If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, chances are you are feeling a little shaken up. You may have an injury, be confused, and not know what to do or who to call. If you are in Kansas City, Missouri there are a few simple and important things to do in order to make sure your health, your rights, and your future are protected. Below is a short list of recommended steps and what to do now and in your near future.
1. Get to Safety
If you can move, get out of the road. Stay away from traffic. Try to stay calm. Help others if you’re able. Don’t leave the scene.
2. Contact for Help After a Crash.
It is extremely important to relay your accident. After you have taken a minute to think, call 911, and inform the dispatch exactly where you are at, and as many specifics about your surroundings as possible. A lot of people do not realize how important it is for somebody to get involved, be it police, or medicine, until they are in a hospital being treated for the negligence of those last moments. If you are not sure what your injuries are, then that is where the medical staff comes in! Medical situations can take time for the symptoms to manifest and decide their severity.
3. Get Your Self the Proper Help!
Most minor injuries have the potential to develop. Either way, it matters not, you could feel 100% fine today, and feel 100% horrible later on that same day. Go to the local hospital, or urgent care. Your only job now is to listen to what they tell you to do, and to heal. You will be responsible to keep all documentation, reports and receipts as much as possible.
4. Don’t Apologize, or Accept Any Responsibility.
While you are at the scene of your accident, as a best practice, never say “I am sorry.” Or say anything at all that somewhat indicates or shows that you are taking responsibility in the accident. These couple of word(s) will and can, in fact, be used against you. Just stick to the facts, and let the police take care of their duties.
5. Document Everything
Get the other driver’s full name, contact number, and insurance info; Immediately take photographs of the other vehicle, the other vehicle’s license number, any road signs or street signs, and any visible injuries you have. If a witness was at the scene, get their contact information and full name. When the police officer is done with their report, get the police report number.
6. Write down all the details you can remember.
As soon as you can after the crash, write down all you can remember about the crash, i.e. where you were going to, where you were, what direction your approaching vehicle was coming, time of day and type of weather. The more detail you write down now, the better off you will be, because even if you remembered specific details immediately after the accident, it is still possible you may forget or not remember certain specific details later on!!
7. Don’t Talk to Insurance Yet
The driver’s insurance might call you fast. Don’t talk to them without legal help. They may try to trick you. Don’t sign anything. Don’t agree to a quick payout. These offers are often too low.
8. Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Find a lawyer who knows Kansas City laws. Pedestrian laws are not the same everywhere. Missouri has rules that affect fault and payments. A local Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer knows what applies to you.
9. Missouri Laws That Matter
Missouri uses “pure comparative fault.” This means if you were 10% at fault, you can still get 90% of the money. The more blame they put on you, the less you can get. A good lawyer can fight that. There’s also a time limit. You only have five years to file a personal injury claim in Missouri. That sounds like a long time, but cases take time to build. Don’t wait.
10. Kansas City Traffic Can Be Risky
Kansas City is notorious for having congested streets, although more notable examples include Troost Avenue, Independence Avenue or Broadway Boulevard. Pedestrian crashes can occur at intersections or any points of conflicts which are often at busy locations with pedestrians, like schools, parks, and shopping areas. Overall the City of Kansas City has a “Vision Zero” plan to eliminate fatal traffic crashes, but injuries and fatalities still occur.
11. What If You Were Jaywalking?
Even if you were crossing the street outside a crosswalk, you might still have a case. Missouri law does not always block recovery if you broke a rule. The key is who was more careless. The driver may still be mostly at fault.
12. What If the Driver Left?
If it was a hit-and-run, don’t panic. Call the police right away. Try to remember the car’s color, make, model, or plate. Check nearby cameras. Some streets have traffic or store cameras. A lawyer can help track the driver down. If they’re never found, you may still get money from your own uninsured motorist coverage.
13. Costs You Can Recover
You may get money for:
- Hospital bills
- Rehab or therapy
- Missed work
- Pain and stress
- Future care
- Damaged items (like your phone or clothes)
Don’t guess what your case is worth. Only an expert can estimate that based on real proof.
14. Can Kids or Older Adults File Claims?
Yes. Kids, teens, and seniors have the same rights. If a child is hit, a parent or guardian must file the case. For seniors, adult children often help handle the legal side. Missouri law protects everyone.
15. Be Careful Online
Don’t post about your accident on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Insurance companies check your posts. They might twist your words or photos. Stay quiet online until your case ends.
16. Watch Out for These Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
- Skipping a doctor visit
- Saying too much to insurance
- Waiting too long to call a lawyer
- Deleting texts or photos
- Not getting a copy of the police report
17. Get Support
Crashes can affect your mind, too. Don’t be afraid to get help. Talk to a counselor if you feel scared, angry, or depressed. Support groups and therapists can help you heal.
18. Why Choose a Local Lawyer?
A Kansas City lawyer knows local roads, judges, and insurance tactics. They also know which courts move faster. They can meet you in person or come to the hospital. Big firms far away won’t give you that.
19. The First Meeting Is Often Free
Most injury lawyers offer a free chat. You can ask questions and get advice. You don’t pay unless they win money for you. That’s called a contingency fee. You owe nothing upfront.
20. Take Action Today
If you wait too long, your case may get weaker. Witnesses forget things. Camera footage gets deleted. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.Call an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City right away.
FAQs
1. Do I need a lawyer after a minor pedestrian accident?
Yes, even small crashes can lead to big bills or long-term pain. A lawyer protects you.
2. Can I still sue if I didn’t use a crosswalk?
Yes. Missouri law allows claims even if you jaywalked, but your payment might be reduced.
3. What if I was hit by a city bus or government vehicle?
Claims against the city have shorter deadlines. You must file a notice fast—often within 90 days.
4. Will my health insurance cover the bills?
Yes, but they might ask for repayment if you get a settlement later. A lawyer handles this for you.
5. What if the driver says I was at fault?
Don’t argue. Let your lawyer handle it. They’ll use proof, witness reports, and traffic laws to fight back.