Crosswalks are supposed to guard the pedestrians as they cross the street. It is not safe at all to cross in Kansas City. The vehicles will not slow down. Distracted drivers, heavy traffic, and inadequate lighting all come together to make it unsafe to cross. Knowing these dangers will make you safe. You should know when to engage the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City if you end up getting hurt in a crosswalk.
Why Crosswalks in Kansas City Are Hazards
Crosswalks are simple. They place a line across the road. But many people do get injured there. Kansas City roads are busy. Some motorists neglect signs or signals. Pedestrians tend to feel as though they are safe when, in fact, they are not. These are some of the ordinary reasons why crosswalks are hazards:
- Distracted drivers using phones, radios, or other sources of distraction.
- Poor visibility, especially at night or during inclement weather.
- Rushing motorists traveling over intersections.
- Worn or inadequate crosswalk signs.
- Crossing at all points other than designated spots.
- Misleadingly or discouragingly designed or planned roads and signs.
- One of them can result in accidents and even grievous injury. One must be careful and vigilant.
Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents
Most common crosswalk accidents are caused by human fault. At times, the weather and road conditions are also the causes. The main causes are:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who do not keep their eyes on the road or who are on their phones lose concentration on pedestrians.
- Disobedience of Traffic Signals: Drivers do not heed red lights or stop signs.
- Speeding: Drivers traveling at speed are unable to stop at pedestrian crossings in time.
- Poor Visibility: Drivers on dark locations, rainy night, or night will not see pedestrians.
- Jaywalking: Walking alone but on crosswalks is dangerous.
- Drunk Driving: Alcohol or drug intake slows down a driver’s reaction and perception.
- Poor Road Design: Lack of painting or marking of crosswalks in certain locations.
Learning to understand these causes makes you more cautious while road crossing.
Injuries from Crosswalk Accidents
Being hit by a car when walking can cause any degree of injury. Some look minor but are long-term. Some of the most typical injuries are:
- Broken Bones: Forearms, legs, ribs, and hips shatter upon impact.
- Head Injuries: Head injury and concussion are serious and common.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Sprains, strains, cuts, and bruises ache.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Can result in partial or total paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: Organs might get injured, and surgery might be needed.
- Emotional Trauma: Stress and worry as a result of the accident could affect life.
You should get yourself treated immediately if you get injured. Keep every bill and treatment recorded. They could come in handy if you are claiming.
When Do You Call a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Not all accidents necessitate your speaking with a lawyer. However, if you have a severe injury or there was blame on the other side, you should speak with one of them. Some of the situations where you will need a lawyer are:
- Your medical bills are high or are continuing to pile up.
- You lost wages because you were out of work.
- The driver was openly disobeying traffic laws or driving negligently.
- The insurance firm will not give you enough.
- Fault is in doubt or in question.
- You are unaware of what your rights are.
A personal injury attorney is familiar with defending you. They can get you what you deserve.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
A personal injury attorney represents an accident victim. They apportion fault and fights for fair compensation. The following is what they do:
- Make facts by researching the accident.
- Gather witness statements and photographs.
- Deal with insurance companies for you.
- Work out what you are owed.
- Work out paperwork and negotiations.
- Appear for you if it goes to court.
A lawyer makes you more likely to succeed and removes stress from the legal process.
What Can You Recover?
If you were hurt by a driver, you can recover damages to compensate you for your loss. Common recoveries are:
- Medical, therapy, and hospital fees.
- Lost wages if you could not work.
- Pain and suffering for bodily and emotional injury.
- Future treatment if you need more treatment.
- Damage to property if personal property was harmed.
- Punitive damages in some cases to deter irresponsible drivers.
A lawyer will get you every dollar that you deserve.
How to Be Safe at Kansas City Crosswalks
It is always better safe than sorry. Some of the safety rules for pedestrians are as mentioned below:
- Walk at crosswalks only.
- Walk after the walk signal, not on a red traffic signal light.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb.
- Don’t be distracted by the use of cell phones or headsets.
- Dress in reflective or light clothing while walking at night.
- Walk at corners or special places only.
- Walk very carefully during bad weather or poor visibility.
- Beware of turning vehicles that are unaware of your presence.
Your safety is reduced by these measures.
What to Do When There’s an Accident at a Crosswalk
If you are injured or struck, the following should be done:
- Call 911 for help and medical care.
- Seek medical care if injuries are slight or not.
- Report to the police.
- Obtain driver’s name, phone, and insurance.
- Photograph with photographs injuries, vehicles, and crosswalk location.
- Document witnesses and obtain contact information.
- Document work and medical history.
- Talk to an injury lawyer.
These steps guarantee your rights are preserved and a solid case is established.
Kansas City Pedestrian Statutes
Kansas City has pedestrian safety statutes. Some of the most significant ones are:
- Cars should stop and yield to walkers while they are crossing crosswalks.
- Walkers ought to obey traffic signals and cross with caution.
- Crossing outside a crosswalk will undermine your case.
- Both the driver and pedestrian are culpable.
- Report any accident resulting in injury.
Keeping this law in mind will make you do the right thing as well as protect yourself legally.
Kansas City Crosswalk Risks and Attorneys – FAQs
1. What should I do immediately after a crosswalk collision?
Call 911 if you are injured. Call for medical assistance and report the crime. Get facts from witnesses and drivers. Take photographs.
2. Am I paid if I was partly responsible?
Yes. Kansas City has comparative fault laws. Your recovery will be decreased by your percentage of fault.
3. What is the time limit for filing a claim?
You typically have two years from the time the accident happened. Failure to meet this deadline can disqualify your claim.
4. Do lawyers charge upfront fees?
Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingent fee. You only pay if they win your case.
5. What kind of damages can I recover?
Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in some cases.
Endnote
Crosswalks are dangerous but safe in Kansas City. You will know how to use a personal injury attorney to protect your rights when you’ve been injured. Be cautious crossing roads. At worst, run as fast as possible and yell for help. A good Kansas City pedestrian accident lawyer will walk you through to get your rights. The article utilizes simple language and short sentences in order to make the article readable as light reading. The article does not utilize technical terminologies and is easy to the point. The article addresses hazards, injury, legal advice, safety law, and procedure in case of an accident. This makes the article a Kansas City pedestrian guide.
