Receive Justice for Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Kansas City, Missouri
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. This is where the Kansas City MO pedestrian accident attorney at Ricket Law Firm LLC steps in. Located in the bustling heart of Missouri, we strive to alleviate the legal burdens that accompany such unfortunate incidents.
At Ricket Law Firm LLC, we’re not just personal injury attorneys—we’re your allies in a journey toward achieving rightful compensation. Whether you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Missouri, we understand the toll it takes. With us, you’re not just another case; you’re a priority.
We stand firm in defending your rights, working tirelessly to steer you through the perplexing maze of legal matters. Our approach is not just about legal representation, but about providing a beacon of hope during daunting times.
You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Ricket Law Firm LLC today to schedule a consultation. Allow us to utilize our comprehensive experience and proven record of success to champion your cause. Trust in us as your steadfast legal ally in securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident refers to any incident in which a person traveling on foot, such as a pedestrian or a jogger, is involved in a collision or incident with a motor vehicle, bicycle, or any other mode of transportation.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Happen in Missouri?
Pedestrian accidents occur all too frequently throughout the state of Missouri, with typical hotspots including:
- Crosswalks
- Intersections
- Crossings with traffic lights
- Parking lots and garages
- School zones
- Driveways
- Shoulders of roads
A significant number of fatalities among pedestrians happen when they attempt to cross highways, as drivers do not usually expect their presence in such locations. Notably, pedestrian accidents see a sharp increase during the evening, particularly from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Indeed, most of these mishaps occur between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri?
Numerous factors have an impact on pedestrian accidents. The following are some of the most common contributors:
Distracted Driving
One of the main causes of pedestrian accidents is drivers being distracted. This includes activities like talking, texting, eating or drinking, and adjusting music or radio settings.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Individuals who drive while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs can be held responsible for pedestrian injuries and face criminal charges.
Poor Weather Conditions
When weather conditions are unfavorable, drivers may be held accountable for pedestrian accidents if they fail to adjust their speed to avoid collisions.
Right-Turn Accidents
Motor vehicles making right turns at intersections with crosswalks may have limited visibility or distractions, increasing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Many states have traffic laws that require drivers to yield to pedestrians. Among various traffic violations, failure to yield is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents.
What Are the Different Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, the severity of which can be influenced by numerous factors, such as the circumstances surrounding the incident. Here, we briefly explore some of the most common injuries associated with pedestrian accidents:
Soft Tissue Injuries
These encompass harm to skin, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Though they generally involve shorter recovery periods, they can still significantly impact the victim’s life.
Broken Bones
High-impact collisions can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, necessitating lengthy recovery times.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Forceful impacts or blows to the head can cause significant brain damage, which may lead to severe and potentially permanent symptoms.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Powerful impacts on the spine can cause harm to the spinal cord or nerves, potentially leading to life-altering consequences such as paralysis.
Additional Common Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can also cause injuries such as concussions, harm to lower extremities, back injuries, chest and lung damage, internal organ damage, lacerations, and, tragically, sometimes even loss of life.
Enduring the lifelong consequences of injuries from pedestrian accidents can be a challenging journey, often marked by physical and emotional pain and financial burden. At Ricket Law Firm LLC, we stand with survivors of pedestrian accidents, offering our skills in pursuing just compensation for your injuries and losses. Our team is dedicated to assisting you in these difficult times. Reach out to our Kansas City MO pedestrian accident attorney today to explore your legal options.
What to Do Following a Pedestrian Accident in Missouri?
If you find yourself involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s recommended that you:
Get Medical Help
Immediately call 911 to get a medical check-up. Even if there are no apparent injuries, a comprehensive examination can detect potential internal issues.
Report to the Police
An official accident report by the police serves as a key document in your future lawsuit, establishing the details of the incident and helping to protect your rights.
Collect Information
Obtain as much information as you can about the driver involved, such as their name, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information.
Speak to Witnesses
Witness testimonies can significantly reinforce your case. Make sure to gather contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident.
Take Photos
Pictures of the accident scene, damage, and injuries can provide strong evidence in your case. This includes vehicle damage, traffic lights, road signs, and your injuries.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurer about the accident, but avoid giving detailed statements until you have consulted with a lawyer.
Contact Ricket Law Firm, LLC
Reaching out to our experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Missouri as soon as possible after the accident can increase your chances of obtaining just compensation for your injuries and losses. We’re here to provide advice and effective advocacy to help you through this challenging time.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
While it is commonly observed that motorists bear responsibility for pedestrian accidents, it is important to recognize that they are not the sole potential defendants in such cases. Other factors, such as faulty crosswalk signals or inadequate intersection design, can also contribute to the occurrence of these accidents.Â
Our pedestrian accident attorney in Kansas City is well-equipped to thoroughly investigate your case and assist you in accurately identifying the parties at fault. We can help you establish liability against entities such as:
Motorist
If a driver enters a pedestrian crosswalk without yielding the right of way, they may be deemed at fault for the accident. Additionally, the driver can be held responsible if the collision occurred due to distracted, drowsy, intoxicated, or other negligent driving behaviors.Â
Engaging in actions that violate Missouri’s roadway laws and result in striking a pedestrian can provide grounds for initiating a lawsuit.
Government Agency
Government agencies bear the responsibility of ensuring the proper maintenance of pedestrian crosswalks and designing safe roadways. Instances that could be attributed to government negligence include poorly designed infrastructure, malfunctioning crosswalk signals, and inadequate roadway maintenance.Â
These issues can contribute to hazardous conditions for pedestrians and may be indicative of the government’s failure to fulfill its obligations.
Product Manufacturer
Products associated with the crosswalk or the involved vehicle can sometimes have defects that contribute to pedestrian collisions. For instance, if a vehicle’s brakes are defective, it may be unable to stop in time to avoid a crash.Â
In such cases, the responsibility for the defective products lies with the manufacturer or distributor, who can be held liable for their role in the accident.
How Can I Prove Negligence in My Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim?
In Missouri, to prove negligence in a pedestrian accident injury claim, you generally need to establish the following elements:
Duty of Care
You must demonstrate that the driver had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle. This duty exists to ensure the safety of pedestrians on or near the roadways.
Breach of Duty
You need to show that the driver breached their duty of care by acting negligently or recklessly. This could include actions such as distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield the right-of-way, running a red light, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Causation
You must establish a direct link between the driver’s breach of duty and the pedestrian accident. This means demonstrating that the driver’s negligence was the proximate cause of the accident and resulting injuries.
Damages
You need to provide evidence of the injuries and damages suffered by the pedestrian as a direct result of the accident. This can include medical records, bills, photographs, witness statements, and other relevant documentation.
To strengthen your case, it is advisable to gather as much evidence as possible. This may include photographs of the accident scene, obtaining the police report, collecting witness statements, and seeking legal opinions if necessary.Â
Working with our skilled pedestrian accident attorney in Missouri can significantly enhance your chances of proving negligence and securing fair compensation for your injuries.
What Damages Can I Recover in My Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim?
As a pedestrian, you are granted the right of way in numerous scenarios. However, it is unfortunate that drivers do not always yield or drive responsibly. If you are involved in a car-pedestrian collision, there are various types of damages that you may be eligible to seek compensation. These damages encompass:
Medical Expenses
Following a car-pedestrian collision, it is highly probable that you will incur substantial medical expenses. These expenses may encompass ambulance charges, hospitalization fees, surgical procedures, and other related costs.Â
If the accident occurred due to the negligence of another party, you may have the opportunity to seek reimbursement for these expenses from the responsible driver or their insurance company.Â
Lost Salaries
If your injuries hinder your ability to work, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the income you lose as a result. This compensation can encompass a substantial sum, particularly if your inability to work persists for a prolonged duration.
Pain and Suffering
Apart from the physical injuries you have sustained, there is also a possibility of seeking compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced. This encompasses not only the physical pain resulting from your injuries but also the emotional distress caused by being involved in a pedestrian accident.
Wrongful Death
If your family member has tragically lost their lives in a pedestrian accident, you may have the option to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This legal course of action can assist you in obtaining compensation for various damages, including funeral expenses, lost income, and other related losses.
If you have been in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to consult with our dedicated Kansas City MO pedestrian accident attorney. We are here to provide you with a clear understanding of your rights and available options, and we will vigorously advocate for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Roadmap to Compensation: Handling Medical and Wage Losses After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents often lead to financial burdens such as medical expenses and lost wages. In Missouri, various avenues exist to seek compensation:
Claiming from Auto Insurance Providers
One of the first steps is to file a claim with the auto insurance provider of the at-fault driver. In cases where multiple drivers are involved, multiple claims may be necessary. Often, settlements are achieved through negotiations with the insurance companies post-investigation. However, insurance companies may sometimes try to deny rightful compensation. Our attorneys can assist with claim filing and negotiations to ensure you receive what you deserve.
Employer Liability
If the accident involved drivers working for rideshare services or delivery companies, their employers could bear liability. Victims can claim full compensation from the liable company or through an umbrella insurance policy, allowing for compensation beyond standard auto insurance limits.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
If the at-fault party is uninsured or the settlement offer is insufficient, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be advisable. Claims can be filed against all liable parties, including the driver, vehicle owner, and employer. Our attorneys can guide the process, with potential claims based on general negligence, traffic violation liabilities, or recklessness. In severe cases involving drunk driving or road rage, punitive damages may be pursued.
Public Tort Claims
If poor public infrastructure contributed to the accident, victims can seek compensation from responsible public entities, following Missouri’s tort claims act. Some laws restrict public liability, but damages can sometimes be obtained. In such cases, our pedestrian accident lawyer can provide crucial legal guidance.
Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund
Missouri maintains a Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund to aid victims when the at-fault party can’t provide adequate compensation. This could be due to the driver lacking insurance, fleeing the scene, or declaring bankruptcy during legal proceedings. The state reviews each case, awarding damages where appropriate.
What is the Statute of Limitations on Pedestrian Accident Claims in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations prescribes a 5-year period from the date of the accident for initiating a related lawsuit. However, exceptions exist that can delay or extend this period under certain circumstances:
According to Missouri Revised Statutes section 516.170, if the victim of the accident is under 21 years or mentally incapacitated at the time of the incident, the 5-year period starts after this “legal disability” ends. For instance, if the injured person is a minor, the clock starts running once they turn 21.
As per Missouri Revised Statutes section 516.200, if the defendant, the individual responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries, is a Missouri resident but leaves the state after the accident and before the lawsuit is filed, their period of absence likely won’t be included in the 5-year filing period.
Given these exceptions and complexities, it’s strongly advised to consult with our experienced personal injury attorney promptly following an accident. This will help ensure your claim adheres to the stipulated timeframe, and your rights to fair compensation are upheld.
Why Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Missouri?
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often try to minimize or avoid paying claims. They may question your attentiveness at the time of the accident, even seeking phone records or surveillance footage to establish your alleged fault.
Engaging a skilled pedestrian accident attorney from our law firm equips you with a team ready to conduct thorough investigations, gather crucial evidence, and build a robust case demonstrating your innocence. Our attorney will also serve as your representative when dealing with insurance companies, ensuring your rights are protected and advocating for fair compensation.
Key services our personal injury attorney provides include:
- Comprehensive legal representation and guidance.
- Skilled negotiations with insurance companies.
- Assessment of your damages, considering medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
- Protection of your interests in settlement discussions or court proceedings.
- Assistance navigating intricate legal procedures and deadlines.
Remember, while compensation cannot reverse the damages or losses incurred, it can offer critical financial support for necessary medical care and contribute to your recovery journey. Our goal is to help you rebuild your life, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve and access to appropriate medical resources.
Personalized Legal Representation for Every Pedestrian Accident Victim in Missouri
At Ricket Law Firm LLC, we recognize the profound impact that pedestrian accidents inflict on victims and their families. With a seasoned team of personal injury attorneys, we navigate Missouri’s legal complexities skillfully and have a history of successfully representing pedestrian accident victims.
We passionately champion the rights of the injured, striving to secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. If a pedestrian accident in Missouri has disrupted your life or that of a loved one, don’t tackle the legal complexities alone. Our Kansas City MO pedestrian accident attorney is ready to extend robust legal support tailored to your case.
Reach out to us today to arrange a consultation. Experience the advantage of a dedicated legal team working tirelessly for your cause.
Our personal injury law firm can also assist you with Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, and Brain Injury. Let us help you move forward and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
