Pedestrian and vehicle accidents are common in Missouri and almost always occur because of a negligent motorist. People on foot are vulnerable and often suffer severe injuries and losses in accidents involving automobiles.
When these incidents occur because of careless and reckless drivers, you have the right to hold them accountable for the harm they caused. If you need help with pursuing legal action, reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at our firm. A St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer could help you seek the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Common Injuries After Pedestrian and Vehicle Accidents
Pedestrians can suffer a vast range of injuries in an accident with a negligent motorist. Some of the most common include:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic amputations
A pedestrian and vehicle accident also typically leads to severe emotional trauma and distress. The pedestrian must seek professional medical care immediately after the accident to ensure there are no underlying injuries or damages. Medical bills and records are also vital for recovering compensation for an injured person’s losses.
Recoverable Damages Available for Injured Pedestrians
After a diligent St. Louis pedestrian injury attorney proves the motorist was at-fault for the accident, the court may award damages to the injured party to cover:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Lost pay and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lost enjoyment of life
The court awards compensation under two categories, economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages cover out-of-pocket expenses, while noneconomic damages cover all non-monetary injuries and losses. A seasoned legal professional could explain the types of recovery that may be available in a specific case during an initial consultation.
The Right-of-Way and Crosswalks
State laws and regulations are in place to keep pedestrians safe when they are on foot. Per the Revised Statutes of Missouri, Section 300.375, when there are no traffic signals, motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while they cross the road using crosswalks.
However, the pedestrian must never step off the curb when a vehicle is approaching. Motorists and all pedestrians, whether walking, running, or biking, must do their part to avoid accidents. A pedestrian accident lawyer in St. Louis could investigate and collect evidence, such as street cameras, needed to prove a motorist’s liability.
Insurance Company Communication and Settlements
Pedestrian accidents often lead to significant award amounts. Thus, the insurer is looking for a way to minimize the liability of the motorist they ensure. Speaking directly with an insurance agent is usually not a good idea because they often try to use the words of the injured party against them to establish fault on their part.
An experienced St. Louis pedestrian accident attorney could handle all communication and negotiations on behalf of an injured party. If a lawyer and insurance agency cannot agree on an acceptable amount to cover the damages, a proactive attorney could file a claim in civil court.
Schedule a Consultation with a St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you sustained injuries on foot because of a negligent motor vehicle driver, you should not be responsible for paying for the subsequent damages. A skilled legal professional could advocate on your behalf and help you get the award amount you deserve and need for recovery.
A successful claim could cover medical expenses, lost wages, and your physical pain and suffering. Call a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer today to get started on your case.
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