Metairie Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 7,000 pedestrians were killed nationwide in 2020. That represents about 1 pedestrian death every 75 minutes. In addition, there were over 100,000 pedestrians treated for non-fatal injuries after being hit by a motor vehicle.
Pedestrian accidents are often the result of negligent drivers who simply refused to share the road. If you are among those who have been injured, a qualified Metairie pedestrian accident lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation. At Palazzo Law Firm, we represent pedestrians who are dealing with substantial–and often catastrophic–injuries due to the thoughtless and reckless actions of a driver.
Reckless Drivers Often Lead to Pedestrian Injuries, Deaths
In Louisiana, pedestrians have the right-of-way in any crosswalk. So even if no traffic signal is present, a driver must yield to a pedestrian who is lawfully inside of the crosswalk. And any pedestrian who enters a signaled crosswalk with a “walk” sign may continue to the other side even if the signal changes.
Even with these clearly understood rules, pedestrian accidents still frequently occur at crosswalks. There are a few reasons for this. Some of the more common factors include:
- Drunk driving. According to CDC figures, alcohol is a factor in about 13 percent of all pedestrian accidents caused by motorists. Alcohol dulls a driver’s reflexes and affects their ability to slow down or come to a complete stop at a crosswalk or intersection.
- Speeding. Similarly, if a driver is going well past the posted speed limit, they have less time to react to a pedestrian in the roadway. Speeding is an especially big problem outside of intersections.
- The age of the victims. Statistically speaking, adults 65 and older and children under the age of 15 are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a pedestrian accident.
It is important to note that not all pedestrian accidents are considered the fault of the driver. Indeed, pedestrian negligence is often a contributing factor. And because Louisiana is a “comparative negligence” state, a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit can argue that the pedestrian’s actions contributed to or caused their accident. If a jury agrees, that can reduce the amount of damages the injured pedestrian may collect in a judgment.
Contact The Palazzo Law Firm Today
There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of an accident while walking. If you are walking at night, carry a flashlight or wear reflecting clothing to make you easier to see. Always walk on sidewalks when available. Avoid walking near roadways if you have recently taken alcohol or drugs. And do not use headphones or earbuds at a volume level that prevent you from hearing the traffic around you.
Of course, even the most careful pedestrian may still be seriously injured or killed by a reckless driver. If you, or someone that you love, has been hurt and you need legal advice from a skilled Metairie pedestrian accident lawyer, contact Palazzo Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
