Columbia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

It is the most basic form of transportation, but statistics have proven that being a pedestrian on American roads is far from safe. According to estimates by the Governors Highway Safety Association, an astounding 7,485 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States in 2021 alone. Despite Columbia’s Vision Zero Action Plan, adopted in 2017, the city still saw the highest number of pedestrian-involved traffic fatalities just a couple of years later, in 2019. The reality is, with distracted driving at an all-time high, even the most cautious pedestrians can find themselves victims of a hit-and-run, or worse. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to understand that you have legal rights and options available to you.

Most pedestrian accidents are caused by driver error or negligence. This means that the driver who hit you may be held liable for your injuries and damages. However, there are instances where the pedestrian may be at fault, such as if they were jaywalking or not paying attention to their surroundings. In these cases, it may be more difficult to recover compensation. Even if a pedestrian had only one foot in the crosswalk, and was struck by an oncoming vehicle, there can be some gray area as to who is at fault. This is why it is crucial to have an experienced pedestrian accident attorney on your side, to help navigate the complexities of personal injury law and ensure you are fairly compensated for your damages.

Pedestrian Rights After an Accident

If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Many pedestrian accident victims experience a rush of adrenaline immediately following the collision, which can mask the pain of more serious injuries, like fractures or internal bleeding. It’s not uncommon for injuries to present themselves days or weeks after the accident, and by seeking medical attention right away, you’ll have a record of your injuries should you decide to file a personal injury claim. Injuries that are common in pedestrian accidents include broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

These types of injuries can have a serious impact on a victim’s life and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have a loved one who was killed in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. A dedicated attorney could help file a claim after a pedestrian collision in Columbia.

How an Attorney Could Assist with a Pedestrian Accident Case

When it comes to personal injury claims, pedestrian incidents are a complicated area of law. Missouri is a fault state when it comes to car accidents, which means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. However, in pedestrian accident cases, there may be more than one person at fault. For example, if a driver hits a pedestrian who was crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, the driver would be considered at fault. However, if the pedestrian was jaywalking, they may also be held partially responsible for the accident.

No matter the circumstances of your pedestrian crash case, it is important to have an experienced Columbia lawyer on your side. The injury claims process can be complex and time-consuming, and a legal representative will take the time to thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence through witness statements and accident reconstruction, and build a strong case on your behalf. They will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary, so you can focus on your recovery.

Contact a Columbia Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the lawyers at the Law Offices of Chris Miller could help. Our experienced Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers have years of experience representing victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We’ll review the details of your case and help you understand your legal options.