Injured While Walking in Missouri? Contact a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer

Walking is simple, yet you never know when something may go amiss. You do have rights if you were injured while walking in Missouri. A skilled and affordable Kansas City personal injury attorney near me will lead you through processes to reclaim what you are entitled to.

Why Pedestrian Injuries Happen

Pedestrian injuries happen in so many different ways. Some of the typical reasons include:

• Drivers who ignore red lights or stop signs.
• Drivers are distracted when they have other activities to attend to on phones or other devices.
• Improperly maintained sidewalks or roads.
• Slippery roads caused by snow or wet conditions.
• Insufficient crosswalks or traffic lights.

Minor crashes are likely to be accompanied by severe injury. Whiplash, fracture, or head injury might show up right away or even days following the accident.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, do the following:

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Pain may not be evident yet.
2. Call the local police and report the accident. A report makes it official.
3. Photograph or video the scene. Take pictures of road conditions, signs, and cars.
4. Obtain information from witnesses. Names and telephone numbers are your case helpers.
5. Don't talk to insurance companies without an attorney. Statements can ruin your claim.
6. Call a Kansas City personal injury lawyer. They guide your next step.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

A personal injury lawyer manages the law of accidents. He can:

• Assess your case and injuries.
• Identify who was liable for the accident.
• Collect evidence, including witness statements and medical reports.
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters to win an acceptable settlement.
• Represent you in court, if needed.

Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so they don't receive any attorney fees unless you recover money. This is access to an attorney without the cost of a front-end fee.

Common Pedestrian Crash Injuries

Pedestrian crash injuries can be minor or severe. Common injuries are:

• Head injury: concussions, brain injury.
• Broken bones: arm, leg, rib, or collarbone.
• Soft tissue injury: bruising, sprain, strain.
• Trauma to the internal area: internal bleeding, organ damage.
• Emotional trauma: fear, PTSD, or anxiety.

Seek medical attention immediately. It is in your own best interest to have a record.

Missouri Pedestrian Accident Laws

Pedestrians are protected by Missouri law. Drivers must yield in crosswalks. Not doing so makes the driver responsible. Missouri is a comparative fault state. Your settlement will be less if you do bear some fault. An illustration would be jaywalking decreasing your settlement. Your attorney will be able to tell you how this will impact you.

Calculating Compensation

Compensation may comprise:

• Medical bills: future and current care.
• Lost income: time off work.
• Pain and suffering: physical and emotional injury.
• Damage to property: clothing, equipment, or personal items damaged.
• Attorney fees: attorney fees are recovered in certain cases.

Every case is different. Your case is reviewed by an attorney to achieve the best outcome.

Insurance Companies and Pedestrian Accidents

Insurance companies prefer paying in installments. They may offer you quick settlements. Accepting them quickly can reduce your payments. A lawyer prevents you from getting unfair settlements. They can accurately assess damages. They negotiate on your behalf so that you get deserving compensation.

Choosing the Right Attorney

When selecting the right Kansas City personal injury lawyer, make sure they have:

• Experience in dealing with claims of pedestrian accidents.
• History of getting fair settlements.
• Good communication skills and availability.
• No advance fees and free consultation.

A good attorney listens, makes clear decisions, and deals with procedures well.

Doing it on time is equally crucial

Missouri has a statute of limitation, generally speaking, 5 years in personal injury. Hanging back can make you ineligible for suing. Obtaining an attorney early preserves evidence and a greater claim.

What Not to Do After an Accident

After a pedestrian accident, do not:

• Don't apologize at the scene.
• Don't share accidents on social media.
• Don't sign insurance company forms without an attorney.
• Do not be afraid to seek medical care.

A lawyer will defend your rights and look after your best interests.

Dealing with Emotional Trauma

You will also be traumatized emotionally by the accident. It is normal that you would be depressed, anxious, or afraid. You can get compensation for emotional trauma by the services of a lawyer. A lawyer can also direct you to the institutions that will be able to help you in the legal process.

Long-Term Care and Recovery

Some injuries necessitate treatment. Lengthy medical treatment, physical therapy, or physical rehabilitation may be needed. These expenses should be broken down on your claim. An attorney will also include future medical expenses in compensation.

Pedestrian Accident Safety Precautions

Although some accidents cannot be avoided, safety precautions reduce risks:

• Cross the street at crosswalks and follow traffic lights.
• Do not text and walk simultaneously.
• Wear light-colored reflector-type clothing at night.
• Walk on paths or sidewalks whenever possible.
• Be cautious around cars at driveways, parking lots, and intersections.

Prevention is ideal, but where cure is not feasible, there is law. Contact an experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Kansas City today.

FAQs

1. When should I visit a doctor after being involved in a pedestrian accident?

You must get access to a doctor as quickly as possible, even if you have only slight pains. Waiting will make it worse.

2. Can I recover if I was at fault to some extent in causing the accident?

Yes. Missouri is a contributory fault state, which excludes recovery but not compensation.

3. If the other car is not insured?

Your lawyer will seek alternatives, such as your own uninsured motorists coverage.

4. How do I pay a Kansas City personal injury lawyer?

Most are on contingency, and you don't pay unless you win on your case.

5. How long will it take to settle a pedestrian injury case?

Cases are different. Court trials last more than a year, but settlements last a few months. Your lawyer will inform you.