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Child Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri

Pedestrian safety in Missouri is a pressing issue, particularly for children, who are among the most vulnerable road users. In Missouri, child pedestrian accidents remain a significant concern, with many incidents occurring in residential areas, often near the child’s home.

Alarmingly, the majority of injured child pedestrians are unaccompanied by an adult at the time of the accident, highlighting the importance of education, supervision, and community-wide safety measures.

These accidents are often the result of a complex mix of factors, including road design, driver behavior, and insufficient safety infrastructure. Addressing child pedestrian accidents in Missouri requires a combination of improved infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and proactive measures from parents and communities.

This article by skilled Missouri pedestrian accident lawyer Paul Beck will explore the causes of these accidents, strategies for prevention, and what families should know if their child has been involved in a pedestrian accident.

How Often Do Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children Occur in Missouri?

Child pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in Missouri, with alarming statistics highlighting the danger. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, 128 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic crashes in 2023. Tragically, children aged 0–9 accounted for 15 of these fatalities, underscoring the vulnerability of young pedestrians.

The data also reveals that pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities have increased by 88% since 2014, highlighting the growing urgency of addressing pedestrian safety. Disturbingly, the survival rate for pedestrians struck by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph is only 20%, emphasizing the severe consequences of such accidents.

Further insights from Safe Kids Springfield indicate that unintentional pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 5 to 19 in the United States. Teenagers are at even greater risk, with a pedestrian death rate twice that of younger children, accounting for half of all child pedestrian deaths.

These sobering statistics serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing pedestrian safety, particularly for children. By understanding the risks and implementing preventative measures, we can work to reduce these tragedies.

What Are Some of the Causes of Child Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri?

Children face unique risks as pedestrians due to their small size, unpredictable behavior, and limited understanding of traffic safety. Unfortunately, these vulnerabilities often lead to serious injuries or even fatalities in child pedestrian accidents in Missouri. Understanding the common ways these accidents occur can help highlight the need for increased awareness and safety measures.

1. Backover Accidents

Backover accidents are a leading cause of pedestrian injuries among children. These incidents often occur in residential areas when a driver backs out of a driveway or parking space without noticing a child. Children are particularly susceptible because their height makes them less visible in a vehicle’s blind spots.

  • Contributing Factors:
    • Drivers failing to check mirrors or use rearview cameras.
    • Children suddenly entering the path of a vehicle.
    • Poor visibility due to parked cars or landscaping.
  • Who’s Involved:
    Tragically, many backover accidents involve drivers who are family members, friends, or neighbors of the child.

2. Distractions by Both Drivers and Pedestrians

Distracted driving and distracted walking are major causes of accidents involving child pedestrians. Children and drivers often become preoccupied with electronic devices, which can lead to devastating consequences.

3. School Zone and Neighborhood Accidents

Areas near schools and residential neighborhoods are high-risk zones for child pedestrian injuries, especially during drop-off and pick-up times.

  • Key Risk Factors:
    • Drivers exceeding speed limits in school zones.
    • Ignoring crossing guards or stop signs.
    • Double parking, which obstructs visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
  • Danger Times:
    These accidents are most common during the morning and late afternoon when children are heading to or from school.

4. Late Afternoon and Evening Accidents

Many child pedestrian accidents occur between noon and 6:00 p.m., a time when children are more likely to be outdoors. Poor lighting during dusk hours can further contribute to these incidents.

  • Why These Times Are Risky:
    • Younger children may be playing outside, often near roads.
    • Teenagers may walk home from after-school activities, distracted by phones or music.
    • Drivers may experience glare from the setting sun, reducing visibility.

5. Rural Roadways and Areas Without Sidewalks

Children walking in rural areas or along roads without sidewalks are at heightened risk. Without clear pedestrian paths, kids may walk dangerously close to traffic or cross streets in unsafe locations.

6. Reckless Driving and Drunk Driving

Reckless behaviors, such as speeding, running stop signs, or driving under the influence, are significant contributors to child pedestrian accidents.

  • Impact of Drunk Driving:
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 15% of fatal pedestrian accidents involve drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
  • Reckless Behavior Examples:
    • Failing to yield the right of way at intersections.
    • Driving aggressively near schools or playgrounds.

7. Weather and Poor Road Conditions

Bad weather and road hazards can make conditions more dangerous for child pedestrians. Rain, snow, or fog can reduce a driver’s visibility and make it harder for children to navigate safely.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Child Pedestrian Accident in Missouri?

Liability in child pedestrian accidents in Missouri can be complex and depends on several factors. Missouri law allows injured parties to seek compensation when negligence contributes to the accident. In cases involving children, multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

  • Drivers: Drivers are often at fault when accidents occur due to speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or driving under the influence. If a driver violates traffic laws or drives recklessly, they can be held accountable for the injuries caused.
  • Property Owners: Poorly maintained sidewalks, inadequate lighting, or other unsafe conditions on private or commercial properties may contribute to accidents. In such cases, property owners may share liability for the injuries sustained.
  • Local Governments: Municipalities are responsible for maintaining safe roadways. A lack of proper crosswalks, malfunctioning traffic lights, or inadequate signage near schools or residential areas can make them liable when these deficiencies lead to accidents.

Missouri follows a comparative fault system, meaning liability may be shared among multiple parties. If a driver is primarily at fault but unsafe road conditions contributed to the accident, both the driver and the municipality could share responsibility.

Parents of injured children should act quickly to determine who is at fault. Evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, or maintenance records can be critical in building a strong case. Identifying all responsible parties ensures the best possible outcome for the injured child and their family.

What Compensation Am I Eligible For if My Child Was Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

When a child is injured in a pedestrian accident, the consequences can be life-altering, both emotionally and financially. Families in Missouri may be eligible to recover compensation for a variety of damages to help address these challenges. Below are some of the primary forms of compensation often included in child injury claims:

  • Medical Expenses: These can include emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and long-term medical treatments required to address the child’s injuries. Future medical costs, such as ongoing rehabilitation or assistive devices, may also be considered.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the emotional trauma and physical pain that the child endures due to the accident. For families, this category may also include emotional distress caused by witnessing their child’s suffering.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries result in permanent disabilities that could limit the child’s ability to earn income in the future, the family may be entitled to recover compensation for that lost earning potential. This is especially critical in cases of severe, life-altering injuries.
  • Lost Wages for Caregivers: Parents or guardians often have to take time off work to care for an injured child, resulting in lost income. This lost income can be included as part of the claim.
  • Permanent Disabilities or Disfigurement: Accidents that result in long-term disabilities, such as loss of mobility, vision, hearing, or a limb, may also entitle the family to additional compensation to account for these significant life changes.

Recovering fair compensation requires careful documentation of all accident-related expenses and impacts. Families should keep medical bills, therapy records, and any evidence of lost wages or future needs. Working with an experienced team like Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers ensures families understand their rights and pursue the full amount they deserve for their child’s recovery and future well-being.

What Can Parents Do To Keep Their Children Safe From Pedestrian Accidents?

Educating children about pedestrian safety is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and keep them safe. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in teaching these safety habits and modeling good behaviors. Below are expanded safety tips tailored to help reduce child pedestrian accidents in Missouri.

1. Teach the Basics of Road Safety

Introduce children to basic safety rules early on to build habits that will stay with them for life.

  • Show them how to stop at the curb and look left, right, and left again before stepping into the street.
  • Encourage them to continue looking both ways while crossing to stay aware of any approaching vehicles.
  • Remind them to use designated crosswalks or traffic-controlled intersections, avoiding crossing mid-block or in dangerous areas.

2. Supervise Younger Children

Younger children are less equipped to understand traffic patterns and vehicle speeds, so adult supervision is essential.

  • Always accompany children under 10 when crossing busy streets. Their developmental stage often limits their ability to judge the speed or distance of oncoming cars.
  • Teach them the importance of holding hands and waiting patiently for the right time to cross.

3. Stay Visible

Visibility plays a critical role in preventing accidents, especially during low-light conditions.

  • Dress children in bright, reflective clothing during early morning, dusk, or nighttime walks.
  • Equip backpacks, jackets, or shoes with reflective materials to make them stand out to drivers.
  • Encourage the use of flashlights or clip-on lights during evening walks.

4. Prevent Distractions

Distractions can be life-threatening, both for pedestrians and drivers. Help children understand the importance of staying alert.

  • Instruct them to put away electronic devices like phones or gaming systems when near roads or crossing streets.
  • Explain that looking down at a screen or wearing headphones can prevent them from noticing approaching vehicles.
  • Teach older children to pause their music or remove headphones while walking in traffic-heavy areas.

5. Be a Role Model

Children often mirror the actions of their parents or guardians, so demonstrating good pedestrian habits is vital.

  • Use crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and always stay alert while walking.
  • Make a habit of making eye contact with drivers at intersections to ensure they’ve noticed you and your child before crossing.
  • Avoid distractions yourself, such as using your phone while walking with your children.

6. Be Cautious Around Vehicles

Many pedestrian accidents occur near parked or reversing vehicles. Teach children how to navigate these situations safely.

  • Advise them to stay clear of cars backing out of driveways or parking spots, as drivers may not see them.
  • Explain that darting into the street or crossing between parked vehicles is dangerous, as it limits their visibility to drivers.
  • Encourage them to always wait for a clear, unobstructed view of the road before crossing.

7. Practice Safety at Night and in Poor Weather

Conditions like rain, fog, or snow, as well as nighttime walks, increase the risk of accidents.

  • Stress the importance of staying extra alert during bad weather.
  • Equip children with raincoats, boots, or umbrellas that don’t obstruct their view of traffic.

By implementing these safety practices, parents can significantly reduce the risk of child pedestrian accidents. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the importance of protecting our youngest pedestrians and encourage families to prioritize these habits for a safer Missouri.

Skilled Missouri Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand how devastating child pedestrian accidents in Missouri can be for families. A child’s injury not only results in physical and emotional challenges but also brings significant financial burdens, from mounting medical bills to long-term care needs.

With decades of experience serving families across Missouri, our injury law firm is committed to helping parents navigate these difficult situations. We take a compassionate and personalized approach, ensuring that each case is handled with the attention and dedication it deserves. Our team works tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to secure the compensation your family needs.

Our goal is to ensure that you and your child receive the support necessary for recovery—both financially and emotionally. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, our legal team is here to advocate for your family every step of the way.

If your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers today to learn how we can help you seek justice and secure the compensation your family deserves.

Some of the locations our legal team serves include St. Louis, Florissant, Kansas City, Independence, Springfield, and more.