Most of us don’t expect to be hit by a car, and the results can be catastrophic, often with severe or even life-threatening injuries. Knowing what steps you or a loved one can take to file a personal injury claim is important for increasing your chances of compensation. Feel free to ask a reliable Kansas City pedestrian accident lawyer what you should do—most offer free consultations to help you get started.
Most Common Pedestrian Injuries
The severity of pedestrian accident injuries depends on how fast the car was traveling and where the pedestrian was hit. What often happens is a person is violently thrown forward, causing damage such as:
- Bone fractures
- Head injuries ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries
- Multiple lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Death
Survivors deal with additional complications depending on the nature of their injuries. For example, when pedestrians instinctively put up their arms to reduce the crash impact, they might suffer extensive arm fractures. Some bones may even shatter—there’s a greater chance of this happening if the vehicle struck them at high speed. Treating shattered bones can take up to a year of multiple surgeries, the installation of metal implants, and dealing with chronic pain. Many people miss months of work as a result.
How to Take Legal Action as a Pedestrian
Part of taking legal action as a pedestrian in Missouri means proving the motorist was at fault for the accident. This means not only looking for reasons the motorist was negligent but also clearing yourself of responsibility—as not everyone realizes that pedestrians can be found liable when they:
- Ignore crosswalk signals or signs
- Jaywalk or disregard crosswalk signals
- Don’t use a sidewalk when one is available
- Run across oncoming traffic
Drivers are often deemed at fault for pedestrian accidents when they’re:
- Driving while impaired due to alcohol or drug use
- Running red lights, stop signs, or walk signals
- Speeding
- Texting while driving or otherwise distracted
- Ignoring signs at crosswalks
To prove your case, you need as much evidence as possible. Your attorney can help you collect pertinent information that supports a rightful claim for compensation. They can also help you understand Missouri’s comparative fault position, which states that even if you’re found to be somewhat at fault for a pedestrian accident, you still have a right to a percentage of compensation.