Hit by a Car While Walking in Kansas City? Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Being involved in a car accident while being a pedestrian can be painful, traumatic, and change the course of your life. A pedestrian accident occurs in a nanosecond. You are strolling down the street and one moment you are safe and the next moment you are on the ground trying to figure out how you may have become unrecognizable because of the accident. After the accident you could be injured, in shock or maybe you will not even know what to do. If you were injured after being hit by a vehicle while a pedestrian in Kansas City, you are not alone. You may be surprised to learn that pedestrian accidents happen much more than you think. Motor vehicle drivers make poor choices while they are driving all the time. Speeding, failing to yield in a marked crosswalk, and texting while driving are only some of the examples of accidents caused when a driver made a poor decision. More importantly accidents involving pedestrians involve catastrophic injuries. A personal injury attorney can help. A skilled and affordable personal injury attorney in Kansas City can protect your legal rights to damages and receive compensation for your injuries.
What You Should Do Right After a Pedestrian Crash
Stay calm. Get help. Follow these steps:
- Call 911
Don’t wait. Always call the police. You need an official report. - Get Medical Help
Even if you feel okay, go to the doctor. Some injuries show up later. - Take Photos
If you can, take pictures of the street, your injuries, and the car. - Get Info
Ask for the driver’s name, license, and insurance. - Don’t Talk to Insurance Alone
They may trick you into taking less. Talk to a lawyer first. - Call a Lawyer Right Away
Time matters. The faster you call, the better your case will be.
Why These Crashes Are So Serious
Cars are big and heavy. A person has no shield. The injuries can be very bad. Even a slow crash can cause major damage.
Some injuries you might have:
- Head trauma or concussion
- Broken bones
- Cuts, bruises, or road burn
- Back and neck pain
- Internal bleeding
Some of these don’t hurt at first. They show up hours or days later. That’s why seeing a doctor is so important.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most of the time, the driver is at fault. These are some common causes:
- Driver is speeding
- Driver is texting or using their phone
- Driver runs a red light or stop sign
- Driver fails to yield at a crosswalk
- Driver is drunk or high
- Driver makes a fast turn without checking
Sometimes, poor lighting or broken signs also play a part. Even if you were not in a crosswalk, the driver still may be at fault.
Do I Still Have a Case If I Was Not in the Crosswalk?
Yes. Missouri law looks at both sides. Even if you were not crossing in the crosswalk, you might still have a strong case. The driver still has a duty to watch for people. This is called “comparative fault.” You may be partly at fault, but you can still get some money. A lawyer will help in the legal process to prove how much the driver was to blame.
Who Pays for My Injuries?
In most cases, the driver’s insurance pays. But if they ran off or didn’t have insurance, your own car insurance may help. Many people don’t know this. It’s called “uninsured motorist coverage.”
A lawyer can help you find all possible ways to get paid. This includes:
- Car insurance (yours or theirs)
- Health insurance
- Medicaid or Medicare
- Legal claims or lawsuits
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Does
Lawyers don’t just file papers. They guide you every step of the way. They speak with the insurance company. They gather proof. They build your case. They work to get you the most money allowed.
Here’s how they help:
- Investigate the crash
- Collect medical records
- Get witness statements
- Review police reports
- Negotiate with insurance
- File claims and legal papers
- Go to court if needed
You don’t need to fight this battle alone. A lawyer knows the system. They protect your rights and push for what you’re owed.
How Much Money Can I Get?
It depends on your case. The worse your injuries, the more your claim may be worth.
You may be paid for:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Rehab or therapy
- Missed work or lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical costs
- Mental health care (like PTSD)
Your lawyer will look at every cost and fight to include it.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Missouri law gives you five years to file. This may seem like a long time, but don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Medical records get lost. The best time to start is now. Calling a lawyer early helps your case stay strong.
What If the Driver Left the Scene?
This is called a hit-and-run. It’s a crime. Still, you may have options.
Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and file a police report
- Write down what you remember (car color, license, driver’s face)
- Talk to a lawyer right away
Your own insurance may help if you have uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can look into camera footage or find witnesses to help track the driver.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers don’t charge up front. They only get paid if you win. This is called “contingency.” You owe nothing if you lose. No risk to you. If you win, the lawyer takes a part of your money. You agree to this before they start work. This lets you get help even if you have no money now.
Why You Need a Kansas City Lawyer
Laws vary by state. Local lawyers know the rules in Kansas City. They understand local courts. They know how insurance companies act in this area. That gives you an edge. Also, some lawyers focus only on personal injury cases. They deal with pedestrian crashes every day. They know how to build strong claims.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
Maybe, but most cases settle outside court. If the offer is fair, your lawyer may suggest a settlement. If not, they can take it to trial. Either way, your lawyer will guide you. You will not go through it alone.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in Kansas City
- Can I sue the driver if I was jaywalking?
Yes. Missouri uses “shared fault.” Even if you were jaywalking, you may still win part of your claim. - What if I didn’t go to the doctor right away?
You still may have a case. But it’s harder to prove. Get checked as soon as possible. - Should I talk to the driver’s insurance company?
No. They may try to trap you into saying something wrong. Let your lawyer speak for you. - How long will the case take?
It depends. Some cases take a few months. Others take longer. Your lawyer will explain the timeline. - Can I get paid for mental health care too?
Yes. If the crash caused fear, stress, or trauma, you can seek money for therapy and care.
Don’t Wait. Get Help Now.
You didn’t ask to get hit. You were just walking. Now you’re hurt, scared, and facing bills. That’s not fair. A personal injury lawyer can help fix it. They’ll fight for your money. They’ll fight for your peace of mind. You deserve justice. You deserve support. You deserve answers. Call an experienced local Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer today. Let them stand up for you.
