Pedestrian Accident Lawyer St. Louis

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.

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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.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 7000 pedestrians died as a result of 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 when driving in pedestrian traffic. A driver traveling at 25 mph in a residential area should be extra cautious and further reduce the speed if children are playing 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 2-second delay is enough to confuse motorists on the road. The distraction also makes a pedestrian slower when crossing a road and unable to cross the road before the traffic light changes.

Dangerous Times of Day for Pedestrians

Rush Hour

Rush hour is a hectic time of the day for commuters, and pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common. There are several reasons for this:

1. There are more pedestrians on the road during rush hour.
2. 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.
3. 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 crossing 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. 

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:

• Failed to yield the right of way to a pedestrian
• Ignored a stop light or traffic signal
• Failed to stop when a school bus arm was extended
• Failed to look right when turning right into a crosswalk
• Was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Was speeding or driving recklessly

You deserve total and fair compensation for your losses. Our goal is to ensure you are treated fairly by the insurance company and receive the money you need to maximize your physical recovery.

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