As a pedestrian, when you are struck while walking, jogging, or bicycling in Jefferson City, Missouri, you often suffer catastrophic injuries and extreme losses.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, our award winning Jefferson City pedestrian accident lawyers can help you hold the negligent driver accountable. Call (573) 400-2046 today to speak with a member of our legal team at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers.
How Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Jefferson City Will Assist With Your Claim
With more than thirty five years of experience and over $105 million recovered for accident injury clients, our pedestrian accident law firm will fight in your best interest.
Identifying the Root Cause of Your Pedestrian Accident
When you are walking, jogging, or cycling, you should feel secure on sidewalks and roadways. Unfortunately, negligent drivers often fail to yield the right-of-way to vulnerable road users like yourself.
Our knowledgeable legal team will thoroughly investigate how the accident occurred, identify liability, and build you the strongest case possible.
Handling Insurance Claims and Settlement Negotiations
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to deny, delay, and minimize payouts as much as possible. Adjusters will absolutely look for any excuse to undervalue or flat out deny your claim.
When insurers ask for statements, signatures, or access to your medical records, we will handle those communications.
Attorneys Paul Beck and John Beck know how to push back against lowball settlement offers. If negotiations don’t result in a fair outcome, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for 100% financial compensation for damages.
We Offer Personalized Legal Guidance and Compassionate Support
Attorneys Paul Beck and John Beck understand that you likely have not had the misfortune to be faced with dealing with pedestrian accident injuries before. That’s why we offer the personalized, compassionate support we are known for.
Not only that, but we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer your questions and address your concerns at every stage of your case.
With our focused, client-centered approach, you can trust that our Jefferson City pedestrian accident lawyers will handled your claim with the care and attention it deserves.
How Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Pedestrian accidents occur for lots of different reasons, but driver negligence is often at the core of these incidents. Some of the most common causes of accidents involving pedestrians we encounter in Missouri include:
Crosswalk Accidents
Many drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks, whether due to distraction, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals. Pedestrians are in harm’s way when drivers don’t respect Missouri crosswalk rules.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers who make turns without checking for pedestrians or bicyclists, run red lights, or fail to obey stop signs can cause devastating collisions.
Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots can seem deceptively safe, but serious collisions with pedestrians can happen. Drivers backing out of spots, driving too quickly, or failing to look for pedestrians, especially children or elderly individuals, often cause preventable accidents.
Reversing Into Pedestrians
Backing out of driveways or parking spaces without a clear view of the surroundings can lead to serious pedestrian injuries. Drivers who fail to check behind them before moving pose a significant risk.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Driving under the influence impairs judgment, reaction time, and the ability to spot pedestrians. Alcohol-related crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities for pedestrians.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents
When a driver flees the scene after striking a pedestrian, the injured party is left to face not only physical recovery but also the frustration and difficulty of identifying the responsible party.
Many drivers will attempt to blame collisions on distracted walking or other pedestrian mistakes. Our experienced Jefferson City pedestrian accident attorneys take a close look at driver behavior to hold negligent parties accountable.
Injured while walking, bicycling, or jogging in Jefferson City, MO? Our skilled legal team can assist. Call (573) 400-2046 for a completely free of charge consultation.
Pedestrian Laws in Missouri
Pedestrian laws such as Missouri Revised Statutes Section 300.375 state when people walking have the right-of-way, and Missouri Section 300.390 mandates when pedestrians must yield. However, following these laws does not necessarily keep you safe from negligent drivers.
In Missouri, the law requires motorists to exercise an exceptionally high level of care when protecting pedestrians. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 304.012 clearly states that drivers must drive with “the highest degree of care” to prevent harm to pedestrians and others sharing the road.
At the same time, pedestrians are expected to use reasonable care to protect themselves from harm and avoid causing accidents.
Determining Fault After a Pedestrian Accident
In many pedestrian-car collisions, it is clear who was responsible for causing the accident, but that is not always the case. When it comes to potentially disputed or shared fault, it is essential to work with an experienced attorney.
Determining fault in these cases often involves a detailed analysis of several key factors:
- Crosswalk accidents: If a pedestrian is lawfully crossing at a marked crosswalk or intersection and is struck by a vehicle, the driver is usually at fault.
- Pedestrian behavior: If pedestrians were walking while impaired or suddenly stepping into traffic, they may share some responsibility for the accident.
- Distracted driving or speeding: A driver who is texting, speeding, or otherwise inattentive may bear liability, even if the pedestrian was jaywalking.
- Work-related accidents: If the at-fault driver was performing job duties at the time of the crash, their employer may share liability under vicarious liability laws.
- Improper traffic signals: If traffic lights or pedestrian signals malfunction and contribute to the accident, a local or state agency may be responsible.
Several elements come into play in determining fault, including traffic control devices, road and weather conditions, visibility, the actions of both the pedestrian and driver, and statements from witnesses. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras can also provide critical evidence.
Even when pedestrians share some fault, they are rarely entirely to blame. A thorough investigation can reveal critical information that clarifies the distribution of liability, which can significantly influence the outcome of a legal claim or insurance negotiation.
Damages You Can Recover for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When a pedestrian is injured in an accident, they are often entitled to both economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses that can be calculated and documented, such as medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost income, and property damage. These damages aim to reimburse the victim for the actual costs they have incurred or will likely face due to the accident.
On the other hand, non-economic damages address the more intangible, subjective consequences of an injury. These effects can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or disability.
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages do not have a fixed dollar amount. They are typically determined based on the severity of the injury and its impact on the victim’s quality of life.
In rare situations, courts may also award punitive damages. These do not compensate the victim but instead further punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or intentional behavior.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri
Under Missouri law, drivers involved in an accident must stop, provide their contact and insurance information, and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. Failing to do so constitutes a criminal offense, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the incident.
For instance, if the accident results in injury or death, the fleeing driver may face felony charges, leading to substantial fines and potential imprisonment.
Despite the challenges, victims of hit-and-run accidents still have avenues for compensation. Missouri requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage, which can be utilized when the at-fault driver is unidentified. Such coverage can help address medical expenses, lost earnings, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Missouri Pedestrian Accident Statute of Limitations
In Missouri, individuals injured in pedestrian accidents generally have five years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a pedestrian accident is fatal, the legal timeframe changes. For wrongful death claims, Missouri law only provides a three-year statute of limitations, beginning from the date of the individual’s death.
However, certain circumstances can affect these time limits. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or has been declared mentally incapacitated, the pedestrian accident statute of limitations may be extended. Additionally, if the at-fault party leaves the state of Missouri after the accident, the statute of limitations may be paused until they return.
Failing to file a claim within the applicable statute of limitations can result in losing the right to seek compensation. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to consult with our knowledgeable Jefferson City pedestrian accident lawyers promptly to preserve your legal rights and make sure you take appropriate action within the required timeframe.
Award-Winning Pedestrian Accident Law Firm in Jefferson City, Missouri
When you’re seeking a legal team to handle your pedestrian accident claim in Jefferson City, you want to choose a firm with the experience, resources, and results to back it up. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to every case we handle.
Over 35 Years Legal Experience
With more than three decades of dedicated practice, we’ve successfully represented countless accident victims across Missouri. Our in-depth understanding of pedestrian accident law allows us to properly apply the law and fight for the justice our clients deserve.
More Than $105 Million Recovered for Clients
We’re proud of our history of securing substantial compensation for our clients. From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, you can count on our attorneys to pursue every dollar our clients are entitled to, helping them rebuild their lives after a devastating accident.
No Upfront Fees – We Only Get Paid If You Do
Legal action can feel financially overwhelming, but with Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, you won’t pay any legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. Our contingency fee arrangement ensures that everyone can access quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Personalized, Client-Focused Service
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we believe every client’s case deserves our full attention. From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we’ll keep you informed, address your concerns, and provide clear, consistent communication. We’re committed to making this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.
When pursuing a pedestrian accident case in Jefferson City, Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers has the skills, determination, and client-centered approach to seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Take the first step toward justice. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call us or contact us online to learn more.
Locations near Jefferson City that where we have helped individuals injured in pedestrian accidents includes St. Louis, O’Fallon, Florissant, Kansas City, Cape Girardeau, Independence, Springfield, and more.
