When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle in St. Louis, the injuries are often catastrophic and life-changing. At Bollwerk & Associates, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the unique challenges these cases present and fight tirelessly to ensure injured pedestrians receive compensation.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Devastating
Pedestrians have no protection when struck by a motor vehicle. Even at low speeds, the impact can cause severe injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and permanent disabilities. Many pedestrian accident victims face months or years of medical treatment, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in St. Louis
Our St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers have handled cases involving numerous causes of pedestrian strikes:
- Distracted driving: Drivers texting, talking on phones, or using navigation systems
- Failure to yield: Not yielding right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections
- Speeding: Excessive speed that prevents drivers from stopping in time
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug intoxication affecting driver judgment
- Poor visibility: Accidents during dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or ice creating hazardous driving conditions
- Turning violations: Illegal turns or failure to check for pedestrians
- Running red lights or stop signs: Ignoring traffic control devices
Pedestrian accidents often share similar causes with other motor vehicle incidents. If you've been injured in a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation. Missouri's recent anti-texting laws aim to reduce these types of distracted driving incidents that put pedestrians at risk.
Some pedestrian accidents occur due to poorly maintained sidewalks, inadequate lighting, or other property-related hazards. These cases may involve premises liability claims against property owners.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident injuries range from minor to fatal. Our attorneys have represented clients with:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple bone fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and road rash
- Amputations
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Missouri law allows pedestrian accident victims to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Our experienced attorneys fight to maximize recovery for:
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Medical equipment and home modifications
- Transportation to medical appointments
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
Missouri Pedestrian Accident Laws
Understanding Missouri's personal injury process is crucial for building a strong case. Key legal considerations include:
Right-of-Way Laws
Missouri Revised Statutes Section 300.375 establishes that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. However, pedestrians also have duties to exercise reasonable care for their own safety.
Comparative Fault
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. Even if a pedestrian is partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. Learn more about comparative negligence in Missouri and how it affects your potential recovery.
Statute of Limitations
In Missouri, pedestrian accident victims have five years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it's crucial to contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Challenges in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Pedestrian accident cases present unique challenges that require experienced legal representation:
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians for accidents, arguing they were jaywalking, intoxicated, or not paying attention. Our attorneys know these tactics and fight back with thorough investigation and expert testimony. Our experience with insurance appeals and underinsured motorist coverage helps protect our clients' interests.
Proving Liability
Establishing driver negligence requires careful analysis of accident scene evidence, witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and police reports. We work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
Catastrophic Injury Damages
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe, permanent injuries requiring lifetime care. Calculating future medical needs and lost earning capacity requires expertise in medical economics and life care planning.
Why Choose Bollwerk & Associates for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Our St. Louis pedestrian accident attorneys bring nearly four decades of combined experience fighting for injured victims. We understand the devastating impact these accidents have on victims and their families.
Proven Track Record
We have recovered millions of dollars for accident victims, including significant personal injury case results and client testimonials that demonstrate our commitment to justice and catastrophic injury cases.
Thorough Investigation
We immediately investigate every accident, preserving crucial evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts to build the strongest possible case.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
Bilingual Services
We proudly serve St. Louis's diverse communities and provide legal services in Spanish to ensure all clients fully understand their rights and options.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle, take these important steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention - Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Call police - Ensure an official accident report is filed
- Document the scene - Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the vehicle
- Get witness information - Collect names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident
- Don't admit fault - Avoid making statements about who caused the accident
- Contact an attorney - Call Bollwerk & Associates before speaking with insurance companies
For more detailed guidance, read our comprehensive guide on what to do after a car accident in St. Louis, which includes similar important steps for pedestrian accidents.
St. Louis Pedestrian Safety Statistics
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, pedestrian accidents remain a serious safety concern in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Understanding these risks helps highlight the importance of holding negligent drivers accountable and improving pedestrian safety measures throughout our community. The statistics on distracted driving show the growing danger to pedestrians in our area.
Additional Resources
Stay informed about pedestrian safety and legal developments by reading our personal injury blog and motor vehicle accident news. Our team regularly publishes updates on Missouri personal injury law and safety tips to help protect our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri's statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, is five years from the date of injury. However, it's important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Learn more about Missouri personal injury claim deadlines.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
Missouri requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but some drivers ignore this law. If you're hit by an uninsured driver, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or other available insurance policies.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Read more about Missouri's comparative negligence laws.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on many factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impact on your life. We provide free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss potential compensation. Learn more about what you can do to help your Missouri personal injury claim.
