Louisiana has clear traffic regulations meant to keep all road users safe. But, when negligent drivers ignore these laws, they risk causing pedestrian accidents that result in serious injuries or even death. If you were the victim of a pedestrian accident in Avoyelles Parish, you can hold the defendant responsible for their actions.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our Avoyelles Parish pedestrian accident lawyer is adept at handling accidents like yours from beginning to end. We can help you with all the paperwork, explain your legal rights, and advocate for favorable compensation. Read on and get to understand how you can recover compensation and how we can help you do that.
Observe the Time Limits in Your Avoyelles Parish Pedestrian Accident Case
All states in have a law known as the statute of limitations that outlines how much time plaintiffs have to file a suit. The timeline provided varies across states. In Louisiana, CC Art. 3492 outlines that you have two years to file your personal injury lawsuit.
The statute of limitations begins counting from the time you sustain the injuries. Failure to observe the two-year deadline can cause you to lose the chance of recovering compensation. This is because the court may throw out your case once the deadline elapses.
Our lawyer can help you meet the statute of limitations for your pedestrian accident case. They can do this by starting the legal process as soon as possible. A lawyer from our firm can also let you know if there are special circumstances in your case that cause a change in the limitations period.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientOur Lawyers Can Help You Establish Fault for Your Pedestrian Accident
According to the law in Louisiana, the party that caused your pedestrian accident should pay for your losses. But you must prove the other party was at fault for your accident and resulting damages.
To establish fault, you must first prove the other party’s negligence. Doing so involves four elements:
- Showing that the other person owed you a legal duty of care
- Proving that they breached their duty of care to you
- Showing you suffered injuries because of the breach of legal duty
- Proving you sustained damages from the accident
Your lawyer can conduct investigations to obtain crucial evidence that helps prove the defendant was at fault. Some of the evidence that can help your lawyer build a strong case includes photo/video evidence and medical reports. A police report and witness testimonies can also help your case. Be sure to preserve all the evidence on your case, such as photos or videos that you took.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientRecovering the Compensation You Deserve After Your Pedestrian Accident
The compensation you can get for your accident will depend on what damages you stand to recover. Under economic damages, you can recover medical expenses and lost income both now and in the future. Accounting for future losses ensures that you don’t pay out of pocket when the settlement runs out.
Non-economic damages are subjective and harder to calculate. But our Avoyelles Parish pedestrian accident lawyer can help you estimate the value of your non-economic losses. Examples are:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional anguish (covers PTSD, depression, etc.)
- Permanent disability
We can evaluate your pedestrian accident case to establish which damages you can claim. Then, we can assess how much these damages are worth. We will also consider other factors that affect the value of your claim, such as the severity of your injuries to calculate your case’s value.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientUnderstanding What Leads to Pedestrian Accidents
Of all the factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents, negligence is the most prevalent. Negligence by drivers may involve speeding, alcohol-impaired driving, distracted driving, and not yielding the right of way. Speeding increases the stopping distance, making accidents more likely.
High speeds also increase the seriousness of accidents because of the energy involved. Driving while under the influence of alcohol limits the driver’s decision-making and coordination. This increases the risk of accidents.
If a car part producer places defective products on the market and it causes your accident, you can hold them liable. Such cases involving big corporations may involve a strong defense team. Your lawyer can fight for your right to compensation whether the defendant is one driver, a corporation, or multiple parties.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientDetermining How Much Time Your Case Will Take
There is no definite answer for how long your case will take. But it may help to understand what affects the time it will take. One factor is the willingness of the involved parties to settle.
If the insurer is willing to settle quickly, the case may also settle within a short time. But if the insurer disputes your claims and you cannot reach a settlement, you may have to go to court. Court proceedings may take a longer time than settling with the insurer. Your lawyer can help limit delays in your pedestrian accident case.
Steps You Should Take Following a Pedestrian Accident in Central Eastern Louisiana
What you do after your pedestrian accident can be beneficial to the case or derail it. You should evaluate your injuries and photograph or take a video of them. Also, talk to the other party involved in the accident to get their contact and insurance data.
Reach out to the police and inform them of the accident. They will come to the crash site and record the accident details. Make sure you go to the hospital to get your injuries checked. The medical report can help validate your claims.
Give Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers a Call Today for Legal Assistance
Dealing with a pedestrian accident case alone may lead to errors and frustration. With the help of our pedestrian accident lawyer, you don’t have to do it all alone. We can advocate for your best interests with the insurer or in a civil court. Contact us today for a free consultation.
