Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Thousands of Pedestrian Accidents Are Reported Each Year: Know Your Rights

Each year thousands of pedestrians are severely injured or tragically killed after being struck by a motor vehicle. According to the CDC, a pedestrian dies every two hours in the United States due to a traffic crash. If you’re the victim of a pedestrian accident, it could be time for a Lafayette pedestrian accident lawyer to step in.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy provide legal representation for parties affected by pedestrian accidents. Our team in Lafayette, LA, will fight vigorously to help you and your family achieve justice and collect proper compensation during this very difficult time. To discuss your case with Richard Kennedy or Richard Kennedy III, please contact us to schedule your free consultation.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Injuries

Tragically, young children and elderly people are the most common victims in pedestrian accidents. As a result of being more vulnerable and unprotected, there is a vastly disproportionate number of catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths when pedestrians are struck by a motor vehicle.

Often death and injury occurs after a driver has failed to follow laws, or has failed to drive responsibly. When a driver fails in their driving responsibilities, they should be held financially and legally accountable in a court of law. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents occur when drivers:

• Operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Fail to look for pedestrians that are legally crossing an intersection during a green light
• Recklessly pass other drivers who have stopped to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
• Fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk
• Do not to stop when a school bus is letting students off at a designated bus stop
• Sideswipe pedestrians
• Pedestrians walking on a sidewalk
• Strike a pedestrian as they are exiting their vehicle.
• Distracted driving, like texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car systems
• Speeding
• Bad lighting or visibility, including nighttime conditions, lack of streetlights, and dark clothing
• Unsafe turns and intersections

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, our experienced team carefully investigates every angle of your accident to hold the right parties accountable and help victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve.

Why You Need an Experienced Accident Attorney

Without an experienced accident attorney, the victim is left to deal with the responsible party’s insurance company. It is common practice for insurance companies to take advantage of the victim by offering them a grossly insufficient settlement amount.

When seeking representation from our distinguished attorneys, we will fight to protect your rights and collect the proper compensation. Our team has a long history of obtaining the compensation and accountability that our clients deserve following an accident. Our team will assist you in maximizing your damage recovery by collecting for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation
• Property damage
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering (for you and your loved ones)
• Emotional distress
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Loss of parental or spousal financial support
• Wrongful death
• And more…

Recovering the right damages can make a significant difference in a pedestrian accident victim’s life. At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, our experienced attorneys carefully evaluate every aspect of your losses to make sure you get every single dollar you’re owed.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Understanding the right steps to take immediately after a crash can protect your health, preserve crucial evidence, and strengthen your pedestrian accident claim. Acting quickly and carefully helps to protect your rights, and those steps include:

1. Call law enforcement. File a police report to document the incident.
2. Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, get them immediately checked by a doctor.
3. Gather evidence. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle.
4. Collect contact information. Get details from the driver and from any witnesses.
5. Avoid speaking to insurers. Don’t provide recorded statements without first getting legal advice.
6. Consult an attorney. Our Lafayette pedestrian accident attorneys can handle all communication and protect your rights.

Taking prompt, thoughtful action after a pedestrian accident can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, our team guides clients through each step so victims can focus on recovery while we work to secure the compensation they deserve.

The Pedestrian Accident Claim Process

Filing a pedestrian accident claim can be complicated, especially when you’re dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal deadlines. Understanding the process can help you feel more in control and prepared. Knowing what to expect at each stage also allows your attorney to build a stronger case on your behalf.

Filing and pursuing a pedestrian accident claim involves several stages, including:

• Initial investigation. Our team gathers evidence, police reports, and witness statements.
• Insurance negotiations. We then communicate directly with insurers to negotiate a fair settlement.
• Filing a claim. If a settlement isn’t reached, our team can then file a civil complaint.
• Discovery and professional testimony. Both sides exchange evidence, and professional witnesses can then testify about liability or medical damages.
• Trial or settlement. Most pedestrian accident cases resolve through negotiation, but our team always prepares for trial.

Navigating a pedestrian accident claim requires careful attention to detail and strategic planning. At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, our experienced attorneys guide clients through every step of the process to make sure every victim gets the full compensation they’re entitled to.

The Role of Professionals in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Professional testimony is often key when it comes to proving negligence and damages. Accident reconstructionists can analyze skid marks, impact angles, and vehicle speed to figure out how the crash happened.

Medical professionals provide insight into the extent of injuries and their long-term effects, while economists can calculate future financial losses. These professional opinions can significantly strengthen your case and maximize your compensation.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims by suggesting that the pedestrian was at fault, by disputing the severity of your injuries, or by offering quick, lowball settlements.

A seasoned Lafayette pedestrian accident attorney from the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy knows how to counter these tactics with strong evidence and negotiation experience. We never back down in the face of antagonistic insurance companies. Instead, we make sure our clients aren’t bullied or pressured into accepting less than their case is worth.

Pedestrian Safety and Prevention

Lafayette has made efforts to improve pedestrian safety with infrastructure improvements and awareness campaigns. Still, accident data shows ongoing dangers, especially along Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Evangeline Thruway, where high-speed traffic meets frequent pedestrian crossings.

Between 2019 and 2023, there were 39 pedestrian fatalities in Lafayette, and in 2023 alone, there were three pedestrian-related injuries, with Acadiana recording 68 pedestrian-related crashes.

Awareness, better lighting, and driver accountability are crucial when it comes to reducing future accidents.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents can result in years or a lifetime of physical and emotional distress, medical bills, and long-lasting effects. Having an experienced accident attorney who understands the rights of pedestrians and how to deal with insurance companies is crucial in recovering the damages you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured, or has been tragically killed in an accident, please contact us to discuss your case.

FAQs

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Louisiana?

A: In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident claim is generally two years from the date of the crash. If you don’t file within this time frame, you can be prevented from recovering any compensation. Because evidence can disappear quickly and memories fade, it’s important for you to act promptly. Our team can gather evidence, preserve witness statements, and make sure all deadlines are met.

Q: Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

A: Yes, you can still file a claim if you were partially at fault for the accident. Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which means you can be assigned a percentage of responsibility for your contribution to your injuries. Your compensation is then adjusted based on your percentage of fault. Our team can help minimize your level of fault to maximize your recovery.

Q: What Should I Do if the Driver Leaves the Scene?

A: If the driver leaves the scene, it’s considered a hit-and-run, which is a serious crime in Louisiana. Immediately call 911 to report the incident and get medical help, even if you feel fine. Try to record the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate if possible. Our team can guide you through filing claims with uninsured motorist coverage and work with law enforcement to strengthen your case.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for Minor Injuries?

A: Yes, you need a lawyer even for minor injuries, as these can still have long-term consequences, like concussions, whiplash, or soft-tissue damage that can worsen over time. Our team can make sure you understand the true value of your claim, and we can determine if a settlement offer is fair. We can also handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, and protect your legal rights.

We Fight to Win Fair Compensation

Legal deadlines, medical bills, lost wages, and the pain that lingers after an accident can build up and feel overwhelming. The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette, Louisiana, offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have diligent, committed personal injury attorneys on your side.

Our injury lawyers, Richard R. Kennedy and Richard R. Kennedy III are personally committed to success in every case they take. They have won millions on behalf of injured clients.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our noted personal injury attorneys can help you, contact our law firm either by leaving a message online or calling:(337) 232-1934