When you walk down the sidewalk or cross the street in Mandeville, you expect drivers to yield to you. However, following pedestrian laws does not always protect against errant driver behavior. Even if you walk safely and remain aware of traffic, pedestrian accidents happen quickly.
At Margaret S. Burns Injury Law, we’re committed to protecting pedestrians’ rights. Call today at (985) 892-2945 to meet with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Mandeville, LA, to seek compensation and start moving forward.
Are You the Victim of a Pedestrian Accident?
Mandeville, LA, is a generally walkable area. Residents and tourists enjoy strolling around Old Mandeville to browse the shops and grab a bite. The 31-mile Tammany Trace wildlife conservation corridor is also a popular walking path.
Unfortunately, Mandeville is not immune to pedestrian accidents. Drivers, bicyclists, and motorcyclists can become distracted and strike pedestrians. If you experienced injuries in a pedestrian accident, our personal injury lawyer in Mandeville, LA, can guide you in the next steps.
When Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way?
If you want to claim compensation for pedestrian injuries, you must determine who was at fault for the accident. Mandeville follows certain pedestrian laws. If you were acting within the law when the accident occurred, the motorist who struck you is likely to blame.
Under Louisiana law, pedestrians should:
- Use sidewalks when available
- Not walk along highways
- Cross at crosswalks when available
- Yield to vehicles when crossing outside of a crosswalk
- Not suddenly enter the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop
The police officer who arrived on the scene may have cited you or the driver for violating traffic laws. If you do not believe you were acting outside the law, our pedestrian hit-and-run lawyers can help you build a strong case based on the facts.
Options for Compensation in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Louisiana follows a pure comparative negligence policy for accidents. If you shared responsibility for the accident, you can seek partial compensation for damages.
For example, perhaps the insurance company deems you 20% responsible for the accident because you were stepping off the curb when a motorist struck you. You can seek 80% of damages from the at-fault party.
Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Mandeville, LA, will help you pursue the maximum compensation. Economic damages cover the direct costs of the accident, such as:
- Medical bills
- Time off work
- Property damage
- Loss of future earning capacity
Non-economic damages make up for the physical and emotional toll of the accident, including:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Mandeville, LA, will walk you through an insurance claim and, if necessary, take legal action against the at-fault party.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Mandeville
The steps you take immediately after the accident can aid a compensation claim down the line. Follow these steps, if possible:
- Call the police. They will come to the scene, ensure your safety, and create an accident report.
- Take photos of the accident scene. These can highlight who was at fault.
- Write down the contact information of any witnesses. They may be able to testify against the at-fault driver.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, you may have underlying injuries that require immediate treatment. Medical documentation offers valuable evidence in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Contact a lawyer for pedestrians hit by a car. We will take it from here.
Knowing what to do and who to call after a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming. Enlist our pedestrian accident legal services for guidance.
Seek Legal Help for Pedestrian Accidents From Our Team
If you are struggling with serious injuries after a pedestrian accident, you need a personal injury lawyer for pedestrians to support you. Margaret S. Burns Injury Law is here to protect your rights and take the burden of the claim off your shoulders. Contact us at (985) 892-2945 or reach out online to speak with a trusted pedestrian accident lawyer in Mandeville, LA, today.
