Crosswalk Accident Attorneys in Kansas City

Understanding Pedestrian Statutes

In Kansas city, both cars and pedestrians must follow the rules of the road. In both marked and unmarked crosswalks, however, pedestrians almost always have the right of way (unless they are disregarding traffic signals). Further, drivers are required to “exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians.” They must also give warning to any pedestrians crossing the street in their path, and “exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused or incapacitated person.”

Simply put, motor vehicle drivers have a higher duty of care towards pedestrians, especially children, the elderly, and those with impairments. When a driver harms you while violating their duty of care, you have the grounds for a pedestrian accident lawsuit.

Why Does the Law Favor Pedestrians?

In vehicle-pedestrian collisions, pedestrians are more vulnerable. Without the protection of an automobile body, people on the street absorb the brunt of any crash. A car-pedestrian accident might not harm the driver, but it could severely injure or kill the pedestrian.

Additionally, pedestrians who are traversing the street on sidewalks or in crosswalks have a reasonable assumption of safety. Not all crosswalks are marked because this assumption is not always correct.

Still, if you’ve been hit while crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, your rights have been violated. Contact our attorney today for the legal assistance you need.

Do Crosswalks Prevent Accidents?

As a safety tool, crosswalks can be helpful in preventing accidents, but they do not eliminate accidents on their own. While 71.59% of pedestrian fatalities occur in non-intersection locations, 17.95% of these accidents happen in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

The key to preventing vehicle-pedestrian accidents seems to be driver speed and attention. In Kansas City, officials are experimenting with ways to make crosswalks more visible to drivers and reduce their speed. One example of this innovation is the 3D crosswalks installed in certain neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents continue to happen, even with these helpful tools and strategies.

Why Am I Entitled to Compensation?

Personal injury law protects the rights of people injured by wrongdoings. If you were injured in a crosswalk accident, you may be dealing with serious consequences. Filing a lawsuit can help make sure you don’t suffer these consequences alone.

In addition to holding wrongdoers liable and achieving justice, a crosswalk accident lawsuit can help you with:

• Medical expenses (including ER visits)
• Costs associated with rehabilitation
• Missed wages
• Diminished or lost earning potential
• Changes to your quality of life
• Pain and suffering
• The loss of a loved one (if the accident was fatal)

Medical bills and personal losses can be overwhelming, but a successful case can take stress off your shoulders and help secure your future. Call (855) 769-0906 today to pursue damages.