Millions of people walk daily, whether to the grocery store, to and from work, or as a form of exercise.
And, when you’re walking in your neighborhood or alongside your city’s streets, you expect to be safe and for the drivers of vehicles around you to follow road laws.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
When pedestrians are hit by cars, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic, leading to death.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident while walking, a qualified attorney from Bianca | Matkins can help you pursue legal options against those responsible. Learn more about how our Baton Rouge pedestrian accident lawyer can help you.
Dangerous Roads in Baton Rouge
With the vast number of visitors and traffic our capital city sees, it’s no wonder that accidents frequent the streets of Baton Rouge. Data from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) shows 1,226 pedestrian injuries and 183 fatalities in 2022. East Baton Rouge Parish saw 25 pedestrian fatalities in 2021, more than any other parish in the state.
Some of the most dangerous roads in Baton Rouge for both pedestrians and vehicles happen at the following busy intersections:
- Bluebonnet Boulevard and Perkins Road
- Perkins Road and Essen Lane
- Airline Highway and Florida Boulevard
- Florida Boulevard and College Drive
- Florida Boulevard and Sherwood Forest Boulevard
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Any roadway can be a dangerous area for pedestrians, which is why drivers need to pay attention and follow the rules of the road.
Driver negligence is the most common cause of all vehicle collisions. When a driver chooses to behave recklessly while behind the wheel, especially in high pedestrian areas, they can leave accident victims severely injured. All drivers have a duty of care while on the road, and when a driver breaches that duty and causes injury, they can be held liable for the damages.
Types of Injuries in a Pedestrian Crash
Accidents involving pedestrians and cars usually cause severe and devastating injuries due to the lack of protection that pedestrians have and the force of the vehicle. In addition to the blunt force of being struck by a vehicle, pedestrians are also at risk of being hit by other traffic on the road.
The most common injuries our office sees in these cases are:
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Death
In an accident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. A small bump from a car can cause serious injury to a person, even if it’s not outwardly noticeable at first, so it’s best to get checked out by a doctor to make sure you’re okay.
While some injuries may be minor and heal quickly, often, injuries sustained by a pedestrian in a vehicle collision are serious, life-threatening, and life-altering.
What To Do After Your Accident
The aftermath of any accident can be traumatizing and confusing, especially when a pedestrian is struck by a car. The person who is struck should not be moved until cleared to do so by medical personnel, as they may have serious injuries. Here are some steps you can take if you have been struck by a vehicle while walking:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Exchange information with the other party and gather witness statements
- File a police report and obtain a copy
- Contact a lawyer from Bianca | Matkins
If you are in an accident with a vehicle while walking our city’s streets, you may have grounds to pursue legal action and seek compensation for your injuries and damages. If you witness such an accident, the best practice is to stay at the scene and give your statement to the police so that the negligent party can be held accountable for their actions.
Don’t Handle Negotiations with the Insurance Company by Yourself
After an accident, you need to focus on recovery, not negotiating with insurers. Remember that insurance adjusters work to protect their company’s bottom line. Many times, this means they will offer low settlements or dispute the extent of your injuries. Sometimes, they may even try to shift blame onto you, arguing that you were partially responsible for the accident.
With an experienced Baton Rouge pedestrian accident lawyer, you can help level the playing field. Your attorney will manage all communication with the insurance company. They will gather evidence to build a strong case that completely accounts for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Let’s admit it: insurance companies do not always play fair. With assistance from an attorney, they already know the tactics insurers use, like delaying claims or pressuring victims into accepting early settlements that don’t reflect the true cost of their injuries. If negotiations don’t lead to a fair outcome, you have other options, such as escalating the case to court to fight for maximum compensation.
With the right legal representation, you can avoid the pitfalls of dealing with insurance companies and focus on recovering from your injuries. Bianca | Matkins is ready to assist with your case.
Why You Should Seek Legal Help
Although hiring an attorney after you’ve been injured isn’t necessary, it can be the difference between successfully winning your case or not. Your lawyer will understand the complex details of filing a personal injury claim and do the heavy lifting for you while you recover from your accident.
Additionally, your attorney will ensure your claim is filed within the one-year Louisiana statute of limitations and will fight for compensation for your injuries.
Compensation for damages falls under two categories: economic (financial) and non-economic (nonfinancial). Those damages often are:
Economic:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of property
- Property damage
Non-Economic:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases where willful negligence or egregious behavior may be proven, the at-fault party may also be fined for punitive damages. Your lawyer will ensure all details of your case are carefully considered and will assist you in getting the maximum amount of compensation the law allows.
Get Assistance from Our Baton Rouge Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Walking in our beautiful city should be a fun experience, and if a driver’s negligence causes you harm, you shouldn’t have to pay the price.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while walking due to a reckless driver, contact our office at Bianca | Matkins today. A knowledgeable Baton Rouge pedestrian accident lawyer will gladly discuss the details of your case during your free consultation.
We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help.
