Pedestrians often have the right of way in Columbia, but accidents still happen. Getting hit by a car can have a serious impact on you and your family. You may be sidelined for weeks or months and unable to work or take care of the people who depend on you.
If a negligent motorist hit you while you were walking, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Columbia can help you hold those responsible for your accident and injuries accountable.
Aaron Sachs & Associates has recovered over half a billion dollars for our injured clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Columbia will review your case during your free consultation and help you determine the best path forward. Call today.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Columbia
The minutes and hours after a pedestrian accident can be quite overwhelming. A few sensible things to do in the immediate aftermath can go a long way to protecting your health, preserving the evidence, and assisting in any insurance claim or potential legal case that you may have.
- Get to a local medical facility such as MU Health Care immediately. Even if your injuries appear to be minor, you may have a concussion or an internal injury that may not present with symptoms immediately.
- Call law enforcement and request a report. An official accident report can provide important documentation of what occurred.
- Contact our pedestrian accident attorneys in Columbia. Our lawyers can review your situation, explain how Missouri law applies, and help you determine appropriate next steps based on your circumstances.
- Gather information at the scene. If you can, get the names and contact details of any witnesses, take photos of the scene and your injuries, and note the weather, the lighting, and the traffic lights.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies. Adjusters may use your words to minimize or deny your claim. It may be helpful to speak with an attorney before providing detailed statements.
- Keep proper records. Save the medical bills and records, keep a record of mileage to appointments, and keep a record of any missed work or any reduction in hours.
- Document how the injuries affect your daily life. Make notes about pain levels, sleep issues, limitations, and activities you can no longer enjoy.
These steps can help our team at Aaron Sachs & Associates as we work to prove who is liable for the damages, as well as the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer serving Columbia, call 417-777-7777
Identifying the Liable Party in a Pedestrian Accident
When a motorist acts negligently or unlawfully, such as by disobeying traffic laws, and this results in a pedestrian accident causing personal injuries and other damages, the negligent motorist can be held legally responsible. Liability can also involve more than just the driver.
- Claims may be brought against a negligent employer if the driver was working at the time of the crash.
- A bar or restaurant on West Broadway that overserved an intoxicated driver could be responsible.
- A governmental entity may be liable if a dangerously designed intersection contributed to the collision.
When you work with our Columbia pedestrian accident attorneys at Aaron Sachs & Associates, we examine all potential sources of recovery. By preparing your case carefully from the beginning, we put you in a stronger position for negotiations or, if needed, a trial.
Columbia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 417-777-7777
Types of Negligence That Can Result in Pedestrian Accidents
In some pedestrian accidents, insurance companies try to shift blame onto the person walking, suggesting they crossed against the light or were not visible enough. Aaron Sachs & Associates works to counter these arguments and show how the driver’s choices created the danger.
- Texting and driving is a major cause of auto accidents, including those involving pedestrians.
- Speeding and breaking traffic laws, like running a red light, can contribute to accidents.
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs endanger pedestrians and other motorists.
- Mistakes like backing out of parking spaces without looking or making a right turn without checking for pedestrians in a crosswalk can contribute to liability.
We also see cases where drivers are drowsy after long shifts, fail to slow down in poor weather, or become confused in construction zones around Columbia’s growing road network.
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Missouri’s Pedestrian Accident Laws
Missouri has laws that protect pedestrians, listed under Title XIX, Chapter 300, of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. These laws are designed to help keep pedestrians safe on the state’s roads and sidewalks. In Missouri, drivers are required to:
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Stop for school buses when children are getting on or off
- Give pedestrians the right of way
- Stay alert for pedestrians
After a serious auto crash, Aaron Sachs & Associates can review which specific rules applied at the time and place of your collision, whether it occurred near downtown Columbia, close to a neighborhood school, or along a high-traffic route such as Highway 63.
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Time Limits for Filing Your Claim
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, falls under Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120. If you miss the deadline, you may lose the right to sue, no matter how strong your case is.
Talk to a lawyer to learn more about the time limits in your specific case, as some exceptions may lengthen or shorten the timeline. Consulting Aaron Sachs & Associates early helps preserve evidence and protect the full five-year window.
Talk to Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Columbia Today
Pedestrian accidents can have a significant impact on both victims and their families. Our team of experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Columbia, Missouri, is here to help.
We can explain what to expect from the claims process, how to deal with calls from insurance adjusters, and what steps you can take to protect your health and your case. We’ll keep you updated on your case and answer your questions in plain language.
At Aaron Sachs & Associates, our firm has handled over 10,000 cases. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us how we can help.
Call or text 417-777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
