Personal Injury Law

Charges May Be Filed in Fatal St. Louis Pedestrian Accident

By Ryan Bradley, Esq.

Sunday evening, a 45-year old man was walking in the 4100 block of Penrose Street, when he was struck by a car at Goodfellow Boulevard and Natural Bridge Avenue. The man, identified as Lazarus Britton, died at approximately 8:00 p.m. after the 2004 Chevrolet Impala struck him as he walked south on the sidewalk near the intersection. The Impala was driven by a nineteen-year old man, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The police are withholding the identity of the driver at this point. There were three other passengers in the car, ranging from 16 to 19 years in age. Police presented the case to prosecutors on Sunday, who then took the matter under advisement. Blood and toxicology reports as well as a full accident reconstruction report can take up to three or four months to complete. Initial reports state the car struck a metal fence, a wooden fence, and a metal pole before hitting Lazarus Britton.

When struck by a moving vehicle, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to injury and death. There are a variety of reasons why a driver may inadvertently strike a pedestrian, including reckless or inattentive driving, texting while driving, driving at excessive speeds, failure to yield to traffic signs and signals, or driving under the influence. In Missouri car accidents involving pedestrians, it is extremely important that the facts of the accident come to light so the responsible party can be held accountable for their actions. Injured pedestrians, or the families of pedestrians, who have tragically lost their lives due to the negligence of a driver should seek the services of an experienced Missouri wrongful death lawyer. Of course drunk driving is not only unsafe, it is illegal as well. If it turns out this particular case involved drinking and driving, the driver may be held liable for this fatality. If you were involved in a pedestrian accident you are likely very aware of the damages arising from the accident including mounting medical bills, physical therapy fees, and lost wages. The Bradley Law Firm will fight to make sure a negligent motorist is not allowed to deny your legal rights.

Full post as published by Missouri Accident Lawyer Blog on January 24, 2011 (boomark / email).