is common in cases involving delivery drivers, taxi services, or commercial vehicles.
• Government Entities – Poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, or lack of proper signage can contribute to pedestrian accidents. In such cases, a city or government entity responsible for road maintenance and safety may be liable. However, proving government liability can be complex and requires specific legal procedures.
• Vehicle Manufacturers – The manufacturer might be partly responsible if a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes or steering mechanisms, contributed to a pedestrian accident. Product liability claims focus on proving that the defect directly caused the accident and injured someone.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrians often suffer horrific injuries in accidents, so it’s crucial for them to pursue full compensation for their injuries and other losses from a collision. Depending on the specifics of the case, pedestrian accident compensation can include money for:

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

Louisiana law gives you only one year from the collision date to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. If a government agency is potentially involved in your case, you might have even less time than that. Accordingly, it’s vital to contact a pedestrian accident law firm immediately after a crash. We at The Thibeaux Firm can begin working on your case while you heal from your injuries, protect your right to compensation, and help you recover the resources you need more quickly.

How Many Pedestrians Are Killed in New Orleans and Louisiana Each Year?

How many pedestrians are killed in Louisiana every year? According to Louisiana State University’s Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), 145 pedestrians died in car accidents statewide during one recent year. That same year, another 1,231 pedestrians sustained injuries in motor vehicle collisions.

The situation in New Orleans is no better than in the state as a whole. In one recent year, authorities recorded 16 pedestrian deaths in Orleans Parish, along with another 334 pedestrian accident injuries. Those figures mean that the New Orleans area accounted for over 10 percent of all pedestrian accident deaths that year, along with over 25 percent of all pedestrian accident injuries.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Many pedestrian accidents in New Orleans stem from negligence by drivers or others who have a duty to watch out for pedestrians and avoid causing collisions. Some examples of negligence that can lead to a pedestrian crash include:

• Distracted Driving – Drivers using their phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions may not see pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
• Speeding – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and may increase the severity of injuries when accidents happen.
• Failure to Yield – Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections may cause collisions.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs – Ignoring traffic signals can result in drivers hitting pedestrians who are legally crossing the road.
• Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to make safe decisions and react promptly to pedestrians.
• Poor Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, direct sunlight, and other types of bad weather can reduce visibility and road traction. If drivers do not adjust their driving behavior in poor weather, their negligence can lead to accidents.
• Backing Up – If they’re not careful, drivers may not see pedestrians while backing out of driveways or parking spaces.
• Left Turns – Drivers making left turns may focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street.
• Poorly Designed Crosswalks – Inadequate signage, lighting, or poorly marked crosswalks can contribute to accidents, as these hazards make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.

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

Pedestrians hit by cars have much less protection from crashes than drivers or passengers in cars. That means pedestrians are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries in accidents. Those injuries may include:

Contact a New Orleans Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

You have enough on your plate after a New Orleans pedestrian accident without having to manage your personal injury claim. The Thibeaux Firm can take care of the legal work in your case while you recuperate and plan for your future. We have a proven track record in these cases and will help you fight for maximum compensation for your injuries.

Call The Thibeaux Firm today or reach out online for a free case evaluation with “The 25% Attorney.”