As a pedestrian in Louisiana, you are one of the most vulnerable and unprotected people on the roads. Louisiana is known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, outdoor food and music festivals, and tailgating at sporting events, but these types of events also put pedestrians at risk of negligent and reckless automobile drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,376 pedestrians were killed and another 70,000 were injured in the United States in 2015. This means, on average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes in traffic crashes. In fact, pedestrians who have been killed by an automobile in Louisiana account for 14% of all Louisiana traffic fatalities.

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Where Do Pedestrian Car Accidents Occur?

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Most people would think that pedestrian accidents occur at intersections, but recent NHTSA data shows that 72% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at non-intersections while only 18% of fatalities occurred at intersections. The remaining 10% of pedestrian accidents occurred at roadsides/shoulders and other locations such as parking lanes, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks. A pedestrian should be cautious day or night when walking because an accident involving a motor vehicle can occur at many different locations and at any time. It is important to be vigilant and obey all traffic signs.

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Who Causes Pedestrian Car Accidents?

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A majority of vehicle-pedestrian accidents are caused by a distracted driver. A driver may be distracted by making a phone call, text messaging, adjusting the radio, eating, or focusing on the passengers inside the vehicle. It is also possible that a driver is not distracted but disregards a traffic sign and causes a vehicle-pedestrian accident. Lastly, driving under the influence of alcohol or a narcotic can also be a major cause of vehicle-pedestrian accidents. The negligence/recklessness of a driver operating an automobile is no excuse.

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What Type of Injuries Occur In Pedestrian Car Accidents?

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Motor vehicle accidents that involve a pedestrian usually result in severe injuries for the pedestrian. Most vehicles on the road weigh on average 5,000 pounds. The impact of a vehicle striking a pedestrian, even at a low speed, could be catastrophic.

 

These injuries could include: 

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• Broken limbs

• Cuts, abrasions, and bruises

• Brain injury

• Spinal injury

• Herniated disks and other back injuries

• Internal injuries such as damage to the spleen, liver, kidney, or other internal organs

• Death

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What Type of Damages Can I Recover From My Pedestrian Car Accidents?

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Similar to motor vehicle accidents, pedestrians also have the right to recover for their injuries that result from someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or inattention.

 

The injured pedestrian may be able to recover the following types of damages from the wrongdoer: 

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• Medical costs

• Lost income (past and future)

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Other types of recoverable damages

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In certain situations, an injured pedestrian may be able to recover punitive damages from the operator of the motor vehicle. Punitive damages are usually awarded to the victim of an accident for the purpose of punishing the wrongdoer. These types of damages are generally associated with drunk or impaired drivers who cause a pedestrian accident.

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