St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Attorneys for Pedestrian Accidents in St. Louis, MO

Walking can be dangerous in the St. Louis metro area, whether you are walking in a residential neighborhood, downtown Clayton, the CWE, or any other areas. 

Why is Burger Law your best option for your pedestrian accident case?

• We have more than 80 years of combined litigation experience in St. Louis
• We’ve recovered over $200 Million for our clients winning complex personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents in St. Louis, MO.
• Our legal team will review your case at NO CHARGE
• NO FREE unless we’ve achieved success for you
• Our team has earned many distinctions and peer-reviewed awards for our work in civil litigation and trial work in Missouri and Illinois. A few of the honors we have earned include the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award.
• Once you hire Burger Law, we take care of everything – obtaining medical records, contacting doctors, tracking down evidence, negotiating with the insurance company, everything. We focus on your case, while you focus on your recovery.
• Our firm is one of the most- and best-reviewed law firms in St. Louis, with a 4.9 Positive rating on Google and over 600 (and counting) five-star reviews, in addition to over 100 video reviews on our website and YouTube channel. We measure our success by the satisfaction of our clients.

If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence and recklessness, call Burger Law immediately at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys regarding the specifics of your claim.

If you were injured through no fault of your own in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, see how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

What Are the Contributing Factors of Pedestrian Accidents in St. Louis?

More than 7,000 pedestrians were killed on U.S. roads in accidents involving motor vehicles in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were also an estimated 104,000 emergency room visits by pedestrians treated for motor vehicle crash-related injuries. Overall, one in six people who died in crashes in 2020 were pedestrians. These same studies indicate that most serious pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas and at night. That means that when you walk downtown after a Cardinals game or run to your North City neighborhood bodega for a late-night treat, you are at an increased risk of severe injuries.

Alcohol was involved for the driver and/or pedestrian in nearly half (46 percent) of pedestrian accidents that resulted in a pedestrian death in 2019. In addition to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, these factors contribute to pedestrian accidents:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving while drowsy
• Lack of designated crosswalks
• Poor lighting
• Population density

Age is another factor, as seniors and children are involved in a disproportionate number of pedestrian accidents. The seriousness of pedestrian accidents is generally proportional to vehicle speed and impact angle. A study by the Foundation of Traffic Safety showed that the risk of pedestrian injuries and death increases by at least two to three percent for every additional one mile per hour of vehicle speed. Also, pedestrians have less than a 5 percent chance of suffering fatal injuries when hit by vehicles traveling less than 25 mph. The rate of fatalities in pedestrian accidents increased to 45 percent for vehicles traveling 35 mph, and jumped to over 90 percent for vehicles traveling 60 mph.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, call Burger Law right away at (314) 500-HURT or complete our online contact form. Our St. Louis pedestrian accident attorney will fight for maximum compensation from the liable party.

How A St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You

When you get in a pedestrian accident and file a claim with an insurance company, they often try to undervalue your claim. This happens because insurance adjusters want to pay as little as possible to claimants. Therefore, they might downplay your injuries or the damage to your property to safeguard their bottom lines. 

However, a pedestrian accident attorney from Burger Law can help you not only get compensation for your losses but also maximize your recovery for a great settlement.

Give yourself an advantage by calling our firm for a free case evaluation. Our award-winning St. Louis pedestrian accident attorneys will take care of all aspects of your claim while you concentrate on recovering. We can:

• Conduct an investigation of the incident to determine causation and liability.
• Compile evidence to build a robust claim for compensation.
• Shield you from allegations of shared responsibility for the pedestrian accident.
• Manage negotiations with insurance providers and the opposing counsel.
• Collaborate with expert witnesses and specialists throughout the legal proceedings.
• Push for adequate settlement offers and escalate the case to trial if negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory settlement.

We are aware of the financial burden that often comes with legal claims, especially during challenging economic times. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis, so you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by hiring our St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers to fight for your recovery.

St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Even though vehicle safety features have improved, leading to decreased fatalities among vehicle occupants, pedestrians still have no protection against injuries or fatal accidents. While safety features such as safety belts protect those inside vehicles, pedestrians lack any protection.

Here are a few statistics about pedestrian accidents in St. Louis:

• Over the past three years in St. Louis County, there’s been a shocking 228% increase in pedestrian fatalities.
• Alarmingly, half of all pedestrian fatalities in St. Louis City happen in areas where predominantly minority communities reside, based on crash reports.
• Grand Blvd has been the riskiest spot for pedestrians in St. Louis for three years straight. In 2021, there were 21 crashes involving pedestrians, two of which were fatal.
• Last year, 2023, marked the deadliest year on record for pedestrians in St. Louis County. There were a total of 533 reported crashes, resulting in 646 injuries or fatalities among pedestrians and cyclists.

Experts have expressed serious concern about the rising number of pedestrians killed by drivers in St. Louis. The rise in fatalities requires more awareness from the Greater St. Louis community.

In the unfortunate event that you get involved in a pedestrian accident in St. Louis, hire our pedestrian accident attorneys from Burger Law.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Schedule a free case evaluation here.

Gary Burger

Litigation attorney

What’s My Personal Injury Case Worth If I’m Hit As A Pedestrian In St. Louis?

Walking the St. Louis metro streets as a pedestrian puts you at risk of serious, life-changing or even fatal injuries if you’re struck by a vehicle. Such accidents can result in significant physical, financial and emotional losses. Therefore, claims related to pedestrian accidents often result in substantial settlements.

However, every case is unique and can bring different settlement amounts. There are a few key factors that can determine the value of your pedestrian accident personal injury case:

• Extent of your physical recovery. If you’re not expected to fully recover physically, you might receive a higher settlement than if your injuries will ultimately heal.
• Ability to work. If you can still work and do your job after the accident, your settlement might be lower compared to if your ability to perform your job is reduced or if you can’t work at all.
• Emotional trauma. The psychological effects of being hit by a vehicle can also influence your settlement amount. Severe emotional trauma might result in a higher settlement.
• Shared responsibility. If you were partly responsible for the accident, your settlement could be proportionally reduced. The Missouri comparative negligence law allows victims to receive compensation in proportion to their fault, so long as you are not 100 percent to blame, you can recover some compensation.
• Mitigation efforts. If you took steps to lessen the impact of your injuries after the accident, it could positively affect your settlement.
• Age. Your age at the time of the accident can also be a factor. Younger individuals may receive higher settlements due to potentially longer-term effects of injuries.
• Pre-existing conditions. If the accident worsened any pre-existing medical conditions, it could affect the amount of compensation you receive. The insurance company should compensate to the extent that the incident worsened your condition.

The impact of the accident on the victim’s life greatly determines what their claim is worth. The best way to know the potential compensation you might receive after being hit by a vehicle in St. Louis is to consult with a St. Louis pedestrian accident attorney. We will assess your situation and offer tailored advice to your specific circumstances and can provide insight into the best ways to maximize your recovery.

What Compensation is Available To Injured Pedestrians In St. Louis?

When pedestrians are injured in St. Louis, they can seek the recovery of different types of compensation for their losses. Compensation is usually divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are tangible losses that are easier to quantify in monetary terms:

• Costs related to hospitalization, surgery, medication, therapy and other necessary treatments.
• Payment for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
• Future earning capacity if the survivor is unable to earn income in the future or their ability to earn income is reduced because they can no longer continue in their established career.
• Damage to personal property that occurred during the accident.
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs. 
• Nursing assistance.
• Medical equipment or assistive devices.
• Any out-of-pocket expenses related to the pedestrian accident injury. 

On the other hand, victims can receive non-economic damages or pain and suffering damages. These are intangible losses that are more challenging to quantify monetarily. These may include compensation for:

• Physical and emotional distress following an accident.
• Inability to indulge in activities and hobbies that were enjoyed before the accident.
• Psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), caused by the accident.
• Chronic physical pain.
• Reduced quality of life due to debilitating injuries. 
• Loss of consortium if the victim died as a result of the accident. 
• Embarrassment due to issues such as disfigurement or loss of body functions. 

In addition, injured pedestrians in St. Louis may also be eligible to seek and receive punitive damages. However, these damages are only awarded when it is necessary to punish the at-fault party rather than compensate the plaintiff for their losses. They acknowledge that the defendant’s actions are particularly reckless, intentional or malicious, such as those involving extreme drunk driving. 

The law allows injured pedestrians in St. Louis to pursue this compensation from the liable party in an attempt to reclaim their lives following a pedestrian accident. However, you need a legal advocate by your side to help you fight for every dollar you deserve under the law. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer like the team at Burger Law will help you determine the value of your claim and, therefore, how much compensation to demand, based on the extent of your injuries. 

Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Blamed For My Missouri Pedestrian Accident?

In Missouri, you can still recover compensation even if you are partially liable for the accident. The state has adopted a pure comparative fault system, which means that your recovery will be based on your degree of fault. According to this system, you can still receive compensation even if you were 99% to blame for the pedestrian accident. 

Here’s an example to illustrate the pure comparative fault system that applies in St. Louis:

Imagine you’re crossing the street at a crosswalk, but you’re distracted by your phone and fail to notice an oncoming car speeding. The driver is at fault for the accident because they were exceeding the speed limit and could not stop in time. However, you were also partly to blame, as you were distracted. As a result, the court assigns you a 30% fault for not paying attention, while the driver was 70% at fault for speeding.

If your total compensation is $20,000, your compensation is reduced by 30% due to your degree of fault. This means you can still receive a settlement, but the compensation will adjust based on your level of fault, so you would receive $14,000, or 70% of your overall losses. 

Some defendants try to use Missouri’s comparative fault law to their benefit. They’ll try to argue that it was mostly your fault to reduce the amount they have to pay. Luckily, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Missouri are ready to counter such tactics to ensure you are fairly compensated for your losses.

What’s The Statute Of Limitations For Pedestrian Accident Cases In Missouri?

If you have been injured as a pedestrian in Missouri, you typically have up to five years to file a personal injury lawsuit (RSMo. §516.120). This means that if you don’t file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations, you lose your right to seek compensation for your loss. In other words, you won’t be able to take legal action to seek compensation from the liable parties.

However, your attorney may advise on available exceptions to the statute of limitations depending on the circumstances of your case. This may include the discovery rule, which stalls the clock of the statute of limitations until you discover the injury.

We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation For All Of Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries in St. Louis 

At Burger Law, we are committed to fighting for compensation for all your pedestrian accident injuries. If you suffer any of these injuries following a pedestrian accident, contact our team right away for a complimentary consultation to determine your legal options for recovery.

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injury
• Fractures 
• Nerve damage
• Sprains and strains
• Internal injuries
• Cuts, bruises and lacerations
• Psychological trauma
• Paralysis
• Back injury 
• Wrongful death 

These injuries can vary in severity, but if you were injured in any way, our pedestrian accident legal team will work diligently to ensure you get compensation to help you recover and move forward with your life.

Contact Our St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Now

Did you suffer injuries as a pedestrian anywhere in the St. Louis metro area? Look no further than our skilled legal team at Burger Law. With more than $200 million won for our clients, our attorneys are dedicated to obtaining full compensation, no matter what type of injuries you suffered in your accident. 

Contact Burger Law for your free consultation today at (314) 500-HURT.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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