Jefferson City Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer

Being struck while walking can turn your life upside down in seconds. Suddenly, you may face not only severe physical pain and emotional distress, but also overwhelming medical bills and time away from work. In these difficult moments, it’s natural to wonder what your legal options are, whether you can hold the at-fault driver responsible, and how to secure the compensation you need to focus on recovery. Navigating these challenges requires a clear understanding of Missouri’s pedestrian laws, knowledge that empowers you to protect your rights and make informed decisions.

At Brydon, Swearengen & England, P.C., we are dedicated to standing up for injured pedestrians and their families. Our team is committed to guiding you through the legal process, answering your questions, and advocating relentlessly for the full compensation you deserve. By understanding your rights under Missouri law, you put yourself in the best possible position to rebuild and move forward after a traumatic accident.

Missouri’s Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Under Missouri Revised Statute §300.375, pedestrians are granted the right-of-way. This means drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the road. Notably, pedestrians must obey traffic control signals just like drivers. This means:

• Walk only on the “Walk” signal: You have the right-of-way when crossing with a proper signal
• Stop on “Don’t Walk”: Entering a crosswalk against the signal can affect your claim
• Complete your crossing: If the signal changes mid-crossing, you still have the right to finish crossing safely

When No Traffic Signals Exist

At unmarked intersections or mid-block crossings, different rules apply:

• Drivers must yield: When you’re crossing at an intersection without signals, vehicles must yield if you’re approaching the halfway point of the roadway
• Sudden entry prohibited: You cannot suddenly leave a curb or other safe place if it’s impossible for a driver to stop in time
• Use crosswalks when available: Always use designated crossing areas when they exist

When Vehicles Have Right-of-Way

Missouri law also specifies situations where drivers have the right-of-way:

• Mid-block crossings: If you’re not at an intersection and no crosswalk exists, vehicles have the right-of-way
• Overhead crossings: When pedestrian bridges or tunnels are provided, you must use them instead of crossing at street level

How These Laws Impact Your Injury Case

These right-of-way rules directly affect your ability to recover compensation. When a driver violates these laws and causes your injury, they can be held liable for your damages. However, if you weren’t following traffic laws at the time of your accident, it could impact your recovery under Missouri’s comparative fault system. An attorney can help you prepare accordingly.

How to Establish Driver Negligence After a Pedestrian Accident

Even when you understand the right-of-way rules, proving a driver’s negligence requires careful investigation and legal strategy. Here’s how you can establish that the driver is at fault for your injuries:

• Gathering Critical Evidence: Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage and physical evidence from the scene all help establish what happened. Your attorney will work to preserve this evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
• Documenting Traffic Violations: If the driver was speeding, texting, running a red light or violating any traffic law, this strengthens your negligence claim.
• Proving Duty of Care: All drivers owe pedestrians a duty to exercise reasonable care. This means staying alert, following traffic laws and taking steps to avoid accidents even when they have the right-of-way.
• Showing Causation: You must demonstrate that the driver’s negligent actions directly caused your injuries. Medical records, expert testimony and accident reconstruction can help establish this crucial link.

Your Path Forward After a Missouri Pedestrian Accident

Missouri’s pedestrian laws exist to protect you, but navigating an injury claim while recovering from your injuries can feel overwhelming. At Brydon, Swearengen & England P.C., we understand Missouri’s pedestrian laws and how to apply them to your specific situation. We’ll investigate your accident thoroughly, gather the evidence needed to prove your claim, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Your recovery is too important to leave to chance. Contact Brydon, Swearengen & England P.C. today for a consultation and let us help you understand your rights under Missouri law.