Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise in Missouri & Kansas
Our Kansas City pedestrian accident law firm tracks data in a number of areas relating to public safety so we can keep our clients informed about latest developments and help others take proper precautions to keep their families safe. One area that has seen significant increases in recent years is the number of pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrian fatalities are increasing in Kansas and Missouri. According to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian traffic fatalities were predicted to hit the highest since 1990 during 2018. The report found that pedestrian deaths increased by 35 percent from 2008 through 2017, while traffic deaths from other types of accidents decreased by six percent.
A comparison of the same period in 2017 and 2018 revealed a five percent increase in pedestrian deaths in Missouri and a 33 percent increase in pedestrian deaths in Kansas from 2017 to 2018.
Why Are Pedestrian Fatalities Increasing?
There are many reasons for an increase in the number of pedestrian deaths. An increase in the number of people walking and the number of vehicles on the road are two reasons. Also, there is a greater number of SUVs and trucks on the road. These larger vehicles cause more damage during an impact, thereby increasing the chance a pedestrian may suffer life-threatening injuries. Distracted driving is also a common factor in many of the pedestrian accidents in Kansas and Missouri.
In addition to the pedestrians killed each year in car accidents, there are thousands of people injured in pedestrian accidents. If you are hit by a vehicle while you are walking, crossing the road, or jogging, it is important to know the steps to take after a pedestrian accident to protect your legal right to hold the negligent motorist liable for your injuries, damages, and losses.
Steps to Take After a Kansas City Pedestrian Accident
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Contact the Police Immediately!
Calling 911 is usually the quickest way to request police and ambulance assistance after a pedestrian accident. You need medical treatment for your physical injuries, but you also want to document the accident with an official police record.
Wait for police officers to arrive before speaking about the accident. Tell the officers exactly what you remember without embellishing or accepting any fault for the accident. Because it will be noted on the accident report if you refuse transportation to the hospital or medical care, it is typically best to go to the ER to be checked by a health care provider.
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Document the Accident Scene
It can be dangerous to move after being struck by a vehicle without first being checked by an EMT or other medical professional. However, if you can take pictures or ask someone to take pictures of the accident scene, those pictures can help build your personal injury case and prove who was at fault, This is important because pedestrians can sometimes be blamed for causing an accident.
Also, make sure that you ask bystanders and witnesses for their names and contact information. A bystander may be willing to write this information down for you while you remain still until emergency services arrive.
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Continue Medical Treatment
You need to document your physical injuries by continuing medical treatment with your doctor. Follow through with the doctor’s treatment plan and document your injuries with photographs and detailed notes about your pain and challenges during recovery.
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Document Your Losses and Expenses
During your recovery, keep detailed notes and evidence of all expenses, costs, and financial losses incurred because of the accident and your injuries. Financial losses can be reimbursed dollar-for-dollar in a personal injury claim. However, you need tangible proof of the financial damages to include them in the claim. This can help you receive the maximum settlement possible for your pedestrian injury claim.
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Avoid Discussing the Accident and Your Injuries
It is not a good idea to discuss a pedestrian accident, your injuries, and your recovery on social media, email, or other via other electronic forms. Defense attorneys and insurance companies may obtain the information you post online or send via electronic means.
Also, it is usually not a good idea to provide a written or recorded statement to the insurance company without consulting with a Kansas City pedestrian accident attorney. Something you say online, in an email, or to an insurance adjuster could be used against you later to hurt your claim.
Contact Our Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Attorney
A pedestrian accident can result in long-term impairments and disabilities. Survivors may endure months of painful physical therapy and other treatments before they can regain some of their normal functions. The negligent and careless driver who caused the injuries should be held liable for the damages and losses caused by the accident.
Our Kansas City pedestrian accident lawyer helps individuals seek the compensation they deserve after being injured in a pedestrian accident. You might be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, loss of income, physical pain, emotional suffering, and future damages. We provide the legal advice, support, and guidance you need as you seek to get your life back after being injured by a reckless driver.
Call The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus at 816-203-0143 for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney in Kansas City.