Pedestrian accidents are devastating and can result in life-altering injuries. Unfortunately, they are all too common in Metairie, Louisiana. These accidents can be caused by heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and poor road conditions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to protecting the rights of pedestrians who have been harmed in accidents caused by the negligence of others. Our Metairie pedestrian accident lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and help you seek the justice you deserve. Whether your accident was caused by a driver’s negligence, a hazardous road condition, or a failure to yield, our legal team can help. Contact us today at (504) 323-6000 for a free consultation.
How Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Metairie, LA
Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even wrongful death. The recovery process can be overwhelming. Your recovery can be even more challenging when dealing with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts. That’s where we come in.
Our Metairie personal injury lawyers are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of Louisiana law and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how we can assist you after a pedestrian accident:
- Investigation of the accident: We conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident. We gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records to build a strong case on your behalf. If necessary, we consult accident reconstruction expert witnesses to understand the details of the crash and establish liability.
- Identify liable parties: Pedestrian accidents often involve multiple parties, including drivers, municipalities, and property owners. Our team will identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for your injuries. Whether the cause was a distracted driver, poor road design, or an unsafe crosswalk, we will ensure that all liable parties are brought to justice.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies may attempt to offer a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. Our experienced Metairie personal injury attorneys handle all communication with insurance companies to make sure your rights are protected. We will work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation available for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
- Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our trial-ready lawyers are dedicated to presenting your case effectively in front of a judge and jury, fighting for your right to compensation every step of the way.
At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how traumatic a pedestrian accident can be. Our compassionate attorneys are here to support you, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Metairie?
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by negligence. In many cases, these accidents could have been prevented. In Metairie, as in other parts of Louisiana, various factors contribute to these accidents.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted drivers: Drivers who are texting, using their phones, or otherwise distracted are less likely to notice pedestrians crossing the street. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents and is completely preventable.
- Failure to yield: Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections is another common cause of accidents. Louisiana law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, but many drivers neglect this obligation, leading to serious accidents.
- Speeding: Speeding is a dangerous behavior that can cause accidents. It is particularly dangerous in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Drivers who speed may not have enough time to stop or react if a pedestrian steps into the road.
- Poor road conditions: In some cases, pedestrian accidents occur because of poorly designed roads or hazardous conditions like uneven sidewalks, potholes, or poorly lit areas. Local municipalities and property owners may be responsible for maintaining safe pedestrian walkways.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in these situations. Accidents involving impaired drivers often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we carefully investigate every detail of your case to determine the root cause of the accident. Identifying the cause is essential to holding the responsible party accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
Each pedestrian accident case is different, but the following factors often impact what a case is worth:
- The severity of injuries
- The medical treatment required
- Time missed from work
- Insurance policy limits
- How the injury impacts your quality of life
A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can assess the value of your claim and pursue just compensation on your behalf.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover for a Pedestrian Accident in Metairie?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Metairie, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. This can include both economic and non-economic damages. These damages are designed to make you “whole” again by compensating you for the financial and emotional toll the accident has caused.
Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as:
- Medical Expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages from time off work
- Property damage (e.g., damage to your personal belongings or clothing)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective losses that are harder to quantify but are no less significant:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
Our attorneys will fight for fair compensation to cover all aspects of your recovery. We will pursue recovery for your immediate financial costs and the long-term emotional and physical toll the accident has taken on your life.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for My Pedestrian Accident in Metairie?
Yes, Louisiana is a pure comparative negligence state that allows you to still recover compensation if you’re partially to blame for your pedestrian accident. However, the amount of compensation you can receive is reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Metairie?
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Metairie, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, like internal injuries or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the accident: Call the police and file a report. A police report is crucial for documenting the accident and establishing the facts surrounding the incident.
- Collect evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the vehicles involved. Get contact information from witnesses who can help support your version of events.
- Consult with an attorney: Consult with a Metairie pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help guide you through the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Taking these steps can help make the personal injury claims process easier to manage.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Metairie?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.
It’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the time limits and to preserve important evidence before it’s lost.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Our contingency fee arrangement means that you will not be charged any upfront costs or fees. When you decide to hire us, you won’t be charged unless we win your case. When we win your case, our fees are equal to a percentage of your recovery. This means that you don’t have to pay out of your own pocket at all.
At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how difficult recovery after an accident can be. We know that the last thing you want to deal with is hiring an expensive lawyer. This is the reason that we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. We level the playing field for our clients by making competent legal representation affordable.
This fee structure gives our clients the advantage of quality legal counsel with no upfront costs. Injured victims shouldn’t feel like the justice system is inaccessible. We make sure that wealthy corporations and insurance companies don’t take advantage of our clients.
Get in touch with our office today to learn more about our fees. We offer an absolutely free, no-risk consultation to discuss your legal options.
Contact Our Metairie Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Metairie, Louisiana, don’t face the legal challenges alone. The experienced Metairie pedestrian accident attorneys at Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We understand the challenges you face and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us take care of the legal process while you focus on recovering and getting back to your life. We are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf.