St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian crash can disrupt everyday life long after the collision. Thompson Law helps injured pedestrians assess their losses, understand liability, and pursue compensation backed by the facts of your case.

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What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in St. Louis

Your health comes first. Get medical care even if you feel okay, since some injuries take days to show up. When you are able, these steps help protect your claim

1. Get Medical Attention

See a doctor soon, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like concussions, can take days to show up and need checking

2. Report the Accident

Make sure the police file a report at the scene. Ask for the report number and the responding officer’s name before you leave

3. Collect Evidence

If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, the vehicles, your injuries, and the traffic signals. Get the driver’s contact and insurance details too

4. Get Witness Information

Ask anyone who saw the crash for their name and phone number. Write down what you remember right away, while details are still fresh

5. Keep Records of Your Expenses

Save every bill, prescription receipt, and ride to treatment. Also keep track of any work you miss because of your injuries

6. Be Careful With Insurance Calls

You don’t have to give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurer. Avoid admitting fault or posting about the crash online

7. Speak With a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

A lawyer can explain your rights and options before you talk to insurers. Call Thompson Law at 314-650-8520 for a free review.

Discuss Your Legal Options With Thompson Law

If the driver’s insurance company calls, you do not have to give a recorded statement or accept an offer right away. It is fine to say you want to talk with a lawyer first.

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Why Choose Thompson Law for Your St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Case

Uncovering Available Insurance Coverage

A pedestrian accident may trigger coverage under multiple policies. We review the at-fault driver’s insurance and your own uninsured motorist coverage, where available.

Addressing Pre-Existing Conditions

Tyler Thompson spent 12 years defending insurance claims. That experience helps him anticipate insurer arguments that current injuries stem from pre-existing conditions rather than the accident.

Evidence-Driven Case Strategy

Police reports, witness statements, vehicle data, and available camera footage can help establish fault. We also document medical expenses, lost income, and anticipated future care.

No Upfront Legal Fees

We handle eligible cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning attorney fees depend on the outcome. The fee agreement explains how fees and case expenses are handled.

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How Thompson Law Can Help With a Pedestrian Accident Claim

A pedestrian accident can leave you dealing with much more than physical injuries. There may be medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about when you can return to normal life. We help you understand your options and handle the legal work involved in your claim.

Investigating What Happened

Pedestrian crashes often come down to a few details: the crosswalk, the signal, and where the driver was looking. We piece those together from the scene

Preserving Important Evidence

Dash cams and store cameras often overwrite footage within days. We act quickly to preserve footage, police reports, and witness accounts.

Reviewing Insurance Coverage

A pedestrian can be covered by the driver’s policy, a business’s policy, or your own auto coverage. We identify every policy that may apply.

Documenting Your Losses

We track medical bills, missed shifts, and the cost of help around the house while you recover.

Recognizing the Personal Impact

An injury can change how you move, work, and feel on ordinary trips, including crossing the street. We document those changes so they become part of your claim.

Managing the Legal Process

We handle the paperwork, deadlines, and insurer calls, so you can focus on healing.

Advocating in Court

If an insurer will not make a fair offer, we will talk with you about filing suit and what that would involve.

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Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in St. Louis

Pedestrian accidents often happen when drivers fail to recognize crossing pedestrians, misjudge their movements, or disregard traffic rules. Identifying the cause can help establish who may be legally responsible for the collision.

Distracted Driving

Drivers who text, check navigation, or adjust in-car controls may take their attention off the road and fail to notice nearby pedestrians crossing.

Speeding

Excessive speed reduces the time drivers have to react to pedestrians. It can also increase injury severity when a collision occurs.

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks

Drivers who fail to yield when pedestrians have the right of way can cause collisions at marked crosswalks, intersections, and other designated crossing areas.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs can put pedestrians at risk when drivers enter intersections or crosswalks without checking for people crossing.

Unsafe Turns

Left and right turns require drivers to watch for pedestrians crossing the road. Failing to check the crosswalk before turning can lead to a collision.

Backing Up in Parking Lots

Drivers reversing from parking spaces or driveways may strike pedestrians when visibility is limited or when they fail to check behind them.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it harder for drivers to recognize pedestrians and respond safely.

Poor Visibility

Dark streets, heavy rain, and obstructed sightlines can make pedestrians harder to see. Drivers must still exercise appropriate care in these conditions.

Failure to Check Blind Spots

Pedestrians may be difficult to see when drivers change lanes, pull away from curbs, or maneuver larger vehicles. Failing to check blind spots can result in collisions.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle

Crosswalk Accidents

Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at marked or unmarked crosswalks may be liable for resulting injuries, depending on the circumstances.

Intersection Accidents

Red-light violations, unsafe turns, and failure to yield can injure pedestrians crossing intersections.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

When a driver leaves the scene after striking a pedestrian, available insurance coverage and other recovery options may depend on the circumstances.

Distracted Driving Accidents

A driver looking at a phone, adjusting navigation, or otherwise losing focus may fail to notice a pedestrian in time to avoid a collision.

Speeding and Impaired Driving Accidents

Excessive speed and impairment can affect a driver’s reaction time and judgment, increasing the risk of striking pedestrians.

Parking Lot and Driveway Accidents

Reversing vehicles, obstructed sightlines, and failure to check for people nearby can cause serious injuries in parking lots and driveways.

Commercial Truck Accidents

A truck driver’s limited visibility, unsafe maneuver, or failure to notice someone near the vehicle may contribute to a pedestrian collision.

Child Pedestrian Accidents

Children struck near schools, residential streets, or driveways may suffer serious injuries when drivers fail to notice them or adjust their driving appropriately.

Roadside Pedestrian Accidents

Walking along a road can become dangerous when drivers fail to maintain a safe distance or lose control of their vehicles.

Unsafe Turn and Failure-to-Yield Accidents

Left and right turns require drivers to check for pedestrians and yield when required. Failure to do so can lead to preventable collisions.

Multi-Party Pedestrian Accidents

When multiple drivers or other parties may have contributed to a collision, determining responsibility requires examining the evidence and each party’s actions.

This list is not exhaustive. Every accident has its own facts, evidence, and legal issues. We can review the circumstances and help you understand your options.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?

The driver who hit you may be liable for your injuries. Other parties may also share responsibility, depending on how the accident occurred.

The At-Fault Driver

Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield can make a driver liable for injuries caused by a pedestrian collision.

Employers and Commercial Businesses

If a driver caused the accident while performing job duties, the employer may also be liable under applicable law.

Trucking and Delivery Companies

Negligent vehicle maintenance, unsafe driving practices, or other company failures may contribute to pedestrian accidents involving commercial vehicles.

Property Owners

Obstructed sightlines or hazardous access areas may contribute to a collision. Property owner liability depends on the condition and its connection to the accident.

Government Entities

Dangerous road conditions or defective traffic controls may contribute to pedestrian accidents. Claims against government entities are subject to specific legal requirements and deadlines.

Other Responsible Parties

A vehicle owner or another third party may share liability if their negligence contributed to the collision.

Identifying all liable parties can help uncover additional insurance coverage. Thompson Law reviews the evidence to assess fault and determine which parties may be responsible for your injuries.

Evidence That Can Support a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Building a pedestrian accident claim often requires records of the collision, medical treatment, and financial losses. Some evidence, especially surveillance footage, may be lost if you don’t preserve it promptly.


Police and Accident Reports

Police reports may include details about the collision, witness information, traffic citations, and the officer’s observations at the scene.

Medical Records

Emergency room records, test results, and treatment notes document your injuries and the care you received after the accident.

Photos and Videos

Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, crosswalks, and traffic signals can help show the conditions that contributed to the collision.

Witness Statements

People who saw the accident may help clarify how the driver acted, where you were crossing, and what happened before impact.

Camera Footage and Vehicle Data

Traffic cameras, nearby business surveillance, and dashcam footage may capture the collision or show what happened just before it.

Employment and Income Records

Pay stubs, tax records, and employer statements can help establish lost wages if your injuries kept you from working.

Medical Opinions

Medical professionals can explain your injuries’ severity, the treatment you may need, and any lasting effects on your mobility or daily activities.

Records of Daily Challenges

Keeping notes about difficulty walking, missed activities, or needing help with everyday tasks can show how the injuries affect your life.

Don’t let important evidence slip away; talk with a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer to understand your legal options. 

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Compensation You May Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Case

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for the accident-related losses. The amount depends on your injuries, the evidence, available insurance, and other facts.

Potential compensation may include:

Medical Expenses

This may include emergency treatment, hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and other accident-related care.

Future Medical Care

Some injuries require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation. Future medical expenses may be considered when supported by the evidence.

Lost Wages

If your injuries cause you to miss work, you may be able to seek compensation for the income you lost.

Reduced Earning Ability

Serious injuries can affect your ability to return to your previous job or earn the same income. This loss may be considered when supported by the facts.

Pain and Suffering

You may be able to recover compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.

Emotional Distress

A serious pedestrian accident can affect your sleep, confidence, and emotional well-being. The impact may be considered as part of a claim when allowed by law.

Loss of Normal Activities

If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, spending time with family, or doing everyday tasks, these changes may be relevant to your claim.

Other Accident-Related Expenses

Depending on your circumstances, you may also have losses related to transportation, household help, or other changes your injuries require.

Not every type of compensation applies to every case. No attorney can guarantee a particular settlement or recovery amount.

How Much Is a St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Worth?

Your injuries, recovery time, and how the collision affects your ability to work can all affect what your case is worth.

The value of your claim may depend on:

  • The type and severity of your injuries
  • The medical treatment you need now and in the future
  • How long you are unable to work
  • Whether your injuries affect your future earning ability
  • The pain and limitations caused by the accident
  • The strength of the evidence showing who was at fault
  • Whether another party shares responsibility
  • The insurance coverage available
  • The long-term effect of your injuries on daily life

The driver’s insurance policy may affect how much is available to pay a claim. Other coverage may also apply in some situations.

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Missouri Pedestrian Accident Laws That May Affect Your Case

Missouri generally allows five years to file a personal injury lawsuit under §516.120 RSMo. However, shorter deadlines or different rules may apply in certain cases, including claims involving government entities.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way

Under §300.375 RSMo, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks when the statute applies. Pedestrians also have responsibilities under Missouri traffic laws, and the collision’s facts can affect liability.

Comparative Fault

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. If a pedestrian shares responsibility for an accident, damages are generally reduced in proportion to that person’s share of fault rather than automatically barred.

Claims Against Government Entities

Claims involving government entities may be subject to sovereign immunity and specific exceptions under §537.600 RSMo. The accident circumstances and the nature of the alleged negligence can affect whether a claim is permitted.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Under §379.203 RSMo, Missouri automobile liability policies generally must include uninsured motorist coverage, subject to statutory requirements. Depending on the policy and circumstances, this coverage may provide a source of recovery when an uninsured driver injures a pedestrian.

The information above is general and does not apply to every pedestrian accident claim. Speak with an attorney about the laws, coverage, and deadlines that may apply to your situation.

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16 yrs
of legal experience
$6M+
Recovered for clients
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Client Reviews
Erin D
After a very negative experience with our first personal injury lawyer, Tyler Thompson renewed our faith in the legal system and exceeded our expectations as our represention. Tyler was very communicative, compassionate, diligent in moving our case along, and found us the right specialist who finally was able to give us an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. We highly recommend Tyler and the Thompson Law STL Firm! “
Colleen Kelly
After being unsatisfied with my initial representation, I contacted Tyler who was determined, informative and confident in my case from start to finish. Through the process, he offered updates and was able to get the matter resolved to satisfaction. Beyond this, he was personable and a pleasure to be represented by- after my case finally settled, he called me that day and offered to drop the check off to me at my work. I'll be sure to share his contact with anyone who may need representation. Thank you, Tyler!
Bel da Silva
Can't speak highly enough of Tyler! He always kept me up to date on the case and was able to get my settlement higher than what the other party wanted to pay. He was timely and all around a nice guy. He even picked me up on the way to mediation. He always listened to me and I really feel like at every step of the way had my best interest at heart. I wish I could give him 10 stars out of 5!
Jason Malacarne
Tyler Thompson was my attorney during a car accident situation where I was injured. He worked for a different firm at the time I hired him originally, but I liked him so much and felt he had strong character and integrity, I made the decision to stick with him as my attorney when he no longer worked there. Well, I couldn't have made a better decision. Tyler is not just a good attorney who delivers when he says he will, he is also a good person.

Injured in a St. Louis Pedestrian Accident

You don’t have to handle the claim alone. Contact Thompson Law for support.

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Meet Your Attorney

Choose an Attorney Who Understands the Insurance Claims Process From Both Sides

Meet Tyler Thompson, an experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney with more than 12 years of legal experience. Before focusing on representing injured individuals, Tyler worked in insurance defense, including serving as in-house counsel for a national insurance company.

That experience gives Tyler a firsthand understanding of how insurance companies evaluate personal injury claims. He knows the questions insurers may ask, the factors they consider, and the issues that can affect the value of a claim.

Today, Tyler uses that experience to build strong cases for injured clients and negotiate with insurance companies from a position of knowledge. His goal is to help clients understand their options and pursue the compensation they deserve.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Louis Pedestrian Accidents

Seek medical attention first, then report the collision to the police. If possible, collect the driver’s details, photograph the scene, and get witness contact information. Keep medical records and receipts related to your injuries.

Yes. If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may have grounds for compensation. Traffic signals, right-of-way rules, witness accounts, and other evidence can help establish how the collision occurred.

Report the hit-and-run to the police and preserve any available evidence, including witness details and nearby camera footage. Depending on the circumstances and your policy, uninsured motorist coverage may provide a recovery option.

There is no fixed settlement amount. Your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage can all affect the compensation your claim may support.

Yes. You may seek compensation for income lost while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries reduce your future earning capacity, those losses may also be considered. Pay records and employer statements can help document them.

The driver’s account does not determine legal responsibility. Police reports, witness statements, photographs, and video footage may help clarify what happened. Available evidence matters when evaluating disputed fault.

You can handle a claim without a lawyer. However, legal representation may help if your injuries are serious, liability is disputed, or an insurer challenges your losses. An attorney can explain your options and help you assess the claim.

No. Many claims resolve through settlement negotiations with an insurance company. If negotiations don’t produce an acceptable agreement, you may need to file a lawsuit. The right approach depends on the facts and available options.

Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, so you may still recover compensation if you share responsibility for the accident. Your damages are generally reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are 20% at fault, your recovery could be reduced to $80,000.

Missouri generally allows five years to file a personal injury lawsuit under §516.120 RSMo. However, different deadlines or exceptions may apply in certain situations, including some claims involving government entities. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help you understand the deadline that applies to your case.

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