Pedestrian Accident Laws in Missouri & Kansas
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Missouri, Kansas and throughout the Kansas City region. The number of pedestrian deaths in 2019 was the highest number in 30 years. In 2019, 6,590 people were killed in pedestrian accidents in the United States. Thousands more pedestrians were injured in accidents involving a car, truck or other motor vehicle.
Many pedestrians who are hit by a car sustain traumatic injuries. They have no injury protection during the collision. Therefore, pedestrians can sustain multiple broken bones and fractures, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and severe organ damage.
If a car hits you, you need to know your rights and what you should do after a pedestrian accident so that you can protect your best interests. Our personal injury lawyer in Kansas City handles pedestrian accident cases throughout Missouri and Kansas. We are well-versed in the state laws and city codes that are intended to protect pedestrians like you and help hold individuals accountable when those laws are broken.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, call our law firm for a free, no obligation consultation at 816-203-0143.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Depending on your injuries and condition after a pedestrian accident, you may or may not be able to take all of the following steps. However, if you are able, following these steps after a pedestrian accident will help protect your legal rights under the law to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Report the Accident to the Police Immediately
In most cases, a bystander calls 911 to report a pedestrian accident. The pedestrian is generally dazed, if not unconscious, after being struck by a motor vehicle. The police respond to the accident to investigate the crash and create an accident report.
If you are alert after the crash, ask eyewitnesses to write down their names and contact information for you. They can also text you the information if that is more convenient.
It is also important to take pictures of the accident scene or ask someone to use your cell phone to make a video or take pictures. Having pictures of the accident scene may help you recall details that you forgot because of your injuries.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Your Injuries
You may have been transported directly to the emergency room from the accident scene. If not, see your doctor for a full medical evaluation as soon as possible. You need to document your injuries with medical records for a personal injury claim.
When discussing your condition with your doctor, make sure to tell your doctor about all symptoms you experience, regardless of how severe or minor the symptoms. Those symptoms could indicate a serious injury. The symptoms may also be used as evidence that the accident caused your injury if you are diagnosed with an injury in the days or weeks following the accident.
Keep a journal detailing your pain and symptoms. Report changes to your physicians. Also, taking pictures of your injuries can be used as evidence in your case.
Talk to a Lawyer Before Discussing the Accident or Your Injuries with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company
If the insurance adjuster or another representative for the insurance company contacts you to discuss your claim, refer the person to the personal injury attorney who is handling your claim. If you have not hired a personal injury attorney yet, you need to be careful when talking to the insurance company. Your telephone call could be recorded, and anything you say could be used to deny or undervalue your injury claim.
Do not allow an insurance company to pressure you into providing a statement or signing medical releases. The insurance company for the motorist is trying to protect its best interests. The company wants to limit the money it must pay to settle your injury claim. If possible, the insurance company will blame you for causing the accident to avoid paying the claim.
Dealing directly with the insurance company may work against you when it comes time to discuss a settlement for your claim.
Contact a Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
As soon as your medical condition permits, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Kansas City. The best way to learn about your legal rights is to talk with a lawyer who understands pedestrian accident laws.
An attorney can help you in many ways after a pedestrian accident. Your lawyer will:
- Search for videos of the accident
- Interview eyewitnesses to take formal statements
- Obtain copies of police reports and accident reports
- Discuss your injuries and prognosis with your doctors
- Gather evidence related to damages
- File insurance claims and monitor deadlines for filing lawsuits
- Calculate the maximum value for your pain and suffering damages and financial losses
- Prepare a demand settlement package for the insurance company
- Negotiate a settlement for your injury claim
- Prepare and file a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary
It can be difficult to know what to do after a pedestrian accident. However, you do not need to try to handle the matter alone. You can have the skills, experience, knowledge, and resources of a Kansas City personal injury law firm supporting you as you fight to protect your rights and best interests.
Our Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Attorney Is Ready to Help
The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus represents clients who have been injured in pedestrian accidents throughout Missouri and Kansas. We help hold negligent motorist accountable and can assist you in obtaining a fair settlement for your injuries.
Call us to schedule your free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Kansas City by calling 816-203-0143, or completing our online contact form to get more information. We are here to help.
