Pedestrian Crossing Sign Headlines across the nation are pointing to a dangerous, growing trend. Auto accidents involving pedestrians have seen a spike in recent years. In the United States, there were 6,000 pedestrian deaths in 2017, a 25-year high that continued into 2018. The Active Transportation Alliance reports that after speeding and failing to yield, distracted driving is the number three cause of pedestrian-vehicle accidents. Almost 10 percent of all Missouri traffic fatalities are pedestrian deaths.
Columbia Has Witnessed These Cases Firsthand
Columbia, Missouri, USA downtown city skyline at twilight. The high rate of pedestrian fatalities from auto accidents comes as other types of traffic fatalities are dropping. It is becoming safer for those inside the car but more dangerous for those outside of a vehicle. Even when crossing at designated areas, you are not always safe.
In February 2019, a student at the University of Arkansas was struck in a crosswalk by a visiting prospective student. The 17-year-old driver was initially cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and use of a handheld device while driving until the student that was struck died from injuries caused by the accident. After the pedestrian died from related injuries, the driver was faced with additional charges.
Almost an extension of the University of Missouri, downtown Columbia has molded itself as a pedestrian paradise with wide sidewalks and ample street crossing time.
In March of this year, a student was struck by an uninsured driver on the University of Missouri campus. According to MU Police, a student was crossing Rollins Street at Virginia Avenue when he was struck.
In Missouri, car accidents between vehicles and pedestrians happen once every 110 minutes. The chance of injury or death from these types of accidents are incredibly high.
Why You Should Have An Auto-Accident Lawyer
After an accident, it’s vital to speak to an auto accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer to protect both your long-term and short-term interests. It is customary for insurance companies to take inventory of an accident as soon as possible. While insurance questions may seem fact-based and innocent, without proper representation, you could dig yourself into a deep hole without any compensation to get out.
The goal of the insurance company is to pay you quickly and as little as possible. The help of a personal injury lawyer can help shield you to ensure your unknown damages such as past and future medical bills, wage losses, and permanent injury are compensated for. Accident victims should focus on healing. They shouldn’t have to have their guard up fighting for what they deserve.
You may not be aware of your rights or who is liable in a crash, but a personal injury lawyer does know and can inform you.
Sticklen Dreyer Tinney
For 45 years, Sticklen Dreyer Tinney has worked exclusively with accident victims. When you’re involved in an accident, you don’t have time to research law firms. Come meet our team today at our office located in the heart of downtown Columbia. We will handle your accident case, so you can focus on getting better. When ‘sorry’ just doesn’t cut it, call the attorneys at Sticklen Dreyer Tinney Law Firm.