St. Mary Parish Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians involved in vehicle-related accidents can suffer some of the worst physical consequences of a collision. Individuals hit by a car may suffer broken bones, spinal trauma, or brain injury. Because of the severity of these situations, a person harmed in a pedestrian accident should take proactive steps toward seeking compensation.
If you were struck by a motor vehicle, a skilled St. Mary Parish pedestrian accident lawyer can assist in taking legal action. A seasoned personal injury attorney can help you establish how the circumstances of your accident may result in potential liability for a third party and offer legal support during the claims process.
Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accident
The circumstances of a pedestrian accident are important because they determine who might be responsible for a claimant’s injuries and how compensation may be paid. Various factors can cause or contribute to a collision between a motor vehicle and a person. Some of the causes of pedestrian accidents may include:
- Distracted driving
- Broken traffic signals
- Poor visibility
- Reckless driving
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inattentive pedestrians
Depending on the circumstances, there can be many liable parties in these accidents. While in some situations, a motorist may be at fault for a collision, in others a pedestrian may be partially to blame as well. According to Louisiana Revised Civil Code Article 2323, a plaintiff’s recovery may be reduced by the degree to which their negligence contributed to their accident. For instance, if a pedestrian crossed the street when they did not have the walk signal, the court may find this person partially responsible.
An experienced St. Mary Parish lawyer can help identify who might be at fault in a pedestrian accident case. The complexities involved in determining who may be liable for these collisions demand consultation with a legal professional.
Deadline to File a Case
The statute of limitations prohibits potential claimants from filing their lawsuit after a certain amount of time. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492, this statutory deadline is one year from the date of the accident.
While there are some exceptions to this deadline, typically once the statute of limitations expires, a plaintiff forfeits their right to seek compensation and the court dismisses the case. A St. Mary Parish pedestrian accident attorney can work to ensure that an injured party meets all legal deadlines.
Consult a St. Mary Parish Pedestrian Accident Attorney
A dedicated St. Mary Parish pedestrian accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing a lawsuit to recover damages if a motorist hit you with their car. In addition to building your arguments for compensation, an attorney also can send a settlement demand letter to the opposing party, persuading them to negotiate a resolution rather than risk a trial.
Most importantly, legal counsel can discuss the case’s progress with you, and become your legal advocate as you go through the daunting litigation process. Schedule a case consultation with a diligent lawyer today so you can explore your legal options.