Missouri Pedestrian Accident Attorney Fighting For Your Rights

When a vehicle strikes you or someone you love while walking, the world changes in an instant. One moment you are crossing the street or walking along a roadway, and the next you are facing a painful recovery, mounting medical bills and uncertainty about the future.

At Wood & Peterson, LLC, our attorneys understand that pedestrian accidents create more than just physical injuries. The emotional toll of trauma and the financial strain of lost wages and medical expenses can feel overwhelming. We stand ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.

Missouri Pedestrian Right-of-Way And Crosswalk Rules

Understanding fault in pedestrian accidents often requires examining Missouri traffic laws. When traffic control signals are not in place or operating, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in marked or unmarked crosswalks if the pedestrian is on the driver’s side of the road or approaching closely from the opposite side. When turning at intersections, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, slowing down or stopping as necessary to allow them to cross safely. Additionally, when a vehicle stops at a crosswalk to let someone cross, other drivers may not pass that stopped vehicle.

School zones carry heightened responsibilities. Drivers must exercise extra caution around school buses and in designated school areas where children are present. However, pedestrians also have duties under the law. Jaywalking outside designated crossing areas, suddenly entering the roadway without giving drivers adequate time to stop or walking while impaired can all contribute to fault determinations. Missouri follows comparative fault rules, meaning your recovery may be reduced if you share responsibility for the accident.

Common Injuries And Medical Treatment

Pedestrians often have no protection when a multiton vehicle strikes them. The resulting injuries can be severe and life-altering. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal bleeding
• Road rash
• Soft tissue injuries

The impact often extends far beyond initial injuries. Many victims face chronic pain, permanent disability and post-traumatic stress disorder. These affect their quality of life for years. The treatment process is typically lengthy and complex:

• Emergency room care and stabilization
• Imaging studies such as CT scans and MRIs
• Specialist consultations (neurologists, orthopedic surgeons and pain management physicians, among others)
• Physical therapy sessions
• Potential surgeries
• Extensive rehabilitation that may stretch across months or years

Documenting every aspect of your medical treatment is crucial. These records establish the connection between the accident and your injuries, demonstrate the severity of your condition and support your compensation claim.

Work With An Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney

You should not face this challenge alone. We are here to evaluate your case, protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need. Contact our firm today at 417-658-1131 to schedule your appointment. Take the first step toward recovery today.