Hit In A Crosswalk In Missouri?

Sansone & Lauber | December 15, 2025 | Pedestrian Accident Articles

Hit In A Crosswalk In Missouri?

If you were hit in a crosswalk in Missouri, you almost always have a strong legal claim against the driver who failed to yield, and you should contact an experienced Missouri pedestrian accident lawyer immediately to protect your rights, your health, and the full value of your case.

In Missouri, drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks — including many unmarked crosswalks at intersections — and must slow down or stop to let you cross safely. When they ignore those rules and hit you, the law is on your side.

At Sansone & Lauber, our St. Louis trial lawyers represent pedestrians who were hit in crosswalks, intersections, and on streets across Missouri. We’ve recovered significant verdicts and settlements for seriously injured clients and families facing some of the worst moments of their lives.

If you were hit while walking, do not try to battle the driver’s insurance company alone—especially if you’re dealing with hospital stays, surgery, or long-term recovery. One call can put a proven trial team between you and the insurance company:

📞 Call Sansone & Lauber now at 314-863-0500 for a free consultation.
No fee unless we win money for you.

1. What Are Your Rights If You’re Hit in a Crosswalk in Missouri?

Missouri law gives pedestrians strong protections at crosswalks and intersections.

Drivers Must Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks

Under Missouri law, when traffic signals are not in place or not operating, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a crosswalk. The driver must slow down or stop if needed to allow the pedestrian to cross safely.

Legal and safety guides for Missouri emphasize that:

Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections, including many unmarked crosswalks.
When a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk, drivers approaching the intersection must yield.

If a driver blows through a crosswalk and hits you, they are very often clearly negligent under Missouri law.

When Pedestrians Must Yield

There are also rules for pedestrians:

When crossing outside a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians generally must yield the right of way to vehicles.
Pedestrians should not suddenly leave the curb and “dart out” into the path of a vehicle so close that the driver cannot reasonably stop.

These rules are relevant in the insurance company’s favorite argument: “The pedestrian wasn’t in a crosswalk” or “they jumped out in front of the car.”

But even if you weren’t in a perfect position or made a mistake, that does not automatically kill your case — because of how Missouri handles shared fault, which we’ll cover next.

2. Missouri’s Comparative Fault Rules: You Can Still Recover Even If They Blame You

Insurance adjusters love to blame pedestrians:

“You were looking at your phone.”
“You should have waited for the next light.”
“You weren’t exactly in the crosswalk lines.”

Here’s the truth:

Missouri Uses Pure Comparative Negligence

Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence system.

That means:

You can recover compensation even if you were mostly at fault (up to 99%).
Your compensation is reduced only by your percentage of fault.

Example:
A jury finds your total damages are $1,000,000 but decides you were 20% at fault for crossing late in the signal.

Total damages: $1,000,000
Your share of fault: 20%
Your net recovery: $800,000

So even if the driver’s insurance tries to argue you were partially responsible, you are not automatically barred from a claim. The key is having a serious trial lawyer who can push back and show exactly how and why the driver failed to yield, failed to pay attention, or broke the rules of the road.

At Sansone & Lauber, one of our first jobs in a crosswalk case is to lock down liability and aggressively limit any blame they try to put on you.

3. What To Do Immediately After You’re Hit in a Crosswalk

If you’re injured, you may not be able to do much at the scene. That’s okay. Use this as a checklist, and ask a friend or family member to help if you can.

Step 1: Call 911 and Get Medical Help

Make sure police and EMS are called to the scene.
Tell the officer exactly what happened — that you were hit while walking or in a crosswalk.
If paramedics recommend transport, take the ambulance. Your health is more important than anything.

Missouri pedestrian lawyers point out that pedestrian crashes often cause severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries because the human body has no protection against a vehicle’s force.

Do not shrug it off. Even if you think you’re “okay,” get checked. Concussions, internal bleeding, and serious orthopedic injuries are easy to miss at the scene.

Step 2: Make Sure a Police Report Is Filed

A formal police report is critical. It:

Documents where and how the crash happened.
Notes whether you were in a crosswalk or intersection.
Identifies the driver, vehicle, and insurance information.
May contain witness information and preliminary fault findings.

If there is no police report, it becomes your word versus the driver’s. That’s exactly what the insurance company wants.

Step 3: Gather Evidence if You Can

If your injuries allow, or if someone with you can help:

Take photos of:
- The crosswalk and intersection
- The vehicle that hit you (including license plate and any damage)
- Traffic lights or signals
- Your visible injuries
Get contact information for witnesses:
- Names, phone numbers, emails
Look for cameras:
- Businesses on the corners
- Homes with doorbell cameras
- Traffic or city cameras

The more evidence we have, the harder it is for the driver to deny responsibility later.

Step 4: Get Full Medical Evaluation and Follow-Up

Once you’re in the ER or hospital:

Make sure the records clearly note: pedestrian hit by car in crosswalk (or at intersection).
Report all symptoms — pain, dizziness, confusion, memory issues, numbness, headaches, vision issues, etc.
Follow all discharge instructions and go to every follow-up appointment.

Insurers often argue that if you waited to get treatment or skipped follow-ups, you must not be seriously hurt. Consistent treatment protects both your health and your case.

Step 5: Call a Missouri Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

As soon as you are stable enough — or a family member can help — talk to a lawyer before you deal with the driver’s insurance company.

If you were hit in a crosswalk anywhere in Missouri, call Sansone & Lauber at 314-863-0500.
We will talk with you for free, explain your rights, and start protecting your claim immediately.

4. Common Defenses Drivers Use – And How We Fight Them

In crosswalk and pedestrian cases, we see the same defenses over and over. Our job is to dismantle them.

“I Didn’t See Them”

This is the number-one excuse. The law does not accept “I didn’t see them” as a free pass. Drivers must keep a proper lookout and adjust their driving for:

Intersections
Crosswalks
Traffic and weather conditions
Distracted walkers, children, seniors, and vulnerable pedestrians

We counter this defense by:

Analyzing sight lines at the intersection
Using photos, videos, and reconstruction experts when needed
Showing the driver had ample opportunity to see you and stop

“They Were Outside the Lines / Crossing Against the Light”

Even if you were slightly outside the marked crosswalk, or the light was changing, that doesn’t suddenly make the driver blameless — particularly if:

You were clearly visible.
The driver was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent.

Because Missouri uses pure comparative fault, we focus on:

How the driver’s conduct was the primary cause.
Why any minor misstep on your part should not wipe out your claim.

“They Were On Their Phone”

Drivers love to say pedestrians were “on their phone.” Maybe you were. That does not give them a license to run people over.

We look at:

Whether the driver was also distracted (phone records, in-car systems, etc.).
Whether they were speeding, running a light, or failing to yield.
How much time they had to see and avoid you.

Again, even if a jury decides you were partially at fault, you can still recover, and our goal is to minimize that percentage as much as the facts allow.

5. Typical Injuries When You’re Hit in a Crosswalk

Pedestrian collisions are some of the most serious cases we handle. Studies and experience in Missouri show that pedestrians are far more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries in vehicle impacts.

Common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Pelvic and hip fractures
Leg and arm fractures, often multiple
Crush injuries to the chest or abdomen
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Severe lacerations and road rash
Disfigurement and scarring

These injuries often mean:

Hospital stays
Multiple surgeries
In-patient rehab
Months or years of physical therapy
Chronic pain and permanent limitations

That is why crosswalk cases can be high-value claims when properly documented and aggressively pursued.

6. Who Pays After You’re Hit in a Crosswalk in Missouri?

In a Missouri pedestrian crash, compensation may come from one or more sources:

6.1. The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance

This is usually the primary source. The driver’s liability policy pays for:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Other economic and non-economic harms

In serious injury or wrongful death cases, minimum limits are often far too low. That’s when we look for additional coverage.

6.2. Your Own Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

If the driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage, we may be able to pursue:

UM benefits (if they have no insurance)
UIM benefits (if their limits are too low)

Your own auto policy (or a family member’s, if you live with them) may provide significant additional compensation. Many people have more UM/UIM than they realize.

6.3. Other Potential Defendants

Depending on the facts, there may be additional responsible parties:

A driver’s employer (if they were on the job)
A commercial vehicle owner or fleet company
In rare cases, a property owner or government entity, if a dangerous condition or defective traffic control contributed

These cases are complex and often involve special notice requirements and shorter deadlines. Another reason not to wait.

7. How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Missouri?

In most Missouri personal injury cases, including pedestrian and crosswalk injuries, the statute of limitations is five years from the date of the accident.

But do not let that “five years” mislead you:

Evidence, video, and witnesses are easiest to secure in the first days and weeks.
Waiting years can seriously weaken your case.
Some claims involving government entities or wrongful death have shorter deadlines.

The safer move is simple:

Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
If you were hit in a crosswalk, call Sansone & Lauber at 314-863-0500 and we’ll explain exactly which deadlines apply to your situation.

8. How Sansone & Lauber Handles Crosswalk and Pedestrian Cases

A crosswalk case is not “just” a car accident. It requires a careful, aggressive approach tailored to pedestrian injuries.

Here’s how a trial firm like Sansone & Lauber typically attacks these cases.

8.1. Full Investigation and Scene Analysis

We work quickly to:

Obtain the police report and 911 recordings.
Photograph and, if necessary, measure the scene and crosswalk.
Secure any available surveillance or traffic-camera footage.
Inspect the vehicle and damage patterns.
Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh.

In serious cases, we may bring in:

Accident reconstruction experts
Human factors experts (visibility, perception, reaction time)

The goal: show clearly that the driver should have seen you and should have yielded — and that their failure to do so caused your injuries.

8.2. Building the Medical and Life-Impact Story

We coordinate with your medical team and, where needed:

Treating physicians
Orthopedic and neurologic specialists
Physical and occupational therapists
Life-care planners and vocational experts
Economists

We use this to build a detailed picture of:

Your injuries and treatment
How they affect your daily life
Your ability to work now and in the future
Your long-term needs and costs

A strong pedestrian case is not just about how the impact happened — it’s about how the crash changed your life and your family’s life.

8.3. Dealing With Insurance So You Don’t Have To

Once we’re retained:

We notify all insurance carriers that you’re represented.
Adjusters must go through us, not you.
We stop the constant calls and requests that add stress to your recovery.

We then:

Gather all records and bills
Analyze every applicable policy (liability, UM/UIM, MedPay)
Develop a valuation range based on Missouri law and jury verdicts

8.4. Negotiation and Trial-Ready Strategy

We prepare every serious case as though it will be tried in front of a Missouri jury. That trial posture:

Puts pressure on insurers to make real offers
Signals that lowball tactics will not work
Maximizes your leverage in settlement discussions

If the insurance company refuses to pay full value, we will file suit and go to court. Our job is to turn “I was hit in a crosswalk” into a compelling, evidence-backed case that a jury will understand and respond to.

9. What NOT To Do After Being Hit in a Crosswalk

Just as important as what you should do is what you should avoid.

9.1. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement Without a Lawyer

Adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that:

Shift blame onto you
Minimize your injuries
Lock you into incomplete or poorly worded answers

Politely refuse and refer them to your attorney. Once you hire us, we handle all of this.

9.2. Don’t Post About It on Social Media

A single photo, comment, or “I’m okay” update can be used out of context to argue that you weren’t seriously injured.

The safest rule: until your claim is resolved, do not post about the crash, your injuries, or your physical activities.

9.3. Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement Without Legal Advice

If you were hit in a crosswalk and hospitalized, the driver’s insurance may move fast with a “we just want to help you” offer.

Ask yourself:

Do they even know the full extent of your injuries yet?
Have your doctors given a long-term prognosis?
Do you know what your future medical bills and lost earnings will look like?

Once you sign a release, it’s over. You cannot go back later for more money. Always, always have a serious injury lawyer review any offer before you say yes.

10. FAQs: Hit in a Crosswalk in Missouri

“Do pedestrians always have the right of way in Missouri?”

No — but they often do at intersections and crosswalks. Missouri law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (including many unmarked crosswalks at intersections) when there are no operating signals, and drivers must obey pedestrian signals where present.

Outside of crosswalks or intersections, pedestrians generally must yield to vehicles — but even then, you may still have a claim under Missouri’s comparative fault rules if the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent.

“What if I was partly at fault?”

Under Missouri’s pure comparative negligence system, you can still recover money even if you were partly or mostly at fault.

The key is to have an attorney who knows how to minimize that percentage and maximize your recovery.

“I walked against the light — do I still have a case?”

Possibly, yes. Walking against the light may increase your share of fault, but if the driver was:

Speeding
Texting
Running a red light or failing to yield
Driving impaired

…you may still be able to recover significant compensation. This is very fact-specific and absolutely worth a free case review.

“How much is my crosswalk case worth?”

There is no one-size-fits-all number. Value depends on:

Severity of your injuries
Length and type of medical treatment
Future medical needs
Impact on your ability to work
Whether you have permanent disability or disfigurement
Strength of the liability case and comparative fault issues
Available insurance coverage

A serious pedestrian injury case with hospitalization, surgery, and lasting limitations can be a high-value claim when properly handled.

11. What You Should Do Right Now

If you were hit in a crosswalk in Missouri — whether in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, or anywhere in between — your next moves matter.

Here’s what you should do today:

Get the medical care you need. Follow your doctors’ orders and attend all follow-ups.
Do not talk to the driver’s insurance company about fault or injuries without legal counsel.
Save everything: bills, discharge papers, photos, witness info.
Stay off social media about the crash and your injuries.
Call a trial-tested Missouri pedestrian accident lawyer.

📞 Call Sansone & Lauber at 314-863-0500 now.
The consultation is free. There is no obligation.
You pay no attorney’s fee unless we win money for you.

You Were Hit In A Crosswalk & Deserve Protection And Full Compensation

You did what you were supposed to do: you crossed at or near a crosswalk or intersection in Missouri. A driver failed to yield, failed to pay attention, or flat-out ignored the law — and you’re the one lying in a hospital bed, facing pain, uncertainty, and mounting bills.

You should not have to navigate this alone.

Sansone & Lauber is here to:

Enforce your rights as a pedestrian under Missouri law
Take on the insurance companies and their excuses
Build a powerful, trial-ready case
Fight for every dollar the law allows for your injuries, losses, and future

If you or someone you love was hit in a crosswalk in Missouri, make your next step your strongest one:

📞 Call Sansone & Lauber at 314-863-0500 today.

You focus on healing.
We’ll focus on forcing the driver’s insurance company to take responsibility for what happened to you.