Missouri Sets Record for Pedestrian Fatalities in 2024
At Kendall Law Group, we are dedicated to advocating for injury victims and their families. As Kansas City pedestrian injury and wrongful death trial lawyers, we understand the devastating consequences of pedestrian accidents. When a person is hit by a vehicle, the injuries are often severe, life-changing, or fatal. Families are left grieving, and survivors may face overwhelming medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Missouri recently recorded 148 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, a 16% increase from the previous year, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Kansas City has been particularly affected, with increasing traffic and infrastructure challenges contributing to the dangers pedestrians face every day.
In response, the city launched the Vision Zero Initiative in 2022, a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. While this initiative marks an important step toward safer streets, accidents still happen. Pedestrians remain vulnerable, and legal representation is crucial for those injured due to driver negligence or unsafe roadway conditions.
Why Are Pedestrian Fatalities Increasing in Kansas City?
Several key factors contribute to the rise in pedestrian accidents and fatalities, including:
📱 Distracted Driving
With the rise of smartphone use and in-car technology, more drivers take their eyes off the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can result in a tragic accident.
🚗 Speeding & Reckless Driving
Higher speeds reduce reaction times, making it harder for drivers to stop in time to avoid hitting pedestrians. Reckless drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks increase the risk of fatal accidents.
🌆 Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure
Many areas in Kansas City lack sidewalks, well-marked crosswalks, and adequate lighting, leaving pedestrians unprotected—especially at night.
🍺 Impaired Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all fatal pedestrian accidents involve alcohol impairment. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making pedestrian collisions more likely.
🚶♂️ Increased Foot Traffic
As Kansas City grows, more people rely on walking for daily transportation. With higher pedestrian activity, the number of pedestrian-vehicle interactions also increases, leading to a greater number of accidents.
Kansas City’s Response: Vision Zero Initiative
In 2022, Kansas City launched Vision Zero, a citywide commitment to eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. The initiative is based on the principle that traffic deaths are preventable and that safety improvements should be built into the city’s roadways.
Key Vision Zero Safety Measures
✔️ Traffic Calming Projects – Speed humps, curb extensions, and lane narrowing to reduce speeding and reckless driving.
✔️ High Injury Network (HIN) Improvements – Redesigning roads with the highest number of crashes to add safety features like pedestrian refuge islands and protected bike lanes.
✔️ Lower Speed Limits – Implementing and enforcing reduced speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas.
✔️ Intersection Safety Upgrades – Improving crosswalks, installing pedestrian countdown signals, and adding leading pedestrian intervals at traffic lights.
✔️ Education & Enforcement – Raising public awareness about pedestrian safety and increasing penalties for reckless driving.
One of the most critical aspects of Vision Zero is its focus on equity. Studies show that Black Kansas Citians are twice as likely to be killed in a traffic accident as white residents. Vision Zero prioritizes safety improvements in historically underserved neighborhoods, where dangerous road conditions and limited pedestrian infrastructure contribute to higher accident rates.
The Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Kansas City
Kansas City’s High Injury Network (HIN)identifies the most dangerous streets and intersections where fatal and serious injury crashes occur at alarming rates. According to the Kansas City Vision Zero Action Plan, 68% of the city’s fatal and serious injury crashes happen on just 13% of streets, with certain intersections proving to be particularly hazardous.
📍 Top 10 High-Risk Intersections in Kansas City
The following intersections have been identified as having some of the highest rates of pedestrian injuries and fatalities:
1️⃣ Prospect Avenue & 63rd Street
2️⃣ Bruce R. Watkins Drive & Gregory Boulevard (West)
3️⃣ Bruce R. Watkins Drive & Gregory Boulevard (East)
4️⃣ Chouteau Trafficway & Front Street
5️⃣ Van Brunt Boulevard & 23rd Street
6️⃣ Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard & Elmwood Avenue
7️⃣ Askew Avenue & Truman Road
8️⃣ Shoal Creek Parkway & MO-152
9️⃣ Blue Ridge Boulevard & Bannister Road
🔟 Jackson Avenue & 31st Street
Dangerous Corridors for Pedestrians
Some of Kansas City’s most dangerous roadways, known for high numbers of fatal and serious injury pedestrian crashes, include:
1️⃣ Prospect Avenue
2️⃣ Bruce R. Watkins Drive (US-71 Highway Corridor)
3️⃣ Troost Avenue
4️⃣ Truman Road
5️⃣ Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard
6️⃣ Gregory Boulevard
7️⃣ Independence Avenue
8️⃣ 39th Street
9️⃣ 23rd Street
Many of these roads are wide, high-speed arterial roads, which are especially dangerous for pedestrians. Additionally, 89% of the highest-risk roads are in disadvantaged areas, where limited pedestrian infrastructure increases the risk of serious crashes.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle, taking immediate action is essential to protect your health and legal rights.
1️⃣ Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, internal injuries can be serious. Always get checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
2️⃣ Call 911 and Report the Accident
A police report is critical for your case. Law enforcement will document the scene and determine whether the driver violated any traffic laws.
3️⃣ Gather Evidence
If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicle, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Also, collect witness contact information.
4️⃣ Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize your claim. Before giving a statement, consult with a Kansas City pedestrian injury lawyer to protect your rights.
5️⃣ Contact a Pedestrian Injury Attorney
An experienced lawyer can handle the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and seek maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
🔹 Medical Expenses – Hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
🔹 Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed at work due to injuries.
🔹 Pain and Suffering – Financial relief for physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
🔹 Property Damage – Reimbursement for personal items damaged in the accident.
🔹 Wrongful Death Damages – Families of fatal accident victims may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
How a Kansas City Pedestrian Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Pedestrian accident claims can be complex, especially when insurance companies attempt to reduce compensation. An experienced attorney can:
✅ Investigate the Accident – Gather police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
✅ Negotiate with Insurance Companies – Fight for fair compensation.
✅ Represent You in Court – Take your case to trial if necessary.
✅ Provide Personalized Legal Advice – Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to your specific circumstances.
At Kendall Law Group, our Kansas City pedestrian injury and wrongful death trial attorneys are committed to fighting for injury victims and their families. We work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable and seek the justice you deserve.
Get Legal Help Today
The rising pedestrian fatality rate in Missouri highlights the urgent need for safer streets and stronger legal protections. While Vision Zero is a step in the right direction, accidents still happen, and victims deserve justice. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to seek legal help.
📞Call Kendall Law Group LLC today for a free consultation at (816) 531-3100. Let us help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
