If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in New Orleans, LA, the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. can help you pursue compensation from the responsible party. Contact a New Orleans pedestrian accident lawyer at (504) 500-5000 today to schedule a free consultation and learn about your legal options.
Pedestrians have little protection when struck by cars, trucks, or other vehicles, so even a relatively low-speed collision can cause serious injuries. Our attorneys can investigate the accident, deal with insurance companies, document your losses, and pursue the compensation available under Louisiana law.
Why Choose the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. for Help After a Pedestrian Accident in New Orleans, Louisiana?
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. has served injured people throughout the Greater New Orleans area for more than 30 years and has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for clients. Founding attorney John W. Redmann is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and the firm has also been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers.
Our attorneys provide personalized representation and keep clients informed throughout their cases. A New Orleans personal injury attorney from our team can help you understand your legal options and what to expect during the claims process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is My New Orleans Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
There is no standard settlement amount for a pedestrian accident. The value of your case depends on the specific facts and the extent of the harm you suffered.
Important factors may include:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- The cost of past and future medical treatment
- Whether your injuries prevent you from working
- Your lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Whether you are expected to make a full recovery
- The physical pain and emotional effects of your injuries
- Whether you share responsibility for the accident
- The available insurance coverage
- Whether your injuries cause permanent impairment or disability
A New Orleans pedestrian accident attorney can review your medical records, employment losses, and other evidence to determine the damages that may be available.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to New Orleans Pedestrian Accident Victims?
An injured pedestrian may be able to recover economic damages for measurable financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Future medical care
- Other accident-related expenses
You may also be entitled to non-economic damages for losses that do not have a specific dollar value, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Scarring and disfigurement
The damages available will depend on your injuries and the circumstances of the collision.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in New Orleans?
Our New Orleans personal injury lawyers typically handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Instead of paying attorney’s fees upfront, the lawyer receives an agreed-upon percentage of the compensation recovered for you.
If there is no financial recovery, you generally do not owe an attorney’s fee under a standard contingency fee arrangement. The specific fee agreement and responsibility for case expenses should be explained before you hire an attorney.
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. offers free consultations, giving you an opportunity to discuss your case and ask questions about fees before deciding how to proceed.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Pedestrian Accident in Louisiana?
Possibly. Louisiana now follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your award is reduced according to your percentage of fault.
For example, a pedestrian who is found 20% responsible for an accident would generally have their recoverable damages reduced by 20%.
Fault can become disputed when a pedestrian is accused of crossing outside a crosswalk, entering traffic unexpectedly, ignoring a traffic signal, or otherwise contributing to the collision. An attorney can investigate the evidence and respond when a driver or insurer attempts to shift responsibility to you.
What Are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in New Orleans, Louisiana?
Because pedestrians do not have a vehicle surrounding them to absorb the force of an impact, their injuries can be severe. They may be injured both when the vehicle initially strikes them and when they hit the pavement or another object.
Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Knee and leg injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations and road rash
- Crush injuries
Severe collisions can result in permanent disabilities or fatal injuries. When a pedestrian dies because of another party’s actions, eligible surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in Louisiana?
Many pedestrian collisions occur because a motorist fails to notice a person walking nearby or fails to follow traffic laws.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Impaired driving
- Unsafe turns at intersections
- Driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions
- Backing up without checking for pedestrians
- Driver fatigue
- Poor visibility
Determining why an accident occurred is important because the cause can help identify who may be legally responsible. Evidence such as traffic-camera footage, witness statements, vehicle damage, police reports, and electronic data may help establish what happened.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana generally provides two years from the date the injury or damage is sustained to bring a personal injury action.
Different deadlines can apply depending on when the accident occurred and the circumstances of the case. Waiting can also make a claim more difficult because surveillance footage may be erased, witnesses can become harder to locate, and other evidence can disappear.
Speaking with an attorney promptly can help you determine the specific deadline that applies to your pedestrian accident claim.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Your health and safety should be the first priorities after being struck by a vehicle.
Depending on the circumstances, useful steps after a pedestrian accident include:
- Call 911. Report the collision and request emergency medical assistance if necessary.
- Seek medical attention. Get evaluated even if you initially believe your injuries are minor. Some symptoms may not appear immediately.
- Document the accident scene. If you can safely do so, take photographs or videos of the vehicle, roadway, traffic signals, crosswalks, injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Get the driver’s information. Obtain the driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number.
- Identify witnesses. Ask anyone who saw the collision for their contact information.
- Keep accident-related records. Save medical bills, employment records, receipts, photographs, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Be cautious when speaking with insurers. Avoid guessing about fault or the extent of your injuries, and review settlement offers carefully before accepting them.
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney. A lawyer can preserve evidence, investigate fault, calculate your damages, and handle communications with the insurance companies.
Taking these steps can help protect both your health and your ability to pursue a claim.
Contact Our New Orleans Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A pedestrian collision can leave you facing painful injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. You do not have to navigate the insurance and legal process by yourself.
Our firm has represented injury victims in Louisiana for more than 30 years and provides personalized legal representation throughout the claims process.
If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle, contact a New Orleans pedestrian accident attorney at the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options for pursuing compensation.