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.
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!
I was in a car accident in St.Louis and hired Chris as my lawyer. He was amazing!!! He helped me every step of the way and was able to get me a great settlement!!!Highly, highly, highly recommend him!
Response from the owner: Each step is important in a car accident. Thanks for recommending us for car accidents injury claims.
When I had my accident he was very professional, honest and caring to me and my family it wasn't about the money it was about the care, he made sure me and my kids were took care of and I really appreciate it this is a gexcellant law firm also his secretary is the best,so I would like to say thank you chris for everything melinda .
Great car accident lawyer in St. Louis. This is a very good car accident lawyer in St. Lious. Takes phone calls. Listens. Experienced in injury litigation.
Response from the owner: Thanks Maddie. Our law firm brings experience to the table on car accident cases.
Although Mr. Hoffman did not represent me in my case he was willing to take the time to get me in touch with someone who specializes in the type of incident I needed legal representation with. Attorney's such as Mr. Hoffman are difficult to find. He took personal time to keep in touch with me and give me sound legal advice and guidance. I highly recommend speaking with Mr. Hoffman if you require his services. I truly believe he is the type of person who cares and will make sure the job gets done RIGHT. Do not hesitate to contact him
In an auto accident in St. Louis, the other car pulled out and hit us. The collision was very bad. We were all injured and used this attorney. He is very experienced in handling injury claims and got a great settlement after filing a lawsuit for us. 5 Stars!
Response from the owner: Thanks Ms. Santoni. Side impact car accidents are some of the worst our lawyers see. We have to file lawsuits on nearly every case because insurance companies deny almost every claim, but I am glad we got yours resolved. I appreciate you recommending our lawyers and giving us a 5 Star rating.
My daughter and I were in an car accident. We for both injured badly. After I finally got out of the hospital, I started looking for lawyers in Saint Louis and found this attorney who does accident and injury claims. It said their attorney would answer 24 hours a day. I called their law firm at 10 p.m. and a injury lawyer answered. He was polite, knowledgeable, and advised me of what needed to be done for myself and my daughter regarding the car accident. I hired them to do or auto accident case. They kept me well informed during the car accident case in Saint Louis County Court. I was well prepared for depositions. He help with everything. I got a good settlement as did my daughter for our injuries. Although the car accident was scary, it was bearable having a good helpful attorney on our side. I highly recommend this Saint Louis car accident law firm. Their attorneys and lawyers are great. Highly recommended
The Chris Hoffman law firm takesgreat care of all my legal needs. They are caring and personal and will fight for what you need. I highly recommend them. You will be very satisfied and know he got you the best deal available.
Response from the owner: Great cleints are the start to pursuing any legal case and you are the best! Thanks for the recommendation Barbara!
A true professional in terms of car accident cases. I definitely recommend this lawyer for any injury after a St. Louis accident. Very good at what these attorneys do!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for such a great review. Our attorneys work hard at providing great service. Car accident cases are fought by insurance companies from the property damage through the personal injury claim. This forces people to get local lawyers to do their claims. Missouri and Saint Louis, in particular, is known for accident claim denial even against your own insurance carrier. Thanks again!
You will not find better attorneys for a car accident in St. Louis. Very experienced. These attorneys know all the facets of an accident case and have great advice when problems come up during the injury claim.
Response from the owner: Thanks Jack. Our attorneys appreciate a great review like this. It helps car accident victims know who are the real lawyers in St. Louis who do this work versus the mere advertisers who refer victims to lawyers they have never met for a kickback. Much appreciated!
Thanks for helping with my car accident case. These lawyers are best in St. Louis.
Response from the owner: You are welcome and thanks for the review! A lot of car accident victims read these and find it helpful in choosing a lawyer for their case. Great cases always start with great clients!
great lawyer for auto accident cases . I thought this law firm did great work .Very happy with their services. I would recommend them to others.
Response from the owner: It was very nice of you to leave a review. Thanks Brenda! A good case always starts with a great client. We appreciated the recommendation. It is good to hear back from clients and have them refer us to other injury victims after a car accident. Wish you well!
This is the best choice for a car accident attorney. These lawyers get great settlements.I was recommended to them from some people I know and was happy to get a great recommendation.
Response from the owner: Our attorneys appreciate the compliment! It is great to hear we are doing well. It means a lot when you recommend our lawyers to other car accident victims. Thanks again!
Glad I switched to this auto accident lawyer. These lawyers fight hard for their injury clients. I highly recommend these lawyers.
Response from the owner: We are happy you switched as well. Good clients are the basis for a good case. Fighting to protect your rights after an accidental injury is our sole focus. Your recommendation means a lot. Thanks again for the review.
If you are injured in a car accident you should hire this attorney. This is the best legal representation. These attorneys are very professional.
Response from the owner: Thank you for reviewing our law firm and recommending our lawyers. Attorneys appreciate feedback on whether they are doing well on cases and reviews are one of the best means for this.
ST.LOUIS AUTO ACCIDENT? I RECOMMEND THIS LAWYER FOR ANY ACCIDENT CASE INVOLVING INJURIES. VERY GOOD LAWYERS!
Response from the owner: Appreciate the Good Words! SInce our law firm started focusing exclusively on car and auto accidents, the focus had increased our knowledge and the learning curve has greatly benefited out settlement results. Specializing is key for any lawyers! All benefit from this. Thanks again for the review!
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
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.
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.
Ensuring Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
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.
