St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Attorney

As a pedestrian, you should never have to fear for your safety as you walk down the road. In St. Louis, there are laws in place, designed to allow pedestrians and motor vehicles to share the same space. Yet day after day, accidents between motorists and pedestrians continue to happen. Sadly, these types of accidents have seen a steady increase over the past several years.

At The Bruning Law Firm, pedestrian accidents are some of the worst types of accidents we see. These accidents often result in catastrophic, life-changing injuries. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you have rights. In Missouri, the law may entitle you to financial compensation. Contact a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer at The Bruning Law Firm for your free initial consultation and learn more about your rights.

St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Guide

The Bruning Law Firm: Fighting for Accident Victims in St. Louis

At The Bruning Law Firm, we have spent more than 40 years helping victims fight for what they deserve. A serious injury can take a toll on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. That is why we strive to provide our clients with stability and compassion at a time when they need it the most.

While most people do not like to talk about money, after an accident, you have to think about the financial costs. Our lawyers have recovered millions in damages for our clients, so they can focus on what matters the most—their recovery. While no result can be guaranteed, contact The Bruning Law Firm today to see what we can do for you.

5 Causes of St. Louis Pedestrian Accidents

There is no sugarcoating it, pedestrian accidents are scary. A recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association cited a 21 percent jump in pedestrian fatalities over just one year. That same year, Missouri reported its highest number of pedestrian deaths ever. Many of these accidents are due to driver negligence. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Speeding

Speeding is dangerous. Yet, it is one of the most common reckless behaviors drivers participate in on the road. On average, speeding has contributed to approximately one-third of traffic fatalities across the United States over the past 20 years. Under normal speeds, a collision with a pedestrian can be catastrophic. When a driver is speeding, the results can be deadly.

Not only does speeding increase the risk of injury or death, it also increases the chance of an accident happening at all. A speeding vehicle takes longer to stop. The driver also has less time to react. By the time a pedestrian realizes a speeding driver is approaching, they may have little time to react.

Distracted Driving

We have all heard the warnings about texting and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sending or reading a text takes a driver's attention off the road for approximately 5 seconds. During those 5 seconds, a pedestrian can walk out into the road. The light can turn red. So many things can happen in 5 seconds. Unfortunately, despite these warnings, people continue to text and drive.

Along with texting, other activities can lead to driver distraction. Any time a driver takes their eyes off the road, they put others at risk.

Other causes of distracted driving include:

• Adjusting the radio
• Talking to passengers
• Talking on the phone (even with a hands-free device)
• Eating
• Rubbernecking
• Navigation systems

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence is reckless. Yet it continues to be one of the leading causes of fatal traffic accidents. The NHTSA estimates approximately 28 people die every day in the United States because of a drunk driver. Drunk driving impairs a person's decision-making skills and can affect motor reflexes.

Other dangers of driving under the influence include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Blurry vision
• Slowed reaction time
• Reduced ability to track moving objects
• Lowered alertness
• Inability to multitask

Failure to Yield the Right of Way

If you are a pedestrian, you depend on drivers to obey right of way laws. Pedestrians rely on these laws to know when it is safe to cross the road, where they can walk without fear of danger, and where they should take extra safety measures. When a driver fails to yield the right of way, a pedestrian has little time to react.

Failure to yield the right of way commonly causes accidents at intersections. Here, pedestrians may rely on cross signals or traffic devices to know when to cross. Accidents can happen when a driver runs through a traffic device or when they fail to look for pedestrians before making a turn.

Poor Visibility

There are many reasons why a driver may have a hard time seeing a pedestrian. Bad weather, darkness, or structural obstructions can cause poor visibility. During these conditions, drivers need to exercise extreme caution. If a person is driving when conditions are bad, they need to adjust their driving behavior.

Things a driver can do to limit the risk of an accident include:

• Reduce driving speed
• Limit distractions
• Ensure safety devices, including headlights, are in working order
• Pay extra attention to hazards and pedestrians
• Allow extra following distance
• Slow at intersections

Aside from extreme conditions, the driver's own vehicle can reduce visibility. Large vehicles may have large blind spots that prohibit them from seeing all angles behind the vehicle. In this instance, it is the driver's responsibility to know where these blind spots exist and take extra care to ensure there are no pedestrians behind the vehicle before they put the car in reverse.

Dangerous Pedestrian Areas in St. Louis

Certain St. Louis roads and intersections are common points where pedestrians suffer horrific injuries. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have noticed motorist negligence is at an all-time high in specific local areas.

Delmar Loop is a known entertainment district area that sees heavy foot traffic, particularly on evenings and weekends. Negligent drivers need to be more cautious by coming to full stops and yielding the right of way. Similarly, the Central West End near the BJC hospital complex is also a hot restaurant and bar area that gets a lot of walkers.

Washington Avenue in the downtown loft district and The Grove at Manchester Avenue are other popular nightlife and entertainment areas where pedestrians suffer injuries though by day, Cherokee Street is one to watch. This commercial corridor is often bustling, and when drivers are distracted or not following traffic laws, they can cause catastrophic injuries to those walking through the area.

St. Louis roads that are also trouble for those on foot are Grand Boulevard with its many bus stops, MetroLink stations where walkers cross to connect with transit, and near the campus areas of SLU, UMSL, and Washington University. The Bruning Law Firm's St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers fight to secure maximum compensation for people struck by vehicles in these popular areas throughout Missouri and Illinois, and are here to assist you and your loved ones.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

There is no getting around it, a pedestrian is no match for any sort of motor vehicle. Even a small bump can cause catastrophic injuries. If you have been hit by a car or truck, your safety is the number one priority. At The Bruning Law Firm, our team of pedestrian accident attorneys can help direct you to the care you need and fight for the compensation you deserve. After an accident, it is important to watch for signs of injury. These injuries may or may not be apparent at the time of the accident. If you experience symptoms of a serious condition, seek medical attention right away. Common injuries after a pedestrian accident include:

Brain Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur as the result of a hard force to the head or a penetrating wound. This type of injury can happen when the head comes into contact with the vehicle or the ground. People who suffer from a traumatic brain injury may not lose consciousness at the scene or at all. If you have been in an accident where you have hit your head, you need to watch for any symptoms of a TBI as symptoms can escalate quickly and become life-threatening.

Symptoms of a TBI include:

• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Mood changes
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Vomiting

For a more comprehensive list of symptoms to watch for, visit the Mayo Clinic. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a healthcare provider right away.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Like traumatic brain injuries, these injuries can result from severe trauma. The force of a collision can cause severe swelling that can ultimately result in permanent paralysis.

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

• Extreme neck or back pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Severe neck or back distortion

Victims who suffer from paralysis often face a lifetime of challenges and must adjust to a new way of doing things.

Spinal cord injuries also increase the likelihood of comorbidities including:

• Pressure sores
• Muscle atrophy
• Bowel and bladder issues
• Respiratory and circulatory issues
• Mental health issues

Broken Bones

The human body is not designed to sustain the force of a 2,000-pound vehicle. For this reason, broken bones are extremely common in pedestrian accidents. Broken bones can cause extreme pain and mobility issues. Depending on the severity, the injury may never fully heal. Victims who sustain broken bones may face a long road to recovery. This may include reconstructive surgery, pain management, and physical therapy.

Cuts, Bruises, and Skin Abrasions

Cuts and bruises may seem like minor injuries after a pedestrian accident, but they can lead to very serious complications. Aside from pain and permanent scarring, an open wound can easily lead to infection. Infections are never fun, but when a person is suffering from more serious issues related to a pedestrian accident, an infection can limit treatment options or slow healing. In some cases, an infection can become life-threatening.

Mental Health Injuries

There is no way to truly understand how someone feels after a traumatic accident. We all experience feelings and emotions differently. After a pedestrian accident, it is normal to feel rage, sadness, and confusion. Victims of serious accidents may relive the event or experience anxiety or depression. Mental health issues are just as serious and physical injuries and often require medical treatment. If you are having difficulty after a pedestrian accident, do not be afraid to reach out for help.

Your Rights After a St. Louis Pedestrian Accident

If you have been injured in a St. Louis pedestrian accident, you may have a right to recover damages under Missouri law. In Missouri, accident victims have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury suit against the at-fault party. After an accident, a pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand your rights and help you fight for what you deserve.

During your St. Louis pedestrian accident case, your attorney will consider your actual costs and how your injuries have affected your day-to-day life.

Damages may include:

• Medical costs: Serious injuries can incur thousands of dollars in medical costs. These are costs you should not have to pay for on your own. Covered costs may vary from case to case but often include doctor visits, surgeries, medication, medical devices, follow-up care, and rehab.
• Lost wages: If you suffer a serious injury, you may not be able to return to work right away. When this happens, your case should include lost wages. In the event you cannot return to work, your attorney may request future wages. If you were unemployed at the time of the accident, you may receive compensation for loss of services to cover the costs to outsource these items.
• Pain and suffering: Pedestrian accidents can cause severe physical and emotional pain. When an injury or accident causes you physical and emotional stress, the law allows you to claim these as damages. Examples of pain and suffering include depression, anxiety, PTSD, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment.
• Wrongful death: Sadly, in some cases, your loved one's injuries may be too severe to survive. In this case, you or a member of your family may have a wrongful death claim. This can help cover the expenses the victim's family incurs from their loved one's death. They may also include costs the victim would have been eligible for had they survived. A wrongful death claim may include pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages, loss of guidance, loss of companionship, and outstanding medical costs.

St. Louis Pedestrian Accident FAQ

Traffic accidents in St. Louis kill more than 300 pedestrians each year and injure thousands more. A significant racial disparity exists among the city's pedestrians, with Black residents accounting for more than two-thirds of injured or killed pedestrians.

Pedestrian accident claimants can seek compensation for the expenses and impacts of their injuries. If a St. Louis pedestrian accident injured you, you have the right to seek the maximum amount of compensation available.

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney from Bruning Law Firm can assist you in this endeavor. In a free case consultation, we can answer questions about your case and the other legal services we can provide if you retain us.

Pedestrian Accident Case Results

Our St. Louis pedestrian accident attorneys get results for anyone who has suffered injuries by being struck by a vehicle while walking, including a $1.2 million verdict for a pedestrian who was hit in a crosswalk.

While we cannot guarantee specific results in any case, The Bruning Law Firm works tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for our clients. Contact our St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers today to see what we can do for you.

Our St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Are By Your Side When You Need it the Most

After a pedestrian accident in St. Louis, the only thing that matters is your recovery. We know this is a difficult time. You do not just need legal help – you need someone who can help you navigate your treatment options and mitigate your financial concerns by working on a contingency fee basis.

The Bruning Law Firm's St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers represent people struck by vehicles throughout Missouri and Illinois, fighting to secure maximum compensation for catastrophic injuries caused by negligent drivers. Our team of legal professionals will answer your questions and keep you informed throughout your case. If a pedestrian accident injured you or someone you love, you have rights. Do not wait to get the help you deserve. To learn more and to schedule a free initial consultation, contact the St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers at the Bruning Law Firm at (314) 735-8100.

Pedestrian Accident Resources

Learn more about pedestrian accidents and your legal options with these helpful resources:

• What to Do as a Pedestrian Hit By a Car?
• Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
• Missouri Pedestrian Accident Cases FAQs
• How to Find the Best St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
• Pedestrian Accidents At Night in Missouri
• Pedestrian Accidents at Dangerous Intersections
• What Are the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
• Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Most Often Occur?
• Can I Recover Compensation If Partially Responsible for My Pedestrian Accident?
• How Long Does a Pedestrian Accident Claim Take to Settle?
• How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Pedestrian Accident?

Client Testimonial

"AJ and team were so delightful to work with. They were very responsive to all emails and phone calls. I always knew which step we were on in the process of getting my lawsuit settled. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the amount the settlement was for was twice that of the original coverage of the insurance company. I don't know how they did it but I am very pleased with the service they provided. Hands down easiest process, and people to deal with. 100% recommend if you have a personal injury case to be worked. Hopefully I won't need their services again, but if I do I won't hesitate to call." - Amanda W.

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February 2020
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Pedestrian Accident Case Results