Pedestrians are most vulnerable at crosswalks and intersections — places where drivers turning, running red lights, or failing to yield create serious dangers. Louisiana law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, and violations of this duty can result in full liability for all resulting injuries. Our attorneys document the circumstances of the accident, obtain traffic camera footage, and pursue every responsible party on your behalf.

When a driver strikes a pedestrian and flees the scene, victims are left with serious injuries and no immediate path to compensation. Uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy — or on a household member’s policy — may cover your losses even when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Our attorneys help victims of hit-and-run accidents identify all available sources of compensation and fight to make sure they are not left without the resources they need.

Drivers distracted by phones, GPS devices, food, or passengers are a leading cause of pedestrian accidents across Louisiana. When a distracted driver strikes a pedestrian, our attorneys gather cell phone records, witness accounts, and surveillance footage to establish the driver’s inattention and pursue full compensation for the resulting injuries.

Impaired drivers pose an extreme danger to pedestrians. When a drunk or drugged driver strikes a pedestrian, victims may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages. In appropriate cases, our attorneys also explore dram shop liability against establishments that over-served the driver under Louisiana law.

Speed dramatically increases both the likelihood of a pedestrian accident and the severity of resulting injuries. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph faces a far greater risk of death than one struck at 20 mph. Our attorneys use accident reconstruction experts and electronic data to establish the driver’s speed and demonstrate how it contributed to the crash and your injuries.

Pedestrian accidents in parking lots and driveways are more common than many people realize — particularly when drivers fail to look before backing out or fail to yield to foot traffic in high-pedestrian areas. These accidents often involve questions of both driver and property owner liability. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of the accident to identify all responsible parties.

Drivers who speed through school zones, ignore crossing guards, or fail to stop for school buses put children at extreme risk. When a child is struck by a vehicle in or near a school zone, our attorneys pursue maximum compensation from the negligent driver and pursue every available avenue of recovery on behalf of the injured child and their family.

When a commercial truck, delivery vehicle, or bus strikes a pedestrian, the injuries are frequently catastrophic. These cases often involve multiple liable parties — the driver, the employer, and the vehicle owner — and may be governed by federal motor carrier regulations. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of these complex cases and pursue full compensation from all responsible parties.

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles are a constant presence on Louisiana streets, and pedestrian accidents involving these vehicles raise unique insurance and liability questions depending on whether the driver was active on the app at the time of the crash. Our attorneys understand the specific insurance frameworks that apply to rideshare accidents and know how to pursue compensation from every available source.

When a pedestrian is killed by a negligent driver, surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering endured before death. Our attorneys handle these devastating cases with care and compassion, and fight to hold every responsible party fully accountable for the loss of your loved one.

As of July 1, 2024, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible so we can begin preserving evidence and protecting your rights.

Louisiana follows pure comparative fault. Even if you were partly responsible for the accident — including crossing outside a crosswalk — you can still recover compensation. Your total award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies routinely try to exaggerate a pedestrian’s share of blame to reduce their payout. Our attorneys fight back aggressively against these tactics.

Call 911 and get medical attention immediately — even if you feel okay. Pedestrian accident injuries often worsen in the hours and days following the crash. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle that struck you if possible. Get the driver’s contact and insurance information and the names of any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Contact Mansfield Melancon as soon as possible so we can begin preserving critical evidence.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy — or on a household member’s policy — may cover your losses even when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Our attorneys help pedestrian accident victims identify every available source of compensation, including UM/UIM coverage, and handle the claim process on your behalf.

Nothing upfront. Our pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

It depends on the complexity of your case. Some claims settle within several months once liability is clear and medical treatment is complete. Cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputed fault, or uncooperative insurers may take longer. Learn more about the timeline of a personal injury case. We keep you informed throughout and never pressure you to accept a settlement before you are ready.

Yes. If your injuries prevented you from working, you may be entitled to recover both past lost wages and future loss of earning capacity. Learn more about how lost wages are calculated in Louisiana. Our attorneys work with economic experts to fully document and maximize your income-related damages.

Do not accept any settlement before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies are trained to offer quick, low settlements — often before the full extent of a pedestrian’s injuries is known. Once you accept and sign a release, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation even if your condition worsens. Contact us before signing anything.