Missouri Crosswalk Laws And Pedestrian Injury Claims

Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating personal injury cases we see at Sansone & Lauber. Understanding Missouri Crosswalk Laws and Pedestrian Injury Claims isn’t just about knowing the statutes—it’s about knowing how these laws directly impact your right to recover full compensation after being hit.

Every year, Missouri pedestrians are struck by careless drivers who ignore the rules of the road. Many of these crashes happen in crosswalks—the very places designed to protect people walking.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you need a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer who will aggressively fight to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Missouri Crosswalk Laws Explained

Missouri traffic laws are clear when it comes to pedestrian safety, but drivers often fail to follow them. Here’s what you need to know:

• Right-of-Way in Crosswalks: Under Missouri law, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks and at intersections where traffic signals are not present.

• Unmarked Crosswalks: Even if a crosswalk is not painted, intersections typically have an “implied crosswalk.” Pedestrians still have the right to cross, and vehicles must yield.

• Traffic Signals and Signs: When signals are in place, pedestrians must obey them. But when drivers run red lights or fail to stop at a crosswalk, serious injuries can result.

• Duty of Care: Both drivers and pedestrians have a duty to exercise reasonable care. But because pedestrians are far more vulnerable, the burden is heavily on drivers to prevent collisions.

Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks can result in citations, fines, and—most importantly—civil liability when someone is injured.

Why Pedestrian Accidents in Crosswalks Are So Deadly

Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection. When struck, the human body absorbs the full impact of a moving vehicle. Even at lower speeds, this can lead to:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Spinal cord damage

• Broken bones

• Internal bleeding

• Fatal injuries

As a crosswalk accident lawyer in St. Louis, we’ve represented clients whose lives were completely altered in seconds because a driver looked at their phone instead of the road.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Missouri Pedestrian Accident?

In Missouri Crosswalk Laws and Pedestrian Injury Claims, liability often rests on the negligent driver—but other parties may also be responsible. Potential defendants include:

• Drivers who fail to yield, speed, or drive distracted

• Employers if the driver was operating a commercial vehicle or company car

• Cities or municipalities if poor crosswalk design, broken signals, or missing signage contributed to the accident

• Vehicle manufacturers if a defect (like brake failure) played a role

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Missouri will aggressively investigate all angles to maximize your compensation.

Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents in Missouri

We frequently see the following dangerous behaviors cause devastating pedestrian crashes:

1. Distracted driving (texting, eating, or adjusting navigation)

2. Speeding near intersections and school zones

3. Running red lights or stop signs

4. Failing to check blind spots while turning

5. Drunk or drug-impaired driving

6. Aggressive driving and road rage

7. Poor visibility due to weather or lack of lighting

Each of these factors can support a strong personal injury claim when tied to Missouri crosswalk laws.

Missouri’s Comparative Fault Rule

One issue that often arises is comparative fault. Missouri follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. That means:

• Even if you were partially at fault—for example, if you crossed outside a designated crosswalk—you can still recover damages.

• Your recovery, however, will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Insurance companies love to exploit this rule to shift blame onto the pedestrian. At Sansone & Lauber, we know their tactics, and we fight back hard to protect your rights.

What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Missouri

If you’re hit by a car in a crosswalk, what you do immediately after the accident can make or break your claim. Follow these steps:

1. Call 911 – Report the crash and request police and medical help.

2. Document the scene – Take photos of the crosswalk, traffic lights, and vehicle position.

3. Get witness information – Eyewitness testimony is powerful in crosswalk accident claims.

4. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries may surface later.

5. Do not talk to insurance adjusters – They are not on your side.

6. Contact a St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyer immediately – The sooner you have legal representation, the stronger your claim.

Compensation Available in Pedestrian Injury Claims

Victims of crosswalk accidents in Missouri may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, medications)

• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Permanent disability or disfigurement

• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members in fatal cases

At Sansone & Lauber, we don’t just seek settlements—we fight for maximum verdicts in court when insurance companies refuse to pay fairly.

How Insurance Companies Fight Pedestrian Accident Claims

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Common tactics include:

• Arguing the pedestrian “darted out” into traffic

• Blaming poor visibility, road design, or the pedestrian’s clothing

• Offering lowball settlements before the victim consults an attorney

• Dragging out the process to pressure victims into giving up

That’s why you need an aggressive injury attorney who knows how to dismantle these excuses and prove negligence.

Why You Need a Missouri Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accident cases are not like ordinary car accident claims. They involve unique laws, higher stakes, and more severe injuries. Here’s why hiring Sansone & Lauber can make the difference:

• We have extensive experience with Missouri crosswalk laws and pedestrian injury claims.

• We hire accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and financial analysts to build your case.

• We take on big insurance companies and win.

• We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Fatal Crosswalk Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims

Tragically, many crosswalk accidents in Missouri result in death. When that happens, families may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages such as:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Loss of financial support

• Loss of companionship

• Emotional suffering

No amount of money can replace a loved one, but holding negligent drivers accountable can provide justice and financial relief.

Missouri Crosswalk Accident Statistics

To understand the scope of the problem:

• According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities have been rising year after year.

• A majority of these deaths occur at intersections and crosswalks.

• St. Louis consistently ranks among the highest in pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the state.

These statistics prove why strong legal enforcement of crosswalk laws is critical.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Missouri?

Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally five years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, it is typically three years.

Missing these deadlines can destroy your case, so contacting a St. Louis pedestrian accident attorney immediately is crucial.

Steps We Take to Win Crosswalk Accident Cases

At Sansone & Lauber, we leave nothing to chance. Our aggressive approach includes:

• Obtaining police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements

• Consulting with accident reconstruction experts

• Reviewing medical records to prove the full extent of injuries

• Calculating lifetime costs of care and lost earnings

• Preparing for trial from day one to maximize leverage in negotiations

Conclusion: Protecting Missouri Pedestrians, One Case at a Time

Missouri Crosswalk Laws and Pedestrian Injury Claims are about more than statutes—they’re about protecting lives. If you or your loved one was hit by a car in a crosswalk, you need a pedestrian accident lawyer in St. Louis who will fight for justice, full compensation, and accountability.

At Sansone & Lauber, we’ve recovered millions for injury victims across Missouri. Don’t let insurance companies dictate your future. Call us today for a free consultation—and let us fight for you.