Crosswalks exist to provide a safe, clearly visible spot for pedestrians in St. Louis to cross the street. Yet, many drivers do not pay attention near crosswalks or actively ignore pedestrians’ right-of-way, leading to catastrophic accidents.
When someone else is at fault for a crosswalk accident, injured pedestrians have the right to compensation for their medical bills, lost income, physical injuries, pain, suffering, and other losses. Still, they often struggle to recover what they need.
The St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers at Sumner Law Group, LLC, are ready to help if you were hit by a car in a crosswalk. Our attorneys have helped our clients recover significant compensation for pedestrian accidents. We are ready to put our experience to work to handle all the legal issues to make the process as painless as possible for you.
We will come to you if you cannot come to us, and you will receive frequent updates directly from your attorney throughout your case. You do not owe any upfront fees if you choose us.
Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a St. Louis crosswalk accident attorney.
What You Should Know About Missouri Pedestrian Laws
Missouri law generally requires motorists to stop for and yield to pedestrians crossing the street in crosswalks. However, knowing the specific laws can help you understand liability for jaywalking accidents in St. Louis.
Some crucial Missouri pedestrian laws to know include:
- Drivers must use the highest degree of care – Regardless of the situation, drivers must use the highest level of care to avoid hitting pedestrians, including using the horn when necessary and exercising special caution around children or those who appear confused or impaired.
- Drivers must yield in crosswalks without signals – When there are no traffic signals at an intersection, or the signals are not working, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk, as long as the pedestrian is on the driver’s side of the road or approaching close enough to be in danger.
- Pedestrians must not suddenly enter traffic – Pedestrians may not step into the road so suddenly that a driver cannot reasonably stop in time to yield.
- No overtaking at crosswalks – Drivers approaching from behind may not pass another vehicle that is stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.
- Pedestrians must use crosswalks between signals – Between intersections with traffic signals, pedestrians must cross only within marked crosswalks. Crossing mid-block in these areas is not allowed.
- Pedestrians outside crosswalks must yield to vehicles – Pedestrians must yield to all vehicles when crossing outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Diagonal crossing is prohibited unless authorized – Pedestrians may not cross an intersection diagonally unless traffic signals or signs explicitly allow it.
- Use of pedestrian signals – When pedestrian control signals are in place, pedestrians may only begin crossing when the signal displays a “Walk” indication. If they are already in the crosswalk during a “Don’t Walk” signal, they must continue to a sidewalk or safety island.
- Use of the right half of the crosswalk – When possible, pedestrians should stay on the right half of the crosswalk.
- Pedestrian behavior near railroads and bridges – Pedestrians may not enter or remain on bridges or railroad crossings when signals or barriers indicate it is unsafe to cross.
- Sidewalks and walking along roadways – Pedestrians must use sidewalks where available. If no sidewalk exists, they should walk on the left side of the road or shoulder, facing traffic, so that they can see potential dangers.
Who Is Liable for a Crosswalk Accident?
Drivers and pedestrians may (and often do) disagree on who had the right-of-way when the crash occurred and which of them broke the law. Whoever did not follow Missouri law is liable for the accident and owes the injured person compensation for their medical bills, missed work, pain, suffering, and other losses. Any pedestrian injured in a crosswalk accident should talk to a lawyer immediately.
What Evidence Could Help Strengthen Your Crosswalk Accident Claim?
Comprehensive evidence is the bedrock of any crosswalk accident claim. Some types of evidence that could establish liability and support your personal injury claim include:
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage – Video from nearby intersections or buildings can show the moment of impact, confirming that you were in the crosswalk and the driver failed to yield when they were supposed to.
- Witness statements – Testimony from people who saw the crash can back up your version of the events, such as confirming the traffic signal was in your favor.
- Police accident report – An officer’s report about the collision may include details about who the officer believes caused the accident, the at-fault driver’s behavior, and whether the officer issued any citations against the driver.
- Photos of the scene – Pictures showing skid marks, the vehicle’s position, and other vital data can help establish the car’s speed, impact point, and the pedestrian’s location at the time of the crash.
- Medical records – Documentation of your serious injuries and treatment timelines helps connect the accident to the harm you suffered, which can be essential for proving your losses resulting from the driver’s actions.
Types of Compensation Available to Injured Pedestrians
A pedestrian accident claim can include compensation for any losses you may have suffered, including money for:
- Your current and future medical expenses
- Your lost income while you heal
- Your reduced future earnings due to your injuries
- Your pain and suffering
- Your emotional distress
- Your diminished quality of life
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri law requires you to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit within five years of the crash or else risk losing your right to seek compensation. However, it is best to contact our St. Louis pedestrian accident attorneys right away so we can document the scene and begin building your case while you heal.
How Our St. Louis Crosswalk Accident Lawyer Can Help
Our St. Louis crosswalk accident attorneys’ jobs are to defend your rights and simplify the legal process as you recuperate. We stand ready to investigate the crash, document your injuries and financial losses, take legal action against the driver who hit you, and negotiate for a fair insurance settlement. We will also prepare your case for court in case the driver and their insurer will not negotiate in good faith. If a trial is necessary, we will handle all the legal procedures and present a compelling case in court.
If you are ready to talk to a St. Louis crosswalk accident lawyer, we are ready to listen. Call Sumner Law Group, LLC, now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
