St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

What to expect

You don’t have to face a pedestrian injury claim alone

Pedestrian accidents are almost always severe, which makes pursuing full financial compensation essential — so the injured person can get the medical care and rehabilitation they will need. For 25 years, The Hoffmann Law Firm has handled motor vehicle injury cases in St. Louis, and we’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian accidents often injure those most vulnerable — children walking to and from school, or older adults trying to cross busy streets. Another common scenario: a driver hits a pedestrian in the crosswalk because the driver was watching traffic, not the person stepping off the curb.

Common pedestrian accident injuries

The seriousness of a pedestrian’s injuries usually depends on how fast the vehicle was traveling. Leg injuries can range from torn cartilage and tendons to broken bones — fractures of the kneecap (patella), the tibia and fibula in the lower leg, and the 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 7,000 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2020 — on average, one pedestrian death every 75 minutes in the U.S. Many of these crashes could have been avoided with simple measures: drivers yielding the right of way, and pedestrians staying vigilant and avoiding distractions near the road.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

In St. Louis, pedestrian accidents usually result from a mix of factors. Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes — drivers focused on phones, navigation systems, or other diversions instead of the road. The most common causes include:

• Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting GPS)
• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Speeding in residential areas
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Driving under the influence

Speed and impairment play significant roles. When a driver exceeds the posted limit or gets behind the wheel under the influence, the ability to react to a pedestrian in a crosswalk drops sharply.

Distracted pedestrians

Just like distracted drivers, distracted pedestrians can contribute to serious accidents. Texting, talking, or listening to music can isolate a pedestrian from the sounds around them — car horns, sirens, train whistles. Studies show pedestrians distracted by smartphones can have a roughly two-second delay before crossing, which is enough to confuse nearby drivers and leave the pedestrian unable to clear the road before the light changes.

Dangerous times of day for pedestrians

Rush hour. There are more pedestrians on the road, drivers are often in less-than-ideal mental and physical states after a long commute, and traffic is heavy and fast-moving — making it harder to stop in time when someone steps into the street.

Rain and snow. Slippery surfaces make walking more treacherous and raise the risk of slipping into the path of traffic. Reduced visibility from heavy rain, snow, or fog means a driver may not see a pedestrian until it’s too late.

After dark. According to NHTSA data, nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities occur between 6 p.m. and midnight. It’s harder for drivers to see pedestrians at night, harder for pedestrians to spot hazards, and darkness reduces depth perception and makes distances tougher to judge.

Failure to yield the right of way

Many pedestrian accidents happen in crosswalks and are the fault of the driver — someone who either didn’t watch for pedestrians or failed to yield the right of way. Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk is a moving violation in Missouri and often results in serious injuries. When that happens, an injured pedestrian can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs. If a pedestrian is killed, surviving family members may be able to seek compensation for their losses.

Who is at fault if a pedestrian is hurt while jaywalking?

It’s natural to assume that a pedestrian who was jaywalking is automatically at fault. But that isn’t how Missouri law works. Yes, jaywalking is a violation — in Missouri you’re generally expected to cross at sidewalks or crosswalks and to follow traffic signals. But breaking that rule does not, by itself, mean a hurt pedestrian carries all the blame. Drivers still have a duty to watch for pedestrians and to avoid hitting them when they reasonably can.

Sometimes a driver genuinely couldn’t avoid the collision — if someone darts into the street with no time to slow down or change lanes, the driver may not be at fault. But if the driver had the means to avoid the pedestrian and didn’t, their conduct comes into question:

• Were they speeding?
• Were they distracted?
• Did they have a clear chance to stop and fail to take it?

The details decide fault — a jaywalker is not automatically to blame until the full circumstances are reviewed. If you were hurt while crossing, talk to a St. Louis car accident lawyer to learn whether you may have a claim.

Types of compensation available

Pedestrian accident victims often face substantial medical bills and long recovery. Missouri law recognizes several forms of compensation. Beyond immediate medical costs, an injured pedestrian 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

Severe injuries may require future procedures or lifetime care. We work with medical professionals and life-care planners to project these costs as accurately as possible, so a settlement demand reflects the full scope of what you may need — including home modifications or adaptive equipment in serious cases.