At the end of July, another tragic pedestrian accident in New Orleans resulted in death. A driver traveling west on Chef Highway struck a man who was crossing the highway near Cerise Street. The man was 68-years-old. He died at the accident scene.

The accident was still under investigation, so more details had not been released. Alcohol and blood tests were still pending.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in New Orleans?

Thousands of people are injured or killed in pedestrian accidents each year in the United States. According to data from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, preliminary data from 2019 projected 6,590 pedestrian fatalities. If the last half of 2019 followed the projected path, 2019 would be the deadliest year for pedestrians since 1988.

The GHSA offered some insights about why the number of pedestrian accidents continues to rise. Drivers continue to practice unsafe driving behaviors, such as:

  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Drunk driving and drugged driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigued or drowsy driving
  • Failure to follow traffic laws

Also, there are more SUVs and light trucks on the road. Pedestrians hit by these vehicles have a higher rate of death compared to pedestrians hit by passenger vehicles.

If a driver is responsible for the cause of a pedestrian accident, that driver can be held liable for the monetary damages, physical injuries, and suffering caused by the accident.

Damages Available in a NOLA Pedestrian Accident

If you are hit by a car while walking or cross the road, you might be entitled to compensation from that driver’s insurance provider. Liability insurance pays damages when a driver causes an accident. All drivers in Louisiana are required to carry minimum car insurance limits for bodily injury.

Common damages in a pedestrian accident claim include:
  • The cost of medical care and personal care services
  • Physical therapy and other forms of therapy
  • Loss of income, wages, and benefits
  • Future loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, including physical, mental, and emotional suffering
  • Disabilities, scarring, and impairments
  • Loss of quality of or enjoyment of life

The amount of month you might receive for your pedestrian accident claim depends on several factors, such as fault, the severity of injuries, and available insurance.

In some cases, the driver’s insurance coverage may not cover the full value of your claim. If not, you might receive additional compensation by filing an underinsured motorist claim with your insurance provider, if you carry underinsured motorist insurance coverage.

An underinsured motorist claim pays you the difference between what you receive from the other driver’s insurance provider and the full value of your claim, up to the limits of your insurance policy. However, your insurance company may dispute the value of the claim. Therefore, you may need an experienced New Orleans pedestrian accident attorney to help you with that claim.

Do I Need a New Orleans Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Talking to a pedestrian accident lawyer in New Orleans is always a wise idea after any traffic accident. Our lawyers review your case free of charge and explain your legal rights and options. It does not cost you anything to get a legal opinion about your pedestrian injury claim.

For your free consultation with a NOLA pedestrian accident attorney, contact Attorney Fred Olinde at The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889.