PEDESTRIAN RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES IN LOUISIANA
Both pedestrians and drivers have basic responsibilities under Louisiana law. A pedestrian cannot cross an interstate highway, save for cases involving serious emergency. Pedestrians ought to choose the sidewalk when it is available, and if they leave the sidewalk, a driver should have enough time to reasonably respond. If pedestrians cross the road outside of a designated crosswalk area, they are to give drivers the right-of-way.
But pedestrians also have rights. They are entitled to the right of way when there is a crosswalk. Above all, drivers are expected to use all means reasonably available to avoid the pedestrian. This includes everything from braking to honking. Even if a pedestrian violated the law, the driver is still obligated to do their best to avoid a collision. In this regard, Louisiana law is generous to pedestrians.
Our Shreveport pedestrian accidents attorney can be reached by phone at (318) 220-4095 or by filling out our online contact form. Let us hear from you today.
PROVING LIABILITY IN PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CASES
The question of which party, the driver or the pedestrian failed to either follow the law or act reasonably given the circumstances is often a strongly contested issue in these cases. Fortunately, there are means by which our Shreveport pedestrian accidents lawyer can gather concrete evidence and take the case beyond the competing words of two people.
Eyewitnesses to the accident can be contacted and asked for their testimony. It’s possible cellphone video might have taken. Depending on where the accident took place, there may be traffic camera footage that can be subpoenaed for use in the case. The police will have photos of the accident scene, and those photos can reveal skid marks and other telltale signs. Expert witnesses may be able to use those clues to deduce how fast the driver was going.
