Are you struggling to recover from a pedestrian accident in Lafayette, Louisiana? Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, and collisions involving cars or trucks can lead to devastating injuries.
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our Lafayette pedestrian accident lawyers understand what you’re going through. Our firm has been serving injured clients for the last seven years, bringing 50 years of combined experience to the table. We’ve helped secure tens of millions of dollars for victims just like you. If you or a loved one has been hurt in Lafayette, LA, call us today for a free consultation at (337) 473-2991 with a Lafayette pedestrian accident attorney.
How Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Lafayette
A pedestrian accident can put your life on hold—physically, financially, and emotionally. Handling insurance claims, gathering evidence, and facing legal complexities can be overwhelming. Our Lafayette personal injury lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Lafayette personal injury attorneys can:
- Investigate your accident. We review police reports, talk to witnesses, and analyze traffic camera footage to build the strongest possible case.
- Work with experts. From accident reconstruction specialists to medical professionals, we use expert analysis to show precisely how and why the crash occurred.
- Handle all negotiations. Insurance companies want to minimize payouts. We negotiate forcefully to ensure any settlement reflects the true value of your claim.
- Calculate damages. We look at immediate costs and long-term needs, including future medical treatment and lost earning capacity.
- Take your case to court. We aren’t afraid to present your case to a judge or jury if insurers don’t make a fair offer.
By offering a full range of legal services, we take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
What Is My Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “How much is my case worth?” The answer depends on several factors.
Key considerations can influence the value of your pedestrian accident case, such as:
- Severity of injuries: Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain damage or spinal cord trauma often warrant higher compensation.
- Medical expenses: This includes immediate hospital bills, future rehabilitation costs, and any assistive devices you may need.
- Lost income: If your injuries force you to miss work or reduce your earning capacity, those losses should be factored into the settlement.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life can significantly impact your claim’s value.
- Fault and liability: If another party is clearly at fault, insurers are more likely to offer a fair settlement.
All of these elements work together to determine how much compensation you might receive. Our team carefully examines each factor so that every dollar you deserve is included in your claim.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims?
Damages in a pedestrian accident case typically fall into two main categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are commonly pursued in pedestrian accident claims and include:
- Medical bills: Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost wages and future earning capacity: Compensation for income you lose now or may lose in the future if your injuries prevent you from returning to the same job.
- Property damage: Although less common in pedestrian cases, this could include personal items like electronics damaged in the accident.
It’s essential to understand economic damages so you know what might be available to you.
Non-Economic Damages
Courts may also award non-economic damages.
These cover less obvious injuries, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional hardships tied to your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the trauma of the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries stop you from engaging in hobbies or daily activities you once loved.
By including both economic and non-economic damages, we aim to secure a settlement or verdict that accounts for the full spectrum of your losses.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Financial worries can be tough after a serious pedestrian crash. You might face big medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers offers representation on a contingency fee basis.
You don’t pay anything unless we win or settle your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, meaning our success depends on securing the compensation you deserve. If we can’t recover money on your behalf, you owe us no attorney’s fees.
This fee structure allows injured pedestrians to get quality legal representation without added financial pressure.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Pedestrian Accident in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s negligence laws allow accident victims to recover compensation even if they share some portion of the fault. In Louisiana, the courts apply a pure comparative fault rule. This means your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of the total damages.
A personal injury lawyer can do the following if you’re being blamed for a pedestrian accident:
- Gather evidence to minimize your percentage of blame.
- Counter insurance tactics that try to pin undue fault on you.
- Clarify any misunderstanding about road laws, signals, or right-of-way issues.
Even if you feel partly to blame, it’s smart to talk to a lawyer. They can help protect your rights and aim for the best result.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries
A collision with a vehicle can leave pedestrians with injuries that are often severe or life-changing. Pedestrian accidents are often catastrophic. Pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a vehicle.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, or severe head trauma
- Spinal cord damage: Potentially leads to partial or complete paralysis
- Broken or fractured bones: Commonly affecting legs, hips, or ribs
- Internal organ damage: Internal bleeding or organ rupture can be life-threatening
- Lacerations and road rash: Serious cuts may lead to infection or scarring.
These injuries can lead to high medical bills, long rehab, and lasting emotional pain.
We team up with medical experts to evaluate your condition. This way, any settlement or verdict will cover all your recovery needs. Our goal is to secure the funds you need to make the best possible recovery.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in Lafayette, LA?
Pedestrian accidents often occur due to driver negligence or other avoidable hazards. When we investigate your accident, we identify contributing factors to strengthen your case.
The most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents are:
- Distracted driving: Cell phone use, adjusting radio settings, or eating behind the wheel
- Failure to yield: Drivers who ignore crosswalks or traffic signals
- Speeding and reckless driving: Higher speeds reduce the time a driver has to react
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction times
- Poor lighting: Inadequate street lighting at night can cause visibility issues
We can hold those responsible accountable by finding the exact cause. This helps us seek full compensation for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s civil code sets a strict time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. Under Louisiana law, most pedestrian accident claims must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. Failing to act before this deadline generally means losing your right to pursue compensation.
It’s crucial to be aware of exceptions. For instance, if the accident involves a minor or an incapacitated person, different rules may apply. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Lafayette?
Acting quickly after a pedestrian crash can greatly impact your personal injury claim’s success.
Take the following steps after a pedestrian accident:
- Seek medical care. Even if you think your injuries are minor, getting a professional evaluation is essential.
- Call the police. An official accident report can serve as critical evidence.
- Document the scene. Take photos of road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries.
- Collect contact information. Get names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all involved parties and witnesses.
- Contact an attorney. Before speaking with insurance adjusters, consider seeking legal advice.
Each of these steps can help protect your legal rights and maximize your potential compensation.
Contact Our Lafayette Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A pedestrian accident can lead to medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing physical or emotional issues. At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we help injury victims like you. With 50 years of experience, our team has recovered tens of millions of dollars. We are ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
Don’t face the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Contact our office in Lafayette, LA, today to schedule a free consultation with a Lafayette pedestrian accident lawyer. We’ll walk you through your legal options, help you understand the compensation you may be entitled to, and stand by your side every step of the way.
