Any motor vehicle accident can cause serious injuries. But when a car hits a pedestrian, the consequences are often catastrophic.
If you’re facing mounting medical bills, missed time at work, and other financial burdens, you may wonder what options you have. To learn more about pedestrian accident compensation in Covington, your first step should be to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer.
As a personal injury law firm in Covington, LA, Margaret Burns Injury Law represents people hurt in car accidents. Whether you’ve been searching for a “hit and run accident attorney in LA” or a “pedestrian rights lawyer in Covington,” call us today for help moving forward after your injury.
Pedestrian Accidents in Louisiana
Pedestrian accidents happen every day and for all sorts of reasons. A driver may fail to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. A distracted motorist may drive off the street and hit someone walking on the sidewalk or sitting at a bus stop. In some cases, the driver may be engaging in illegal activities like texting and driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
Whatever the cause, pedestrian accidents often have severe physical, financial, and emotional consequences. You may have suffered a broken leg that is taking months to heal or permanent disfigurement like burns or scarring. In especially serious accidents, you may be dealing with a traumatic brain injury or permanent spinal cord damage.
Types of Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Thankfully, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Covington, LA, can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries. Margaret Burns Injury Law will assist you with calculating and claiming economic and non-economic losses, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment in life
Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws in Louisiana
Pedestrians have certain responsibilities in Louisiana. They must yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing the street outside a crosswalk. They should not walk on a highway when sidewalks are available. They must not cross an interstate at any time unless it is an emergency.
However, as any crosswalk injury lawyer in Louisiana will tell you, that is only half the story. Even when pedestrians do not have the right of way, motorists must take steps to avoid hitting them. That means that even if you were walking on a road or crossing outside a crosswalk when the accident occurred, you may still qualify to seek compensation from the driver.
Steps After a Pedestrian Accident in Louisiana
After you’ve been hit by a car, following the steps below can help keep you safe and protect your legal rights.
- Stay on the scene and call the police immediately.
- Exchange contact information with the driver.
- If you are not too badly hurt, take pictures and videos of the accident scene.
- Avoid admitting fault or arguing with the driver.
- Seek a medical evaluation even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to appear.
- Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
How To File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Covington, LA
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a pedestrian accident claim in Louisiana. As legal counsel in personal injury cases, Margaret Burns Injury Law offers clients the following legal services in Covington, Louisiana:
- Keeping track of filing deadlines
- Handling the required paperwork
- Gathering evidence, including locating surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses
- Helping you navigate the justice system and protect your legal rights
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
Hit By a Car? Contact a Covington, LA, Pedestrian Injury Attorney Today
If you need legal advice for pedestrian accident victims in LA, Margaret Burns Injury Law can help. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is only one year. That means you lose your right to file for compensation if you don’t file within one year of your accident.
Call us today at (985) 323-4288 for a free case evaluation with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer.
