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In the state of Missouri alone, a car accident involving a pedestrian happens every two hours on average, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This means that almost 12 victims per day are on the hunt for pedestrian accident attorneys in Florissant, MO, to help them file a personal injury claim. Most pedestrian accidents involving an auto vehicle are generally some of the deadliest, considering the fact that pedestrians have nothing to protect them from the heavy motor vehicle's impact.
Powell Law Firm serves victims who have suffered life-changing injuries throughout the Florissant, MO, area. Anyone who has been seriously injured or has had a loved one killed in a pedestrian accident should get into contact with a personal injury attorney at Powell Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn all the ways in which these lawyers are able to help their client's personal injury cases.
Common Causes of a Pedestrian Accident
Certain factors increase the chances of a pedestrian accident occurring, some of which are:
Intersections that have malfunctioning signals
Poor street lighting during nighttime and a lack of reflectors on a sidewalk
The fading paint or the lack of signage on sidewalks
Failures with vehicle equipment, especially brake system failures
Driver negligence, for example, distracted driving, falling asleep behind the wheel, or having slow reaction times as a result of drug or alcohol impairment
In the first three examples mentioned above, the government entity or city responsible for keeping a roadway safe can be held liable and, as a result, may be named the defendant in a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Alternatively, it is also possible for a manufacturer of vehicle equipment or another commercial driver to be the negligent party that may be responsible for compensating the injuries and losses suffered by the victim of an auto accident.
The pedestrian accident lawyers at Powell Law Firm determine the cause of all pedestrian accidents through thorough investigation. This is what enables these lawyers to establish liability and build a pedestrian accident case for their client that seeks maximum compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, as well as personal pain and suffering.
A Note Regarding Crosswalks
Missouri state laws detail the specific legal rights that a pedestrian has - and does not have - when it comes to using a walkway like a sidewalk, crosswalks, and crossing the streets. Some of these legal rights and prohibitions are discussed below:
When traffic control signals are not in place and when pedestrians are around halfway across a road, pedestrians will have right of way in a crosswalk.
Vehicles that are stopped at a stop sign must stay stopped to allow all pedestrians to cross a roadway in front of the motor vehicles. All vehicles that approach the stopped vehicle from behind must also stop and yield the right of way to the pedestrians.
In any area other than a crosswalk between adjacent signals that are in operation, a pedestrian should not cross a roadway.
If a "Don't Walk" indicator is on, a pedestrian should not attempt to cross the roadway unless the pedestrian already crossed part of the street when the "Walk" indicator was present.
People must remember that not all pedestrian accidents are black and white. An individual may still be entitled to compensation, even if they happen to be in violation of the Missouri state laws. Anyone who has sustained a serious injury from a pedestrian accident should call the Powell Law Firm office today so that an experienced attorney can review their case and provide them with formal legal advice and their legal options based solely on the facts of an individual case.
Are the Drivers Always at Fault in Pedestrian VS Car Accidents?
In short, no. There are times when a pedestrian may be at-fault for an accident where they failed to follow the law, did not avoid areas where walking is prohibited, or were not aware of the oncoming traffic.
However, establishing the party liable isn't always as clear as day and requires an investigation into pedestrian accident cases by a pedestrian accident law firm in St Louis. Even if the pedestrian is found to be partially responsible for an accident, they may still be able to seek compensation for a personal injury lawsuit.
When talking to the police, insurance companies, or emergency responders, do not suggest who is to blame, rather, wait until a full scope of the accident has been conducted first so that there is an understanding.
What to Do If Hit by a Car While Walking?
If pedestrian injuries have been suffered as a result of a pedestrian accident, it is a good idea to discuss the legal options available to the victim with a personal injury attorney. An insurance company is usually very quick to offer settlements in hopes of preventing the victim from taking any further action.
Accepting an insurance settlement will waive the rights of an individual to seek financial recovery through legal action. Before accepting any insurance offer, speak to a personal injury lawyer at Powell Law Firm first. After all, the free consultation is a great way to learn all the rights and options of a victim's personal injury claims.
Pedestrian Accident's Statute of Limitations
In the Missouri state, individuals typically have five years starting from the time their personal injuries are discovered to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Regardless of this time limit, it is always best to seek the help of a pedestrian accident lawyer straight away. Waiting causes complications and may diminish the amount of compensation a person is entitled to.
Evidence Vital for a Pedestrian Accident Case
Evidence that can be used in a pedestrian accident case are:
Medical records
Police report
Photos or videos of the scene of the accident
Witness statements
Surveillance or dashcam footage
It is an attorney's job to gather evidence. The lawyers at Powell Law Firm take their time when they investigate pedestrian accidents and gather all the necessary information that will build a strong case for their clients.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
In the case of a pedestrian versus car accident, pedestrians are likely to suffer serious injuries. Devastating physical injuries can even be caused to a person by a car traveling at slow speeds, especially if they have no protection from an impact.
Common types of pedestrian fatalities sustained in motor vehicle or truck accidents include:
Broken bones
Scarring and disfigurement
Bruising and cuts
Loss of limbs
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal injuries
Death
Other Florissant Practice Areas
Call Powell Law Firm Today!
Speak with a professional traffic accident lawyer today for a one-on-one free consultation at Powell Law Firm. These lawyers are committed to proving negligence and recovering damages for the emotional distress, mental anguish, medical treatment, and lost earning capacity that an individual has suffered as a result of a pedestrian accident.