This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
- Last Modified:
- January 30, 2026
A pedestrian accident happens when a person is hit by a car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle, and the consequences are often severe. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection, which often leads to serious pedestrian accident injuries. Being hit as a pedestrian can upend your life in seconds, impacting your physical health, ability to work, and sense of safety in your own community. In the aftermath, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for answers.
At Brown & Crouppen Law Firm, we understand how frightening and disruptive pedestrian accidents can be. For more than 40 years, our firm has stood up for injured people across Missouri and Illinois, recovering over $1 billion for clients who needed real help and real results. Our award-winning attorneys combine courtroom readiness with straight talk and compassion, meaning you can expect clear answers, steady support, and a legal team that’s prepared to fight for you from the moment you reach out.
- What You Need to Know About Pedestrian Accidents
- Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
- Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
- Real Pedestrian Accident Stories From Our Communities
- Pedestrian Accident Videos and Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
- Speak With Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
- Areas We Serve
What You Need to Know About Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are governed by a mix of traffic laws designed to protect people on foot while also setting clear rules for how everyone shares the road. Generally, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the street at marked crosswalks or intersections, obey speed limits, and remain alert in areas with heavy foot traffic. Meanwhile, pedestrians are expected to follow traffic signals, use crosswalks, and avoid stepping into traffic when it isn’t safe to do so. When either side fails to follow these rules, the risk of serious injury rises sharply.
Both Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas have laws that clearly outline these responsibilities. For example, pedestrians typically must wait for a walk signal before entering a crosswalk and should yield to vehicles when crossing outside of marked intersections. Similarly, drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care, especially in areas with heavier foot traffic.
At Brown & Crouppen Law Firm, we help injured pedestrians understand how these laws apply in real-life situations. Pedestrian accident cases are rarely black and white, and insurance companies often try to oversimplify fault to avoid paying full compensation. Our firm examines the facts closely to help you understand your rights and options.
Use our guide to understand what to do after being hit by a car and key legal considerations.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian accidents often happen because someone failed to act with reasonable care. Understanding the common causes of these crashes doesn’t just help explain why they happen; it also helps you and your loved ones stay alert and minimize risks when you’re near traffic.
Trends over the past several decades show that pedestrian safety has been a growing concern. In the United States, pedestrian fatalities steadily decreased from the late 1970s to a low of 4,109 deaths in 2009, but since then, the numbers have risen. Between 2017 and 2021, pedestrians accounted for roughly 16–17% of all traffic deaths, averaging 6,502 deaths per year. In Missouri, 148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2024, the highest number ever reported in the state. Nationally, preliminary data from 2024 indicate that more than 7,100 pedestrians were fatally struck by drivers, according to traffic safety agencies.
Common behaviors and conditions that contribute to pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding: When vehicles travel too fast, drivers have less time to see and react to people on foot. Injuries from these accidents are also typically more severe due to the higher impact speed.
- Distracted Driving: Looking away from the road, even for a few seconds, can cause a driver to miss a pedestrian crossing or stepping onto the roadway.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce a driver’s ability to spot pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers have a legal duty to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
- Inclement Weather: Rain, fog, ice, and snow reduce visibility and traction for drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of an accident.
FREE CASE EVALUATION
Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
The severity of your injuries after a pedestrian accident depends on several factors, including the speed of the vehicle, the location of the impact, and whether the pedestrian was knocked to the ground or thrown. In many cases, being hit as a pedestrian leads to catastrophic injuries that require long-term medical care and disrupt every part of daily life.
Common injuries seen in pedestrian accident cases include:
- Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma or rapid neck movement can cause a brain injury, impacting memory, cognition, mood, and the ability to work or live independently.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine or spinal cord can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, hips, and facial bones are frequently broken in pedestrian accidents and may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery time.
- Cuts, Bruises, and Abrasions: While sometimes considered minor, these injuries can still be painful, become infected, or leave permanent scarring.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs may not be immediately obvious, but can be life-threatening without medical care.
- Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are common after serious pedestrian accidents, especially when recovery is long or the injuries are life-altering.
In the most tragic situations, pedestrian accidents can also result in wrongful death, leaving families coping with sudden loss and unanswered questions. A pedestrian or car accident lawyer can help connect the injuries you suffered to the full impact they’ve had on your life, ensuring they’re taken seriously.
"A pedestrian accident, that's a situation where a person is walking across the street and they get hit by a car or a truck. Those sometimes have the absolute worst injuries. And so the key on the value of those cases is the medical treatment. You want to get all the necessary medical treatment in any case, but that's the key to knowing how valuable that case is. Your medical records are actually generating evidence to support your damages. And so, in my opinion, all the necessary treatment is the key to getting full value for your case."
Real Pedestrian Accident Stories From Our Communities
Pedestrian accidents aren’t abstract statistics. They happen on familiar roads, in the neighborhoods where we live, work, and walk every day. Looking at local crashes can help illustrate how quickly these incidents occur and how often drivers’ actions play a central role. If you or a loved one has been involved in a similar accident and the other party was at fault, speaking with an attorney can be an important step toward clarity and accountability.
North St. Louis County Hit-and-Run
According to First Alert 4, a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run occurred near North Hanley Road and Natural Bridge Road in north St. Louis County. A 62-year-old man was fatally struck while crossing the road by a pickup truck traveling east. The driver left the scene but was later located by authorities. Cases like this highlight how devastating hit-and-run pedestrian accidents can be for families left without immediate answers.
South Lindbergh Boulevard Fatal Crash
The St. Louis County Police Department reported a fatal pedestrian crash on South Lindbergh Boulevard near Lemay Ferry Road. A 53-year-old male was struck by a vehicle in the evening and later died at the hospital from his injuries. While the driver remained at the scene and was cooperative, this incident highlights how dangerous familiar roadways can be for pedestrians, even when visibility and traffic conditions appear clear and normal.
Ogle County, Illinois Pedestrian Death
In northern Illinois, WIFR reported a fatal pedestrian crash along Illinois Route 2 in Ogle County. A pedestrian walking in the roadway was struck by a southbound SUV and later died from his injuries at a local hospital. This accident is a reminder that even rural highways and less-populated roads can pose serious dangers to pedestrians.
Central West End Construction-Related Crash
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated a pedestrian crash in the Central West End involving a construction worker who was struck by a vehicle on North Kingshighway. The pedestrian, who was attempting to block traffic to move construction equipment, later died from his injuries. Investigators later noted the absence of barricades or warning devices, raising concerns about roadway safety and driver awareness in active work zones.
While every case depends on specific facts, these incidents show how quickly pedestrian accidents can turn fatal when safety breaks down.
Pedestrian Accident Videos and Resources
Our team at Brown & Crouppen has decades of experience handling pedestrian accident cases, and we regularly share videos and educational resources to help you stay informed. From breakdowns of common pedestrian accident scenarios to explanations of how fault and compensation work, our resources reflect the same trial-ready approach that has helped us deliver real results for injured people and families across Missouri and Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
The value of a pedestrian accident settlement depends on how the accident affected you and your life. Factors that often influence compensation include the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, pain and suffering, and lost income. Insurance companies often attempt to reduce these losses to a formula, but our attorneys examine the full picture so we can pursue compensation that accurately reflects what you’ve actually been through.
The statute of limitations, or time limit, for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit varies by state, depending on where the accident occurred.
- Missouri: Adults have five years from the date of the accident. Minors usually have five years from their 21st birthday.
- Illinois: Adults have two years from the date of the accident, while minors usually have two years after turning 18.
- Kansas: Adults have two years from the date of the accident. Minors generally have two years after turning 18.
The timeline to settle a pedestrian accident case is usually 6-12 months, but it can depend on several things, including how clear fault is, whether multiple parties share responsibility, and how long medical treatment lasts. Disputes over who caused the accident, what percentage of fault each party bears, and pushback from insurers can extend negotiations or push a case toward trial.
In most pedestrian accident cases, the driver’s auto insurance is the primary source of compensation. State law sets minimum liability limits, but coverage may be higher depending on the policy.
- Missouri: Minimum liability coverage is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Illinois and Kansas: Both require minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
If the driver carries only the minimum coverage or has no insurance, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may become applicable.
Responsibility for medical bills depends on the degree of fault and the availability of insurance coverage. In many cases, bills are initially paid through health insurance or medical liens while the pedestrian accident claim is pending. If the driver is found at fault, their insurance may be responsible for reimbursing those costs. When fault is shared, compensation may be reduced based on each party’s percentage of responsibility. These rules differ by state and can be confusing, but speaking with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can simplify the process.
If you have a question that’s not found on this page, you can view the frequently asked questions page or call us at 888-803-1307
Speak With Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident, you deserve clear answers and real support, not pressure or confusion. At Brown & Crouppen Law Firm, our pedestrian accident attorneys have spent more than 40 years fighting for injured people across the Midwest. With over $1 billion recovered for clients, we bring the experience, resources, and trial readiness needed to stand up to insurance companies while treating you with dignity and respect throughout the process.
Starting your pedestrian accident claim is simple and costs nothing upfront. Call us today at 800-536-4357 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll talk through what happened, what your options may be, and what next steps make sense for you. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
Areas We Serve
At Brown & Crouppen Law Firm, we’re proud to serve injured pedestrians across Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. Our work is rooted in the Midwest, and our commitment goes beyond legal representation. Community involvement is a central part of who we are.
We represent pedestrians and families in communities, including:
FREE CASE EVALUATION
OUR OFFICE
Brown & Crouppen Law Firm
Address: 2345 Grand Blvd #675, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: (816) 670-4701
Our Results
- Last Modified:
- January 30, 2026
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
