You’ve been in a Kansas City car crash and are injured. Life is overwhelming. The medical bills begin piling up very quickly. You’re out of work or in pain. The insurance companies give you peanuts or reject your claim. The pressure accelerates quickly. You need a personal injury lawyer today. A good lawyer will handle your rights. They attend to the legal process as you focus on recovery. Below, we explain why you need to act fast and how a lawyer will help you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Occurs After a Car Accident in Kansas City
A vehicle accident comes out of nowhere. You may be dazed or shocked. The following are some important steps:
- Call 911 if there is an injury.
- Get medical help right away. Some injuries are not immediately noticeable.
- Call the police and make a report.
- Exchanges names, numbers, and insurance with the other person.
- Take photographs of the accident scene if you can.
- Talk to witnesses and get their information.
- Inform your insurance provider of the accident.
These are the proper things to do. But even if you do everything properly, dealing with insurance providers is not easy. They will give you less money or nothing.
Why You Should Call a Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately
Injury claims do have a statute of limitations. Missouri law generally allows you five years to make a claim. But avoiding the lawyer for a few days is not smart.
Here’s why you need a lawyer today:
- They can obtain the evidence while it is available.
- Witnesses remember facts better if contacted early.
- Your medical records capture the entire history of your injury.
- Lawyers prevent insurance adjusters from intimidating you into an unjust settlement.
Insurance companies realize that most people do not have a lawyer. They may take advantage of you and give you a lesser amount. A skilled and affordable Kansas City personal injury lawyer battles for you and protects your rights.
How Will a Kansas City Injury Attorney Assist?
1. Get All the Information About the Accident
All is gathered by your lawyer. This would consist of police reports, pictures, medical bills, and witness statements. They may even employ accident specialists who examine how the accident happened.
2. Total Up All Your Losses
Accidents are not just about hospital bills. Your lawyer adds up:
- Medical bills, including future care
- Lost wages due to time lost from work
- Pain, suffering, and distress
- Your car or property damage
They make you ask for complete reimbursement, and not the visible bills.
3. Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance providers gladly pay you less than what you deserve. Your attorney negotiates on your behalf. They have knowledge of insurance tricks and negotiate fair settlements in good faith. In case of failure, they sue.
4. Handle Paperwork and Deadlines
There are many legal claims and time constraints to adhere to. You will have lost your case if you miss a deadline. Your lawyer keeps track of all filings and paperwork. This prevents your claim from being delayed or lost.
5. Represent You in Court
If you can’t get a square deal, your lawyer will take your case to court. They appear for you to a judge or jury. They simply and plainly present your case to them and plead your rights.
How to Choose the Best Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer
Not all attorneys are created equal. Here’s what you should seek:
- Experience in handling car crash and injury cases
- Complete knowledge of Missouri law and court practice
- Good record of winning or good settlements
- Open, honest communication
- No fee if you lose (contingency fee basis)
Most lawyers offer free consultations. Use this as a chance to ask questions and see if you feel comfortable trusting them.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
- Forgetting injuries: Injuries usually do not manifest until days later. Ensure that you receive an examination by a doctor right away.
- Giving recorded statements: Insurance adjusters will misquote you. Talk to an attorney first.
- Accepting the initial offer: It will be low. Get a lawyer before you sign.
- Speaking legal aid: Dilly-dallying can destroy your case and lessen your award.
- Not documenting the accident: Photos and witness information can salvage or kill your claim.
What to Do Next After a Kansas City Car Accident
- Get treated for medical care, even if you’re fine. Some injury worsens afterward.
- Visit a personal injury lawyer to safeguard your rights.
- Document a symptom notebook, doctor visits, and how the accident changed your life.
- Follow all orders of physicians and keep all medical bills and records.
- Allow your lawyer to handle insurance settlement and court proceedings.
How Much Can I Get Paid for My Car Accident Injury?
Every case is different. Your recovery hinges on:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses and future care needs
- Lost wages and impact on employment
- Pain, suffering, and distress
- Fault or negligence in the accident
A skilled attorney computes all your damages and fights for the highest reasonable amount.
What If I Was Partially At Fault?
Missouri employs a “comparative fault” principle. That is to say:
- You can recover damages even if you’re partially responsible.
- Your payment is taken away from you by the percentage to which you were at fault.
- For example, if you are 30% at fault, your payment is taken away from you by 30%.
Your lawyer will attempt to keep your percentage of fault as low as possible.
What About Drivers Without Coverage or With Too Little Coverage?
If the other motorist doesn’t have insurance or has too little insurance:
- You can sue your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage if your policy does so.
- Your lawyer explains your options and can sue directly against the careless driver.
FAQs
1. How soon should I hire a personal injury attorney following a car accident?
Call for an attorney immediately. Acting quickly prevents evidence from being destroyed and your case from being stronger.
2. I wasn’t hurt right away but I am in pain several days later. What can I do?
Get medical treatment immediately. Some injuries are delayed in showing symptoms. Your attorney can advise you as to how this impacts your claim.
3. Do I have to hire an attorney?
You can try it, but insurance companies will take you to the cleaners. An attorney works for you and gets you good money.
4. Will my attorney bill me fees upfront?
Most personal injury lawyers practice on a contingency basis. They only get compensated if they win your case.
5. How long does a car accident case take to settle?
Cases vary. Some settle in a few months. Some take a year or more, especially when they end up going to court.
Endnote
If you got hurt in a Kansas City car accident, do something about it now. A personal injury lawyer defends your well-being, rights, and future. Talk to a trusted Car Accident Attorney near me in Kansas City today.
