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Metairie, LA Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Metairie, LA is known for its mix of residential neighborhoods and bustling commercial districts. Unfortunately, this dynamic environment can sometimes pose risks for pedestrians navigating the city’s streets and sidewalks. Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in Metairie, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian crash, it is essential to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself and seek the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian Safety in Metairie: Understanding the Risks

Pedestrian safety is a critical issue in Metairie and throughout Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, pedestrian fatalities accounted for nearly 19% of all traffic-related deaths in the state in 2022. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of awareness and caution for both pedestrians and drivers alike.

Several factors contribute to the high rate of pedestrian crashes in Metairie:

Heavy traffic: Metairie’s busy streets and intersections can create hazardous conditions for pedestrians attempting to cross or walk alongside the road.
Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road pose a significant threat to pedestrians.
Impaired driving: Drunk or drugged driving significantly increases the risk of pedestrian accidents, as impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
Insufficient pedestrian infrastructure: In some areas of Metairie, inadequate sidewalks, crosswalks, or lighting can make it more difficult for pedestrians to safely navigate the streets.

Louisiana Laws Protecting Pedestrians

Louisiana law grants pedestrians the right-of-way in designated crosswalks and intersections, and drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in these areas. Additionally, drivers must exercise reasonable care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even if the pedestrian is not in a designated crossing area.

Some key provisions of Louisiana’s pedestrian safety laws include:

Crosswalks (LA Rev Stat § 32:212)

Yielding: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection where there are no marked crosswalks.
Location: Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are on the same half of the roadway as the vehicle or approaching from the opposite side of the roadway close enough to be in danger.

Sidewalks (LA Rev Stat § 32:216)

Obligation: When sidewalks are available, pedestrians are obligated to use them.
No Sidewalk: If no sidewalks are available, pedestrians should walk as near as practicable to the edge of the roadway, walking facing traffic.

Driver Responsibility (LA Rev Stat § 32:214)

Due Care: Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian on any roadway.
Warning: Drivers must give a warning by an appropriate signal when necessary to avoid a collision with a pedestrian.

Additional Points

Pedestrian Right-of-Way: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections, even if they are not in a marked crosswalk.
Jaywalking: While pedestrians are obligated to use sidewalks when available, it is not always illegal to walk across a roadway outside of a crosswalk. However, pedestrians must exercise caution and yield to oncoming traffic.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Metairie

Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents is crucial for both preventing future incidents and determining liability when an accident occurs. Some of the most frequent factors contributing to pedestrian accidents in Metairie include:

Distracted Driving

In today’s technology-driven world, distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents, including those involving pedestrians. Drivers who are texting, checking email, or using social media while behind the wheel are far less likely to notice pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.

Speeding

Excessive speed is a major risk factor in pedestrian accidents. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time the driver has to react to a pedestrian in the roadway, and the more severe the injuries are likely to be in the event of a collision. In residential areas and school zones, where pedestrian traffic is higher, adhering to posted speed limits is particularly crucial.

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

When drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections, the consequences can be devastating. Pedestrians crossing the street with the signal or in a designated crosswalk have the expectation that drivers will stop and allow them to cross safely. When drivers disregard these rules, they put pedestrians at serious risk.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving pedestrians. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles, making it more likely that they will fail to see or yield to pedestrians.

Poor Visibility

Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur in conditions of poor visibility, such as at night, during inclement weather, or in poorly lit areas. Drivers have a responsibility to adjust their speed and driving behavior to account for these conditions and to take extra precautions to watch for pedestrians who may be harder to see.

Pedestrian Behavior

While drivers have a greater responsibility to avoid pedestrian accidents, pedestrians also play a role in ensuring their own safety. Pedestrians who jaywalk, cross against signals, or walk while distracted by mobile devices can increase their risk of being involved in an accident. However, it is important to note that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, the driver may still bear some responsibility for the accident.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

If you are involved in a Metairie pedestrian crash, taking the right steps in the aftermath can be crucial for protecting your health and your legal rights. Here are some key actions to take:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should be your top priority after an accident. Even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor right away can ensure that any injuries are identified and treated promptly.

Report the Accident

Call the police to report the accident, even if the driver has already done so. When the police arrive, give them your account of what happened, but avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as these statements could be used against you later. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report, as this can be a valuable piece of evidence in your case.

Gather Evidence

If you are able, try to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the location, any damage to the vehicle, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened. If there are nearby businesses with security cameras, make note of these, as the footage could potentially be used to support your case.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Reaching out to an experienced Metairie pedestrian crash attorney can be an important step in protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, depending on the specifics of their case. These can include:

Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, and ongoing treatment or therapy.
Lost wages, if the injury prevents the victim from working.
Pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injury.
Disability or disfigurement, if the accident results in permanent impairment or scarring.
Loss of enjoyment of life, if the injury prevents the victim from engaging in activities they previously enjoyed.

In tragic cases where the pedestrian accident results in death, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their losses, such as funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

Trainor Law Firm, LLC Can Help

At Trainor Law Firm, LLC, our experienced Metairie pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians and their families. We understand the profound impact a serious pedestrian crash can have on every aspect of your life, and we are committed to helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

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