A Driver Hit You While Walking. Now what?
getting hit as a pedestrian is scary. The force can be instant. One second you are at the crosswalk, and then the next thing you know, you are on the ground and in pain. If you are hit in Kansas City while you are walking, don’t freak out, but there are a few things you need to know what to do as you go forward. This guide is meant to help you with what you should start doing right after a crash, along with other tips to protect you and get you caught up. Little steps can be a lot.
Step 1: Move Out of Traffic If You Can
Your safety comes first. If you’re able to move, get out of the street fast. Go to the sidewalk or shoulder. Don’t try to stand if you feel dizzy or hurt. Stay calm. Wait for help.
Step 2: Call 911 Right Away
Always call the police. Even for small crashes. The police will:
- Make a report
- Take driver info
- Talk to witnesses
That report helps later if you file a claim. If you’re hurt, ask for an ambulance.
Step 3: Don’t Say Sorry or Take Blame
After a crash, your brain may feel foggy. You might say things without thinking. Don’t admit fault. Don’t say “I didn’t see you” or “I should’ve waited.” Just state the facts. Let the police decide what happened.
Step 4: Get Medical Care Fast
Some injuries take time to show. A sore knee might be a torn ligament. A headache could be a sign of a brain injury. Go to the hospital or doctor right away. Your records prove the injury came from the crash.
Keep all:
- Hospital bills
- Doctor notes
- Prescriptions
- Test results
These records support your claim.
Step 5: Gather Information at the Scene
If you’re able, collect:
- The driver’s name and number
- Their insurance info
- License plate
- Make and model of car
Also take photos:
- Your injuries
- The car that hit you
- The road, signs, or signals
- Skid marks or broken parts
Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers too. All this helps your case.
Step 6: Don’t Talk to the Other Insurance Alone
The driver’s insurance might call you. They may act nice. But their goal is to pay as little as they can. Don’t give a recorded statement. Don’t agree to anything. Say this: “Please talk to my lawyer.”
Step 7: Talk to a Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A lawyer protects you. They speak for you. They know what your case is worth. They deal with the legal paperwork, the forms, the phone calls. Most offer free case reviews.
A good lawyer will:
- Handle the insurance
- Prove the driver’s fault
- Help you get fair money for your pain
- Take the case to court if needed
They only get paid if you win. That means they fight hard.
Step 8: Keep Following Your Doctor’s Advice
Go to all follow-up visits. Take your medicine. Do your therapy. This shows you’re trying to heal. If you skip care, the insurance company may say your injury isn’t real. Stay consistent.
Step 9: Keep a Journal of Pain and Costs
Write down what you feel each day. Note:
- Where it hurts
- What you can’t do
- Missed work days
- How your life changed
This proves how much the injury affects you. Also keep receipts for:
- Medical gear
- Rides to the doctor
- Lost income
- Help around the house
All of this matters in your claim.
Step 10: Don’t Wait Too Long
You have five years to file a case in Missouri. But the longer you wait, the harder it gets. Witnesses forget. Evidence disappears. Talk to a local experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City early.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Kansas City
Kansas City has busy roads. Wide intersections. Fast drivers. Many crashes happen because:
- Drivers don’t yield
- People speed
- Drivers look at phones
- Poor lighting at night
- No sidewalks or crosswalks
Even when walkers follow the rules, crashes still happen. That’s why drivers must watch out.
Injuries Often Seen in Pedestrian Accidents
These injuries can be mild or deadly:
- Broken arms and legs
- Brain injury
- Neck or back damage
- Cuts and deep bruises
- Organ or rib injuries
Some injuries show up right away. Others take days or weeks. Always get checked by a doctor.
What Damages Can You Claim?
After a crash, you may be owed money for:
- Hospital bills
- Future treatment
- Missed work
- Lost job
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional stress
- Help you now need at home
Your lawyer can help figure out the total.
What If You Were Also at Fault?
Let’s say you crossed outside the crosswalk. Or looked at your phone. You may still have a case. Missouri uses “pure comparative fault.” That means even if you were 40% at fault, you can still get paid. Your money just gets cut by that percent. So if your case is worth $100,000 and you’re 40% at fault, you still get $60,000.
What If It Was a Hit-and-Run?
Don’t chase the car. Call 911. Give all the details you can:
- Car type or color
- License plate
- Direction they went
- What the driver looked like
You may still get help through:
- Your car insurance (if you have one)
- A state crime fund
- A lawsuit if the driver is found
Can Kids or Older Adults File Claims?
Yes. Children and seniors have rights too. A parent or legal guardian can file for a child. A caregiver can file for an older adult. Kids and seniors are more likely to be hit. Drivers should be extra careful around them. If they don’t, they may owe for the harm they cause.
How Long Does a Case Take?
Every case is different. Some settle in months. Others may take a year or more. It depends on:
- The injuries
- The money at stake
- If the case goes to court
Your lawyer will try to settle fast, but only if it’s fair.
Tips to Avoid Being Hit While Walking
You can’t control how drivers act. But you can stay alert:
- Cross at corners
- Make eye contact with drivers
- Don’t use your phone while walking
- Wear bright clothes at night
- Use sidewalks
Even with care, some crashes can’t be avoided. If it happens to you, don’t feel at fault.
FAQs – What People Ask About Pedestrian Accidents in Kansas City
- Can I still file a claim if I was jaywalking?
Yes. You may get less money, but you may still win. Missouri law allows this. - What if I don’t feel hurt right away?
Go to the doctor anyway. Some injuries show up later. Early care helps your case. - Do I need a lawyer for a minor injury?
Yes. Even small injuries can cost a lot. A lawyer makes sure you don’t get shorted. - Will I have to pay money out of pocket to hire a Lawyer?
No. Most personal injury lawyers charge nothing unless you win.
- What if I was walking in the rain or at night?
That does not remove your right to file a claim. Drivers have to still see you and avoid you.
Final Thoughts
You did not plan to be injured. You were just walking. And now you have pain and stress, along with bills. You don’t have to go it alone. A skilled and affordable Kansas City pedestrian accident lawyer can help. Get answers. Get help. Get justice.