Were You Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
As a pedestrian in Shreveport, you have the right to walk safely on our streets, sidewalks, and crosswalks. Unfortunately, far too many drivers fail to respect this right.
When a negligent driver hits a pedestrian, the results can be catastrophic. Without the protection of a vehicle around them, pedestrians are vulnerable to severe, life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one has been struck by a car while walking in Shreveport, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians and helping them get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Shreveport
Pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons, but driver negligence is often to blame. Some common forms of negligence that lead to pedestrian crashes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or otherwise not paying attention to the road are a serious threat to pedestrians. They may fail to see a person crossing the street until it’s too late.
- Failure to yield: Louisiana law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. When drivers ignore these rules and barrel through crosswalks, tragic accidents can occur.
- Speeding and reckless driving: The faster a car is going, the less time the driver has to react to a pedestrian in the road. Speeding and other reckless behaviors greatly increase the risk of serious pedestrian accidents.
- Impaired driving: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications can have slowed reflexes, impaired judgment, and difficulty seeing pedestrians.
Other factors, like poor road design or maintenance, can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. If there aren’t adequate crosswalks, signals, or lighting, or if sidewalks are cracked or obstructed, pedestrians may be forced into dangerous situations.
Devastating Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is hit by a multi-ton vehicle, the human body is simply no match. Even at low speeds, pedestrian accidents can result in severe, life-changing injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and skull fractures: The force of impact can cause the brain to slam against the inside of the skull, leading to concussions, hemorrhages, and other serious TBIs. Skull fractures are also common and can lead to permanent cognitive impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or total paralysis, forever altering a person’s mobility and independence.
- Crush injuries and internal organ damage: When a pedestrian is run over or pinned by a vehicle, the prolonged pressure can cause crush injuries, which can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and other life-threatening complications.
- Fractures and joint dislocations: Broken bones are common in pedestrian accidents, particularly in the legs, pelvis, and arms. Some fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation to heal properly.
- Soft tissue injuries and lacerations: The force of impact can cause severe bruising, sprains, and strains. Lacerations from broken glass or contact with the road can lead to serious blood loss and scarring.
- Emotional trauma and PTSD: The psychological impact of a pedestrian accident cannot be overstated. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges these injuries can cause. We fight to ensure our clients get the compensation they need for all of their damages, both now and in the future.
Proving Liability in a Shreveport Pedestrian Accident Case
To recover compensation after a pedestrian accident, you need to prove that the driver was at fault. This involves establishing four key elements:
- The driver owed you a duty of care. All drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
- The driver breached that duty. By engaging in negligent behaviors like distracted driving or failing to yield, the driver breached their duty of care.
- The driver’s breach caused your accident and injuries. You must show a direct link between the driver’s negligence and your injuries.
- You suffered damages as a result. You must have actual, compensable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Proving these elements requires evidence. Our Shreveport pedestrian accident attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate crashes to uncover the evidence needed to build strong cases.
We also anticipate and counter common defense arguments, like claims that the pedestrian was fully or partially to blame for the crash. Under Louisiana’s comparative fault rule, an injured person’s recovery can be reduced by their percentage of fault.
So, if a pedestrian is found 20% responsible, they can only recover 80% of their damages. Our job is to minimize any assignment of fault to our clients and fight for the full compensation they deserve.
Damages You May Be Entitled to as an Injured Pedestrian
If you were hit by a car while walking in Shreveport, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes all of your current and future medical costs related to the accident, such as emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, medical equipment, home health care, and any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle.
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity: If your injuries keep you out of work, you can recover the wages you’ve lost. If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work or earn at the same level as before, you can also claim diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress and mental anguish: This recognizes the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases where the driver’s actions were particularly egregious or intentional, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future.
The specific damages available in your case will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of your accident. Our Shreveport pedestrian accident lawyers will thoroughly assess your damages and fight for every dollar you’re owed.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Pedestrian Accident
One of the most challenging aspects of any pedestrian accident claim is dealing with the insurance companies. Insurers are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. They may use a variety of tactics to try to minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible.
Some common insurance company tactics include:
- Lowball settlement offers: The insurance adjuster may offer you a quick settlement, hoping you’ll accept it before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. These offers are often far less than your case is actually worth.
- Recorded statements: The adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement about the accident, hoping to get you to say something that can be used to undermine your claim later.
- Shifting blame: The insurer may try to argue that you were fully or partially at fault for the accident, even if the evidence shows otherwise.
This is where having an experienced Shreveport pedestrian accident lawyer can make all the difference. We can handle all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing.
We know how to assess the true value of your claim and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. And if the insurer won’t make a reasonable offer, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for you at trial.
Time Limits for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana
You have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in Louisiana. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation through the courts.
There are some exceptions that can extend the deadline in certain circumstances, such as if the victim is a minor or if the injuries weren’t discovered right away. However, it’s always best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your rights are protected.
How Our Shreveport Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we’re committed to providing the highest level of representation to pedestrian accident victims in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana.
When you choose our firm, you can count on us to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to uncover all the evidence
- Gather and preserve critical evidence before it disappears
- Work with expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and life care planners, to build the strongest possible case
- Identify all potential sources of compensation, from the at-fault driver’s insurance to your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies to get you a full and fair settlement
- Take your case to trial and fight for you in court if a fair agreement can’t be reached
- Keep you informed and supported at every step of the process
We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for you and your family. Let us handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing and putting your life back together.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Shreveport
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath can have a significant impact on your health and your legal case. Here are some key steps to take:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not have obvious symptoms right away.
- Call the police. It’s crucial to have an official police report documenting the accident. The responding officers will create a report that can provide valuable evidence for your claim.
- Gather evidence at the scene. If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the vehicle that hit you. Get contact information for the driver and any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Be cautious when speaking with the insurance company. Avoid giving any recorded statements or admitting fault. Politely refer the adjuster to your attorney instead.
- Contact an experienced Shreveport pedestrian accident lawyer. The sooner you have a knowledgeable attorney on your side, the better protected your rights will be.
Remember, the insurance companies have teams of attorneys working to pay out as little as possible on your claim. You need a strong advocate in your corner fighting for your interests.
Speak with a Shreveport Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Shreveport, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
During your consultation, we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your case. If we take you on as a client, we’ll start building your case right away, gathering evidence and fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
With our contingency fee arrangement, you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover money for you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out.
Don’t let a reckless driver’s actions derail your life. Call the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
