Injured Walking in Missouri? A Kansas City Lawyer Explains Your Legal Rights
Pedestrians get hurt all the time. Crosswalks aren’t safe. Drivers don’t slow down. People walking get hit. Missouri laws protect injured pedestrians. If a car or truck hits you, you may have a case. You could win money for your pain, medical bills, and lost time at work. You don’t need to figure this out alone. An experienced local Kansas City personal injury lawyer can guide you through each step.
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Most of these accidents happen because drivers don’t follow the rules. They may not look. They may drive too fast. They may be drunk. They may be on their phones. Other times, the city fails to fix unsafe roads. Signs may be missing. Crosswalks may be faded. Lights may not work.
Common causes include:
- Cars turning without looking
- Running red lights
- Speeding through intersections
- Driving while texting
- Driving drunk or high
- Not stopping at crosswalks
When these things happen, people walking nearby get hurt. You have the right to fight back.
Who Can File a Claim?
Anyone injured while walking can file a claim. This includes:
- Kids walking to school
- Joggers hit by cars
- People using crosswalks
- Parents pushing strollers
- Elderly folks using walkers
- People walking to the bus stop
- Workers walking through parking lots
If you were hit in any of these situations, a lawyer can check your case. Even if you think you were partly wrong, don’t assume you have no case.
What Injuries Count?
Pedestrian injuries are often serious. You don’t have protection like drivers do. Even a slow hit can cause big problems.
Injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Spine damage
- Cuts and bruises
- Knee or shoulder damage
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
Even small injuries can lead to long-term pain. If a doctor checked you out, keep your records.
Steps to Take Right After a Crash
Your actions matter. Right after the crash:
- Call 911 – Always report the crash.
- Get medical help – Even if you feel okay.
- Get the driver’s info – Name, insurance, license plate.
- Take pictures – Your injuries, the car, the road, signs.
- Get witness info – Names and contact details.
- Don’t talk too much – Don’t blame yourself or say it was your fault.
- Call a lawyer – Fast action helps your case.
Every detail matters. If you miss something, a lawyer may still be able to find it.
What Does a Kansas City Lawyer Do?
Lawyers don’t just fill out forms. They dig into your case and fight for you. Here’s how they help:
- Handle all talks with the insurance company
- Get copies of police reports
- Find camera footage from nearby buildings
- Ask witnesses what they saw
- Check for broken traffic signs or street lights
- Prove the driver was at fault
- Gather your medical bills and doctor records
- Help you get the right care
- Push for the most money you can get
Lawyers know all the tricks insurance companies try. They know how to fight back and protect you.
What Can You Get Paid For?
Missouri law allows you to ask for money if someone else caused your injury. That includes:
- Ambulance and ER costs
- Surgery or hospital stays
- Rehab or therapy
- Wheelchairs or braces
- Medicine costs
- Time missed at work
- Lost future income if you can’t work
- Pain and suffering
- Mental stress
- Help around the house if you can’t do tasks
In some cases, you may even get paid for future pain. That’s why lawyers push for full payments, not fast ones.
What If the Driver Blames You?
Don’t panic. Missouri law uses something called pure comparative fault. That means: Even if you were partly at fault, you can still get paid.
Here’s how it works:
You cross outside the crosswalk. A driver speeds and hits you. You’re found 40% at fault. You can still get 60% of your money. The court looks at both sides. The final amount depends on how much blame is shared.
What If You Didn’t Go to the Hospital Right Away?
You can still file a claim. But waiting too long can hurt your case. Insurance companies may say you weren’t really hurt. Always see a doctor. Even if you feel okay, you might have hidden injuries. Get checked. Save your medical reports. A lawyer can still help in the legal process even if you delay care. But fast action helps more.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Missouri?
In most cases, you have five years from the crash date. But don’t wait that long. The sooner you act, the better. Some cases have shorter limits. If a city bus or public worker caused your injury, you may only have 90 days to file a notice. Every case is different. A lawyer can tell you what deadline applies to yours.
What If the Driver Has No Insurance?
Missouri requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. That means your own car insurance may help you. If you don’t own a car, other options may help:
- A relative’s insurance if you live with them
- Suing the driver directly
- Filing a claim against a third party (like a bar that served alcohol to the driver)
- Crime victim funds, in some rare cases
Lawyers know how to search for all money options.
Why Choose a Kansas City Lawyer?
Local lawyers know local roads. They know Missouri traffic laws. They know how courts work here. If your crash happened in Kansas City, a lawyer nearby can get fast results. They’ll know what to look for and who to call.
FAQs
1. Do I need a lawyer if I didn’t break any bones?
Yes. Even soft tissue injuries or head bumps can cause lasting damage. A lawyer helps you get treated fairly.
2. Will I have to pay the lawyer up front?
No. Most personal injury lawyers work on a “no win, no pay” plan. You only pay if you win.
3. What if the crash happened at night and I wore dark clothes?
You may still win. Drivers must be alert at all times. A lawyer will look at all facts.
4. Can I sue the city if a broken streetlight caused the crash?
Maybe. If poor street design or bad lighting caused the crash, the city may share blame.
5. What should I bring to my first lawyer meeting?
Bring photos, bills, police reports, and witness names. The more details you have, the better your case.
Don’t Wait. Get Help Today.
If you were hit while walking, get help now. Your health and money are at risk. A Kansas City lawyer can protect your rights, explain your options, and help you win the money you need. You don’t need to fight this alone. Talk to a skilled and affordable Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer. Make the call today.