Bicycle & Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise in New Orleans – What To Do If Your Loved One Was Killed

By Peirce A. Hammond II

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personal-injury

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Last Modified on Jun 30, 2025

In a city full of life, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods, a growing crisis is emerging: bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are on the rise in New Orleans. More people are being severely injured or killed while simply trying to get around, turning the streets of The Big Easy into dangerous places for those on foot or two wheels. This increasing trend calls for urgent attention to safety, awareness, and accountability.

By the Numbers: Sobering Statistics

Understanding the scale and urgency of the problem requires looking at the hard facts. Recent data from state and national agencies reveal a troubling rise in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. These statistics shed light on the systemic issues putting lives at risk, from poor infrastructure to nighttime visibility and racial disparities.

Here’s what the numbers tell us:

• New Orleans ranks among the worst U.S. metros for pedestrian safety, with 197 pedestrian deaths between 2018 and 2022.
• Louisiana recorded 183 pedestrian fatalities and 44 bicyclist fatalities in 2022.
• In 2023, Louisiana saw an estimated 244 alcohol‑related traffic fatalities, a significant percentage of which involved pedestrian and cyclist cases.
• Nighttime pedestrian fatalities account for approximately 74% of all pedestrian deaths
• Black Americans and Native Americans make up 22% of all pedestrian deaths.

These numbers highlight a clear and urgent public safety crisis in New Orleans, and understanding these sobering statistics is the first step toward demanding meaningful change to make our city’s streets safer for everyone.

Who Is Liable in These Tragic Accidents?

Liability often depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the crash; however, in many cases, negligent drivers are at fault. Understanding who can be held responsible helps victims and their families pursue justice and promotes safer practices on the road. This could include someone who:

• Was texting while driving
• Failed to yield at a crosswalk
• Ran a red light or stop sign
• Was under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Liability in these accidents isn’t always straightforward, but it fundamentally comes down to identifying negligence or failure to uphold safety duties. Clear accountability also encourages safer roads, better infrastructure, and greater awareness, which are key to protecting pedestrians and cyclists moving forward.

What About Survivors?

Not all bicycle and pedestrian accidents result in death; however, those who survive are often left with life-altering injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, shattered limbs, and permanent disfigurement are common. These cases require significant financial support. Luckily, the law allows victims to pursue damages for:

• Medical treatment and future care
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

Survivors of pedestrian and bicycle accidents often deal with tough physical and emotional struggles, but they’re also up against a bigger problem — the streets are becoming more dangerous. With fatalities on the rise, anyone who walks or bikes faces bigger risks than ever before.

Recognizing the challenges survivors face makes it clear just how urgent it is to improve street safety and protection so fewer lives are changed by these tragic accidents.

What You Should Do After a Fatal or Serious Pedestrian/Bicycle Crash

In the aftermath of a serious or fatal pedestrian or bicycle accident, it’s important to act quickly and carefully to protect your rights. The steps you take in the days following the crash can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and secure fair compensation. Some key actions to take include:

• Document everything. Take photos or videos of the crash scene, visible injuries, damaged property, traffic signs, and road conditions. Be sure to collect and keep medical records, police reports, and any witness information. The more evidence you gather early on, the stronger your case.
• Don’t speak to insurance adjusters without legal advice. Insurance companies reach out fast to get a statement or offer a quick settlement. Don’t agree to anything or provide recorded statements without speaking to a lawyer first.
• Talk to a local attorney. Speak with an attorney as soon as you can to figure out the next steps.

Taking these steps can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Acting quickly, protecting your rights, and receiving the right legal guidance can give you a good chance at holding the right parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.