Kansas City Car Accident Claims: Why Legal Help Matters

Car accidents can change lives overnight. Daily accidents happen in Kansas City. Some are minor. Others cause serious injuries. When you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you may not know what to do next. Hospital bills accumulate. Work is lost. The other car’s insurance company calls. You’re anxious and don’t know what to do. Legal assistance matters. Consult an experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer today.

What Occurs Following a Car Accident?

Following an accident, you have to deal with a lot of things simultaneously:

• Receiving treatment
• Getting your car repaired or replaced
• Missing work and losing wages
• Dealing with insurance adjusters
• Figuring out who was at fault

It’s overwhelming. You’re hurt and confused. That is where a lawyer steps in.

Why a Lawyer Makes a Big Difference

Auto accident lawyers do this on a daily basis. They know the process. They negotiate with the insurance companies. They gather proof. They demand fair pay. Without a lawyer, you can end up with less than you deserve.

Here’s how legal help can assist:

• They know the laws. Kansas and Missouri have specialized car accident legislation.
• They determine fault. You need proof the other party caused the wreck.
• They handle insurance. Insurance providers are eager to pay out as little as possible.
• They know how much your claim is worth. Medical expenses and lost earnings accumulate quickly.
• They sue in court if necessary. Cases often resolve, but if that isn’t possible, an attorney advocates on your behalf.

Typical Kansas City Car Accidents

Kansas City experiences all types of wrecks:

• Rear-end crashes
• Intersection wrecks
• Drunk driving accidents
• Hit-and-runs
• Distracted driving crashes
• Speeding-related accidents

They all have different causes and effects. But they can all lead to injury claims. You might not even realize the accident before it happens. A texting driver might rear-end you when you are stationary. Another driver might be speeding through a red light and crash into your car. Adverse weather, like ice or rain, also plays its part. A lawyer considers all factors involved in the accident in order to identify the cause. Every now and then, there are crashes on highways like I-70 or I-435. The crashes are worse due to higher speed. There are chain-reaction accidents or pile ups that happen in such places. A lawyer helps in finding fault when there are multiple drivers.

What You Should Do After a Car Crash

If you’re involved in a crash in Kansas City, do the following:

• Call 911. Get police and medical assistance.
• Stay safe. Move to a safe place if possible.
• Get medical care. Even small injuries can get worse.
• Gather info. Get names, contact info, and insurance from the other driver.
• Take photos. Snap pictures of cars, injuries, and the scene.
• Don’t admit fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you.
• Call a lawyer. Get help before talking to insurance.

Even if the accident looks minor, do this. Some injuries may not be evident for some time. And it’s better to protect your rights in advance. Also, contact your own insurance company and report the accident. But just give simple answers. Don’t take a guess or make something up. A lawyer can advise you first before you talk to them.

Time Limits Matter

In Kansas and Missouri, you have time limits to file a claim. They are called “statutes of limitations.”

• Missouri: 5 years from the time of the crash
• Kansas: 2 years from the time of the crash

If you wait, you lose your right to sue. A lawyer can help you not miss deadlines. Keep in mind that there are claims which have even shorter time limits. Let’s say the accident resulted from a city vehicle. You may have only a few months to give notice. A lawyer will be cognizant of deadlines which apply. Time is also crucial for getting evidence. Traffic footage may be erased in days. Witnesses may forget. The quicker you act, the stronger your case.

What Damages Can You Claim?

A car accident is costly. Your lawyer can help you get money for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Fixing your vehicle
• Future care if you’re seriously hurt

Some hurts change your life. You can’t return to work. You’ll need surgery, physical therapy, or home health care. These long-term costs add up. A lawyer makes them part of your case. You also get cash if the other driver was absolutely incompetent, like driving drunk or speeding. Punitive damages. They’re meant to punish the perpetrator. Emotional well-being matters too. Car accidents lead to stress, fear of driving, or PTSD. These emotional damages are your case as well. Talk about this with your physician and with your lawyer about how the accident affects your daily life.

What if You’re Somewhat at Fault?

Even if you were wrong, you might still get money. Missouri and Kansas both have fault-sharing laws:

• Missouri: You can get paid even if you’re somewhat at fault. Your payment is reduced by your share of the fault.
• Kansas: You can get paid if you’re less than 50% at fault. If you’re more than that, you get nothing.

This is another reason why legal process assistance is needed. An attorney can negotiate for a lower fault share. Don’t automatically blame the other guy. Sometimes people apologize and take fault for the wreck without having all the facts. Let an attorney work it out. Pleadings, wreck reports, and testimony of witnesses all factor into determining fault. An attorney will know what evidence to get and how to use it.

How Do Lawyers Get Paid?

Most car accident lawyers work on a “contingency fee.” This means:

• You pay nothing at the beginning.
• They only get paid if you win.
• Their pay is in the form of a percentage of what they recover.

This allows you to get help even if you cannot afford an attorney at the time. It also informs you that your lawyer will be incentivized. They will not make money unless you make money. Ask your lawyer how much percent they charge. Make sure you understand how costs are handled. Don’t leave yourself open to surprise later on.

What Is A Good Car Accident Lawyer?

Find these:

• Local case experience
• Good reviews
• Explanation that makes sense
• Free consultation
• No upfront money

See a couple of lawyers if you’d like. Ask them about cases they’ve handled before. Ask them how they would handle yours. You want one who listens and answers questions. Also, ask about how often they go to court. Some lawyers settle all cases. Others will battle if they must. You require someone who can do both.

Unique Format Section: What If Scenarios

Let’s drill it down a little further.

What if the other motorist ran into me at a red light?

• That is concrete proof of fault. Get a copy of the police report.

What if I did not get injured at the scene of the accident?

• Go see a doctor anyway. Some injuries come on late.

What if the other fellow isn’t insured?

• Your policy will cover it. Your lawyer can advise you of your options.

What if I lost time from work?

• Document time lost and money lost. You can claim that.

What if I was riding as a passenger?

• You can still claim. You weren’t responsible.

What if my car was a total loss?

• The insurance company should pay the value of your car. A lawyer can make sure it’s fair.

What if the other driver left the scene?

• That’s a hit-and-run. Your own insurance may still cover the costs. Police should be called right away.

What if my child was injured in the crash?

• You can file a claim on their behalf. Keep all medical records and talk to a lawyer.

FAQs

1. Can I file a claim if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?

Yes. But you need to go see a doctor as quickly as possible. Waiting too long can be not good for your claim.

2. How long does a Kansas City car accident claim take?

Some will be done in a couple of weeks. Others will be months or longer. It depends on your injuries and how the insurance acts.

3. Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Most cases are settled. But if the other side is not willing to pay fair, a lawyer can take them to court.

4. If I was hit by a rideshare driver (e.g., Uber or Lyft)?

Those sorts of cases are tricky. The driver, the company, or both may be at fault. A lawyer can figure it out.

5. Can I get money if my child was hurt in an accident?

Yes. You can claim for them. Children have rights too.

Final Words

To be hurt in an accident is terrifying. You do not need to go through it alone. A Kansas City car accident lawyer can guide you through it, deal with the bad stuff, and help you get what you need to move on. If you’ve been in a wreck, don’t wait. Talk to a lawyer who knows how to fight for you.