Why You Need to Read This Guide. Car crashes can happen in the blink of an eye. They can lead to serious damage, big bills, and stress. If you are a driver in Kansas City, Missouri, you need to know your rights. This guide makes the law, the process, and the steps clear.
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- 1 Car Crashes in Kansas City
- 2 What They Occur
- 3 Missouri Car Accident Laws
- 4 What To Do If You Have Been in a Car Accident
- 5 Step 1: Look for Safety
- 6 Step 2: Call the Police
- 7 Step 3: Get Evidence
- 8 Step 4: Get Medical Attention
- 9 Insurance Adjusters in Missouri
- 10 Why Lawyers will Help on a Claim
- 11 Legal Charges in Accident Cases
- 12 Types of Compensation
- 13 Kansas City Border Location Complicates Missouri and Kansas Laws
- 14 Common Mistakes After an Accident
- 15 Your Role in a Lawsuit
- 16 Average Timeline for a Claim
- 17 Defending Your Rights After an Accident
- 18 Tips for Kansas City Drivers
- 19 Watch Out for Hazard Spots
- 20 Frequently Asked Questions
- 21 1. Do I need to hire an attorney in every accident?
Car Crashes in Kansas City
What They Occur
Distracted driving like texting or snacking:
- Speeding on the highway
- DUI from alcohol or drug use
- Inclement weather in the form of snow, ice, or heavy rain
- Speeding through a red light or stop sign
- Tailgating in heavy traffic
There are several accidents on the major Kansas City highways. There are more accidents at highway intersections and bottleneck highways.
Missouri Car Accident Laws
Missouri has a fault-based insurance policy. The driver who caused the accident is responsible for its payment. It can be in the form of medical bills, loss of wages, and fixing cars. There are five years to bring a personal injury lawsuit. There are five years to bring a lawsuit for property damage too. If you let time pass, you lose your right to sue.
What To Do If You Have Been in a Car Accident
Step 1: Look for Safety
Search for yourself and others to determine if they are injured. If you find someone who is injured, call 911 right away. Don’t move injured people unless they are in danger.
Step 2: Call the Police
Missouri requires you to report certain accidents. They are accidents with injury, death, or over $500 damage. The police report can be used to determine who was at fault in the crash.
Step 3: Get Evidence
- Get photos of the vehicles, road, and injuries
- Get witnesses’ names and phone numbers
- Get time, location, and road condition
Step 4: Get Medical Attention
Go to the doctor even if you’re fine. Some injuries take hours or days to appear.
Insurance Adjusters in Missouri
They will try to offer less for money. They will offer to pay quickly without needing complete costs figured.
How to Handle Insurance Adjusters
- Be friendly but not talkative
- Do not admit liability
- Do not use phone records unless an attorney is present.
- Save e-mail, letters and call notes
Why Lawyers will Help on a Claim
A skilled and affordable personal injury lawyer in Kansas City can negotiate and battle for fair compensation. They can obtain evidence and bargain with the insurance company on your behalf.
Legal Charges in Accident Cases
The majority of accident lawyers represent their client on a contingency fee. You pay nothing up front and only pay if you win the case. The charge is a percentage of your court award or settlement.
Types of Compensation
You may be awarded compensation for:
- Medical bill and hospital charges
- Lost wages for missing time from work
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Pain and emotional distress
- Treatment in the future
The amount is determined by your injuries and how they impacted your life.
Missouri Shared Fault Laws
Missouri is purely comparative negligence. This is where you can recover even if you were partially responsible. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Example: Damages are $50,000 and you are 20% at fault. You receive $40,000.
Kansas City Border Location Complicates Missouri and Kansas Laws
Kansas City sits on the Kansas–Missouri border. If your accident occurs on the Kansas side, there are different rules. Kansas is a no-fault state with a shortened statute of limitations. Always document where the accident occurred by taking a photo prior to submitting your claim.
Common Mistakes After an Accident
Do not do the following activities after a Kansas City accident:
- Leaving without reporting the accident to the police
- Posting accident information on social media
- Taking the first insurance settlement
- Missing doctor appointments or stopping treatment
- Not seeking advice from a lawyer early enough
When to Sue
You. may have to sue if:
- The insurer denies your claim
- .he lowball offer is much lower than your damages
- The other driver is not insured
A lawsuit can lead to a better settlement or award.
Your Role in a Lawsuit
You. still have significant responsibilities despite having an attorney:
- Be truthful regarding the facts of the crash
- Keep bills, receipts, and reports in a safe place
- Go to court appearances and meetings as needed
Average Timeline for a Claim
- Crash happens
- Police report and treatment of injuries
- Insurance claim is filed
- Company investigation by the insurer
- Start of settlement negotiations
- Lawsuit filed if negotiations break down
- Evidence is collected (discovery phase)
- Trial or trial-settlement
Some cases are settled within months. Some last years if they go to trial.
Defending Your Rights After an Accident
- Remain calm in the accident site
- Have an attorney on board early
- Obey your doctor’s instructions
- Keep a pain diary when recovering
- Save all receipts for injuries and damage to your vehicle
Call a local Car Accident Lawyer near me in Kansas City right away.
Tips for Kansas City Drivers
Watch Out for Hazard Spots
Accident hot spots such as I-70, I-35, and certain intersections. Travel cautiously through these areas and do not cut off other individuals.
Keep Your Coverage Up To Date
Missouri has a minimum liability coverage. Consider having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for extra protection.
The Importance of Witnesses
Witnesses can support your account. Get your information from them at the scene if possible. Your attorney can subsequently call them to obtain a statement that will help in the legal process.
Medical Evidence is Crucial
Medical documentation establishes your injuries. Photocopy all bills, tests, and doctor’s notes. Request that your doctor explain how the injury impacts your daily life.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If the other car gets away, dial the police at once. Your uninsured motorist coverage may cover damages. Provide as much information as you can remember to the police.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to hire an attorney in every accident?
Not necessarily. If you are uninjured and the damage is slight, you may settle it yourself. For severe accidents, an attorney will get you reasonable compensation.
- What if the driver doesn’t have insurance?
Use your uninsured motorist coverage. This is required in Missouri and compensates drivers without insurance.
- How much am I worth for pain and suffering?
There isn’t a minimum. It depends on injury severity, recovery period, and lifestyle change.
- Can I be paid even if I’m partially responsible?
Yes. Missouri does this under pure comparative negligence. Your percentage of fault subtracts from your payment.
- How long do I have to file?
You have five years for injury and property damage claims. File promptly to keep your evidence in their original form.
