When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, it can result in the pedestrian suffering serious life-threatening injuries.
To reduce the risk of pedestrian-vehicle accidents, it is important to know and follow Louisiana’s pedestrian safety laws while walking near traffic.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle, contact Simien & Simien to find out if you have a case against the at-fault party. Our Baton Rouge car accident attorneys will provide you with a free, no obligation consultation to review your claim and determine if you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Using the Sidewalk
In Louisiana, pedestrians must use a sidewalk where one is available. It is illegal for a pedestrian to walk along the roadway if there is a sidewalk adjacent, according to LA Rev. Stat. § 32:216.
However, if there is no sidewalk provided in the immediate area, pedestrians should walk along the left side of a roadway or on the road’s shoulder facing traffic traveling in the opposite direction.
Obeying Traffic Signals
Pedestrians in Louisiana are required to obey every traffic control signal and sign they encounter. Pedestrian signals such as walk/do not walk signs take precedence versus traffic signals.
Pedestrians may enter crosswalks when the pedestrian signal says “walk,” and can continue through the crosswalk to a safety zone, neutral area or sidewalk when the signal changes to “do not walk.”
Intersections and Crosswalks
According to Louisiana’s pedestrian laws, LA Rev. Stat. § 32:212 states that pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks that are marked.
Vehicles must yield to any pedestrian within the crosswalk on the roadway the vehicle is traveling or turning onto. However this rule does not apply if the pedestrian is crossing the road at a point where there is a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing provided.
Pedestrians also must exercise caution when using crosswalks. It is unlawful for a pedestrian to leave the curb or safe location and move into the path of a vehicle that is too close to yield.
If a vehicle has stopped at a crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross the road, drivers approaching behind that vehicle may not pass the stopped vehicle.
Driver Precautions
Although pedestrians are required to follow traffic signals and use crosswalks, drivers must also take certain precautions when traveling around pedestrian areas.
This includes using the vehicle’s horn to alert pedestrians of their presence and driving in a safe manner to avoid causing an accident.
Furthermore, drivers in Louisiana are required to observe the behavior of pedestrians walking near the roadway. If a driver believes a pedestrians is lost, confused or seems intoxicated, the driver must drive cautiously around the pedestrian to ensure his or her safety.
Soliciting
Pedestrians are not allowed to solicit along public roadways. Pedestrians may not approach or solicit vehicle drivers or occupants for any of the following:
Rides (hitchhiking)
Employment
Business
Get Help After Your Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian-vehicle accidents often result in the pedestrian suffering serious injury or death. For this reason, it is imperative that pedestrians and motorists remain cautious and refrain from engaging in reckless behavior while traveling around one another.
The Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys at Simien & Simien have handled numerous claims involving pedestrian accidents and understand the difficulties victims often suffer. We will not hesitate to pursue maximum compensation for pedestrian-auto accident victims. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out if you have a case.
All of our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, which means our attorneys will not charge you upfront legal fees for representing your claim. We will only charge you if we recover compensation for your claim.
