The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that happened Saturday morning near Pacific. According to authorities, 23-year-old Mathew Hagood was walking along Interstate 44 westbound when he was struck by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. The Patrol indicated that Hagood was traveling on the shoulder of the roadway and was hit at approximately 5 a.m. The driver of the vehicle was an 18-year-old female and it is unknown why she drove onto the shoulder causing the accident. Hagood was killed in the accident and authorities did not indicate if the driver will be charged.
In 2012, pedestrian accidents caused 4,743 fatalities and 76,000 injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Elderly pedestrians and children are typically the most at risk of being injured or killed in a pedestrian accident. Pedestrian accidents are one of the most preventable types of auto accidents and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and distracted driving are common causes. Injured individuals and families that have lost loved ones in a pedestrian accident may have grounds to file a case to recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of economic support, and mental anguish.
The experienced St. Louis pedestrian accident attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth have recovered over $350 million in compensation and have over a century of legal experience. Our attorneys will investigate your accident, gather all evidence, and negotiate to recover the maximum compensation for your damages. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, contact our firm today for a free no-obligation consultation.