Vehicle accidents occur unexpectedly. In a matter of a split second, a routine drive is turned into a nightmare. Kansas City roads experience thousands of accidents yearly. Most of them are accompanied by serious injuries, medical expenses, and financial hardship. If you find yourself in Missouri, knowing what to do after an auto accident will preserve your rights. This guidebook tells you what to do and why having a Kansas City car accident lawyer is the direction to go.
Step 1: Safety First
Check yourself and your passengers for injury. Dial 911 in the event that one of your passengers has been hurt. Don’t move an injured passenger unless the passenger is in immediate danger. Stay at the scene until qualified medical help can assume responsibility.
Step 2: Report the Accident to Police
Missouri law requires reporting injury, death, or damage over $500. The Kansas City police will respond, come to the scene, and take a crash report. The report is your proof for court and insurance. Get the report number so you can give it to them later.
Step 3: Move Vehicles if Possible
If your vehicle is obstructing traffic and it is safe to do so, drive to the side of the road onto the shoulder. Turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Visibility reduces another accident’s likelihood.
Step 4: Document Evidence at the Scene
Evidence dissipates rapidly after an accident. With a high-quality photograph taken with a phone, document:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Traffic signs and lights
- Skid marks or debris
- Visible injuries
Get names and contact details from the other driver and witnesses. Record their insurance and license plate numbers.
Step 5: Watch Your Words
At the scene, keep calm and polite, but avoid admitting fault. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can harm your claim later. Give the police only the facts. Leave blame decisions to investigators and lawyers.
Step 6: Get Medical Care Quickly
Adrenaline will suppress pain following an accident. You can be fine but injured. Have a doctor check you out right away. Whiplash, concussion, and back injury usually take hours or even days to develop symptoms. Your doctor’s report is also excellent evidence for your injury claim for your injuries.
Step 7: Reach Out to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurer at once. Give them the facts in a nutshell but never give complete statements. Never get a call which is being recorded without an attorney present beside you. Insurance adjusters will always try to offer you less.
Step 8: Visit a Kansas City Automobile Accident Lawyer
A lawyer represents you and guides the legal process. A Kansas City car accident lawyer deals with insurance firms, obtains records, and calculates fair compensation. You can recover without stressing with the help of a lawyer.
Missouri’s Comparative Fault Law
Missouri is a “pure comparative fault” state. That means you can recover damages even when you are partially responsible. Your damages are reduced by your share of fault.
Example: You have $50,000 worth of damages and you bear 20% of fault, you can recover $40,000. Insurance companies will try in every possible way to escalate your share of fault in an attempt to keep from paying. Your attorney will fight back.
Missouri’s Time Limits on Claims
Statute of limitation gives five years from the accident date to file for personal injury. There is a five-year statute of limitations for property damage too. Otherwise, it generally shuts the door to recovery. Speed enables your attorney to make the best case.
Typically Suffered Injuries Following Car Crashes in Kansas City
Car accidents can result in minor cuts or life-changing injuries. Some of the most common ones are:
- Whiplash
- Head injury
- Back and spine injuries
- Fractures
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal injury
- Emotional distress
Even minor injuries can become worse if not treated. Always follow your doctor’s advice and make follow-up visits.
Charges That Compensation Can Cover
Victims of car accidents can recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Physical rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Repair or replacement of automobile
- Continuing medical care
Every case is unique. An attorney will be able to calculate the overall amount of your injuries.
Insurance Company Tactics
Some of the tactics that insurance adjusters use in an attempt to pay out less:
- Reporting your injuries as minor
- Placing the cause of the crash on you
- Awaiting the bills to add up
- Lowballing with unwarranted settlements
Don’t accept the first offer unless you have spoken with an attorney. Once you sign, you generally can’t come back and ask for more money afterwards.
How a Kansas City Auto Accident Attorney Helps
A lawyer can:
- Investigate the site of the accident
- Obtain police and medical records
- Interview witnesses
- Consult with accident experts
- Negotiate with insurance firms
- Bring a lawsuit when necessary
With professional help in the legal process, there is someone to fight for you while you recover.
Why Taking Action Now is Necessary
The quicker you act, the more likely you are to succeed. Evidence vanishes, witnesses lose their memory, and insurance companies are swift to minimize liability. Early intervention with an attorney enables documents to be obtained, evidence to be preserved, and costly mistakes to be prevented.
FAQs
- What must I never say to an insurance adjuster?
Don’t apologize or indicate you’re fine. Keep answers short. Always have your attorney review a recorded statement before signing.
- How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Missouri?
Typically, you have five years from the date of the incident. Both claims for personal injury and property damage have this time limit.
- Will I receive payment if I was at least partially responsible?
Yes. Missouri is a comparative fault state, which means you can recover even if you’re mostly at fault. Your recovery is only reduced by your amount of fault.
- Do I need an attorney for a fender bender?
Fender benders can have hidden injuries and future medical expenses. An attorney helps you to receive fair compensation.
- How much does a Kansas City car accident attorney charge?
Most lawyers work on contingency fees. You owe nothing to begin. They will not be compensated if you lose on your case.
Final Thoughts
A Kansas City car accident can leave you injured, in distress, and with no clue as to what to do next. By doing the right things, you can defend yourself and your rights. Always remain safe, call the police, take notes, and see a doctor. Then, speak with a Kansas City personal injury lawyer. With proper counsel, you can heal while your lawyer fights for what you deserve.
