Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri

The seriousness of pedestrian accidents can’t be overstated. Unlike drivers, who benefit from the protection of seat belts, airbags, and a vehicle’s structure, pedestrians have little to shield them from impact. 

Even accidents that occur at relatively low speeds can cause life-altering injuries. This is why pedestrian accidents demand close attention from both lawmakers and those seeking justice.

Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating incidents that occur on Missouri roadways. When a person on foot is struck by a vehicle, the injuries are often severe due to the lack of physical protection for the pedestrian. These accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or even fatalities. 

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC has seen firsthand how these incidents impact victims and their families in Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Joseph, Missouri. Their mission is to guide individuals through the legal process while holding negligent drivers accountable. Reach out today to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often occur because drivers fail to exercise proper caution. While every situation is unique, certain patterns are frequently seen in Missouri cases. These causes highlight the risks pedestrians face every day:

• Distracted driving, including texting or using in-car technology.

• Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections.

• Speeding in residential or high-traffic pedestrian areas.

• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs.

• Poor visibility, such as nighttime or inclement weather conditions.

Each of these circumstances can result in devastating pedestrian accidents, leaving victims in urgent need of medical care and legal guidance. While pedestrians also have responsibilities, such as following traffic signals and using crosswalks, the vast majority of these accidents stem from driver negligence. 

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC frequently works with clients who were doing everything right when they were struck by inattentive or reckless drivers.

Missouri Law and Pedestrian Accidents

Missouri law provides important protections for pedestrians. Drivers are required to exercise the highest degree of care when operating their vehicles. 

This means yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, obeying speed limits, and avoiding distractions while driving. When a driver fails to meet this obligation, they may be held liable for the injuries caused.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC emphasizes that pedestrian accidents fall under Missouri personal injury law, which allows victims to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. 

Proving negligence involves showing that the driver breached their duty of care and that this breach directly caused the pedestrian’s injuries. Their firm works diligently to gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to support claims.

It’s also important to note that Missouri doesn’t impose a cap on compensatory damages in most personal injury claims, meaning victims of pedestrian accidents can seek compensation that truly reflects the extent of their losses.

This is especially critical in cases involving catastrophic injuries, where long-term medical care and rehabilitation may be required.

Injuries Commonly Seen in Pedestrian Accidents

The physical toll of pedestrian accidents is often life-changing. Victims may require emergency treatment, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and severe lacerations. 

These injuries not only bring physical pain but also emotional and financial strain.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC understands that pedestrian accidents can derail a person’s ability to work, maintain independence, and live life as they once did. That is why their legal work focuses on pursuing compensation that addresses both immediate medical needs and long-term impacts.

Beyond physical injuries, many victims also suffer emotional trauma. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder often develop after serious pedestrian accidents. 

Recovery therefore requires more than medical care; it requires financial resources to support therapy, counseling, and life adjustments that address the invisible wounds caused by these devastating events.

Liability in Pedestrian Accidents

Determining liability in pedestrian accidents requires a careful review of all circumstances. Missouri follows a comparative fault system, which means that if a pedestrian is found partially responsible for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned. 

For example, if a pedestrian crosses outside of a designated crosswalk but the driver was speeding, both parties may share responsibility.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC helps clients understand how comparative fault applies in their case and fights to minimize any unfair blame placed on the pedestrian. They know that pedestrian accidents are rarely straightforward, and their approach involves thorough investigation to build a strong claim.

Seeking Compensation After Pedestrian Accidents

Victims of pedestrian accidents in Missouri may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income from missed work, loss of future earning potential, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. 

Families who have lost a loved one in pedestrian accidents may also pursue wrongful death claims, which cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC recognizes how crucial this compensation is for victims trying to rebuild their lives after traumatic pedestrian accidents. They strive to recover damages that reflect the seriousness of each client’s situation.

Compensation also serves another purpose: holding negligent drivers accountable. By pursuing claims under Missouri personal injury law, victims of pedestrian accidents send a message that reckless or careless behavior won’t go unchecked.

Insurance Companies and Pedestrian Accidents

Insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts in pedestrian accidents by disputing liability or undervaluing the extent of injuries. Victims may find themselves overwhelmed by aggressive adjusters who pressure them into quick settlements that fail to cover long-term costs.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC takes on insurance companies directly, protecting clients from these tactics. 

They advise against accepting any settlement offer before speaking with a qualified attorney, as pedestrian accidents often lead to ongoing medical care and financial hardship. Their legal representation focuses on fighting for settlements or verdicts that truly meet the needs of their clients.

Insurance companies know that pedestrian accidents can result in high-value claims, and they often act quickly to limit exposure. That is why having strong representation is critical to prevent being taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

While legal action is important after pedestrian accidents, prevention should always be a priority. Public awareness campaigns, improved crosswalk designs, and stronger enforcement of traffic laws can all help reduce the frequency of these incidents. 

Drivers must remain alert in areas with high pedestrian traffic, while pedestrians should also exercise caution when crossing streets, especially in areas with limited visibility.

Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC believes that raising awareness about pedestrian safety is essential. Fewer accidents mean fewer families suffering the devastating consequences of pedestrian accidents. Their commitment extends beyond legal representation to supporting safer communities across Missouri.

In recent years, Missouri cities have worked to improve pedestrian infrastructure, such as adding flashing crosswalk signs and redesigning intersections. 

These efforts are important, but preventing pedestrian accidents ultimately comes down to safe driving practices. A distracted or reckless driver can undo years of safety planning in a single moment.

Why Choose Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC?

Victims of pedestrian accidents often feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of an injury. Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC offers compassionate and skilled legal support to those affected. Their deep knowledge of Missouri personal injury law positions them to handle pedestrian accident claims with diligence and care.

What sets their legal team apart is their dedication to clients’ well-being. They focus not only on recovering compensation but also on helping individuals and families move forward. With a proven record of advocating for victims of pedestrian accidents, they stand ready to assist those seeking justice.

Their approach is thorough, client-centered, and focused on results. Pedestrian accidents change lives in an instant, but with the right legal representation, victims can gain the financial resources they need to heal, adapt, and reclaim their futures.

Your Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents leave lasting impacts on victims and their families. Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy, LLC is committed to guiding victims through these challenges with care, determination, and a focus on achieving meaningful results. They’re proud to serve Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri. Call today.