Springfield, MO Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Here to Fight for You & Your Recovery

While any accident can be traumatic, pedestrian accidents are especially so. People on foot are simply no match for large, multi-ton vehicles; when the two collide, the results are often disastrous. Pedestrians tend to suffer far worse injuries than the occupants of the vehicles that hit them. All too often, pedestrians are left with lifelong catastrophic injuries and, in many tragic cases, these injuries ultimately prove fatal.

If you or a loved one was involved in a pedestrian accident, you do not have to face the subsequent physical, emotional, and financial challenges on your own. Turn to the Missouri pedestrian accident lawyers at Aaron Sachs & Associates and learn how we can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Our team can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. We have years of experience representing personal injury clients and can help you navigate this process so that you can focus on healing.

Give us a call at (888) 287-1046 or contact us online to request a free, no-obligation consultation. We serve clients throughout Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois and Arkansas.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, or bus. These accidents often happen in crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, residential neighborhoods, or along busy roads where pedestrians and vehicles interact.

Because pedestrians lack seatbelts, airbags, or protective barriers, even low-speed collisions can result in severe injuries. In many cases, pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence, including speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield the right of way.

Missouri Pedestrian Laws

Missouri law provides important protections for pedestrians, but it also imposes responsibilities on both drivers and people on foot. Understanding these laws can be critical in determining fault after an accident.

Key Missouri pedestrian laws include:

• Right of Way in Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
• Traffic Control Signals: Pedestrians must obey walk and don’t-walk signals where they exist.
• Sidewalk Use: Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available. If no sidewalk exists, they should walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic.
• Driver Duty of Care: Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, including sounding the horn when necessary and using extra caution around children or visibly impaired individuals.

Even if a pedestrian may have partially contributed to an accident, Missouri’s comparative fault rules may still allow them to recover compensation. A Springfield pedestrian accident attorney can evaluate how these laws apply to your case.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Springfield often stem from preventable driver behavior. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, eating, or other distractions take a driver’s attention off the road.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers who ignore crosswalks or turn without checking for pedestrians.
• Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and significantly increase injury severity.
• Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving: Impaired drivers have slower reflexes and poor judgment.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents occurring at night, during bad weather, or in poorly lit areas.
• Backing-Up Accidents: Drivers reversing in parking lots or driveways without looking.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Vehicles turning left at intersections often fail to see pedestrians crossing.

Identifying the exact cause of the accident is essential for proving liability and maximizing compensation.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Liability in a pedestrian accident depends on the specific facts of the case. One or more parties may be responsible, including:

• Negligent Drivers: The most common liable party, especially when traffic laws are violated.
• Commercial Drivers or Employers: If the driver was working at the time of the accident.
• Government Entities: For unsafe road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or lack of proper signage.
• Property Owners: If poor lighting, obstructed walkways, or unsafe parking lot conditions contributed to the accident.

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning liability can be shared. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages reduced by your percentage of responsibility. An experienced Springfield pedestrian accident attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability.

Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians

Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe and life-altering. At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we pursue full and fair compensation for all losses related to your accident, including:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical treatment.
• Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity for long-term injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries or scarring.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Transportation, home modifications, or assistive devices.
• Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members.

Insurance companies often try to undervalue pedestrian injury claims. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

What should I do after a pedestrian accident in Springfield?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to the police, gather witness information if possible, and contact a Springfield pedestrian accident attorney as soon as you can.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Missouri?

In most cases, Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years, but some exceptions apply. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence.

What if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when I was hit?

You may still be entitled to compensation. Missouri’s comparative fault law allows recovery even if you share some responsibility.

How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

Every case is unique. The value depends on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and liability.

Do I need an attorney for a pedestrian accident claim?

While not legally required, having an experienced attorney greatly improves your chances of recovering full compensation.

Contact Aaron Sachs & Associates for a Free Consultation

We understand the immense impact pedestrian accidents have, not only on victims, but on their entire families as well. With more than 200* years of combined legal experience and half a billion recovered for our clients, our Springfield pedestrian accident attorneys are here to answer your questions and provide you with compassionate, personalized legal guidance every step of the way.

Reach out to us at (888) 287-1046 for a complimentary case evaluation.