Pedestrian accidents are almost always severe. As a result, it’s essential to obtain total financial compensation so the injured person can receive the medical care and rehabilitation services they will need.
Pedestrian accidents often injure those most vulnerable — school children, walking to and from school, or elderly persons trying to cross busy streets. Another common type of pedestrian accident occurs when a car hits a pedestrian in the crosswalk because the driver looks at traffic, not the pedestrian.
The seriousness of pedestrian injuries depends upon how fast the car was traveling. Leg injuries can range from torn cartilage and tendons to broken bones (fractures of the kneecap (patella), tibia and fibula of the lower leg, and femur in the upper leg). If the pedestrian is thrown into the air, injuries can include brain damage, herniated discs, internal injuries to the kidney or spleen, and liver lacerations.
"Of all the lawyers I have met, this one is a true professional. This attorney goes against the biggest law firms and wins!"
Response from the owner:The compliment is much appreciated. Like every profession, it all starts with training our lawyers to be the best at every aspect of car accident cases. But the foundation of a great case is a great client. Thanks!
I'd say this lawyer is in the top three of the best you'll ever see. Add this attorney to the interview list if you ever get in an automobile accident. This Law Firm is on another level.
Response from the owner:Much appreciated. Techniques that an attorney or any professional uses are paramount for success. This is part of our lawyers training and preparation. It leads to success. Thank you!
People say this is the best car accident lawyer in St.Louis. Yep! Seeing this attorney in action is incredible.
Response from the owner:Great compliment. We work hard to be the best. Our lawyers also work very hard to help other lawyers in our profession. Not matter what, a cases is only as good as the client is. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thanks! Referrals and recommendations from prior car accident clients is our #1 source of cases. People who grew to trust us send family and friends.
The Hoffman law firm is truly professional. After hiring them I was truly relieved and knew I was in good hands. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
The lawyers on tv just dont compare for auto accident injury cases. Mr.Hoffmann is as good as they get.
Response from the owner:Thank you. The TV attorneys are just settlement mills. People are hiring a paralegal, not a lawyer. Our law firm is different. You are represented by an attorney and we do not have settlement quotas.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner:TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner:Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner:Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner:Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner:Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner:Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Major car accident injury in St Louis area for a family member. Four different lawyers we know said the same thing - call Chris Hoffmann. On another level.
Response from the owner:This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner:Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner:We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer.
At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner:Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner:Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner:Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner:Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner:Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner:Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner:Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 7,000 pedestrians died in car accidents in 2020. On average, one pedestrian dies every 75 minutes in the U.S. Most of these accidents could have been averted with simple measures such as drivers giving pedestrians the right of way and pedestrians being vigilant and avoiding distractions while on the road.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
In St. Louis, pedestrian accidents often result from a complex interplay of factors. Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes, with drivers focusing on phones, navigation systems, or other diversions instead of the road. The rise of mobile technology has made this problem particularly acute in urban areas where pedestrian traffic is heaviest.
Speed and impairment continue to play significant roles in these accidents. When drivers exceed posted limits or operate vehicles under the influence, their ability to react to pedestrians in crosswalks or near roadways diminishes dramatically.
Be Vigilant
All motorists should maintain constant vigilance and control over their vehicles, especially in pedestrian traffic. A driver traveling at 25 mph in a residential area should be extra cautious and reduce the speed if children play nearby.
Distracted Pedestrians
Just like distracted drivers, distracted pedestrians can cause fatal accidents. Smartphones and tablets are a source of distraction for pedestrians. Distracting activities like texting, talking, or listening to music isolate pedestrians from the sounds of their surroundings, such as car horns, ambulance or police sirens, and train whistles. Pedestrians should avoid distractions while walking on the road to avoid serious accidents.
Distracted Pedestrians are Dangerous
Studies show that pedestrians distracted by smartphones have a 2-second delay before they cross a street busy with motor vehicles. This delay is enough to confuse motorists on the road. The distraction also makes a pedestrian slower and unable to cross the road before the traffic light changes.
Dangerous Times of Day for Pedestrians
Rush Hour
Rush hour is hectic for commuters, and pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common. There are several reasons for this:
There are more pedestrians on the road during rush hour.
Lengthy commutes at this time often lead people to be in less than optimal mental and physical states, which may cause them to be distracted either before or during their walk or commute.
Traffic is often heavy and fast-moving during rush hour, making it difficult for drivers to stop in time if someone suddenly walks into the street.
All these factors contribute to the increased risk of pedestrian accidents during rush hour.
During Rain and Snow
Pedestrian accidents are also common during inclement weather, particularly when it’s raining or snowing. This may be because slippery roads make walking more treacherous, increasing the risk of slipping and falling into the path of oncoming traffic. In addition, reduced visibility due to heavy fog can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. For example, a person walking across a foggy street may not be able to see an oncoming vehicle until it is too late, leading to dangerous collisions and potentially life-threatening injuries.
After Dark
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities occur between 6 p.m. and midnight. Many factors contribute to this increase in accidents after dark. First, it’s more difficult for motorists to see pedestrians at night. Pedestrians may also have difficulty seeing potential hazards, such as potholes or oncoming traffic. Additionally, darkness can reduce depth perception and make it more difficult to judge distances.
Failure to Yield Right of Way to Pedestrians
Many pedestrian accidents occur in crosswalks and are often the fault of the car’s driver.
Car-pedestrian accidents are a common occurrence across the United States. Unfortunately, many of these accidents occur due to the driver’s fault, who either did not look out for any pedestrians or failed to yield the right of way to a pedestrian. A large number of pedestrian accidents occur on crosswalks. Failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk is a moving violation and often results in serious injuries and fatalities. A person found guilty of this violation can face heavy penalties and fines.
Fines and Penalties
A person found guilty of failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk may be fined $100-$500. If the person repeats the offense, the fine may be higher, and the person may even get jail time.
The individual will have to pay higher penalties and fines for serious injuries and damages.
Traffic Points and Driving Record
A driver found guilty of failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk can get at least two demerit points on their driving record. This can have several consequences for the driver. For example, the points can add up quickly, and they may lose their driver’s license for a specific period. This would also lead to an increase in the premium the person has to pay for insurance.
Lawsuits Against the At-Fault Driver
If a pedestrian gets injured in an accident caused by a driver who failed to yield to the right of way in a crosswalk, he or she can claim damages from the at-fault driver. The pedestrian can claim all medical expenses, loss of wages, property damage, pain and suffering, or any other accident-related expenses from the driver. If the driver fails to pay the damages claimed by the pedestrian, the pedestrian can file a lawsuit to get the compensation that he/she deserves.
Depending on how serious the injuries are, the at-fault driver may have to pay damages running into thousands of dollars. In the case where a pedestrian gets killed in an accident caused by the driver’s failure to yield to the right of way, his or her dependents may be able to make a claim and seek compensation for all the expenses they incurred and for the pain and suffering they endured.
Who is At Fault If a Pedestrian is Injured While Jaywalking?
Generally, you’d think that people who break the law have what’s coming to them. If a person jaywalking gets hit by a car, tragic as it may be, you may think the accident is automatically their fault.
Indeed, they should not have been jaywalking in the first place. You may think the case is closed immediately since they broke Missouri law. Well, not quite. Yes, if you jaywalk, you are breaking Missouri law, and as frustrating as this action may be for drivers, it doesn’t always mean that if you get hit, it is your fault alone.
The driver can also be held accountable.
What Does the Law Say?
In Missouri, you must only walk and cross the street in areas specifically designated for this purpose, such as public sidewalks or crosswalks, and only when the relevant traffic signs allow you to.
If you break this rule, you can end up paying a fine. While it’s not considered a very serious offense, it’s best not to conduct any act of jaywalking to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Drivers are not automatically exempted if they hit someone just because they were jaywalking. According to the traffic law that oversees jaywalking offenses, drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing the road, even if they do not do so on an existing crossing facility. Failing to do so may result in paying a hefty fine.
What This Means
Drivers still must watch out for pedestrians. In accidents involving jaywalkers, it’s important to review the circumstances of the incident to determine who is at fault—the driver or the pedestrian.
Sometimes, a driver can take little action to avoid a pedestrian. If someone runs into the street thinking they could cross before the oncoming vehicle, the driver may not have sufficient time to slow down or change lanes. As a result, the pedestrian is injured, but it’s unlikely for the driver to be found guilty if they do not have a reasonable time to react.
If, however, it is established that the driver had the means to avoid the pedestrian but did not, then their behavior may come into question:
Did they intentionally try to hurt the pedestrian?
Therefore, the details of the case are essential in establishing fault. Jaywalkers should never be dismissed as guilty automatically until all the case details are reviewed.
Jaywalking is a law violation punishable with a fine, but if you get injured in a car accident, you aren’t necessarily 100% to blame. Contact a St. Louis car accident lawyer to see if your case is eligible for an injury claim or to learn about your other legal options.
Types of Compensation Available
Pedestrian accident victims often face substantial medical expenses and long-term recovery needs. Missouri law recognizes various forms of compensation to address these challenges. Beyond immediate medical costs, victims may recover damages for ongoing rehabilitation, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.
Recoverable damages typically include:
Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages and earning capacity
Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Long-term injuries may require future medical procedures or lifetime care. Our firm works with medical experts and life care planners to project these future expenses accurately, ensuring settlement demands cover all anticipated needs. For severe injuries, compensation might also address necessary home modifications or adaptive equipment.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., our focus is helping people recover total financial damages for injuries and wrongful deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents. With 25 years of personal injury experience, attorney Christopher Hoffmann has handled hundreds of car, truck, and pedestrian accident cases in Missouri.
We handle a variety of pedestrian accident cases, including those caused by a car or truck driver who:
You deserve total and fair compensation for your losses. We aim to ensure that the insurance company treats you fairly and that you receive the money you need to maximize your physical recovery.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
How long does settling a pedestrian accident claim in St. Louis take?
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Settling a pedestrian accident claim can vary widely in duration, depending on the case’s complexity, the extent of injuries, and the insurance companies involved. While some cases may settle within a few months, others may take a year or more, especially if they go to trial.
What happens if a pedestrian causes an accident in Missouri?
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Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means a pedestrian who is partially at fault for causing an accident can still recover damages. Still, their percentage of fault will reduce their compensation. Understanding the specific circumstances of the accident is essential to determining liability.
When is a pedestrian at fault for a car accident in St. Louis?
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A pedestrian might be considered at fault for a car accident if they were jaywalking, crossing against traffic signals, walking along highways or bridges not designed for pedestrian traffic, or being distracted while walking. Each case is unique, and fault is determined based on the specific facts.
What is considered a pedestrian accident in Missouri?
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A pedestrian accident involves a vehicle colliding with a person on foot. These incidents can occur in various settings, such as crosswalks, sidewalks, parking lots, or roadways, and can involve different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles.
