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Pedestrian Injuries

 

Legal Representation for Injured Pedestrians

Pedestrian accidents are pretty rare compared to those involving multiple vehicles. Rare as they are, however, they are also incredibly dangerous since pedestrians lack the protection of a car around them, or even the helmet and other safety equipment of bicyclists and motorcyclists. When a careless driver strikes a pedestrian, the consequences can be fatal.

If you or someone you know has been struck by a driver while walking around, then you may deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. Don’t accept a meager payout by the driver’s insurance company. You have rights and deserve fair compensation to help offset your medical expenses and difficulties after an injury. Call us at Norton & Spencer, P.C. right now at 816-454-5800 to discuss your options.

Accidents That Can Impact Pedestrians

There are quite a few different ways that pedestrians can be struck by drivers. Reckless or inattentive drivers are perhaps the biggest danger. These include impatient drivers who come too closer to pedestrians legally crossing a street, as well as those who are distracted by phones.

Pedestrians can also be injured when an accident occurs elsewhere. For example, in the violence of one vehicle crashing into another, debris can hit people or the vehicles can bounce off each other and strike bystanders.

Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident

The size and power of cars and trucks presents a very real danger to people on foot. Even minor accidents can cause serious cuts and bruises and broken bones that require medical care to heal.

Serious accidents can result in internal bleeding or organ damage, crushed or amputated limbs, and traumatic brain injuries. The worst injuries to a pedestrian can prove fatal and leave friends and family dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Who Is Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?

Missouri is a pure comparative fault state, which means all parties in an accident can be held liable for damages based on how much each person contributed to the accident. While this often involves multi-vehicle accidents, pedestrians are not immune to liability.

For example, if an intoxicated driver goes up onto the sidewalk and strikes a pedestrian, then it may seem obvious that the driver should be held completely liable for what happened.

That driver’s insurance company or attorney might argue, however, that the pedestrian was distracted on the phone and not acting responsibly. Without witnesses, they may even claim the pedestrian stepped off the curb into the street, thereby making the pedestrian at least partially liable. This is why you need an experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer to represent you, even if you are the victim.

Pedestrians and Insurance Companies

Pedestrians struck by a motorist can file a claim with that driver’s insurance company for compensation for medical bills and other expenses. Insurance companies are businesses like any other: driven by the desire to make a profit. This means the driver’s insurance will do everything possible to pay as little as possible. If you are not careful, you can sign away your rights to further compensation or accept much less than you deserve. Before talking to any insurance company, always have a knowledgeable lawyer by your side to make sure your rights are protected.

Other Compensation and Civil Claims

Should the insurance be insufficient, you can also pursue additional compensation through a civil lawsuit. This allows you to receive money for more than just your medical bills; compensating you for time away from work, loss of future salary, and your pain and suffering. Successfully filing a lawsuit is no simple task, however, so you should always have an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle it for you.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

If you or a loved one has been struck by a driver while walking, then you deserve compensation for that carelessness. Call us right now at Norton & Spencer, P.C., at 816-454-5800 to talk about your options and discuss your case.

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