The four pedestrians were pinned against a car on Interstate 44 in Villa Ridge, authorities say
FRANKLIN, MO, (September 26, 2024) - The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) says four men were seriously hurt after being hit by a motor vehicle in Franklin County’s Villa Ridge Thursday afternoon.
Lavar Tolliver, a 39-year-old St. Louis resident, was one of four pedestrians struck and seriously injured by a vehicle on Interstate 44 in Villa Ridge Thursday afternoon, according to the MSHP.
The incident happened at approximately 2:32 p.m. along Interstate 44 at mile marker 250.
According to the Highway Patrol’s report, all the victims had parked their vehicles—a 2007 Dodge Ram and a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban—to change a tire. Meanwhile, a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 27-year-old Rolla man was traveling westbound on the highway when it attempted to slow for traffic ahead. The truck driver, however, lost control and crashed into the Ram, which subsequently collided with the pedestrians, pinning them against the Suburban.
The men were transported to Mercy Hospital St. Louis for treatment, MSHP said.
One of the victims has been identified as 39-year-old Lavar Tolliver of St. Louis.
Authorities are investigating.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, there were an estimated 60,577 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes, an 11-percent increase from 54,771 pedestrians injured in 2020.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” added Bond, a national analyst for Newsline. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Lavar Tolliver may have the right to pursue a personal injury suit pending an investigation.
Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.”
“Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with mounting expenses that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” Formica added.
Newsline's national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica are experienced in serious injury pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help they are available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).