Injured while walking or jogging in Kansas City, MO? Our knowledgeable pedestrian accident accident lawyers in Kansas City, Missouri have helped injured victims recover compensation for over 35+ years.
When you’re walking in Kansas City and a car strikes you, everything changes in an instant. Unlike drivers protected by steel frames and airbags, you take the full impact with nothing but the clothes on your back.Â
Right after your crash, while you’re dealing with broken bones and medical bills, the driver’s insurance company is already working their case. They have adjusters, lawyers, and strategies designed to pay you as little as possible.
They know pedestrian injuries are expensive, and they want to close your claim fast and cheap.
Our seasoned Kansas City pedestrian accident attorneys regularly take on insurance companies and understand the tactics they use.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand what you’re facing because we’ve helped hundreds of pedestrians through this same situation.
We handle the investigation, the paperwork, and the negotiations, and if needed, we take them to court while you focus on getting back on your feet. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose Beck & Beck for Your Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Case?
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we are the only law firm in Missouri that focuses exclusively on auto accident law. That means every case we take involves a crash, and we know this area of law inside and out.
- 35+ Years of Experience: We have been helping crash victims since 1990.
- $105 Million Recovered: Our results speak for themselves.
- Family-Run Firm: You work directly with our team, not a case manager.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing out of pocket unless we recover for you.
Our Kansas City pedestrian accident lawyers treat every client like family. You will always know where your case stands, and you will never feel like just another file on a desk.
How Our Attorneys Help You With Your Pedestrian Accident Claim in Kansas City, Missouri
The crash itself is just the beginning. After that comes the medical bills, the missed work, the phone calls from insurance adjusters, and the stress of not knowing what comes next.
We take all of that off your plate. Here is what we handle:
- Investigation: We gather police reports, security footage, witness statements, and cell phone records.
- Medical Coordination: We work with your doctors to document your injuries and understand your long-term needs.
- Insurance Negotiations: We deal with the at-fault driver’s insurer directly, so you do not have to.
- Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to pay fairly, we take your case to court.
Our job is to build the strongest possible case while you focus on healing.
Who Pays Your Bills After a Pedestrian Accident in Missouri?
Missouri is an at-fault state. This means the driver who caused your crash is responsible for your damages. We typically start by filing a claim against that driver’s bodily injury liability insurance.
But there are other sources of coverage that may apply to your case:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): If the driver had no insurance, your own auto policy can step in. Missouri law requires all drivers to carry this coverage, and it applies even when you were on foot.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): If the driver’s policy is not enough to cover your losses, your own UIM coverage can make up the difference.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): This is a no-fault benefit on your own auto policy that helps pay medical bills right away, regardless of who caused the crash.
Our Kansas City personal injury lawyers review the applicable insurance policies to identify all potential sources of coverage.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian accidents can turn your life upside down. The compensation you pursue should reflect the full impact of what happened, not just your hospital bill.
You may be entitled to recover:
- Emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing medical treatment
- Future medical costs if your injuries require long-term care
- Lost wages from the time you missed at work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of the crash
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness, we may also pursue punitive damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault driver, not just compensate you.
What If You Were Partly at Fault?
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the pedestrian. They may argue you were jaywalking, wearing dark clothing, or not paying attention. Do not let that discourage you.Â
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule under Missouri Revised Statute Section 537.765. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the crash. Your payout is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
What If the Driver Fled or Had No Insurance?
Hit-and-run crashes are more common than most people realize. If the driver left the scene, you are not out of options. Missouri law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage.
This coverage treats a hit-and-run driver the same as an uninsured driver, meaning your own policy can still pay for your injuries. We also work to identify the driver by pulling nearby security footage, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with the Kansas City Police Department.
If the driver is found, our Kansas City pedestrian accident attorneys pursue them directly. If they are not, we make sure your uninsured motorist claim is handled properly and aggressively.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Kansas City
What you do in the hours after a crash can have a big impact on your case. Try to take these steps if you are physically able.
Step 1: Get Medical Care Right Away
Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, do not show symptoms immediately. Getting evaluated creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash.
Step 2: Call 911
A police report from the Kansas City Police Department is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case. It captures the driver’s information, the location, and the initial facts of the crash.
Step 3: Document the Scene
Take photos of the vehicle, the road, any crosswalk markings, traffic signals, and your injuries. If you cannot do this yourself, ask someone nearby to help.
Step 4: Get Witness Information
Names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the crash can be critical when fault is disputed later.
Step 5: Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
The driver’s insurance company may call you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement before speaking with us. Adjusters are trained to use your words to reduce your payout.
Step 6: Call Beck & Beck
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The sooner you contact our legal team, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and preserving evidence.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Kansas City
Most pedestrian crashes are preventable. They happen because a driver made a careless choice.
- Distracted Driving: A driver looking at their phone instead of the crosswalk ahead.
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring a pedestrian’s right of way at an intersection or crosswalk.
- Speeding: Driving too fast to stop in time when someone steps into the street.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Careless Turning: Failing to check for pedestrians when making a turn at an intersection.
When a driver’s negligence causes your injuries, they should be held accountable.
How We Prove Fault in a Pedestrian Accident Case
To win your case, we need to prove four things: the driver had a legal duty to drive safely, they violated that duty, their actions caused your crash, and you suffered real harm as a result.
We build that proof with evidence, including police reports, traffic and security camera footage, witness statements, cell phone records, and your medical records. When fault is disputed, we bring in accident reconstruction experts who can piece together exactly what happened.
The goal is simple: show the insurance company or a jury a clear, documented picture of what the driver did and what it cost you.
What Is the Deadline to File in Missouri?
Under Missouri Revised Statute Section 516.120, you have five years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, the deadline is three years under Missouri Revised Statute Section 537.080.
Five years may sound like plenty of time, but security footage gets deleted, witnesses move away, and physical evidence disappears. The earlier you get us involved, the stronger your case will be.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Can I Use My Own Auto Insurance After Being Hit As A Pedestrian In Missouri?
Yes. Your uninsured motorist coverage and MedPay benefits can apply even when you were walking, not driving, at the time of the crash.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Crossing Outside A Crosswalk?
Yes. Missouri’s pure comparative fault rule allows you to recover even if you share some blame, with your compensation reduced by your percentage of fault.
Should I Accept The First Settlement Offer From The Driver’s Insurance Company?
No. First offers are almost always lower than what your case is worth. Let us review any offer before you accept or sign anything.
What If The Driver Who Hit Me Was Never Identified?
Your uninsured motorist coverage typically covers hit-and-run crashes. We also work to identify the driver using surveillance footage, witness accounts, and law enforcement records.
How Do Medical Liens Affect My Pedestrian Accident Settlement In Missouri?
If your health insurer paid for your treatment, they may have a right to be reimbursed from your settlement, which is called a lien. We negotiate those liens down so more money stays in your pocket.
Contact Our Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation
You only get one chance to pursue compensation after a pedestrian crash. You deserve a legal team that takes your case seriously and knows how to win.
Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers has been fighting for injured people across Missouri since 1990. We are available 24/7, consultations are always free, and you pay nothing unless we recover for you. Contact us today to get started.
