Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Kansas City & St. Joseph, MO

Black scales of justice icon on a white background
Man sitting on a zebra crossing with a service dog in an orange vest beside him

Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating incidents that occur on Missouri roadways. When a person on foot is struck by a vehicle, the lack of physical protection greatly increases the risk of severe injuries or even death. At Murphy & Sumy, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take on victims and their families. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing the compensation you need to recover.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians lack the safety features of vehicles, the injuries sustained tend to be severe and life-altering. Common injuries from pedestrian accidents include:

Black check mark on a white background

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Sudden impact can cause concussions or serious brain trauma with long-term effects.

Black check mark on a white background

Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine may result in partial or complete paralysis.

Black check mark on a white background

Broken Bones: Fractures to arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common due to the force of impact.

Black check mark on a white background

Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may require emergency treatment.

Black check mark icon on a white background

Lacerations & Soft Tissue Injuries: Deep cuts, bruises, and muscle strains frequently occur.

Black check mark on a white background

Fatal Injuries: Tragically, many pedestrian accidents result in death.

Person using a blue medical walking boot and crutches in a bright living room
Person doing a handstand on the hood of a blue car on a roadside
Man lying in front of a blue car while another man stands by the open door in a street scene

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Several factors can lead to pedestrian accidents on Missouri roads, often involving negligence or unsafe conditions:

Woman using a steering wheel with a smartphone, black line icon on white background

Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted fail to notice pedestrians.

Black car icon speeding with motion lines to the left

Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases severity of injuries.

Black line icon of a self-driving car with a robot overhead, both tilted on a white background

Failure to Yield Right of Way: Drivers not yielding at crosswalks and intersections frequently cause accidents.

No alcohol or cars permitted sign inside a circle with diagonal slash

Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment dramatically increases the risk of pedestrian collisions.

Black-and-white car icon with a person’s head above it, suggesting a driver or vehicle alert

Poor Visibility: Nighttime accidents due to inadequate lighting or weather conditions.

Black outlined warning triangle with an X inside on a white background

Improper Road Design or Maintenance: Lack of sidewalks, poorly marked crosswalks, or obstructed views can contribute to accidents.

Black line icon of a shirt with glasses, suggesting a geek or nerd costume.

Jaywalking or Reckless Pedestrian Behavior: Though drivers have a duty of care, pedestrian negligence can also factor into accidents.

Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Establishing liability in pedestrian accident claims requires careful investigation. Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and watch for pedestrians, especially in populated areas and crosswalks. When drivers violate traffic laws or act negligently, they may be held responsible for resultant injuries.


Sometimes liability may extend beyond the driver to include the following:

Black check mark on a white background

Government Entities: For dangerous roadway conditions or failure to maintain safe pedestrian paths.

Black check mark on a white background

Vehicle Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect contributed to the crash.

Black checkmark on a white background

Property Owners: In certain cases where private property conditions contributed to the problem.

Our legal team thoroughly examines all potential sources of liability to protect your rights.

Driver texting while a person stands in front of the car on a snowy street
Person in a wheelchair being pushed indoors, with a caregiver’s hand on the wheel

Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Black plus sign icon on a white background

Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.

Hand holding dollar sign with downward arrow, suggesting cash payment or expense reduction

Lost Wages: Recovery time off work and compensation for decreased earning capacity due to permanent injuries.

Black angry face icon with X eyes and a frowning mouth on a white background

Pain & Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

Wheelchair accessibility symbol in black on a white background

Loss of Consortium: For family members affected by the injury or death of the victim.

Black neutral face emoji with X eyes and a straight mouth

Wrongful Death: In fatal cases, damages for funeral costs and survivors’ loss of support.

Why Choose Murphy & Sumy?

At Murphy & Sumy, we are deeply committed to helping pedestrian accident victims throughout Kansas City, St. Joseph, and nearby areas. Our attorneys combine compassionate support with aggressive legal strategy to hold at-fault parties accountable. We know how to navigate complex insurance claims and build strong cases for maximum compensation.

Man with arm in sling working at desk beside laptop and notebook in an office
Driver’s view of a man in a blue shirt shouting and reaching toward the car window outside

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to seek experienced legal guidance. Contact Murphy & Sumy today at 816-477-5009 for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.