Reckless, negligent driver habits like speeding and not looking before turning put New Orleans pedestrians at risk of death or severe injury. But a bad driver is not always the only factor in a pedestrian accident.
Everyone in New Orleans should feel safe from traffic while walking across the street or along the side of the road. Unfortunately, not every intersection and stretch of road in the city is sufficiently maintained to help protect pedestrians from powerful motor vehicles. Too many parts of the city lack enough street lights, clearly marked crosswalks, traffic lights or stop signs — the things that help stop or slow down traffic so pedestrians can pass through.
Tragic consequences
Unsafe road conditions can lead to tragedy. Recently, a 39-year-old woman was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The crash happened on the service road next to I-10. Residents say that particular stretch of road is too dark, and drivers often do not see pedestrians and bike riders. The woman used a wheelchair, which was being pushed by a man who suffered minor injuries. Someone with limited mobility would be especially vulnerable to a dangerous driver on a poorly lit road.
Of course, the driver’s actions were a huge factor in this terrible incident. But the possibility that the street was unreasonably dangerous due to a lack of safety equipment should not be discounted.
Knowing every possible option for recovery
Every pedestrian accident is unique. In some cases, there is more than one negligent party. Until you discuss your accident with a personal injury lawyer, you might not know all your options for compensation.