Jeep Wrangler strikes pedestrian walking on southbound shoulder near Leblanc Road
December 07, 2025 | Lafayette, LA
Louisiana State Police reported that Ricky Verret, 37, of Maurice, lost his life in a pedestrian accident on Johnston Street in Lafayette Parish.
Ricky Verret, 37, of Maurice, died after he was struck by a Jeep Wrangler towing a trailer while walking along Johnston Street near Leblanc Road in Lafayette Parish.
What Happened in the Crash?
Verret was walking along the right shoulder of southbound Johnston Street near Leblanc Road around 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 when a southbound Jeep Wrangler towing a trailer struck him. He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding authorities.
- Date and Time: Dec. 7, 2025, around 8 p.m.
- Location: Johnston Street (U.S. Highway 167) near Leblanc Road, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
- Victim: Ricky Verret, 37, of Maurice
- Vehicle Involved: Jeep Wrangler towing a trailer
- Outcome: Fatal pedestrian crash, and the investigation is ongoing by the Louisiana State Police
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise across U.S. roadways despite safety initiatives. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported approximately 2,304 pedestrians struck and killed in the first half of 2024 alone.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
Drivers not paying full attention to the road |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Poor Visibility |
Inadequate lighting or signage on shoulders |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Speeding |
Exceeding limits in pedestrian areas |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Pedestrian Location |
Walking outside crosswalks or on shoulders |
GHSA Report, 2024 |
These elements often contribute to tragic outcomes and highlight the need for thorough investigations.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on pedestrian incidents, emphasizing prevention and accountability.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting must be examined in depth.
- An independent investigation by a qualified attorney can protect the interests of those affected.
- Drivers have a duty to yield to pedestrians in shared spaces.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.”
Insurance providers may push for rapid settlements below fair value, but skilled representation ensures appropriate compensation.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).