Missouri Truck Accident Kills Pike County Pedestrian on Highway 61
A 49 year old Missouri man from Shelbina, Missouri died in a Missouri truck accident on July 12, 2011 at 3:15am. He was struck by a Freightliner tractor trailer while walking in the roadway.
The Missouri trucking pedestrian accident occurred as Kevin W. Shipley of Shelbina, Missouri was walking in the northbound right lane of US-61 before sunrise this morning. Shipley was struck by a 2007 Freightliner that was driven by Edward L. Pinkham, 34. Pinkham was an out of state truck driver from Defiance, Ohio. Shipley died at the scene of the accident. His death was pronounced by the Pike County Coroner Jim Turner at 8:35am. Shipley’s next of kin has been notified of his death. There were no reported injuries for the truck driver.
Pedestrians must stay alert when walking near public roadways. Tractor trailers, buses, and other large commercial vehicles have a limited visibility. Commercial motor vehicle drivers have difficulty seeing individual walkers, a fact that spells danger for pedestrians. Pedestrians should exercise care when walking near highway to prevent the deadly combination of Missouri truck accidents and pedestrians. Pedestrians are advised to avoid walking directly in the roadway outside of a designated crossing area. Walking in the roadway increases a pedestrian’s risk of being involved in a Missouri trucking accident.
Pedestrians who are struck by large trucks while walking in the roadway may still be entitled to compensation. Missouri statute §304.012.1 states: “Every person operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of this state shall drive the vehicle in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person and shall exercise the highest degree of care.” This statute requires truck drivers to drive carefully and exercise care. Even if the pedestrian accident victim was walking in the roadway when the accident occurred, the truck driver in violation of statute §304.012.1 may still be found negligent and liable for damages.
If you are injured in a Missouri truck pedestrian accident, contact attorneys from the Bradley Law Firm. The experienced Missouri trucking accident attorneys at the Bradley Law Firm who understand how Missouri statutes may bolster your ability to obtain compensation for your injuries.
