Pedestrian accidents can be life changing. You are walking one second and the next second you are hurt, confused and scared. These accidents happen in Kansas City a lot. There’s busy streets, careless drivers, bad street signs, etc. If you have been hit while walking, get help now! So, call a personal injury lawyer and protect your rights. A skilled and affordable personal injury lawyer in Kansas City will work for you and confront the insurance companies on your behalf. You do not have to go through this by yourself. A personal injury attorney is going to tell you what to do and will fight for your money.
First Steps After You’re Hit
If you’re hit, here’s what to do:
- Call 911
Get medical help and have the police make a report. - Take photos
Snap pictures of the car, street, injuries, and surroundings. - Get witness info
Ask bystanders for names and numbers. Their story can help later. - Avoid insurance talks
Don’t talk to the driver’s insurance without legal help. - See a doctor
Even if you feel okay, you might be hurt inside. Injuries can hide.
Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents
Even a low-speed crash can leave you badly hurt. Some common injuries are:
- Broken arms, legs, or ribs
- Cuts that need stitches
- Neck or back pain
- Head injuries or brain trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Long-term nerve damage
You may walk away at first, but feel pain later. Always get checked.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Does
Your lawyer handles the legal side so you can heal. They know the system and the tricks insurance companies use. Here’s how they help:
- Talks to insurance companies
No more pushy calls. Your lawyer speaks for you. - Builds your case
They gather proof, like camera footage and witness stories. - Looks at your losses
They count bills, time off work, and pain to find what your case is worth. - Fights for fair money
If the other side won’t pay, your lawyer takes it to court. - Handles paperwork
You don’t deal with forms, filings, or deadlines—they do it all.
Why Fast Action Matters
The law gives you five years to file a case in Missouri. That may sound like plenty of time, but the clock starts on the day of your injury.
Waiting can hurt your case. Here’s why:
- Proof can disappear
Traffic cam videos may be erased in days. Witnesses forget what they saw. - Injuries may get worse
But if you wait too long to see a doctor, the other side may say you faked it. - The driver may vanish
If they move or hide, it’s harder to find them and get paid.
Call a lawyer as soon as you can. It gives you the best chance to win.
What Money Can You Recover?
You may be owed money for:
- Emergency care
- Hospital bills
- Surgery or rehab
- Medications
- Travel to doctor visits
- Missed work days
- Lost future income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental stress
- Permanent injury
Each case is different. A lawyer will work to get every dollar you deserve.
Missouri’s Shared Fault Rule
Missouri uses comparative fault. That means if you’re partly at fault, your payout drops by your fault percent. Say the court finds you 20% to blame. If your total loss is $100,000, you’d still get $80,000. Lawyers fight to lower your share of fault. That means more money in your pocket.
Do You Have a Case?
You might have a case if:
- The driver was speeding
- You were in a crosswalk
- They didn’t stop or yield
- They were texting or distracted
- They were drunk or high
- You got hurt because of the crash
Even if you weren’t in a crosswalk, talk to a lawyer. Many people still win these cases.
What If the Driver Ran Off?
Hit-and-run crashes are scary. But you’re not stuck. In Missouri, most drivers have uninsured motorist coverage. That may help you get paid, even if the driver is never found. Your lawyer can help file this kind of claim and do all the legal paperwork. They also may be able to track down the car or find proof using traffic cameras.
Don’t Sign Anything Without a Lawyer
Insurance companies may offer you money fast. It seems like help—but it often isn’t enough. If you sign a release, you may give up the right to more money later. That means if your injury gets worse, you’re stuck. Always show any offer to a lawyer before you sign. One review could save you thousands.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
Personal injury lawyers usually charge a contingency fee. That means:
- You don’t pay anything up front.
- You don’t pay if you lose.
- If you win, the lawyer takes a share—often 30–40%.
You’ll know the fee before work starts. No surprise costs.
What to Bring When You Meet Your Lawyer
Bring any info you have. This might include:
- The police report
- Photos or videos
- Doctor’s notes and bills
- Contact info for any witnesses
- Your work pay records
- Letters from insurance companies
Don’t worry if you don’t have it all. Your lawyer will help collect the rest.
Local Lawyers Know KC Streets
A Kansas City lawyer knows the area. They’ve seen crashes at the same corners or roads. That helps them understand your case faster. They also know local courts and judges. They’ve handled other cases against local drivers or insurance agents. That insight gives you an edge.
Will You Have to Go to Court?
Most cases settle outside court. That means you get paid without a trial. Your lawyer will first try to settle. If the other side won’t offer fair money, you may go to court. But your lawyer will handle it and speak for you.
FAQs
1. Can I still sue if I crossed outside a crosswalk?
Yes. Even without a crosswalk, the driver may still be at fault.
2. How long will the case take?
Most cases take a few months. If it goes to court, it may take a year or more.
3. What if I was walking at night?
You still may have a case. Poor lighting doesn’t excuse careless driving.
4. Will the driver lose their license?
Not from your injury case. But if they broke traffic laws, the state may act.
5. Can I still claim that I didn’t miss work?
Yes. You may still get paid for pain, doctor bills, and other losses.
You Deserve Help
Getting hit while walking is scary. You may feel confused, angry, or in pain. That’s normal. But you don’t have to go through this alone. A local experienced Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can fight for you. They deal with the insurance. They work to get you the money you need. You focus on healing. One call could change your life.
