Dustin Long Killed in Springfield Pedestrian Accident
The incident happened on westbound I-44 near Kansas Expressway early Thursday, police say.
Dustin Long, 25, of Springfield, was killed when a 2025 Chevy bus struck him as he crossed Interstate 44 in Springfield, Missouri, on Thursday, April 2, according to Springfield police. The crash happened around 5 a.m. on I-44 westbound near Kansas Expressway. The interstate was closed for approximately three hours as police investigated. Traffic was rerouted off Kansas Expressway and the West Bypass. Investigators are working to pinpoint what led to the crash, police said. They will review any video footage and witness accounts. They will also obtain the driver's account of what happened. Police will compare this information with evidence from the scene to determine if criminal charges are warranted. Commuters who regularly travel this stretch of I-44 often see pedestrians in the area, according to a local resident. Every day, people are seen walking and crossing the road around Kansas Expressway.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the legal complexities often involve assessing driver behavior, roadway conditions, and the pedestrian's actions to determine liability.
Missouri wrongful death statute
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.080, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Missouri applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and aggravating circumstances damages.