With more cars on the road, and more people walking to work, school, or just enjoying their neighborhoods, motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians are becoming an unfortunate part of daily life—especially in urban areas like Kansas City, Missouri.
These incidents can leave victims with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens that can feel overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle while walking, I know how traumatic and life-altering that experience can be.
Many victims are left with unanswered questions, growing medical bills, and the difficult decision of how to move forward. No one should go through that alone.
As a personal injury lawyer at The Tourigny Law Firm LLC, I help people across Missouri and Kansas who've been injured in pedestrian accidents caused by careless or reckless drivers. I’m here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Reach out to my firm today for the support you need.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen So Often in Urban Areas
Urban environments are dense with activity. Pedestrians are constantly sharing space with cars, trucks, buses, scooters, and bicycles. This increases the chances of collisions, especially at intersections, crosswalks, and busy downtown streets.
In Kansas City, we're seeing more of these incidents due to traffic congestion, distracted driving, and a general lack of awareness around pedestrian safety.
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
Distracted drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or not paying attention to the road.
Speeding, especially in neighborhoods or near schools.
Failure to yield at crosswalks or stop signs.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Left-hand turns often result in drivers failing to see pedestrians crossing the street.
While some pedestrian accidents happen due to unfortunate timing or weather conditions, many are preventable. When drivers don’t act responsibly, they need to be held accountable.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re hit by a vehicle, the moments afterward can feel chaotic. Whether you’re conscious or not, the actions taken immediately after the accident can have a huge impact on your physical recovery and legal case.
Important actions to protect yourself include:
Call 911 immediately: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to have emergency responders on the scene.
Get medical attention: You might not feel the full extent of your injuries right away. A full medical evaluation helps document your condition.
Collect contact information: If you're able, gather the driver’s contact and insurance information. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
Take photos: Document the accident scene, including your injuries, the vehicle involved, and any traffic signs or signals.
Don't admit fault: Even casual comments can be used against you later. It’s best to avoid discussing the accident with anyone other than the police or your personal injury lawyer.
These steps create a solid foundation for any legal action you may pursue. They also help protect your health and your legal rights from the beginning.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Unlike drivers and passengers in vehicles, pedestrians have little to no protection in a crash. That makes injuries from these accidents especially severe.
Frequent injuries I see in pedestrian cases include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even a minor concussion can have lasting effects.
Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.
Fractures and broken bones: Common in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis.
Internal injuries: Damage to organs can be life-threatening and difficult to detect without medical imaging.
Lacerations and abrasions: These can lead to infections or permanent scarring.
Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD often follow a serious accident.
These injuries often require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and significant changes to a victim's lifestyle. I work closely with my clients to help them get compensation not only for their current medical needs but for future care as well.
Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident
As a pedestrian injured in an accident, you have the legal right to pursue compensation if the driver was negligent. That includes any action (or inaction) that shows a lack of reasonable care.
Negligent behavior that may lead to compensation:
Texting while driving
Speeding in pedestrian-heavy areas
Failing to yield at a crosswalk
Driving under the influence
Running red lights or stop signs
Proving negligence requires a strong case, supported by evidence like police reports, witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and medical records. That’s where working with a personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. I help clients build solid cases to hold drivers accountable for their actions.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
Many of my clients worry about how they’ll pay for their medical care, make up for lost wages, or deal with the pain they’re living with. The good news is that the law allows victims to seek compensation for these damages and more.
Types of damages that may be available:
Medical bills: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
Lost income: Compensation for time missed from work and potential loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from doing activities you once loved.
Wrongful death damages: For families who’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident.
Each case is different, and the compensation you receive will depend on the details of your situation. I always fight for the full and fair amount my clients deserve—nothing less.
How I Help Victims Through the Legal Process
Filing a claim after a pedestrian accident can feel intimidating, especially when you're dealing with physical pain or trauma. My goal is to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible for you.
Here’s how I assist my clients:
Free initial consultations: I listen to your story and give you honest feedback about your legal options.
Thorough investigation: I dig into the facts, gather evidence, and work with professionals like accident reconstructionists if needed.
Clear communication: You’ll always know where your case stands, and I’ll answer your questions promptly and honestly.
Negotiation with insurance companies: I handle the paperwork, calls, and pushback from insurers, so you don’t have to.
Trial preparation and litigation: If needed, I’m fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for what you’re owed.
You shouldn’t have to deal with insurance adjusters or legal hurdles when you’re focused on healing. That’s why hiring a personal injury lawyer is so important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases
When new clients reach out to me, they often have similar questions. Here are a few I hear most often, along with the answers I give during our first meeting.
Answers to common concerns:
Do I have a case if I was partially at fault? Yes. Missouri and Kansas both follow versions of comparative fault. That means even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages, though they could be reduced based on your share of responsibility.
How long do I have to file a claim? In Missouri, the statute of limitations is typically five years. In Kansas, it’s usually two years. It's best to act quickly so we can preserve evidence.
Will I have to go to court? Most cases settle out of court, but I always prepare every case as if we’re going to trial. That way, we’re ready for anything.
What if the driver doesn’t have insurance? We can explore other options, like your own uninsured motorist coverage. There may be multiple ways to pursue compensation.
If you have more questions, I’m here to help. Every case is different, and you deserve answers that apply to your unique situation.
Speak to a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri or Kansas, don’t wait to find out what your rights are. Time matters, and so does the quality of legal help you receive. As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I’ve helped many clients take back control after devastating accidents.
At The Tourigny Law Firm LLC, I take pride in helping everyday people get the justice and compensation they deserve. You don’t have to go through this alone—I’m here to stand by your side every step of the way. Reach out to me today to schedule a free consultation and start your path toward recovery.
