Louisiana roadways can be dangerous for pedestrians. The most dangerous intersections for pedestrians on the West Bank, LA are typically the ones with high traffic volumes and poorly marked crosswalks for pedestrians. Lack of proper lighting can also play a big role in these accidents in the evening and at night.
If you’re involved in a crash on the West Bank in Louisiana, it’s recommended that you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you secure the compensation you’re owed. Even so, it’s helpful for you to understand West Bank pedestrian accident laws and how they pertain to your case, too.
Pedestrian Accidents in Louisiana
Louisiana is known for being a dangerous state for pedestrians. There are an average of 1,400 pedestrian accidents across the state every year. There are many risks on the road for pedestrians, including unsafe road conditions and reckless drivers. In a single year, drunk drivers were involved in 34 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents in Louisiana.
Many accidents occur near intersections with or without marked crosswalks where pedestrians are trying to cross the road. Regardless of where an accident occurs, it’s important to understand your rights and recovery options under Louisiana law. A West Bank pedestrian accident attorney can help.
The West Bank of the Mississippi River is home to several Louisiana parishes, including Orleans Parish and the river parishes like Jefferson Parish, Plaquemines Parish, and St. Charles Parish. There are many dangerous intersections throughout the region for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Many things can make an area more prone to pedestrian accidents, including:
- Poor road visibility
- Drunk or reckless drivers
- Lack of proper lighting
- Lack of sidewalks
- Negligent pedestrians
- Poorly marked crosswalks
There were 1,235 pedestrian injuries and 159 fatalities recorded across Louisiana in 2024. If you’re involved in an accident, it’s important that you know what steps to take to protect yourself and recover damages for your losses.
Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians on the West Bank, LA
If you’re driving or walking in or around the West Bank in Louisiana, it’s helpful to be aware of risky areas on the road in order to keep yourself and others safe. Some of the more well-known problem areas throughout the region can include:
- General de Gaulle Drive and Wall Boulevard. Between heavy traffic volumes, high posted speeds, and limited signals and signage, this area in New Orleans is exceptionally dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike.
- Intersections along the Westbank Expressway pose serious risks to pedestrians due to fast-moving traffic across multi-lane segments of the road. This section of US-90 also has fewer crosswalk intervals for pedestrians to cross safely.
- Manhattan Boulevard is a heavily trafficked commercial corridor that is also a common area for pedestrian accidents near crosswalks. Between the heavy traffic flow and frequent strip mall turn-ins, there are plenty of danger zones for pedestrians.
FAQs
When Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way on the West Bank in Louisiana?
Pedestrians typically have the right-of-way on the West Bank in Louisiana on marked and unmarked crosswalks as long as they are obeying all traffic signals. They also have the right-of-way on sidewalks.
On the other hand, pedestrians must yield if crossing anywhere outside of a crosswalk. It is also their responsibility to cross the road safely. If a pedestrian jumps out onto the road, they can be held liable for any damages in the event of an accident.
How Do I Prove Fault in a Pedestrian Accident on the West Bank in Louisiana?
How to prove fault in a pedestrian accident on the West Bank in Louisiana depends on the nature of the incident and the evidence available to you. Under Louisiana law, you must establish fault by proving negligence or intentional misconduct in a pedestrian accident. Helpful evidence in these incidents can include:
- Doctor’s notes and related professional opinions
- Eyewitness accounts
- Medical records
- Notes and first-hand experiences
- Photos and videos
- Surveillance footage
What Damages Can I Recover Through a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Louisiana?
What damages you can recover through a pedestrian accident claim in Louisiana depends on the scope of your losses as well as who is at fault for the incident. Non-economic damages are capped in claims against government entities or employees. Economic damages are based on the monetary value of the loss.
Recoverable damages in these cases can include:
- Disability
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Louisiana?
How long you have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Louisiana depends on the nature of the claim. Under Louisiana law, you typically have two years to file a personal injury claim after a pedestrian accident. Wrongful death claims and survival actions, on the other hand, have shorter deadlines.
A Louisiana pedestrian accident attorney can help you stay on track. Even though you have time to file a claim, it’s recommended that you initiate the process right away.
Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in West Bank to Get Started on Your Claim Today
Ron Austin Law brings over 88 years of combined experience to the table handling all types of motor vehicle accident claims. As a nationally recognized leader in personal injury and mass torts, our firm is familiar with Louisiana personal injury laws and navigating cases in and out of the courtroom.
We’ve successfully recovered over $1 billion for our clients over the years.* Our experience spans multiple districts and states, so we’re comfortable handling claims at any level.
This includes settling cases through the 2nd Parish Court or 24th Judicial District Court. Attorney Ron Austin is a Bellwether Co-Chair of the Plaintiff Steering Committee and an AV Preeminent® peer-rated attorney through Martindale.**
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to schedule a consultation with a trusted attorney from our team today. We’re conveniently located in southeast Louisiana on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Our office is right off US-90 near the 24th Judicial District Courthouse.
*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.
**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
