A woman was struck by two vehicles in the New Orleans Central Business District on September 24, 2020. The accident happened around 10:00 p.m. in the 1200 block of Poydras Street. According to the New Orleans Police Department, a vehicle hit a 44-year-old woman when she stepped into the street. A second vehicle hit the woman. The second driver fled from the accident scene.
The victim died from her injuries. The police had not released any information regarding the cause of the accident or the vehicle that fled the scene. The police did not identify the victim.
Pedestrian Deaths on the Rise in the United States
Pedestrians are in danger in New Orleans and throughout the United States. The GHSA released its report on 2019 pedestrian fatalities in February 2020. According to the report, 2019 was the deadliest year for pedestrians in over 30 years. GHSA reports that 6,590 people died in pedestrian accidents during 2019.
In addition to pedestrian deaths, there are thousands of people injured in pedestrian accidents. A person can sustain traumatic injuries when hit by a vehicle. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Skull fractures and head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs and amputation
- Crushing injuries
In many cases, a pedestrian who survives being hit by a vehicle sustains permanent impairments and disabling conditions. Some victims may never work again or be able to take care of themselves without help. Pedestrians who are able to heal completely from their injuries may have emotional and mental trauma that haunts them for the rest of their lives.
Damages Caused by a Pedestrian Accident
The physical, emotional, and mental damages caused by a pedestrian accident can be severe. However, pedestrians also incur substantial financial losses and expenses when they are hit by a vehicle. They incur medical expenses, personal care costs, lost income, and other financial losses because of the accident.
A pedestrian can recover compensation for damages caused by a pedestrian accident. The driver who hit the person might be liable for damages if the driver was at fault for the cause of the accident. Even though pedestrians have the right of way in many places, pedestrians must follow all traffic laws and pedestrian laws. Therefore, a driver might claim that the pedestrian was at fault for failing to follow traffic laws.
A pedestrian accident lawyer in New Orleans can help. The attorney investigates the cause of the crash and gathers evidence proving that the driver caused the accident. Injury lawyers fight to ensure that victims are not unfairly blamed by insurance companies who care more about saving money than compensating victims for their injuries and damages.
Contact a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Case Review
If an automobile accident injured you or your loved one, get the advice you need from a trusted New Orleans personal injury attorney. Attorney Fred Olinde and the legal team at The Olinde Firm are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve after a negligent driver causes an injury.
Call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in New Orleans.