Being involved in a pedestrian accident in Independence, Missouri, can lead to severe financial, physical and emotional consequences. Our experienced Independence pedestrian accident lawyers can help take the burden off after an accident or injury.
With Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers by your side, you’ll get the support and legal expertise you need to pursue full compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
With over 30 years of experience, we handle every aspect of your case, so you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Have you been hit by a car while walking, jogging, or bicycling in Independence, Missouri? Call (816) 382-6915 to speak with our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Independence, Missouri. Case evaluations are free and there is no fee until we win.
The Role of Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Independence, Missouri
Regardless of how complex your case may be, at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we can assist. From investigating your case and gathering evidence and witness statements, to consulting with accident reconstruction experts if needed, our team will take care of every step.
We’ll also handle all insurance negotiations on your behalf, so you can focus on resting and recovering.
We understand that every case is different, and some may involve incidents where more than one party shares liability. Missouri follows a comparative fault system, which means that each party involved in an accident may be assigned a percentage of fault.
In these situations, determining who is responsible—and to what extent—can affect how compensation is established.
For example, if a pedestrian is crossing the street outside of a marked crosswalk at night and is hit by a car that was speeding and not paying full attention, both parties may share partial fault.
The driver is primarily liable for speeding and failing to see the pedestrian in time, while the pedestrian also bears some responsibility for crossing outside the crosswalk in low-visibility conditions.
How Negligence Leads to Pedestrian Accidents
- Pedestrian accidents usually result from preventable actions. Understanding the common causes can help reduce the risk, protect lifes and avoid serious consequences.
- Driving while distracted
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving aggressively or impatiently
- Ignoring traffic laws and pedestrian right-of-way
- Driving in poor weather conditions
- Wearing dark clothing that reduces visibility for drivers
- Crossing areas with road construction and limited pedestrian access
- Making left turns without checking for pedestrians
- Crossing or walking along multi-lane or high-speed roads
- Walking while distracted
Looking for a “pedestrian accident lawyer near me” in Independence, Missouri? Our knowledgeable attorneys are available 24 hours a day to speak with you. Call (816) 382-6915 now for a free consultation.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Independence
High-traffic Intersections
Crosswalks located at high-traffic intersections may be dangerous when drivers don’t stop as required or disregard traffic lights.
Crosswalks In Commercial and School Zones
These areas pose a high risk due to the frequent presence of pedestrians, particularly children who may not be fully attentive, as well as drivers who could be rushing.
Parking Lots With Limited Pedestrian Visibility
Accidents commonly occur in parking lots when drivers are reversing and fail to see nearby pedestrians.
Neighborhoods Without Sidewalks
A lack of safe walking areas can lead to a higher chance of vehicle–pedestrian collisions.
Roads Lacking Sufficient Illumination
Poor lighting on roadways increases the risk of pedestrian accidents, especially when visibility is low and the pedestrian is wearing dark clothing.
Missouri Laws For Pedestrians
According to Missouri RSMo § 300.375 drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks when no traffic signals are present. Still, pedestrians don’t always have the right-of-way.
For instance, under Missouri RSMo § 300.390, pedestrians are sometimes required to yield to vehicles, particularly when crossing outside of a marked or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
Additionally, if a pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing is available, they must use it. Choosing to cross at street level instead means yielding to oncoming traffic.
Moreover, there are specific areas where pedestrians are not allowed to cross at all, as outlined in Missouri RSMo § 300.395:
- Between Signalized Intersections: if there are traffic signals at adjacent intersections, pedestrians must not cross mid-block.
- In Business Districts: pedestrians are not allowed to cross the street outside of a crosswalk in any business district.
- On Designated Streets: if a street has been designated by ordinance (local law) as no-crossing except at crosswalks, pedestrians must comply.
- Diagonal Crossings: pedestrians may not cross diagonally at intersections unless authorized by official traffic control devices.
Missouri right-of-way laws can make it legally complex to determine liability; however, working with an experienced Independence pedestrian attorney from Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers will simplify the whole process.
Liability in Pedestrian Accident Claims
While pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, they are still subject to specific legal responsibilities. Missouri law requires pedestrians to obey traffic signals, respect stop signs and red lights, and avoid crossing in prohibited areas.
When a pedestrian fails to do any one of these things, they may be held liable for the accident.
At the same time, drivers have a heightened duty of care toward pedestrians due to their increased vulnerability.
When a driver violates traffic laws—such as by failing to yield, speeding, or engaging in other negligent behavior—and causes an accident, legal liability typically falls on the driver.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries
The type and severity of a pedestrian injury can significantly influence the amount of compensation awarded in a settlement. Below are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in these accidents:
- Head and brain trauma
- Spinal injuries and neurological damage
- Broken bones
- Muscle, ligament and soft tissue injuries
- Neck injuries
- Psychological and emotional harm
Because of how vulnerable pedestrians are, being struck by a car or truck can result in catastrophic injuries or even death.
Recovering Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident Injury
After an accident or injury, our experienced Independence pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for the following:
Lost Income
If your injuries prevented you from being able to work, you may be eligible to receive compensation for lost income. The amount you can recover will depend on factors such as the duration of your recovery period and your average earnings before the accident.
Medical Expenses
Compensation for medical expenses related to your injuries include costs for emergency transportation, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Emotional and Physical Distress
In Missouri, specific regulations allow accident and injury victims to seek compensation for pain and suffering. This is a legal term which relates to the physical and emotional distress an injury victim experienced as a result of the accident.
Compensation for Loss of Consortium
In some cases, the victim’s partner may be able to receive compensation for what’s called “loss of consortium.” This means they’ve lost the love, support, or closeness they once had with their partner because of the accident.
In tragic cases where the accident leads to death, it can also be part of a wrongful death claim.
When an Accident Involves a Fatality
When a loved one dies in a pedestrian car accident, families are entitled to file a wrongful death claim. This claim is pursued when a person dies due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act. Several important criteria must be met for a wrongful death claim to succeed.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident get the help you need to secure a fair compensation. Our award-winning Independence pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and what steps to take next.
Statute of Limitations For Pedestrian Accident Claims
In these situations, it is crucial to act quickly. According to the Missouri statute of limitations for pedestrian accidents, individuals have only five years from the date of the accident to file a claim for compensation.
However, if the accident resulted in a fatality, families have only three years to file a wrongful death claim.
Skilled Pedestrian Accident Law Firm in Independence, Missouri
Whether you’re walking your dog, heading to the bus stop, or simply enjoying a quiet evening stroll, you should be able to do so safely. Unfortunately, when a driver is distracted, speeding, or simply not paying attention, a peaceful walk can turn into a life-altering tragedy.
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries—or worse, a wrongful death—because of a driver’s negligence, our legal team is ready to step in. We’ll investigate the details, negotiate with insurers, and fight for your rights in court if needed.
Let us help you move forward. Contact our Independence office today for a free confidential consultation about your pedestrian accident.
Locations near Independence where our knowledgeable attorneys have helped clients include Jefferson City, O’Fallon, St. Louis, Florissant, Springfield, Kansas City, Columbia, Kirksville, and more.
