Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of our roadways. They do not have the benefit of hundreds of pounds of steel surrounding them, or even a helmet.
As a result, they’re often at the mercy of the motorists who share the roadway with them. Motorists have the responsibility to drive safely, and in cases where they fail to do so around pedestrians, the results are often very serious.
If you or someone you know was struck by a car while walking, it is important to discuss your situation with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.
Our St. Louis pedestrian accident attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse have represented many pedestrians who have been seriously injured and the families of those who have been killed in accidents. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can take on victims and their families.
Pedestrian accidents are all too common in the St. Louis area, and unfortunately, they are becoming more frequent.
A total of 22 pedestrians were killed in St. Louis in 2020, which is nearly double the amount recorded the year prior. As economic investment has spurred new construction throughout the area, this has often led to street closures and diversions, forcing pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and motorists to interact more than ever before.
The results disproportionately impact minority communities. According to recent figures from the City of St. Louis, black residents are roughly twice as likely as white residents to be injured while walking in the city.
There are many factors that can contribute to pedestrian accidents, but some of the most common include:
As we mentioned above, pedestrians are highly exposed when walking alongside or crossing roadways. One moment of impatience or inattention can mean the difference between life and death.
Depending on the speed the driver was traveling and where the accident occurred, injuries from a pedestrian accident can range from minor bumps and bruises to fatal injuries.
Pedestrian accidents sometimes result in catastrophic injuries like:
If you are struck by a car while walking, it is critical that you first call the police and report the accident, and then get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you need to have a doctor thoroughly examine you. Getting into a car accident causes a rush of adrenaline, and that adrenaline can mask symptoms of more serious issues, such as a traumatic brain injury.
When you file a police report and see a doctor, it also establishes a thorough trail of records documenting the accident and the results from it.
Next, speak with a St. Louis pedestrian accident attorney. They will review your situation with you, advise you of your legal rights, and help guide you through the process of filing a personal injury case.
We will aggressively pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Call us today for a free consultation with our pedestrian accident attorney in St. Louis at 314-241-1919.
In Missouri, pedestrians have the right of way at all crosswalks, whether they are marked or unmarked. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and if they don’t, they can be charged with a traffic violation.
However, there are some situations where pedestrians can be found at fault if their actions were responsible for causing the accident. Here are a few examples:
Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a frightening experience on its own, but the weeks and months afterward are often worse. If you suffered a serious injury, you likely have to contend with medical expenses, lost time from work, emotional suffering, and dealing with the insurance company.
You deserve to have time to yourself to recover from your injuries and get on with your life. That is when it can be so useful to work with a personal injury attorney.
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, a personal injury attorney can handle all of the heavy lifting in your personal injury process. They will guide you through the process, help you gather evidence, and represent you in court if your situation goes to trial.
If you have suffered any serious injuries as a result of the incident, an attorney can also help you seek damages from the driver who hit you. This can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you are considering working with a personal injury attorney after being involved in a pedestrian accident, contact NGK Law today for a free consultation.
There is no cap to the amount of damages you can recover from a non-medical malpractice personal injury lawsuit in Missouri.
This means the value of pedestrian accident cases can vary depending on the facts of the scenario and the severity of the injuries. Some cases may be worth thousands of dollars, while others may be worth millions, such as a wrongful death claim.
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is five years. This means that you have five years from the date of the accident to file a pedestrian accident case. If you don’t file your case within this time period, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
It’s crucial to adhere to these timelines as delays can hamper the ability to gather evidence and may weaken the overall strength of your case.
Immediately following a pedestrian accident, prioritize your safety and health by moving away from traffic and seeking medical attention, even if you feel uninjured. Call law enforcement to the scene to document the incident officially, which will aid any future legal proceedings. Gathering contact information from the driver and any witnesses is also crucial. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage if possible. Finally, contact a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your options and receive guidance on the next steps.
After a pedestrian accident, victims may seek several types of compensation to cover various damages. These include medical expenses—both immediate and future related to the incident—lost wages due to an inability to work, and compensation for pain and suffering endured. In cases with significant long-term impacts, such as disability or loss of life enjoyment, additional compensation could be pursued. Each case differs, so an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can provide insights into the specific compensation you may be eligible for.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are not uncommon in St. Louis and can leave victims feeling helpless. These incidents add complexity to pedestrian accident cases due to the challenge of identifying the responsible party. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, report the incident to the police immediately and provide as much information as possible, such as vehicle details and eyewitness accounts. A pedestrian accident attorney can assist in pursuing all viable avenues for compensation, even if the driver is not immediately known.
Missouri follows a comparative fault system, meaning the compensation you can recover is adjusted according to your share of fault in the accident. For example, if you’re deemed 20% responsible and awarded $10,000, you’d receive $8,000. It’s crucial to have a seasoned attorney evaluate your situation to mitigate any unfair fault assessments, ensuring you receive fair compensation. A skilled attorney can help balance the scales in your favor by meticulously gathering evidence and presenting a compelling argument.
If a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. Compensation may include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering. A wrongful death lawyer can support you in pursuing justice for your loved one.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the claim, severity of injuries, and whether liability is disputed. Some cases settle in a few months, while others—especially those involving serious injuries—can take a year or more if litigation becomes necessary. Your attorney can give you a more accurate timeframe based on your specific circumstances.
If your injuries cause temporary or permanent disability, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity. Your attorney can work with medical and vocational experts to calculate these long-term financial impacts.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers at NGK Law have years of experience handling many pedestrian accident claims. We understand the intricacies and challenges involved in these accidents and are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation. We can thoroughly examine the details of your claim, gather evidence, consult with experts, and work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf. Whether you’ve sustained severe injuries or are facing emotional and financial difficulties after a pedestrian accident, we are here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. With a commitment to your well-being and a proven track record of success, NGK Law is here to guide you every step of the way.
Our attorneys have handled thousands of cases and can bring that experience to bear throughout your case.
We have successfully recovered over $700 million for our clients.
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Our team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and provide support.
Trust us to get you through the frustrating process of seeking compensation with empathy, respect, and dedication.
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