St. Joseph Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The seriousness of pedestrian accidents can’t be overstated. Unlike drivers, who benefit from the protection of seat belts and airbags, pedestrians have little to shield them from impact.  Even accidents that occur at relatively low speeds can cause life-altering injuries. Our St. Joseph pedestrian accident lawyer is here to help you seek fair compensation and maximize your chances at an effective recovery.

Your Accident Lawyer in St. Joseph, Missouri

Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating incidents that occur on Missouri roadways. When a person on foot is struck by a vehicle, the injuries are often severe due to the lack of physical protection for the pedestrian. These accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or even fatalities. 

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC has seen firsthand how these incidents impact victims and their families. Our mission is to guide individuals through the legal process while holding negligent drivers accountable. Reach out today to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often occur because drivers fail to exercise proper caution. While every situation is unique, certain patterns are frequently seen in Missouri cases. These causes highlight the risks pedestrians face every day:

• Distracted driving, including texting or using in-car technology.

• Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections.

• Speeding in residential or high-traffic pedestrian areas.

• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs.

• Poor visibility, such as nighttime or inclement weather conditions.

Each of these circumstances can result in devastating pedestrian accidents, leaving victims in urgent need of medical care and legal guidance. While pedestrians also have responsibilities, such as following traffic signals and using crosswalks, the vast majority of these accidents stem from driver negligence. 

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC frequently works with clients who were doing everything right when they were struck by inattentive or reckless drivers.

Injuries We Often See in Pedestrian Accidents

The physical toll of pedestrian accidents is often life-changing. Victims may require emergency treatment, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and severe lacerations. 

These injuries not only bring physical pain but also emotional and financial strain.

Beyond physical injuries, many victims also suffer emotional trauma. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder often develop after serious pedestrian accidents. 

Recovery therefore requires more than medical care; it requires financial resources to support therapy, counseling, and life adjustments that address the invisible wounds caused by these devastating events.

Missouri Law and Pedestrian Accidents

Missouri law provides important protections for pedestrians. Drivers are required to exercise the highest degree of care when operating their vehicles. 

This means yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, obeying speed limits, and avoiding distractions while driving. When a driver fails to meet this obligation, they may be held liable for the injuries caused.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC emphasizes that pedestrian accidents fall under Missouri personal injury law, which allows victims to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. 

Proving negligence involves showing that the driver breached their duty of care and that this breach directly caused the pedestrian’s injuries. Their firm works diligently to gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to support claims.

It’s also important to note that Missouri doesn’t impose a cap on compensatory damages in most personal injury claims, meaning victims of pedestrian accidents can seek compensation that truly reflects the extent of their losses.

This is especially critical in cases involving catastrophic injuries, where long-term medical care and rehabilitation may be required.

Liability in Pedestrian Accidents

Determining liability in pedestrian accidents requires a careful review of all circumstances. Missouri follows a comparative fault system, which means that if a pedestrian is found partially responsible for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned. 

For example, if a pedestrian crosses outside of a designated crosswalk but the driver was speeding, both parties may share responsibility.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC helps clients understand how comparative fault applies in their case and fights to minimize any unfair blame placed on the pedestrian. They know that pedestrian accidents are rarely straightforward, and their approach involves thorough investigation to build a strong claim.

Seeking Compensation After Pedestrian Accidents

Victims of pedestrian accidents in Missouri may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income from missed work, loss of future earning potential, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. 

Families who have lost a loved one in pedestrian accidents may also pursue wrongful death claims, which cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC recognizes how crucial this compensation is for victims trying to rebuild their lives after traumatic pedestrian accidents. They strive to recover damages that reflect the seriousness of each client’s situation.

Compensation also serves another purpose: holding negligent drivers accountable. By pursuing claims under Missouri personal injury law, victims of pedestrian accidents send a message that reckless or careless behavior won’t go unchecked.

Why Choose Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC?

Victims of pedestrian accidents often feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of an injury. Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC offers compassionate and skilled legal support to those affected. Their deep knowledge of Missouri personal injury law positions them to handle pedestrian accident claims with diligence and care.

What sets their legal team apart is their dedication to clients’ well-being. They focus not only on recovering compensation but also on helping individuals and families move forward. With a proven record of advocating for victims of pedestrian accidents, they stand ready to assist those seeking justice.

Their approach is thorough, client-centered, and focused on results. Pedestrian accidents change lives in an instant, but with the right legal representation, victims can gain the financial resources they need to heal, adapt, and reclaim their futures.

Contact Our Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian accidents leave lasting impacts on victims and their families. Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC is committed to guiding victims through these challenges with care, determination, and a focus on achieving meaningful results. They’re proud to serve Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri. Call today.