Every year, the streets of Houma, Louisiana, go live in color and music as crowds show up for Mardi Gras celebrations. However, the reality of street safety in this bayou town can be grim. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, a Houma pedestrian accident lawyer could help you get financial compensation.
An experienced lawyer from Laborde Earles will help you make your legal claim. Our attorney will investigate the details of your case, determine liability, and file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers in Houma today.
Grounds for Seeking Representation After Accidents in Houma
Motor vehicle accidents can cause severe physical and psychological pain for injured pedestrians or their loved ones. Given the trauma involved, victims often find it challenging to know what to do.
Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Houma can provide you with legal advice and help you discover how much compensation you’re entitled to. It’s important to act as soon as you are able, so you know whether you can file an insurance claim due to someone else’s negligence.
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.
ClientWhat Can I Claim in My Houma Pedestrian Accident Case?
You may be entitled to claim compensation for some or all of the following:
Medical Costs
When pedestrians are injured by large commercial vehicles, they are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries. A Houma truck accident lawyer experienced in these types of cases will help you show the full extent of your injuries.
Your medical expenses after the accident can be considerable. You may be able to recover money spent and cover any future expenses such as rehabilitation or assistive medical devices such as a wheelchair.
Lost Wages
Your compensation package could include income lost during the recovery period or future loss as a result of any injuries.
Personal Property Damage
If any of your personal property was damaged during the accident, you could receive compensation for the value of those items.
Emotional Stress
Pedestrian accidents can be horrific experiences. You may be eligible for non-economic damages such as emotional trauma due to the accident.
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 | ClientThe Law Protects Pedestrians in Louisiana
After an accident, our pedestrian accident lawyer in Houma can help you file a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim is a case that anyone can open who’s been hurt in an accident because of another party’s fault.
Some people avoid making a personal injury claim because it might remind them of events they’d rather forget. But if someone’s negligence caused you harm, the law makes it possible for you to recover compensation as outlined in RS 32 § 212.
Proving Liability in Your Case
Successful negligence claims need to prove that the liable party failed. Your lawyer must prove negligence based on these four elements:
- Duty of Care: Pedestrians are road users, and motorists or cyclists are required to take reasonable care to avoid jeopardizing the safety of others.
- Breach of Duty of Care: All road users owe a duty of care to others. If someone operating a motor vehicle chooses not to act in a reasonable and competent way, then it’s considered a breach of duty of care.
- Causation: In a negligence claim, it matters how the injuries or losses occurred. Compensation is awarded when the other party causes injuries.
- Damage: The extent of losses or injuries also determines whether compensation is owed.
Typically, if physical injuries are involved, proving negligence can be straightforward. This is why seeking medical attention right after your pedestrian accident is critical. A physician can treat your injuries before they get worse and document the accident was the cause of your injuries.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientIs There a Deadline to File Your Lawsuit?
Louisiana has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, which includes pedestrian accidents. You need to file within two years of the date of the incident per CC Art. 3492. Consulting with a law firm can help you know if you are eligible for any exceptions in the state if you’ve missed this deadline.
Our lawyer can ensure that your case is filed on time in the proper court so you do not lose your chance to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
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.
ClientWhat Our Lawyer in Houma Will Do for You
If you decide to take action against the liable party in your personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident, our team can guide you through the process. Notable aspects in the claims process could include:
Evidence
Gathering proof to support your injuries after the accident is an important step. Sometimes, this might wait until you are recovered to know the full extent of losses. They can also collect evidence to prove the other party’s negligence and responsibility for injuries. This includes obtaining the police report, your medical records, eyewitness statements, and any video or photos from the accident scene.
Communication
Our team will correspond with the other party to determine aspects of the case they are willing to settle or dispute. Sometimes this process includes dealing with the party’s insurer.
Negotiation
The last step in the claim process is often a settlement offer or negotiations before a court hearing. While most cases end in negotiations and settlements, they can go to court in some cases. Our pedestrian accident lawyer serving Houma is prepared to take your case to trial, if necessary.
What Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
This is a time for you to focus on your recovery, not how you can afford to hire an attorney to represent you. That’s why our attorneys are paid on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing out of pocket unless we recover a settlement or court award for you. Our fee comes out of an agreed-upon percentage of your winnings.
Our Team Is Ready to Help You Get Compensation
If you were injured by a driver or cyclist while simply walking, you may be entitled to compensation from the liable party. Let our Houma pedestrian accident attorney get to work on your case today.
Call (337) 777-7777 for your free case evaluation. Our Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers team wants to seek justice for the pain and suffering you have endured. The initial call is free and there is no obligation.
