Every day, people walk along Kansas City streets. Many drivers watch for pedestrians. But accidents still happen. A car can hit you in seconds. The injuries can change your life.
When you are hurt, you may not know what to do. Bills pile up. You cannot work. You worry about your health and money. A local skilled Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help you take the right steps. They protect your rights and fight for fair payment.
This page explains what you should do if you are hit. It also shows why having a lawyer can make a big difference.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Kansas City roads can be busy. Drivers often rush to work or home. Some forget to slow down or watch for people crossing.
The following factors can create pedestrian accidents:
- Distraction: Reading, texting or eating while driving, only one of which is a direct distraction.
- Speed: Speeding in neighborhoods and road rage near crosswalks or stopping for pedestrians inevitably increases the risk of pedestrian accidents.
- Failure to yield: without generosity and a drive to end all road rage pedestrians will never have the comfort of expecting cars to stop when they have the right of way.
- Visibility: Fog, rain and wearing black in the evening take away the ability of pedestrians for drivers to “see” the pedestrian.
- Impairment: Alcohol or drugs slow driver reactions and increase the chance of pedestrian accidents.
Even when the pedestrian follows all rules, casual drivers will still injure them.
Injuries From Being Hit by a Car
Pedestrians have no protection against impact. When a car hits you, injuries can be severe.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries or brain damage
- Back or spine injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal bleeding
Some injuries heal in weeks. Others last for years or forever.
You should always see a doctor after being hit. Some injuries do not show right away. Getting care helps your recovery and builds proof for your claim.
What To Do After You Are Hit
It is certainly normal to be scared and shaken. Remain calm, and do the following.
- Call 911. If there is police and EMS needed at the scene, 911 will get them there.
2 Get medical attention. Even if you believe that you don’t have any injuries, you may have an injury.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and of your injuries.
- Collect contact information. Get the same from the driver, and collect the names and contact information of witnesses.
- Never say that you are responsible. Never say that you were negligent or that you are sorry.
- Talk to an attorney. Talk to an attorney first who can give you legal advice before even speaking to the insurance companies.
If you can do these things, you will protect your rights and help assist in your claim down the road.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Insurance companies often try to pay less than you deserve. They may blame you or question your injuries. A lawyer can stand up for you.
Here is how a Kansas City personal injury lawyer helps:
- Handles insurance talks. They deal with adjusters so you can heal.
- Collects evidence. They gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Proves fault. They show the driver’s carelessness caused your injuries.
- Calculates damages. They add up medical bills, lost pay, and pain.
- Fights for fair pay. They work to get the settlement or verdict you need.
You should not face this alone. An experienced lawyer knows the law and how to win cases.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian
Under Missouri law, you have the right to walk safely. Drivers must watch for you and yield when required.
When a driver hits you, you can seek money for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
You must file your claim within a set time. In Missouri, you usually have five years from the date of the accident. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to collect money.
A lawyer can make sure you file everything on time.
Why Fast Action Matters
The sooner you act, the better. Evidence fades. Witnesses forget. Insurance companies will move fast to protect themselves.
When you get a lawyer early:
- They preserve evidence before it is lost.
- They keep insurance from twisting your words.
- They build a strong case from the start.
Fast action gives you the best chance at full recovery and fair pay.
What If You Were Partly At Fault?
Some people worry they cannot get money if they were crossing outside a crosswalk or not paying attention.
Missouri uses comparative fault. This means you can still get some money even if you share blame.
For example:
- If you were 20% at fault, your payment drops by 20%.
- If your damages are $100,000, you get $80,000.
A lawyer can help reduce the blame put on you. This keeps more money in your pocket.
Cost of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee.
This means:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- They only get paid if you win.
- Their fee comes out of the settlement or verdict.
You have no risk. If you do not recover money, you owe nothing.
When to Call a Lawyer
It is smart to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can. Even if you are unsure about suing, a lawyer can explain your rights.
Call a lawyer if:
- You have serious injuries.
- The driver’s insurance denies your claim.
- The driver blames you.
- You feel pressured to settle fast.
An early call can save you stress and protect your case.
Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian accidents are not rare. In Kansas City:
- Every year dozens of people die in crashes.
- Hundreds more are injured, some with life changing injuries.
- Most crashes involve busy roads and nighttime.
These statistics provide a good reason to pay attention while driving.
A Real Example
A Kansas City man was crossing the street near his home. A speeding driver did not see him in time. The impact broke his leg and injured his back.
With help from a lawyer, he got payment for:
- Hospital bills
- Months of therapy
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
The settlement helped him rebuild his life.
Protect Your Rights Today
If you were hit as a pedestrian, you have legal rights. You do not have to face this alone. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through each step.
Call an experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer now. Get a free talk about your case and learn how to seek fair payment.
FAQs
- What should I do immediately following an injury in an auto vs pedestrian accident? You should call 911 and get medical attention. Take pictures and obtain witness names. You should not talk with the insurance companies until after speaking with a lawyer.
- How much is my case worth?
That is hard to say. It depends on your injuries, lost wages and other costs and expenses. A lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and give you an estimate.
- If I am partly responsible for the accident, can I still recover?
Yes. In Missouri you can still recover even if you were partly responsible but your damage recovery will be reduced by the percentage you were at fault.
- How long do I have to make a claim?
You generally have 5 years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long you can lose your right to make any recoveries.
- Do I have to hire a lawyer to make a claim?
You do not have to hire a lawyer, but keep in mind that dealing with insurance companies can get messy. Insurance companies are very good at denying and defending claims so that they can pay you the least amount of money. A lawyer can help protect your interests and give you a better chance of recovering all the compensation you should for your injuries.
