Pedestrian safety is a no-brainer. But accidents happen in Kansas City every day. a distracted driver checking a phone, a light changing too quickly, a backing-up truck with the driver not looking. And then, bam – someone walking gets hit. recover and be at the same thing twice next time. Pedestrian accidents are severe. They are stressful, painful, and expensive. If you or your loved one got hurt, you don’t have to go through it alone. A Skilled Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help you get answers and fair compensation. How a lawyer assists you is what this page will explain. You’ll learn what to do, how claims work, and why legal help is necessary.
The Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Kansas City
The majority of accidents have very similar causes. The following are the most frequent crash causes:
Distracted Driving
While a driver is texting, or looking at apps, they are removing attention from the road. A wreck occurs in an instant, while looking at the distractions.
Speeding
A car going too fast can’t stop on time. Even moderate speeding increases makes injuries worse.
Failure to Yield
Drivers tend to ignore crosswalks and signs. This leaves pedestrians exposed.
Impaired Visibility
Dark roads and bad weather reduce visibility. Drivers may not notice a person crossing.
Intoxicated or Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug consumption slows one’s reaction time and dulls judgment.
Rear-End Collisions
Blind spots are found in trucks and SUVs. Rear-end crashes often hurt children and elderly people.
Most Injuries from Pedestrian Crashes
Injuries are usually serious. The body cannot protect itself against a speeding vehicle. Some common injuries include:
Broken Bones
Arms, legs, ribs, and hips can break if struck.
Head Injuries
Head trauma can cause concussions or brain damage.
Spinal Injuries
Back and neck injuries can cause long-term pain or paralysis.
Internal Injuries
Organs are injured or torn apart by collision.
Cuts and Bruises
Deep cuts can be sutured or operated on.
Each case is unique. Some victims recover within a few weeks. Others need care for the rest of their lives.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you are hurt, do these steps as soon as possible:
Call 911
Always get the crash reported. A police report helps to document what happened.
Get Medical Care
See a doctor, even if you’re okay. Some injuries do not happen right away and may take hours or days to appear.
Gather Evidence
If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, yourself, and the damage.
Get Witness Names
Eyewitnesses to the accident can provide evidence of what happened.
Call a Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer can guide you. Do not negotiate with the insurance company yourself.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Most people try to negotiate claims on their own, and this opens up opportunities for insurance companies to negotiate. A lawyer can help you in ways you may not be aware of:
Investigate the Crash
Lawyers collect reports, videos, and statements. They interview experts, if necessary, and investigate circumstances that led to the wreck.
Prove Fault
You must show the driver was negligent. Your lawyer will build a strong case with evidence.
Handle Insurance Calls
Insurance adjusters will be friendly. They typically look for ways to lower your claim. Your lawyer advocates on your behalf to protect your rights.
Value Your Claim
It’s hard to value a claim. A lawyer reviews medical bills, lost wages, and pain. They help you get reasonable compensation.
File Paperwork
There are time limits for legal claims. A lawyer makes sure that you don’t miss the important dates.
Negotiate Settlements
Cases settle out most of the time. Lawyers negotiate on your behalf to get the best result. If it goes that far, they can try the case.
What Compensation Can You Get?
Every claim differs. Kansas City has medical expenses, past and future, which you can recover.
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death damages if your loved one passed away
A lawyer can describe which damages apply to your case.
When are you required to file a claim?
You must comply with time limits in the statutes of limitation established by Kansas laws. For most claims for injury, you have two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you will forfeit your right to receive anything. Therefore, you should see an attorney in a timely manner.
Why Choose a Local Kansas City Lawyer?
A lawyer familiar with Kansas City roads, courts, and insurance companies is your best choice. Home-town expertise counts. Your lawyer can:
- Arrive at the scene earlier
- Be acquainted with local judges and court procedures
- Be knowledgeable about Kansas laws and regulations
What If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work pro bono on a contingency fee. What that means:
- No up-front cost
- You only pay if they win your case
- The fee is deducted from the settlement
This allows anyone, no matter income, to pursue aid.
How Long Do Pedestrian Accident Cases Take?
No two cases. Some resolve in months. Others take longer than a year. Timing considerations are:
- How definitive fault is
- How bad your injuries are
- Whether the insurance company is willing to cooperate
A lawyer will keep you informed at every step.
Steps in a Pedestrian Injury Claim
Following is a general timeline of how a case typically goes:
Meeting with the Lawyer
You share your story. The lawyer reviews your case and answers questions.
Investigation
The lawyer collects evidence, recordings, and expert opinions.
Claim Filing
Your attorney writes a demand letter to the insurance company.
Negotiation
Most cases resolve without court.
Lawsuit (if necessary)
If no good offer is made, your attorney brings a lawsuit.
Trial (if necessary)
A judge or jury decides the case.
Most cases settle prior to trial, but your lawyer will be ready to go to trial if that is what it takes.
Why Quick Action Is Necessary
Time destroys evidence. Witnesses forget. Videos are deleted. Medical records are harder to locate. The earlier you consult a lawyer, the stronger your case can be. Quick action also keeps you from doing something wrong.
How to Choose the Best Lawyer
Below are tips to choose a good lawyer:
- Seek experience in pedestrian accident cases
- Ask past results
- Check online reviews
- Make sure you feel comfortable and are respected
- Choose someone who is easy to understand
You deserve a lawyer who cares about you and your recovery.
Kansas City Pedestrian Safety Tips
Although motorists must be careful, these steps can keep you safer:
- Use crosswalks if available
- Wear reflective attire at night
- Be alert and avoid distractions
- Be mindful of turning cars even if you have a signal
- Teach children to look both ways
Even with precautions, accidents are bound to happen. If they do, legal process representation is at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if the driver left the accident scene; do I have a case?
Yes, depending on the circumstances, YOU can recover from your policy, and/or other sources. An Attorney can help you investigate what happened, and what your rights are.
2. What if I was partly at fault?
Kansas law uses “comparative fault.” You can still recover damages, but your share may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. How much do personal injury lawyers charge?
Most lawyers that are personal injury firms will do contingency fees, which means you don’t pay any out of pocket money and if you lose the case you don’t pay anything at all.
4. Can I still sue if I wasn’t using a crosswalk?
Yes you have rights. Just because you didn’t use a crosswalk does not take away your rights as a pedestrian. The driver still has a duty to look out for pedestrians, and you also have at least some duty to care.
5. What is the best evidence I have?
Photos of the accident scene; name and info from witnesses; medical records; police report. Hold on to everything that is in any way connected to the accident.
Final Words
If you or a family member was injured in a Kansas City pedestrian accident, don’t wait. An affordable personal injury attorney in Kansas City can help you put your life back together, and get you the compensation that is yours.
