What Are the Common St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims?

As stated above, most St. Louis pedestrian accidents involve alcohol, distracted driving and speeding. Typically, the most common injuries our St. Louis pedestrian accidents lawyer sees include:

• Head trauma – Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Hemorrhaging and Concussions

There were over 64,000 traumatic brain injury deaths in 2020 according to the CDC, and trucks and cars are one of the leading causes of fatal TBI. Traumatic brain injuries are caused by sudden trauma, either by impact or penetration, to the brain. While mild and moderate cases generally heal successfully, severe TBI can result in coma or death. Severe traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for individuals under the age of 44.

• Neck and Back or Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal Injuries are serious injuries that can affect your mobility and the motor function of your limbs. The spinal cord is the main avenue that your brain uses to send commands throughout your body. According to the World Health Organization, 90 percent of spinal cord injury cases are caused by trauma. Any damage to your spine can often result in serious injuries throughout other areas of the body.

• Broken or Crushed Bones

Trauma from St. Louis pedestrian accidents and other similiar traumas are the most common causes of broken bones. Extreme breaks like displaced fractures or comminuted fractures when the bone is shattered into several pieces can be particularly dangerous.

• Severe Mental and Emotional Distress

The shock of sustaining injuries in a St. Louis pedestrian accident can have lasting effects, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What Are Some St. Louis Pedestrian Accidents That Do Not Involve Motor Vehicles?

Not all responsibilities toward pedestrians lie solely with drivers of motor vehicles. No, property owners have a duty to neighbors, postal workers, guests and others lawfully on their property, to keep their property free from hazards that are likely to cause injury. The following examples are common cases of premises liability that can also cause pedestrian accidents:

• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Dog bite accidents
• Construction site accidents
• Swimming pool accidents
• Poorly maintained sidewalks
• Security defects
• Broken escalators
• Uneven surfaces

Pedestrian Accidents in St. Louis: Safety Tips for When You Are Walking

• Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk available, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Stay alert at all times; do not be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians.
• Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
• Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol when walking; they impair your abilities and judgment too.

How walkable is your community?

Pedestrian Accidents in St. Louis: Safety Tips for When You Are Driving

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as night time or in bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be pedestrians crossing that you cannot see.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around pedestrians on the street.
• Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where there are children present.
• Be extra cautious when backing up – pedestrians can move into your path.
• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.