Being a pedestrian in Louisiana can come with the potential for serious dangers. Because of their proximity to roadways and motor vehicles, pedestrians can easily be involved in car accidents and suffer serious injury.
A 59-year-old Louisiana man unfortunately suffered a worse fate. As he attempted to cross the highway at Veterans Boulevard and Focis Avenue, he was hit by a car. Police say the man was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the vehicle claims that he did not see the pedestrian and that the 59-year-old man was trying to get across the highway in an area that was not designated as a crosswalk. The accident happened around 10:00 p.m. on a Tuesday evening earlier this month.
The man’s family does not have to fear that the seemingly negligent driver will escape all liability. Louisiana law offers the same protections to pedestrians that it does to drivers and passengers who are involved in motor vehicle accidents and suffer injuries and fatalities. In fact, the law may even provide a greater sense of security to pedestrians, depending on the facts of the case. The law often cautions drivers to yield to pedestrians and give them the right of way.
A pedestrian accident can be tragic and result in unbelievable damages and losses. The law provides compensation for some of these expenses regardless of whether criminal charges are filed against a driver. Pedestrians who are injured in a car accident, or families who experience the wrongful death of a loved one because of a pedestrian-motor vehicle collision, may be able to find some remedies through the legal system.
Source: KATC.com, “Metairie traffic accident leaves pedestrian dead,” Oct. 17, 2012