A car hit you while crossing the street. You were in the crosswalk. You followed the law. But now you’re hurt. Medical bills grow fast. You can’t work. You can’t sleep. You don’t know what to do next. You’re not alone. Every year, Kansas City sees many pedestrian crashes. Many victims don’t know their rights. Some get blamed. Others get ignored. That’s where legal help makes a big difference.
Crosswalks Are Supposed to Be Safe
When you use a crosswalk, the law protects you. Drivers must stop. They must let you cross. But many don’t. They speed. They text. They don’t look. Some turn without checking. Others ignore red lights. The result? You end up injured, or worse. You followed the rules. You waited for the signal. But the driver still hit you. That driver may have broken the law. You may be owed money for what happened.
What Happens After a Crosswalk Crash?
First comes the shock. Then pain. Then questions. You might leave in an ambulance. You might be in the hospital for days. Or weeks. Then come the bills.
- Ambulance rides
- Emergency room care
- X-rays and scans
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Medicine
- Lost wages
- Pain and stress
All this adds up. And fast. You might not even know how to pay. But help is out there.
Why a Lawyer Can Help You
You might think, “I’ll just call the insurance company.” That sounds easy. But it’s not. Insurance adjusters try to pay as little as possible. They may blame you. They may say the crash was your fault. Or say your injuries aren’t that bad. A lawyer knows their tricks. A lawyer fights back. A lawyer works for you, not the insurance company. Here’s what a pedestrian lawyer in Kansas City can do:
- Gather police reports
- Get video or photos
- Talk to witnesses
- Review medical records
- Deal with insurance adjusters
- File a legal claim
- Take your case to court if needed
You don’t have to face this alone. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City helps you stay focused on healing while they handle the rest.
Missouri Laws Protect Pedestrians
Missouri law says drivers must yield to people in crosswalks. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they can be held responsible. That means they must pay for:
- Medical costs
- Time missed from work
- Long-term care needs
- Pain and suffering
Even if the driver says it was your fault, the law might still support you. Missouri uses a system called “comparative fault.” That means if you were even partly at fault, you might still get some money. But you need a lawyer to prove what happened.
Time Is Short – Don’t Wait
Missouri has a deadline for injury claims. You have five years from the day of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue. But don’t wait five years. Waiting even five days can hurt your case. Evidence disappears. Cameras overwrite footage. Witnesses forget details. That’s why it’s smart to talk to a lawyer right away.
What If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
Good news: Many personal injury lawyers work on contingency. That means they only get paid if you win. No money up front. No fees unless you get paid. This gives you a fair chance. The lawyer takes the risk. You get the help you need.
How Long Will the Case Take?
It depends. Some cases settle in a few weeks. Others take months. If the case goes to court, it may take over a year. But your lawyer will guide you at each step. And they’ll push for a fair result.
What If the Driver Left the Scene?
Hit-and-run crashes are common. If the driver leaves, don’t give up. Police may track them down. Even if they don’t, you might still have a claim under your own insurance. This is called uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer will check all options.
What If You Were Jaywalking?
Even if you weren’t in a crosswalk, you may still have a case. Drivers still have a duty to watch for people. Missouri law does not give drivers a free pass to hit someone just because they weren’t in a marked crossing.
Again, a lawyer can help in the legal process to prove fault.
Common Crosswalk Injuries
Being hit by a car can cause serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Road rash
- Scarring
- Long-term pain
Some injuries don’t show up right away. You may feel sore but not realize the damage. Always see a doctor after a crash. Medical records help your case and your recovery.
Should You Accept the First Offer?
No. The first offer is almost always low. It might not cover future costs. It might not cover all the pain you went through. Let a lawyer review it first. They know what your case is really worth.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Each case is different. Some get a few thousand. Others get hundreds of thousands. It depends on:
- How bad your injuries are
- How long you miss work
- How much pain you had
- How clear the driver’s fault is
- Whether the case settles or goes to court
Your lawyer will fight to get the most the law allows.
What Should You Do After a Crash?
Here’s what to do right after a crosswalk crash:
- Call 911
- Get medical help
- Take photos if you can
- Get names of witnesses
- Don’t talk to the driver’s insurance
- Call a lawyer
Even if you don’t follow all six, it’s not too late. A lawyer can still help you build your case.
Can a Lawyer Make the Driver Pay?
Yes, if the driver broke the law or was careless. This includes:
- Speeding
- Not yielding
- Driving drunk
- Texting while driving
- Running a red light
If they caused the crash, they should pay.
FAQs
1. Can I still sue if I wasn’t in a marked crosswalk?
Yes. Drivers still must avoid hitting people, even outside marked crossings. You may still have a case.
2. What if the police report says I was at fault?
A police report is just one part of the case. A lawyer can challenge it and find other evidence.
3. Will my case go to court?
Most don’t. Many settle. But if needed, your lawyer will take it to court and fight for you.
4. How much does a Kansas City pedestrian lawyer cost?
Most charge nothing up front. You only pay if they win your case.
5. How fast should I contact a lawyer?
As soon as possible. The sooner you act, the better your chances of winning.
Endnote
Don’t trust the insurance company to look out for you. Their goal is to save money. Your goal is to heal and get justice. Let a local skilled Kansas City pedestrian accident lawyer help you get there.