When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the results are often devastating. Unlike drivers who are protected by seatbelts and airbags, pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a car or truck. If you or a loved one has been injured while walking in St. Louis, you are likely facing severe pain, mounting medical bills, and a difficult road to recovery.

You do not have to face the insurance companies alone. A St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. We handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Why Pedestrian Accidents in St. Louis Are So Serious

St. Louis is a busy city with heavy traffic, bustling intersections, and many areas where walkers and vehicles share the road. Unfortunately, this creates a high risk for accidents. When a car weighing thousands of pounds strikes a person, the physical damage is almost always severe.

Pedestrians are considered “vulnerable road users.” Even at low speeds, a collision can result in catastrophic injury. The force of the impact often throws the victim to the ground or into other objects, causing secondary injuries that complicate recovery.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in St. Louis

Most pedestrian accidents are not true “accidents”—they are the result of driver negligence. Drivers have a duty of care to watch for people walking, especially in urban areas like St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Common causes of these crashes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers looking at phones, texting, or adjusting the radio instead of watching the road.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers turning into crosswalks or intersections without letting the pedestrian cross first.
• Speeding: Driving too fast reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries.
• Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) often fail to see pedestrians.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents often happen at night or in bad weather when drivers are not paying extra attention.
• Backing Up Unsafely: Many injuries occur in parking lots or driveways when drivers reverse without checking their blind spots.

Typical Pedestrian Accident Injuries and Long-Term Impacts

The injuries sustained in a pedestrian crash can change a victim’s life forever. We frequently represent clients suffering from:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions and severe brain damage can occur even if the head does not directly hit the pavement.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or total paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Legs, arms, ribs, and hips are commonly broken upon impact.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage require immediate emergency surgery.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe tearing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Road Rash and Lacerations: These can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.

In the most tragic cases, these accidents result in wrongful death. If you have lost a family member due to a driver’s negligence, we can help you pursue justice for your loss.

Missouri Pedestrian Laws, Fault, and Your Rights

Understanding Missouri traffic laws is essential for your claim. Generally, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. However, pedestrians also have a duty to follow traffic signals and not dart into traffic.

A common question we hear is, “Can I still sue if I was jaywalking?” The answer is often yes. Missouri follows a system called comparative negligence (or comparative fault). This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be able to recover compensation. However, your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to blame the pedestrian entirely to avoid paying, which is why having a lawyer is so important.

Who May Be Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

While the driver who hit you is usually the primary party responsible, other parties may also be liable depending on the circumstances:

• The At-Fault Driver: The person operating the vehicle that struck you.
• Commercial Employers: If the driver was working at the time (e.g., a delivery truck or bus driver), their employer might be liable.
• Government Entities: If a dangerous road condition, broken traffic signal, or poorly designed crosswalk caused the accident, a city or municipality might be responsible.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

The goal of a personal injury claim is to make you “whole” again financially. While money cannot undo the physical pain, it pays for the care you need. Damages typically include:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and medication.
• Future Medical Costs: Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care.
• Lost Wages: Income lost while you were recovering and unable to work.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and PTSD.
• Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral expenses and loss of support for families who lost a loved one.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in St. Louis

Taking the right steps immediately after a crash can significantly strengthen your case:

1. Call 911: Ensure the police arrive to create an official accident report.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask injuries. Go to the hospital or a doctor immediately.
3. Gather Evidence: If you are able, take photos of the scene, the vehicle, and your injuries. Get names and numbers of witnesses.
4. Do Not Admit Fault: Be honest with the police, but do not apologize or say “I didn’t see the car.”
5. Avoid Insurance Adjusters: Do not give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance company until you speak to an attorney.
6. Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How a St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps Your Case

Building a strong case requires more than just your word against the driver’s. We handle every aspect of the legal process so you don’t have to. Our team will:

• Investigate the Scene: We gather police reports, camera footage, and witness statements.
• Consult Experts: We may work with accident reconstructionists to prove how the crash happened and medical experts to explain the severity of your injuries.
• Calculate Damages: We ensure all your past and future losses are accounted for.
• Handle Insurance Companies: We protect you from aggressive adjusters who try to lower your settlement.
• Litigate if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and go to trial.

Our Process: From Free Consultation to Resolution

We believe in making the legal process transparent and stress-free. It starts with a free consultation where we review the details of your accident. If we take your case, we immediately begin gathering evidence and notifying the insurance companies of your representation.

Once you have reached maximum medical improvement, we send a detailed demand letter to the insurer. This begins the negotiation phase. Most cases are resolved through a settlement, but we prepare every case as if it is going to court to ensure the best possible outcome.

Factors That Affect the Value of Your Pedestrian Accident Case

Every case is unique, and settlement amounts vary based on several factors:

• Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries usually result in higher compensation.
• Liability: Clear evidence of the driver’s negligence increases case value.
• Insurance Limits: The amount of coverage the at-fault driver has can impact the recovery.
• Comparative Fault: If you are found partially responsible, your award may be reduced.
• Economic Impact: The amount of work you missed and the cost of your medical care.

Dealing With Insurance Companies and Common Tactics

Insurance companies are businesses focused on profit, not your well-being. In pedestrian accident cases, they often use specific tactics to deny or devalue claims. They may argue that you were jaywalking, that you were distracted by your phone, or that your injuries were pre-existing.

We know these tactics well. By handling all communication with the insurer, we prevent them from twisting your words or pressuring you into a lowball settlement offer that doesn’t cover your future needs.