Missouri Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

A pedestrian accident involves a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle, often resulting in injuries or fatalities. It’s evident that pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable on Missouri roads. Unlike motorists who have various safety features, pedestrians do not have any protection against sudden impacts. 

Even a minor Missouri traffic crash can result in common pedestrian accident injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord damage, broken bones and fractures, burns, skin abrasions, and various mental health issues. 

Were you or a loved one injured in a pedestrian traffic accident due to driver negligence? If so, our qualified Missouri pedestrian accident attorneys will help you seek compensation for a personal injury or damages. 

How Often a Pedestrian Accident Occurs in the State of Missouri? 

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6,100 pedestrians were killed in 2020, reporting a 4% increase over the previous year. That means one pedestrian is injured and killed every 81 minutes in the United States. 

In Missouri, there are both careless drivers and poor infrastructure for pedestrians that lead to fatal traffic crashes. The following pedestrian accident statistics highlight the current situation of the state’s road safety. 

The Governors Highway Safety Association, which examines state and national numbers for pedestrian safety, indicated in its new report that 129 pedestrians were killed by drivers in Missouri in 2022. This is a 7.5 percent rise from the year before and one of the 10 biggest percent increases in the U.S. 

The NHTSA reports that In 2021, the state of Missouri recorded about 117 pedestrian fatalities in traffic accidents, meaning the pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population was 1.90. 

One factor that contributes to pedestrian fatalities is drinking and driving. According to a report by the NHTSA released in May 2020 on pedestrian deaths, 16% of the car accidents resulting in pedestrian fatalities involved a driver under the influence of alcohol.

In St. Louis City, as per Trailnet’s 2021 crash report, 80% of pedestrian fatalities and 55% of fatal car crashes occur in specified areas.

The Show Me State report indicates that 60% of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. occur on arterials, high-capacity roads with heavy traffic flow and higher speeds compared to local roads. For example, The St. Louis intersection of North Grand and Montgomery is one of the nation’s most dangerous, Hence, there is a requirement to enhance infrastructure to reduce cyclist and pedestrian fatalities.

If you have suffered a personal injury in a St. Louis pedestrian accident, it’s your legal right to seek compensatory damages like hospital bills and emotional trauma. Talk to our pedestrian accident lawyers to understand your rights and help you fight for what you deserve. 

What are the Common Causes of Missouri Pedestrian Accidents? 

Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic crashes in Missouri, as per MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic. The decade of 2012 and 2021 reported nearly 200,000 distracted driving-related crashes in Missouri, leading to 801 fatalities. 

From distracted driving to poor visibility and infrastructure issues, various factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in Missouri. Understanding these common causes helps drivers and pedestrians take preventive measures to ensure road safety. 

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a crash, hire our pedestrian accident lawyers to seek compensation. We extensively investigate each pedestrian accident case to identify the cause, gather evidence against the at-fault parties, and establish liability for personal injury. 

Steps to Follow After Missouri Pedestrian Accidents 

While a personal injury lawsuit may not be your first thought following pedestrian accidents in Missouri, consider these essential steps to seek compensation you deserve: 

Seek immediate medical attention: Even seemingly minor pedestrian accident injuries can have delayed symptoms. For instance, concussions might not present symptoms until hours or days after the accident. Furthermore, medical records documenting pedestrian injuries are crucial for legal claims. 

Contact the police for a report: The police report serves as an official document detailing the pedestrian accident, which can strengthen your case. For example, it might include important details such as the driver’s negligence or traffic violations.

Collect driver’s information: Ensure you obtain the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information. Driver’s information helps the plaintiff’s lawyer in negotiating insurance claims and other legal proceedings.

Gather evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles and property, as well as your pedestrian accident injuries. Additionally, gather contact information from witnesses who can provide testimony about the accident.

Avoid posting on social media: Do not discuss the accident on social media platforms, as any posts could potentially be used against you by insurance companies or the opposing party’s lawyers.

Consult a Missouri pedestrian accident lawyer: An experienced attorney can provide legal guidance, assess your personal injury case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Reach out to our pedestrian accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. 

What is Missouri’s Statute of Limitations on Pedestrian Accidents?

The statute of limitations is a law that establishes a legal deadline for individuals or entities to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit or claim from the date of the alleged offence. Under Missouri law (Missouri Code section 516.120), you have five years from the date of the accident to file a pedestrian accident claim or lawsuit and pursue damages. 

Exceeding these five years means your personal injury claim will be dismissed by the court or insurance company. There are a few exceptions to this statute of limitations law. 

For example, if the Missouri pedestrian was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations will start only when the pedestrian turns 18. In case the pedestrian is required to file a lawsuit against a government worker involved in the pedestrian accident, the plaintiff must provide notice within 90 days of the accident. 

Consult an experienced Missouri pedestrian accident attorney immediately after you have suffered a personal injury and understand all exceptions of the law. 

What Compensation Shall I Receive for Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri? 

Compensatory damages for a pedestrian crash include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easily measurable in monetary amounts, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation charges, lost wages, lost income, and expenses to repair property damages. 

Non-economic damages cannot be calculated in monetary values and are subjective, for instance, emotional pain and suffering, loss of companionship, disfigurement, reduced quality of life, etc. 

Sometimes the negligent party’s behavior is so egregious that it needs to be punished and set an example to create awareness. Punitive damages, also known as “exemplary damages” though rare punish defendants for extreme negligence. 

Damage may vary based on factors like the severity of pedestrian accident injuries and their circumstances. Talking to a pedestrian accident lawyer can provide clarity on the specific compensation you may be entitled to pursue. 

Can I Recover Damages if I’m At Fault for a Pedestrian Accident in Missouri?

Missouri is one of the dozen states that uses a pure comparative negligence rule for pedestrian accidents. Under this rule, even if you are 99% at fault, you are still entitled to compensation, but the recovery amount is reduced based on your percentage of fault for the accident.

After your Missouri pedestrian accident lawyer successfully proves that another party’s actions caused your fatal injuries, a court in Missouri will use a percentage system called “comparative fault”. For instance, if the total damages of the pedestrian crash were $10,000 and you are found 30% at fault, you would pay $3,000, and the other party would pay $7,000. 

Insurance companies use this comparative fault system to shift the liability of the pedestrian crash on you and avoid financial responsibility. Our pedestrian accident attorney can advocate on your behalf to ensure your percentage of fault is accurately determined and that you recover compensation. 

What Happens If I Lose A Loved One in a Missouri Pedestrian Accident?

GHSA’s annual Spotlight report, Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2022 Preliminary Data, shows that an average of 20 pedestrian deaths happen every day in the United States. Hundreds of Missourians lose their lives in harmless actions like crossing the street or walking on pathways due to driver negligence. 

Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are prepared to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of family members and secure financial recovery for losses incurred by these tragic accidents.

Missouri law allows specific family members to pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased one in pedestrian accidents. Family members including spouses, children, parents, siblings, or a court-appointed person can recover compensation from at-fault parties. 

A wrongful death claim in Missouri may recover for damages like: 

Contact our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers today to seek legal assistance in filing a wrongful death lawsuit so you can take time to fully grieve. 

How Can Our Missouri Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Injury Claim?

Are you in need of legal representation after a pedestrian accident in Missouri? Our experienced injury lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team identify liable parties, estimate claim value, and negotiate with insurance providers for fair compensation. 

Besides, our pedestrian accident lawyers help with gathering evidence, filing your claim within the statute of limitations, and litigating your case if necessary. With our support, you can easily handle the pedestrian accident claim process, focusing on your recovery while we prove the liability of negligent or at-fault parties. 

Call our pedestrian accident attorney today for a free case evaluation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal professionals will remain private under an attorney-client relationship. 

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Rosenfeld Pedestrian Accident Attorneys 

Hiring experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can bring a favorable outcome for your pedestrian accident claim. Missouri lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, offer free consultations to evaluate your pedestrian accident case and discuss your legal options. 

We work on all personal injury cases through a contingency fee basis, this way you won’t pay any fees until our pedestrian accident lawyers recover compensation via negotiations or jury proceedings.

Our law firm is dedicated to advocating for the rights of victims of pedestrian accidents in St. Louis, Missouri. Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free case evaluation and recover compensation.