Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Liberty, Missouri
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), nearly 7,522 pedestrians died in 2022 in motor vehicle accidents and over 67,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents. In addition, thousands more pedestrians are injured as well. In fact, accidents that involve both cars and pedestrians occur roughly once every two hours in Missouri, making these accidents staggeringly common.
Individuals often suffer significant injuries after these types of accidents because they have no protection against fast-moving vehicles. In some circumstances, however, you may be able to recover compensation for the losses you suffered due to the accident.
Serving The Greater Kansas City Area
Noland Law Firm routinely represents pedestrian accident victims in:
- Liberty,
- Gladstone,
- Independence,
- Blue Springs,
- Excelsior Springs,
- Kearney,
- Smithville,
- Saint Joseph,
- North Kansas City, and
- throughout the greater Kansas City area.
If a reckless or negligent driver caused your injuries, you need a tenacious pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for you right to just compensation.
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Our attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience in pedestrian accident cases and a proven track record of obtaining meaningful compensation for our clients. While no two accidents are alike, we believe that most accidents that result in a pedestrian being struck and injured are avoidable and negligent drivers must be held accountable. Being in an accident can be upsetting, but it is crucial to call a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Because the police often conduct an investigation and file a report shortly after the accident, it is vital for us to immediately begin our work of collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and determining the circumstances that led to your accident. We will obtain the police report and review it for errors and inaccuracies. By collaborating with a network of investigators and medical experts, we will diligently work to establish the driver’s liability and build a successful case.
Primary causes of pedestrian accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Liberty, Missouri, can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which involve driver negligence. Our attorneys are experienced in handling pedestrian accident cases and are familiar with the most common causes, including:
Distracted Driving
Drivers who text, talk on the phone, adjust the radio, or eat while driving are more likely to cause pedestrian accidents.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs pose a serious risk to pedestrians and can face both civil liability and criminal charges.
Poor Weather Conditions
Inclement weather like rain or fog can reduce visibility and make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles, leading to accidents.
Right-Turn Collisions
Drivers making right turns at intersections with crosswalks may overlook pedestrians, resulting in accidents.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Drivers are often required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Violations such as failure to yield are a leading cause of pedestrian accidents.
Missouri law requires both drivers and pedestrians to follow safety rules. If a driver violates these laws, it can impact their liability in a claim and affect the injured party’s ability to seek compensation.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
The most common type of pedestrian accident occurs at street corners. Often, vehicles do not yield as they should for pedestrians in crosswalks or obeying traffic signals. Nonetheless, pedestrian accidents can happen in a variety of other ways as well. The following are a few examples.
- Injuries that occur in parking lots
- Gas station related injuries
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Collison’s that involve drunk drivers
- Injuries that occur in crosswalks
In most circumstances, the driver will be liable to the pedestrian in these types of accidents. However, the driver is not always automatically at fault. Often, both the driver and the pedestrian will be partly at fault for the collision, which is referred to as comparative fault in Missouri.
Legal Liability in Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri
Legal responsibility can be assessed against both the driver and the pedestrian. Other parties may also be liable as well, including those responsible for maintaining roads and traffic signals.
Motorists in Missouri have a higher degree of care in the operation of their car than those who walk on the streets. As part of this heightened responsibility, drivers are required to keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times. A failure to yield to a pedestrian who has the right-of-way often results in legal responsibility for any injuries that occur after an accident. Carelessness is one of the most common reasons pedestrian accidents happen.
A pedestrian may be at fault if he or she declines to use traffic signals or runs into traffic suddenly. Traveling on restricted or limited roadways or walking outside of crosswalks can also result in legal liability for the pedestrian.
Insurance and Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri
All drivers in Missouri must have coverage that will cover their negligence in operating their vehicle. In pedestrian accidents, this type of coverage will usually apply. Also, if you are a pedestrian and own a vehicle that has required insurance, your own car insurance will cover you if a driver hits you as a pedestrian. This is true despite the fact that you are not traveling in your vehicle at the time of the incident. Your insurance may also help you pay for medical coverage as well.
Possible Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
At Noland Law Firm, our Liberty, Missouri pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you deserve after a serious injury. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Disfigurement
Our experienced legal team has a strong track record of negotiating with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation through settlements. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
Contact our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you are a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian collision, you likely have legal rights you can assert to regain some of your losses. Contact the Nolan Law Firm for a free consultation to determine your legal options. Call us at (816) 781-5055 or contact us directly online.
