Donaldsonville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Attorney In Donaldsonville, LA

There’s nothing wrong with expecting drivers on the road to obey traffic laws and prioritize the general safety of pedestrians. You should never have to worry about being hit by a car if you’re out for a walk. Being in a car accident can be a frightening ordeal on its own, but if you’re a pedestrian who is hit by a car, that’s often a much worse situation. For help in resolving this legally, you should contact a Donaldsonville pedestrian accident lawyer.

The legal team at Gauthier Amedee understands how physically hard it can be for you to manage a pedestrian accident claim while also struggling to heal from serious injuries. Hiring a Donaldsonville personal injury lawyer may be the most important decision you make. An experienced Donaldsonville pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand the state’s pedestrian accident laws and protect you from being taken advantage of in this vulnerable state.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

If you’re a pedestrian who is hit by a car in Donaldsonville, you may choose to file a personal injury claim against the driver who hit you. If this happens, your case will most likely be heard in the 23rd Judicial District Court at the Ascension Parish Courthouse on Houmas Street.

Car accidents were the second-highest cause of injury in Louisiana in 2023, with over 3,000 reported incidents. You should contact an accident lawyer and present a strong case based on facts and evidence.

Getting hit by a car as a pedestrian can be one of the most devastating and life-changing events of your entire life. It can lead to severe, ongoing medical conditions that will require lifelong treatment. It can even make you afraid of cars.

In 2023, there were over 1,200 pedestrian injuries and nearly 150 pedestrian deaths in Louisiana. In 2024, there were over 146,000 car accidents throughout the state. You need to be careful when walking. Common causes of accidents include:

• Distractions: Distracted driving is overwhelmingly considered to be the most common cause of car accidents, injuries, and fatalities throughout the country. Louisiana is no exception. Any time a driver takes their eyes off the road ahead of them, an accident can happen. A distraction is any action that makes the driver lose focus on the road, including texting, talking on the phone, eating and drinking, applying makeup, and using the radio.
• Night driving: Many drivers are not as comfortable driving at night as they are during the day. Night driving can make obstacles in the road harder to see, and if drowsiness starts to set in, the resulting accident can be catastrophic. As a pedestrian, it’s recommended that you wear bright, reflective clothing if you are walking along the road at night. That can make it easier for drivers to notice you and could prevent an accident.
• Drunk driving: DWIs happen in Louisiana all the time. If a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, that will severely limit their reaction time and ability to see pedestrians on the road. They may not even notice a pedestrian until it is far too late to stop. Unfortunately, as a pedestrian, there is nothing you can do about impaired drivers, apart from reacting faster than they can.
• Poor weather: Driving during a thunderstorm can involve new obstacles and threats that you may not think about until they’re already happening. A wet road can cause your car to hydroplane, which can hurl the vehicle into the direction of pedestrians.
• Construction: A road under construction may not make sense to drivers immediately. The road may be difficult to navigate because of its irregular shape. There may not even be a sidewalk anymore, forcing pedestrians to walk further into the road. Drivers may not expect someone to be on the road, which can lead to an accident.

FAQs

Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Louisiana?

Yes, pedestrians have the right of way in Louisiana, but only in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing outside a crosswalk into moving traffic. It’s generally smart behavior to stop any time there is a person walking in front of or next to your car. The last thing you want is to hurt somebody or be the subject of your own legal case for causing a pedestrian accident.

Who Is at Fault if a Pedestrian Gets Hit by a Car in Louisiana?

If a pedestrian gets hit by a car in Louisiana, either party could be at fault. Neither the driver nor the pedestrian is automatically assumed to be at fault until an investigation into the accident is conducted. Louisiana uses a comparative fault system, which assigns liability based on negligence, with everyone involved sharing liability. If a pedestrian was jaywalking, crossing against a traffic signal, or was intoxicated, they could be seen at fault for causing the accident.

What Should You Not Say When Making an Insurance Claim?

There are many things you should not say when making an insurance claim. Above all, you should never admit fault. Admitting fault to a police officer, an insurance adjuster, a lawyer, or even the other involved party can severely limit your chances of getting reimbursed for damages. Don’t speculate as to the cause of the accident. Don’t downplay your injuries. Be totally honest about what happened when filing your claim.

Should I Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire a pedestrian accident lawyer. If you are struck by a vehicle, there’s a strong chance that you have suffered severe injuries. You may be in no condition to be leading an accident case. A lawyer can take control of your case for you and make sure your interests are always protected. This allows you to focus your energy on healing and, depending on your injuries, possibly physical therapy.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you are suffering from injuries caused by a car hitting you while walking, you should hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to lead your case and support your ongoing recovery. At Gauthier Amedee, we’ve been recognized by the American Association for Justice and have decades of experience helping our clients through tough times. Contact us to speak with a valued team member who can offer solutions.