Metairie Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Metairie, LA

Recommended by medical professionals worldwide, walking is no doubt the healthiest form of transportation. However, if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, the long-term effects on your health can be devastating. An experienced Metairie pedestrian accident lawyer can help.

At Murphy Law Firm, our team understands the catastrophic impact these accidents can have. That’s why we’re ready to fight for your rights, to guide you through the legal process, and to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. Many injured walkers are struck by careless drivers, and in those situations our skilled Metairie car accident lawyer team can coordinate your entire claim from the first call to final resolution.

About Us

At Murphy Law Firm, our 30-year history is built on helping the people who need us. With a team of award-winning attorneys with nearly 150 years of combined experience, we’ve recovered more than $250 million for our clients. Strong advocacy and aggressive representation define us, and we never back down. For people facing life-changing injuries, our experienced Metairie personal injury lawyer team provides the broader support needed to connect your pedestrian crash to all of your financial and medical losses.

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Metairie

There were over 9,000 pedestrian deaths in 2023. Alarmingly, 25% of all fatalities were caused by a hit-and-run driver, with alcohol contributing to 48% of these deaths.

Metairie’s intersections, crosswalks, and neighborhood streets can be dangerous for pedestrians. Even at relatively low speeds, a vehicle can cause catastrophic harm, as the human body offers no protection during an impact.

At Murphy Law Firm, our Metairie pedestrian accident attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact these kinds of accidents have on you and your family. That’s why we work closely with medical, accident reconstruction, and investigative professionals to uncover exactly how the accident happened and identify who’s responsible for your losses. We also help you make sense of key Louisiana right-of-way laws and how they apply to your pedestrian accident claim.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

By understanding what commonly causes pedestrian accidents, you can set the foundation for a strong pedestrian accident case. When it comes to securing a favorable outcome, liability needs to be established, and to do that, we need to uncover the cause of the accident. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Impaired driving
• Poor visibility
• Drivers running red lights or stop signs
• Backing up without checking for pedestrians
• Illegal or unsafe turns

At Murphy Law Firm, our Metairie pedestrian accident attorneys are experienced in thoroughly investigating these accidents, pinpointing liability, and pursuing the maximum compensation our clients deserve. We’re dedicated to standing with victims every step of the way and helping them achieve the justice they need to move forward. If alcohol played a role, our experienced Metairie drunk driving accident lawyer team can pursue every possible source of recovery from careless drivers and their insurers.

Understanding Fault and Liability

Determining fault in a pedestrian accident isn’t always as straightforward as figuring out the root cause. That’s because in Louisiana, multiple parties can share in the responsibility. Drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care, especially in crosswalks, school zones, and residential areas. At the same time, pedestrians are also responsible for obeying traffic signals and using crosswalks.

If both parties share some of the fault, Louisiana’s comparative negligence rule then kicks in to reduce your compensation based on your percentage of responsibility. Liability can also extend beyond the driver. Employers could be held responsible if the driver was on duty at the time of the accident. In addition, municipalities can be held liable if unsafe road conditions, like poorly marked crosswalks or malfunctioning traffic signals, contributed to the collision.

At Murphy Law Firm, our team is standing by to establish fault in your case. We can help strengthen your pedestrian accident claim and help maximize your compensation by clearly tying the facts of the crash to how fault is assigned in serious Louisiana traffic accidents.

Challenges in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Because insurance companies often go to great lengths to minimize payouts, pedestrian accident cases can be challenging. Even when the facts are on your side, insurers use calculated strategies to reduce your damages. Some of the most common ways they do this are by:

• Claiming your injuries aren’t as serious as your doctors claim, or they could argue that your pain comes from a pre-existing condition.
• Questioning the necessity of certain medical treatments, surgeries, or therapies, even when they’re clearly recommended by your physician.
• Offering lowball settlements in the hopes you’ll accept before realizing how much your damages could actually cost.
• Delaying the process with the expectation that you’ll become frustrated or financially strained enough to settle for less.
• Misrepresenting, downplaying, or misstating what’s covered under your policy to reduce their financial responsibility.

At Murphy Law Firm, we’ve spent more than 30 years standing up to powerful insurers and advocating for injured pedestrians across Louisiana. Our Metairie pedestrian accident attorneys understand how these companies operate, and we know how to fight back. We negotiate aggressively, build strong evidence-based cases, and refuse to settle for less than what our clients deserve.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming and frightening, leaving you unsure of what to do next. However, knowing the right steps to take immediately after the incident can protect your health, preserve the evidence, and strengthen your pedestrian accident claim. These steps include:

1. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor
2. Obtain a police report, as it can serve as important evidence for your pedestrian accident claim
3. Collect driver and witness information, including their names, their contact details, and their insurance information
4. If you’re able, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage
5. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting with our team

At Murphy Law Firm, our Metairie pedestrian accident attorneys guide clients through every stage of the post-accident process, helping victims secure the compensation they need while they focus on what’s most important: healing. We also encourage clients to review clear guidance on what to do after a serious crash in New Orleans and surrounding areas so they don’t miss any important steps.

Damages You Could Be Entitled to

When you’re pursuing a pedestrian accident claim, it’s important to understand the range of damages you could be entitled to. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could seek compensation for losses beyond your medical bills. Some of these potential damages can include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage
• Scarring and disfigurement
• In-home care, rehabilitation, therapy, and mobility needs

At Murphy Law Firm, our Metairie pedestrian accident attorneys carefully review each case to help you recover the full range of damages you could be entitled to. We fight for the justice you deserve, hold negligent parties accountable, and make sure your long-term needs are fully taken into account throughout the process. We also explain how these losses fit within the different types of damages you can recover after a serious accident in New Orleans so you have a clear picture before any settlement talks.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Local Counsel Makes a Difference

After a pedestrian accident, hiring local counsel can give you a strategic advantage that can make a meaningful difference to the outcome of your case. At Murphy Law Firm, we’re from here. That means we know the streets of Metairie, and we’re familiar with the nuances of local court procedures.

Our team regularly handles cases in the Jefferson Parish Courthouse, the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, and the Kenner City Court, giving us firsthand insight into how judges and juries approach pedestrian accident claims.

With our experience and local knowledge, we guide clients through every step of their pedestrian accident claim, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing them in court, if necessary. We know what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable, and we’re here to make sure your voice is heard and that your rights are fully protected. And when a crash involves a bike lane or cycling conflict, we can draw on the experience of our Metairie bicycle accident lawyer team to address every angle of the claim.

FAQs

What Happens if the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene?

If the driver who hit you fled the scene, you still have options. It’s possible to secure compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or through other available insurance sources. Law enforcement can investigate the accident by using surveillance footage, witness statements, and physical evidence to identify the responsible driver. Our team also explains how hit-and-run time limits work in the New Orleans area and what that means for your claim.

Can I File a Pedestrian Accident Claim if I Wasn’t in a Crosswalk?

Yes, you can still file a claim even if you weren’t in a designated crosswalk. While your choice to cross outside the crosswalk can affect liability, drivers still have a legal obligation to exercise caution and avoid hitting pedestrians. This is where Louisiana’s comparative negligence rule can kick in. Your recovery could be reduced, but our team can help minimize your percentage of fault to maximize your compensation.

When Should You File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana law, pedestrian accident claims must be filed within two years of the day of the accident. Missing this deadline typically means giving up your right to pursue compensation, so it’s important to consult with our team as soon as possible. We can gather evidence, handle filings, and ensure your claim meets all procedural deadlines.

Does My Case Have to Go to Trial, or Can It Settle Out of Court?

Most pedestrian accident cases are resolved through negotiated settlements with insurance companies. However, if the insurer refuses to offer you a fair amount, our team could recommend taking the case to court. At Murphy Law Firm, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, giving us strong leverage during settlement talks while making sure we’re ready to fight for you if litigation becomes necessary.

Let Us Fight for You

At Murphy Law Firm, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process, from investigating the accident to representing you in court, if necessary. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take, and we’re dedicated to securing the compensation you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Your Path to Legal Resolution Starts with Murphy Law Firm.

When you choose Murphy Law Firm, you gain access to a team of experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success. We understand the importance of trust, and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional results.

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(225) 928-8800