Were you hurt after being struck by a vehicle while traveling on foot? Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common, especially in areas where residents and tourists alike tend to travel along busy streets, crosswalks, and intersections.
However, you’re not alone—a Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer can help. At Cueria Law Firm, we have over three decades of experience representing our clients, and in that time, we’ve recovered millions in compensation.
As experienced litigators, we focus our attention on securing the maximum compensation possible in your case. Let us represent you as your Baton Rouge pedestrian accident lawyer. With us by your side, you can trust that we’re advocating for your rights every step of the way.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Baton Rouge
There’s no one-size-fits-all reason why pedestrian accidents happen. Instead, there’s quite a range of causes that can contribute to this type of collision.
Let’s take a closer look at examples of common causes of pedestrian-related collisions.
Driving While Distracted
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating behind the wheel, or engaging in other distractions are less likely to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or waiting to cross the street.
Distractions divert a driver’s attention away from the road, making it harder for them to see pedestrians in their field of vision. Also, even if they happen to see them, it’s difficult for distracted drivers to react in time and prevent the collision.
Failing to Yield the Right of Way
Drivers are required by law to yield the right of way to pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore traffic laws and fail to yield to pedestrians, putting them at major risk of being struck by a vehicle.
Traveling Above Speed Limits
Speeding is another common factor in pedestrian accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they’re often driving too fast for road conditions, meaning they have less time to react to sudden obstacles, including pedestrians in their path.
Speeding increases the seriousness of the accident as well. This type of behavior makes it far more likely that the pedestrian will sustain injuries.
Operating a Vehicle While Impaired
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a driver’s ability to react quickly, judge distances, and observe traffic laws. Impaired drivers are often unable to see pedestrians who are crossing the street or yield when necessary, making them a serious threat to pedestrians.
Encountering Poor Road Conditions
Unsafe road conditions—such as poorly lit areas, lack of proper signage, or potholes—can make it difficult for pedestrians to navigate safely. In some cases, the government or city officials may be liable for pedestrian accidents caused by hazardous road conditions that they failed to address.
Driving in an Aggressive Manner
Aggressive drivers who engage in behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or failing to stop for pedestrians can cause accidents. These drivers are often focused on their own desires to get to their destination quickly, which puts pedestrians in harm’s way as a result.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in major injuries because pedestrians have little protection when struck by a vehicle. Common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are very serious injuries that pedestrians can easily sustain when struck by a vehicle. TBIs can yield cognitive impairments, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and other long-term effects that can significantly impact your overall quality of life.
- Spinal cord injuries: A spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis. This type of injury can require long-term medical care, not to mention result in permanent disability.
- Fractures and broken bones: Pedestrians often suffer from broken bones, particularly in their legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. In severe cases, a broken bone could require you to undergo surgery or receive extensive rehabilitative care.
- Internal injuries: Pedestrians may suffer internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries can be difficult to detect initially, and unfortunately, they can also worsen over time if they are not treated promptly.
- Soft tissue injuries: Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can be damaged in a pedestrian accident. These injuries often lead to feeling pain, experiencing swollen limbs, and having a hard time moving on your own.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Louisiana
Louisiana changed its statute of limitations—known as a prescription period in Louisiana—for personal injury cases as of July 1, 2024. If your accident happened on or after that date, you have two years to file a claim.
But if it happened before then, you’re working with a one-year deadline instead. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you could lose your right to seek compensation altogether, no matter the extent of your injuries.
This statute of limitations is relatively short, so it’s very important to act quickly. Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Baton Rouge as soon as possible to actively protect your rights as a personal injury victim.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today for Legal Help and Guidance
If you or someone you love was involved in a collision as a pedestrian, know that you do not have to face the legal process alone—instead, let the Baton Rouge pedestrian accident lawyers at Cueria Law Firm assist you. We’re here to help.
Not only are we committed to fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians and their families, but we will work diligently to hold negligent parties accountable on your behalf. Let us fight to recover the financial compensation you deserve.
