If You Were a Pedestrian Struck by a Car in St. Louis, Call (800) 391-4318 Now!
Many people choose to walk as their chosen mode of transportation, especially in city and metropolitan areas where destinations are close by. Due to the large amount of pedestrians that occupy crosswalks, sidewalks, and other areas every day, it is extremely important for motorists to be aware of pedestrians at all times.
Because motor vehicles are much larger than persons, pedestrian accidents have the ability to produce detrimental injuries and in some cases, death. In fact, an estimated 60,000 Americans are injured in pedestrian accidents every year, and an additional 5,000 are killed.
If you were a pedestrian harmed in a car accident, putting the right team on your side, can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, emotional stresses, lost wages, and more. At Meyerkord & Kurth, our St. Louis personal injury lawyers work hard to earn their clients the representation they deserve. We don’t settle for average but seek maximum compensation every time.
To discuss your pedestrian accident, contact our firm today. We bring justice to your side of the courtroom.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Risks in St. Louis
Most pedestrian accidents are completely avoidable. However, there are many motorists who do not consider safety of those not riding in passenger vehicles, leaving pedestrians in extreme danger in busy areas.
With this being said, many pedestrian accidents occur when:
- Motorists enter crosswalks without checking for pedestrians
- Motorists pass through intersections without looking for pedestrians that may be crossing
- Motorists turn corners without considering pedestrians that may just be walking off the sidewalk
- Motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians in parking lots or other pedestrian-frequented areas
Although pedestrians have the right of way in many areas, many motorists participate in other activities which may distract their eyes from the road, leaving your safety in jeopardy when walking about the town. it is important to seek personal injury representation immediately to ensure your rights and your safety are protected.
Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians in Motor Vehicle Collisions
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the human body absorbs tremendous force. The resulting injuries can be catastrophic, leading to lengthy recovery periods, substantial medical expenses, and permanent impairments.
Common injuries pedestrians suffer in motor vehicle collisions include:
- Head Trauma and Brain Injuries: These range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can permanently alter cognitive function, memory, and personality.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and adaptive equipment.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact often causes multiple fractures, especially in the legs, hips, arms, and ribs. Sometimes, these injuries require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe lacerations, abrasions, and contusions can lead to significant blood loss, infections, and permanent scarring.
- Internal Organ Damage: The force of impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, which can be life-threatening.
Right of Way Laws and Your Pedestrian Accident Case in St. Louis, MO
Missouri law specifically states that a pedestrian only has the right of way when crossing a road way in a crosswalk. If you were injured by a motorist who failed to yield while you were in a crosswalk, then liability for the accident should rest on them. If you were crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk and failed to yield to oncoming traffic, then it may be proven that you share fault for the accident, and Missouri’s comparative fault policy would come into play.
Every pedestrian accident is different and needs to be thoroughly investigated before fault can be established. Contact Meyerkord & Kurth today to speak to our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in St. Louis about your claim.
Missouri’s Comparative Fault Rule in Pedestrian Injury Claims
As a comparative fault state, Missouri allows the victim of a pedestrian accident to still recover compensation even if they shared fault for the accident that injured them, for example, if a pedestrian crossed a busy roadway in the middle of the street and not in a crosswalk.
Comparative fault only applies to cases that end up going to trial. If the jury awards compensation to the injured plaintiff, and they were found to share fault, then the jury will determine what percentage of fault they are responsible for. If that percentage is less than 50%, then the jury will subtract that percentage from the initial amount awarded. For example, if the jury awards $100,000 to the plaintiff but finds them to be 30% at fault, then the final recovery amount will be $70,000. However, if the case goes to trial and the jury finds the plaintiff to be 50% or more at fault, then they will not be eligible to receive any compensation.
Compensation Available in St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Claims
Missouri law entitles pedestrian accident victims to pursue compensation for losses resulting from another party’s negligence. These damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses that can be quantified. These include medical expenses, such as emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. You can also recover compensation for lost wages from missed work, reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous occupation, and property damage.
Non-economic damages address intangible losses that significantly impact your quality of life. These include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium, or the impact on your personal relationships. While more challenging to quantify, these damages often represent a substantial portion of pedestrian accident claims.
A St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Defend Your Rights
Getting hit by a vehicle while walking can turn your life upside down in seconds. Your attorney from Meyerkord & Kurth will immediately take control of your pedestrian accident case.
With over 40 years of fighting for St. Louis injury victims, we know exactly how drivers try to blame pedestrians for “suddenly appearing” or “crossing outside the crosswalk.” We will collect traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident scene evidence to prove the driver’s liability.
With a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer on your side, you will receive the support you deserve during this difficult time. You will receive regular case updates and direct access to your lawyer, never wondering where your case stands.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Car in St. Louis, Missouri
The actions you take immediately following a pedestrian accident can significantly impact your physical recovery and legal claim. Here are the steps you should take:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional at the nearest hospital. Some serious conditions may not show any symptoms right away.
- Report the accident to the police: The responding law enforcement officer will file a report that will document the circumstances of the collision and the parties involved, which can help support your case.
- Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses while memories are fresh. Collect the other party’s contact, license, and insurance details, but avoid discussing the accident or your injuries.
- Contact a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer right away: A lawyer will protect your rights while you focus on recovery, handling all initial communications with insurance providers and the at-fault party.
Why Choose Meyerkord & Kurth for Your St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Our pedestrian accident attorneys in St. Louis strongly believe in taking care of our clients from start to finish. We put our top-tier team on your side to earn you the compensation you deserve. Don’t suffer one more day due to the negligence of another person. Let us serve justice for you.
Ready for Action: Call (800) 391-4318 For Our St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today!