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 case with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.

The St. Louis personal injury 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 accidents can take on victims and their families.

We will aggressively pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. Call us today for a free consultation – 314-241-1919.

How common are pedestrian accidents in St. Louis?

Pedestrian accidents are all too common in the St. Louis area, and unfortunately, they are becoming more common.

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.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

There are many factors that can contribute to pedestrian accidents, but some of the most common include:

• Distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone or otherwise distracted are more likely to hit pedestrians.
• Speeding. Drivers who are speeding are less likely to see pedestrians and more likely to cause serious injuries if they do hit them.
• Poor lighting. If a pedestrian accident happens at night, it may be because the driver didn’t see the pedestrian due to poor lighting.
• Intoxication. Drunk drivers are much more likely to cause pedestrian accidents than sober drivers.

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.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, call the St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers at NGK Law today for a free consultation – 314-241-1919.

Common injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents

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:

• Head and brain injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Loss of limbs

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 case with you, advise you of your legal rights and help guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim.

Are pedestrians ever at fault for accidents in Missouri?

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:

• If a pedestrian is jaywalking or crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, where a driver wouldn’t expect to see them, the pedestrian may be held responsible if they are hit by a car.
• If a pedestrian is distracted and wanders into a roadway outside of designated crosswalk, they can be found at fault for the accident. With the increasing popularity of smartphones, this is a growing issue in the St. Louis area.
• If a pedestrian is intoxicated, they can be found at fault for causing an accident. For example, if an intoxicated pedestrian wanders into a crosswalk against the signal, they can be found at fault for any crashes they cause.

How a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer can help you

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a scary 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 with your personal injury claim. They will guide you through the process, help you gather evidence and represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

If you have suffered any serious injuries as a result of the accident, 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 hiring a personal injury attorney after being involved in a pedestrian accident, contact NGK Law today for a free consultation – 314-241-1919.

What is my case worth?

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 case and the severity of the injuries. Some cases may be worth thousands of dollars, while others may be worth millions, for example a wrongful death claim.

What is the statute of limitations for an injury claim after a pedestrian accident?

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 claim. If you don’t file your claim within this time period, you may be barred from recovering compensation.

Work with experienced St. Louis pedestrian accident attorneys

The pedestrian accident lawyers at NGK Law have years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases. We will review your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at 314-241-1919 for a free consultation.