St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Do you need a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer? The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Unfortunately, collisions between drivers and pedestrians are a common occurrence in St. Louis. Victims could sustain significant injury in the form of broken bones, bruises, and head trauma. Luckily, the law allows victims to seek compensation for damages sustained as a result of a driver’s negligence.
If you or a loved one is planning to file a compensation claim upon sustaining an injury in a pedestrian accident, get in touch with a skilled injury attorney. A St. Louis County pedestrian accident lawyer could work with you to achieve the justice you deserve.
What are The Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can be extremely traumatizing to the victim and cause irreparable harm in worst-case scenarios. Year over year, pedestrian accidents continue to increase throughout Missouri and the nation as a whole at a striking rate. Regardless of where in St. Louis the accident occurs, it is often due to driver negligence. So, what are some causes of pedestrian accidents in St. Louis? Let’s review some of the most common ones below:
Excessive Speed
Driving at an excessive speed is extremely dangerous, especially in a highly populated area such as St. Louis. Speeding is one of the main causes of traffic fatalities across the nation and has been for the last 20 years. Speeding increases the risk of injury in the event of an accident, however, it also actually increases the chance of an accident occurring. When a vehicle is traveling at an excessive rate of speed, it takes much longer for it to come to a stop. The driver of the vehicle also has less reaction time, as by the time they see the pedestrian in their path, it might be too late.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents on the roads in the United States, and texting and driving seems to be the most common form. Whether you’re texting, looking at the radio, having a conversation with passengers, eating, or engaging in any other activity, even looking away from the road for a split second can cause disaster.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving or driving under the influence is another common cause of pedestrian accidents throughout the United States. Countless lives are lost each day due to driving under the influence, as it affects the individual’s reflexes and ability to make split-second decisions. Driving under the influence can cause reduced reaction time, impaired vision, concentration issues, and reduced ability to be alert to the changing roadway.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrians
Many times, drivers throughout St. Louis do not properly yield to pedestrians. As a pedestrian, the expectation is that an oncoming vehicle will yield to you and they are able to cross the street safely. However, this is not always the case, as when a driver fails to yield, many times, the pedestrian cannot react in time.
Furthermore, at a protected intersection, where a pedestrian waits for a signal to cross the road, a driver could ignore the traffic lights and strike the pedestrian.
Poor Conditions
In the case where conditions are less than ideal, such as during adverse weather conditions, or driving at night, visibility could be a factor. It is critical that drivers are extra cautious, and adjust their driving behavior accordingly. Some of the things a driver can do to reduce striking a pedestrian includes:
- Slowing down
- Ensure headlights are functioning
- Keep a good following distance
- Be extra alert when crossing intersections
Other hazards, such as blind spots, can pose a threat to pedestrians, especially for those driving large vehicles. The driver should know exactly where their blindspots are, and ensure they are extra cautious.
If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident, get in touch with your St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer today! The experienced attorneys at The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers are here to help.
What are Some Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
When a pedestrian and motor vehicle meet, the pedestrian often incurs significant injuries. At The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand that this type of event could significantly alter your life, therefore, we want to ensure you are well represented. Although some injuries might be immediately visible, some might not appear until hours or days after the accident occurred. Let’s check out some of the most common injuries that result from pedestrian accidents in St. Louis.
Brain Injuries
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, it can cause traumatic brain injuries to the individual, as their head might have been struck by the vehicle, or they might have experienced trauma when they were knocked over. A traumatic brain injury might not be immediately apparent, however, symptoms might not appear until later on. Here are some symptoms to keep an eye out for if you were involved in a pedestrian accident in St. Louis:
- Headaches
- Concentration difficulties
- Feeling of dizziness
- Vomiting
- Changes in mood
These are only some of the symptoms to look out for. For a more in depth explanation, please check out the National Institute of Health website.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are all too common when a pedestrian accident occurs. These types of injuries are the result of the extreme forces present in a collision, and can even cause paralysis if serious enough. It is important to check for symptoms of spinal cord injuries after a pedestrian accident, such as:
- Numbness
- Neck or back pain
- Trouble walking
- Loss of bladder control
- Breathing difficulty
If a pedestrian accident results in a spinal cord injury, it could cause adverse effects that will likely last a lifetime. Spinal cord injuries could even lead to severe mental health issues as well.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are some of the most common types of injuries as a result of a pedestrian accident in St. Louis. Broken bones can significantly alter someone’s life and cause them to have issues with their day-to-day life. In some severe cases, individuals might need to receive surgery to begin the healing process and get on the road to recovery.
Road Rash and Skin Abrasions
Road rash and other skin abrasions can cause infections if not immediately treated. Infections can even prevent some treatments for other injuries you might have sustained as a result of the accident. Therefore, it is critical that any open wounds are treated immediately to prevent any complications in the future.
Mental Health
There’s no denying it. A pedestrian accident can cause immense mental trauma. In serious cases, a pedestrian accident victim might find it difficult to shift their thoughts away from the memory of the accident, causing anxiety and depression. Your mental health is just as critical as your physical health, therefore, it is important that you seek treatment.
Damages After a St. Louis Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian accident in St. Louis can really put a burden on the individual financially. Your St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover the following damages:
- Medical costs: If you sustain multiple injuries as a result of the accident, it can cost a significant amount to treat. You might need multiple trips to the doctor and medical procedures, among other treatments. Although the amount you are owed depends on your individual case, you are likely eligible for compensation for these costs.
- Lost Wages: A pedestrian accident can affect the victim’s ability to work. Therefore, they could be compensated on the wages they have lost as a result. Future wages might also be awarded if your attorney can prove that you are unable to return to work.
- Pain and Suffering: It is common for victims of pedestrian accidents to experience both physical and emotional pain as a result. Some of these include mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, PTSD, and diminished quality of life.
- Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, death as a result of a pedestrian accident is all too common. If death occurred as a result of a pedestrian accident, you could be eligible for a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can cover the expenses incurred by the family, and even the costs owed towards the victim if they had survived the accident.
Assigning Fault Following a Pedestrian Accident
A plaintiff can never collect compensation by merely stating that they suffered an injury in an accident. Victims must be able to show that a defendant’s negligence was the cause of their injuries. If it can be proven that the defendant blatantly violated the rules of the road and struck a pedestrian doing so, the court is likely to find them liable for the victim’s damages.
If a victim is believed to be partially liable for the accident, the state of Missouri uses a contributory negligence theory in accident cases. If a jury believes that a plaintiff shares some responsibility for an accident, that jury must reduce a plaintiff’s award at trial. A pedestrian accident lawyer in St. Louis County may be able to demonstrate a defendant’s negligence while fighting back against allegations of contributory negligence.
Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
The ultimate purpose of a personal injury claim is for a plaintiff to be made whole again. A major part of this goal is to provide payments for all of a plaintiff’s medical costs. Pedestrian accidents can include horrific injuries that may require hospitalizations, surgeries, and can result in permanent disabilities. A negligent driver is responsible to provide payments for all necessary treatment.
However, in most cases, the extent of a person’s losses goes beyond physical injuries. Severe injuries may also force a plaintiff to miss time at work. When this is the case, a defendant is liable to provide payments for this lost income.
Finally, many serious injuries also have an emotional impact on a plaintiff’s life. This can include consideration for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, or even general payments for emotional anguish. A St. Louis County pedestrian accident attorney may be able to help individuals evaluate their losses and to demand fair payments from at-fault defendants.
Reach Out to a St. Louis County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents can inflict some of the most severe personal injuries that you may ever have to endure. Even a low speed collision with a moving vehicle can break bones, cause severe cuts, and inflict traumatic brain injuries. Many of these injuries may never fully heal and have a permanent effect on your quality of life.
As a result, pedestrian accident cases can demand payments for not just medical bills, but also for lost income and emotional trauma.
A St. Louis County pedestrian accident lawyer could help you to prove a defendant’s negligence in pedestrian accident cases. This can include discovering evidence of a conviction in traffic court as well as showing that a general instance of negligence places blame of an accident on a defendant. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer today to schedule a consultation.
St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs
Pedestrian accidents in St. Louis are, unfortunately, all too common. Many victims of pedestrian accidents hire a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer for damages to cover their expenses, such as medical, lost wages, and emotional distress.
At The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys are ready and able to fight for your rights, every step of the way. We can provide you with assurance, and a safe space to express your concerns about your case.
Throughout our tenure as St. Louis’s premier pedestrian accident attorneys, we received many questions from our clients about their case and their rights. Let’s review a few of these questions in more detail below.
What steps should I take immediately following the accident?
Pedestrian accidents in St. Louis can be a very difficult situation for everyone involved. However, there are a few steps you should take immediately following the accident, such as:
- Remain calm
- Call the police
- Collect the information from the driver
- Look for potential evidence
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries aren’t apparent.
- Get in touch with an attorney
If you are able, it is extremely important to take these steps to help your St. Louis pedestrian accident attorney build a case for you.
How do you plan to investigate the accident to determine liability?
At The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we take pride in providing the absolute best legal representation on our client’s behalf. To investigate your claim, we will gather and collect evidence, such as any video camera footage of the accident, police report, eyewitness testimony, and consult experts. As your St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer, we are extremely thorough in our investigation, ensuring that we assemble a convincing case.
Will you handle communication with insurance companies on my behalf?
Yes, we will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies. We recommend not taking calls from any insurance adjuster, and refer them to your attorney, as they as adept at speaking with adjusters on your behalf.
How long might it take to resolve my case?
Depending on the nature of your case and the severity of your injuries, a case could be settled anywhere between a few months to a few years. It is important to note that it really varies based on your individual circumstances, and the nature and severity of the accident. At The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we will make every effort to get your compensation to you as quickly as possible.