Pedestrian accident victims can face mounting medical bills, reduced quality of life, and pain and suffering. In the worst cases, these accidents cost families and their loved ones. If you were struck by a vehicle, partner with a New Iberia pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you seek damages from any liable parties.
The team at Laborde Earles puts more than 350 years of combined legal experience in your corner. Let a personal injury lawyer in New Iberia from our team assist you with your pedestrian accident case. Contact us today to get started.
Why do Clients Choose Us as Their Pedestrian Accident Law Firm?
We are dedicated to client satisfaction, which is reflected in how we fight for our clients and help them get maximum compensation. To date, we have handled thousands of cases and received many positive client testimonials. You can feel secure when we take on your case because we will help you get the most out of our legal services.
In addition, our team has deep compassion for our clients. We truly want to help you return to living your best life. As such, a pedestrian accident lawyer serving New Iberia, LA from our team will assist you with your legal matters in any way we can.
Along with this, we know how to deal with an insurance claim and serious injuries. For example, a driver loses focus behind the wheel, crashes their car into you, and causes you to suffer severe harm. Work with a New Iberia catastrophic injury lawyer from our team, and we will help you pursue damages from this motorist or their insurer for your losses.
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 to Do If You Are Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
Do your best to remain calm in the moments after the incident. What you say and do at this time can impact your ability to get fair compensation from a liable party. Here are tips to help you deal with the aftermath of the incident:
- Call 911. When you do, police officers and medical professionals will arrive at the scene to assist you.
- Talk to the police. Police officers will collect information from you and use it to create a report detailing what caused the incident.
- Receive medical attention. Medical personnel will care for you and bring you to a hospital if necessary.
- Gather evidence. If you have your smartphone with you, use it to take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
Within days of the incident, schedule a legal consultation with a New Iberia personal injury attorney. During your consultation, your lawyer will discuss how long pedestrian accident settlement claims take. They can determine who is at fault for your 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 | ClientWho Is Responsible for Your Accident?
Accident reconstruction and other assessments can be used to evaluate your case in depth. In many instances, an at–fault driver is liable for a pedestrian crash. Other parties that can be held responsible include:
- Cyclist
- Motorcyclist
- Government entity
- Car parts manufacturer
- Mechanic
To secure rightful compensation, meet with a lawyer who puts your best interests front and center. Your attorney will provide details about liability in auto accidents caused by hydroplaning and similar incidents. On top of that, they can help you avoid the insurance hassle that comes with dealing with insurers.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat to Expect If You File an Insurance Claim
A reckless driver slams their car into you, and now, you have to deal with their insurer. In spite of the fact that this motorist may be responsible for your injuries, their insurance company can dispute your claim. If the business contests your request for damages, you could be solely responsible for your losses.
Rather than face an insurance company on your own, have a lawyer assist you. Initially, your attorney can explain what an insurance claim is and answer any questions you have. Next, they can negotiate a fair settlement with an insurance carrier.
In one of the best-case scenarios, a liable motorist’s insurance provider gives you the compensation you want. Alternatively, this insurer can make it difficult to secure damages. In this situation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and look for ways to prove that a liable motorist was negligent.
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.
ClientThe Role of Negligence in Your Case
Your lawyer can define negligence and how it relates to your case. One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents involves driver error, which is a result of negligence. Ultimately, negligence can contribute to your case in many ways, including:
Impaired Driving
When drivers get behind the wheel, they should not be impaired in any capacity. Impaired driving refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When driving while impaired, a person’s reaction time is slow, and their judgment can be hampered.
Lack of Visibility
When it gets dark outside, drivers must be more alert for pedestrians walking near the road or on the shoulder. It is also difficult to see pedestrians wearing dark clothing. Meanwhile, drivers must take extra care when the weather hinders visibility, and if they do not, they can cause an accident in which they are found to be at fault.
Speeding
A motorist driving over the speed limit is a liability. They may not be able to stop quickly enough to prevent a crash. If a motorist is found to be traveling above the speed limit at the time of a collision, they can be required to cover the medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that accident victims incur.
Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, many motorists use smartphones and other handheld devices while driving. When a driver looks away from the road, their risk of a collision increases. If you are involved in a distracted driving collision involving a negligent motorist, have a New Iberia pedestrian accident attorney help you hold this party accountable for their actions.
Following a pedestrian accident, request a consultation with a lawyer. They will review your case in detail. They can determine who is at fault and explain how Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence law could affect your claim.
How Comparative Negligence Applies to Your Case
Louisiana uses a pure comparative negligence rule. Based on this, you can file a claim if you are partly responsible for your injury. However, a judge or jury can reduce your damages by your percentage of fault.
For instance, a judge or jury says you are 10% liable for your pedestrian accident. If this happens, the liable party is 90% to blame for the incident. Therefore, you will receive 90% of the damages you initially requested.
In terms of understanding compensatory damages and how they can be affected by Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence rule, your lawyer has you covered. They will commit time and resources to prepare an argument designed to show a judge or jury that you deserve 100% of the compensation you are requesting. If they succeed, you could secure a fair settlement.
Evidence You Can Use in a New Iberia Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
A pedestrian accident attorney serving New Iberia, LA, will explain what kind of evidence you should gather at the scene of a collision. They encourage clients to get plenty of evidence to strengthen their case against any liable parties. Proof you can use in your lawsuit can include:
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Police report
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Pay stubs
Saying you deserve compensation is not enough to secure damages. Your attorney understands the importance of a body of proof as you seek compensation from insurance companies or other parties. They work diligently to gather evidence and help you secure full damages.
Compensatory Damages You Can Recover in Your Lawsuit
Your lawyer will explain what personal injury damages are and how they apply to your case. In your lawsuit, you could collect economic and non–economic damages. Reasons why a judge or jury will award damages include:
Medical Bills
A pedestrian accident law firm considers your medical expenses carefully. Your attorney looks at how your injuries will affect you now and in the future. They will use your medical bills as part of their evidence-gathering to boost your chances of getting fair compensation.
Lost Income
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney wants you to secure damages based on your lost wages. They will account for your current and future lost earnings. During an initial consultation, they may ask for pay stubs and other crucial evidence that could prove you deserve rightful compensation for your lost income.
Pain and Suffering
Insurance firms may choose to ignore the pain and suffering you endure in the days and weeks following your accident. Regardless, you have the right to pursue fair compensation for these subjective losses. Your lawyer can provide insights into how much money you can sue for pain and suffering and request damages accordingly.
Per Louisiana Civil Code (CC) Article 3493.1, the statute of limitations in which you are allowed to sue based on a personal injury is two years. Connect with a pedestrian accident law firm as soon as you suffer an injury. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer will submit your lawsuit promptly.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Sadly, a family member can die in an accident caused by someone else. The incident can devastate you and your loved ones. At this point, a wrongful death lawyer can offer legal services and support.
In Louisiana, you are eligible to submit a wrongful death claim if you are the surviving spouse, child, parent, or grandparent of a deceased individual (decedent). The executor of a decedent‘s estate can also file a claim. A wrongful death attorney can explain how the claims process works and handle your legal matters at a challenging time in your life.
Your lawyer advocates for you while you and your family members cope with the loss of your loved one. They keep you updated as they work diligently to get damages. Your attorney does everything within their power to help you secure adequate compensation.
Our New Iberia Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Prioritize Communication
The legal process can be tough, particularly for those who face costly medical bills and other expenses due to a pedestrian accident. Get help as you go through this process. Request legal representation, and a lawyer will guide you every step of the way.
Laborde Earles is an award–winning Louisiana personal injury law firm. We communicate and collaborate with you throughout your litigation to put you in a great position to secure damages. Speak with our legal team.
