Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Missouri

Pedestrian Struck in Crosswalk

July 5th, Downtown, Washington and 7th. Teenager walks in front of my car while

crossing street on his way to mall. I had green light. All his friends told police I

tried to hit him. I was only going around 10mph, he wasn't hurt when hit by front bumper. He proceeds to approach driver's window and smashes it out with his fist.

Police arrive and issue summons to court for him breaking my window and for me hitting

him with the car. What laws apply here? What is my liability? Also, gave police

expired auto ins. card. Don't currently have any coverage.


Asked on 7/06/01, 10:06 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Pedestrian Struck in Crosswalk

First, you should hire an attorney to represent you on the charge(s) against you. It is very important that you DO NOT take a conviction, since the "injured" party may be able to use that against you. If you were charged with driving without insurance, it will be necessary for you to obtain liability insurance before the charge can be disposed of without a conviction. I have handled many similar cases, and would offer my services for a modest fee. Second, in the event that the "injured" party makes a claim against you for his alleged injuries, you will need assistance in defending that claim. He might report the accident to the MO Department of Revenue, and they would suspend your license. If you do agree to pay him off, you should have a binding release and probably something that you could use with the Department of Revenue. There are form agreements and so forth that we use on a regular basis. If he files a suit against you, you will definitely need legal counsel to represent you, and I could handle that as well. Please call for a free telephone consultation at 314-727-2822.

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Answered on 7/11/01, 10:35 pm


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