Were you or someone you love hit by a vehicle while traveling on foot? Pedestrian-related collisions often result in major injuries, mainly because pedestrians are far less protected than people inside cars on the road. These incidents also bring up a lot of questions about liability.
Not only is the legal process confusing for everyday people, but the physical and emotional toll that this type of accident can take is often overwhelming. That said, we want you to know that you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Let a personal injury lawyer in Gladstone help.
With over 45 years of combined experience, the team at Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for people just like you. While it’s your injury, it’s our fight, and we will do all that we can to advocate for a favorable outcome in your case.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Dynamics in Gladstone
Pedestrian accidents present distinct challenges that differ substantially from typical motor vehicle collisions. These incidents often result in severe injuries, if not fatalities, due to the vulnerability that pedestrians experience when they are struck by motor vehicles.
Your Gladstone pedestrian accident attorneys can help you understand the specific laws governing pedestrian rights, liability concerns, damages available to you, and other procedures under Missouri state law.
Missouri Laws Governing Pedestrian Rights and Driver Responsibilities
Missouri state laws establish clear duties for drivers when it comes to pedestrian safety. Drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. They must also yield the right-of-way in designated crosswalks.
When drivers fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. However, Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault for the crash that left them injured, they might still be able to recover damages.
That said, their compensation will be reduced proportionally by their percentage of fault. This comparative fault rule makes liability determination particularly nuanced in pedestrian accident cases, so it’s important to carefully examine each party’s actions leading up to the incident.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents and Their Impact
Injury severity in pedestrian accidents tends to be high due to the lack of protective barriers for pedestrians. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal injuries, and severe lacerations.
The long-term consequences of these injuries can include permanent disability, chronic pain, and the need for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. The assessment of damages in pedestrian accident cases must consider immediate medical expenses. Not only that, but the following matters are also factored into the equation:
- Future care costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering
Testimonies from medical professionals, economists, and life care planners often play a major role in the process of accurately valuing these damages.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Missouri
Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims includes those involving pedestrian accidents. This period of time is generally five years from the date of the collision. This timeframe sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit if you wish to seek damages.
However, if you miss this deadline, you could end up losing the legal right to pursue compensation altogether. This emphasizes the importance of acting quickly in the aftermath of a pedestrian-related crash.
The sooner you reach out to a Gladstone pedestrian accident lawyer, the sooner your attorney can help you take legal action.
Insurance Coverage in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Insurance considerations play a significant role in pedestrian accident claims. In the state of Missouri, drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance. This can provide victims with compensation for injuries caused by the at-fault party’s negligence.
When the at-fault driver is either uninsured or underinsured, pedestrians might need to rely on uninsured motorist coverage as part of their own auto insurance policies instead. This coverage makes it possible to secure compensation if the liable party lacks adequate insurance.
However, insurance claims can be complicated by disputes over liability, injury severity, and policy limits. Insurers may also attempt to minimize payouts by questioning the pedestrian’s conduct or the extent of damages, but Gladstone pedestrian accident attorneys can fight this.
Reach Out to Our Gladstone Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Today for Information About How Our Attorneys Can Help
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car as a pedestrian, you’re likely dealing with painful injuries and mental stress. While pedestrian-related incidents can carry complicated questions and concerns about liability, you don’t have to figure any of this out on your own.
At Foster Wallace, our Gladstone pedestrian accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims like you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you need. We know how to handle the ins and outs of these cases, so you can trust us to advocate for your rights.
Contact us today. The sooner you call our pedestrian accident lawyers in Gladstone, the sooner we can start working on holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. We’re here for you.
