Columbia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents frequently occur in Columbia, Missouri. While some of these accidents are unavoidable, many are caused by careless driving. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Columbia include:

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals

One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Columbia is the failure to obey traffic signals. This could include pedestrians crossing the street when they shouldn’t or when a driver fails to stop at a traffic signal. In most pedestrian accidents, a driver has failed to yield to a stop light or stop sign or some other form of negligence involved. If you’re crossing against the light, you risk being hit by a motor vehicle that’s already started moving. Whatever the reason, if you’re not following the traffic signals, you’re putting yourself and others in danger. 

Distracted Driving

Pedestrian accidents can be caused by many factors, but one of the most common is distracted driving. When drivers are distracted, they are not paying attention to the road and may not see pedestrians crossing the street. This can result in serious injury or fatalities. Distracted pedestrians can also be a danger to themselves and others. If you are walking and are distracted by your phone, you may not see oncoming traffic or notice a pothole in the road. This can lead to dangerous situations and potential accidents.

Poor Visibility

One of the main causes of pedestrian accidents is poor visibility. This can be caused by darkness, bad weather conditions, or even poor lighting. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to take extra precautions when walking in situations that could impair your vision. It is also important to take caution when crossing streets and be aware of cars that are coming your way.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the common causes of pedestrian accidents. It’s important to obey the speed limit, especially in areas with many pedestrians.

Jaywalking

Jaywalking is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents. When people cross the street illegally, they’re not only risking their safety but also the safety of drivers and other pedestrians. Jaywalking is especially dangerous when it’s done near intersections or crosswalks, as drivers may not be expecting someone to dart out in front of them. It’s also important to note that Jaywalking is illegal in Missouri, so you could end up getting a ticket if caught. If you’re crossing the street, always use a crosswalk when available and make sure to look both ways before crossing. If there isn’t a crosswalk available, make sure to cross at a spot where you can see oncoming traffic, and they can see you.

Left-Hand Turns

When making a left turn, drivers often fail to yield to pedestrians who have the right of way, which can result in a tragic accident. To avoid these accidents, drivers should always exercise caution when making a left-hand turn. They should look both ways for oncoming traffic and pedestrians and always yield to those who have the right-of-way.

Drunk Driving

A staggering number of pedestrian accidents are caused by drunk drivers. Drunk drivers are responsible for around one-third of all fatal pedestrian accidents. It’s important to be aware of the dangers of drunk driving, especially if you’re out and about in Columbia. If you see a driver who looks like they’re intoxicated, please don’t hesitate to call the police. You could be saving a life.

The laws surrounding pedestrian accidents are complex. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need an experienced Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer to represent your interests and help you navigate the complex legal system in Columbia. Contact our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers to discuss your case right away.

Common Injuries that Occur During Pedestrian Accidents

Each year, there are thousands of pedestrian accidents in the United States. While some of these accidents result in only minor injuries, others can be quite serious. Here are five of the most common injuries that occur during pedestrian accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Atraumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that is caused by an external force. Brain injuries can be open or closed. An open head injury occurs when the skull is fractured and bone fragments enter the brain. A closed head injury is a bruise or internal bleeding on the brain that does not break the skin. Both types of injuries can cause serious damage to the brain. Some common symptoms of a TBI are loss of consciousness, headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, slurred speech, and memory problems. If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Broken Bones

Broken bone is one of the common injuries that occur during pedestrian accidents in Columbia. Broken bones can happen when you’re hit by a car, truck, or another type of vehicle. The force of the impact can cause your bones to snap and break. If you are hit by a car, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Broken bones can take a long time to heal and often require surgery.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries can include anything from bruises and lacerations to neck and back injuries. These injuries often occur when the pedestrian is struck by a car, but they can also happen when a pedestrian is hit by a bus or other type of large vehicle. Some of the most common soft tissue injuries include bruises, lacerations, muscle strains, neck injuries, and back injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries

One of the most common injuries that occur during pedestrian accidents is spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can lead to serious and permanent health complications. Some of the most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include paralysis, loss of sensation, and loss of bladder or bowel control. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries can be very severe and life-threatening. Some common internal injuries include bleeding in the brain, damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys, and ruptured intestines.

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many common injuries that occur during pedestrian accidents can be treated effectively if they are addressed early.

Compensation Available to Victims of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a common occurrence in Columbia. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Here are some of the common types of compensation that may be available to you:

Lost Wages

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Columbia, you may be able to recover lost income. This is a key type of compensation because if you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may not be able to earn a living. The lost wages you can recover will depend on several factors, including how long you cannot work and your average salary.

Medical Bills

Pedestrian accidents can cause a range of serious injuries, from cuts and bruises to broken bones and head injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses if you are injured in a pedestrian accident. These damages include the costs of ambulance transportation, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. You may also be able to recover compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering.

Pain and Suffering

One of the most common types of compensation that victims of pedestrian accidents can recover is for pain and suffering. This includes both physical and emotional pain and suffering. Missouri has laws that allow victims to recover damages for their pain and suffering. This can help cover the costs of any medical bills or treatments that you may need as a result of your accident.

Wrongful Death

If a loved one has died as the result of being hit by a car or a truck, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim is filed when the death of a person is caused by the negligence or “wrongful” act of another person or company. A few factors must be met for a wrongful death claim to be successful. The loved one must have died due to the accident, and someone else’s negligence must have caused the accident. In addition, there must be financial damages that can be linked to the death. If you believe that someone else’s negligence may have caused your loved one’s death, it is important to speak with a Columbia pedestrian injury lawyer right away.

Loss of Consortium

One form of compensation that victims of pedestrian accidents can recover is known as loss of consortium. This is a legal term that refers to the loss of the benefits of a marital relationship. This can include the loss of physical intimacy, companionship, and affection. This type of compensation is often awarded to the spouse or domestic partner of the victim. If you have lost your loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to file a pedestrian accident claim for loss of consortium.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact a Columbia pedestrian injury attorney at our law firm today to learn more about your options.

What if I was Partially at Fault?

Unfortunately, if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may not be able to receive compensation. This is because Missouri is a contributory negligence state, which means that if you are found partially responsible for the accident, you can’t recover damages from the other party. 

However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contact a lawyer after a pedestrian accident. You may still be able to receive compensation from your own insurance company, and your lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement. To learn more about your legal rights, contact an experienced Columbia pedestrian accident attorney now.

Statutes of Limitations of Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri 

Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is five years. You have five years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.

Let Us Fight For You

Pedestrian accidents can be some of the most devastating collisions a person can experience. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Our Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. are here to fight for you.

We have several years of experience representing victims of pedestrian accidents. We know what it takes to get the best results for our clients. We’ll work closely with you to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Don’t try to fight the insurance companies on your own. Let us do the hard work for you.Contact our Columbia pedestrian accident attorneys by calling 816-888-8888 to get the compensation you deserve.