Car Crash in Missouri? Call a Personal Injury Lawyer in Kansas City Today
Car accidents can flip your world upside down in a matter of seconds. You may have been hurt, racking up bills, and stressing out. You don’t need to navigate it alone. If you were hurt in an accident in Missouri, you are owed some things. A skilled and affordable Kansas City personal injury lawyer can walk alongside you, advocate for you, and advocate for what is yours.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Car Crash
You think you can handle insurance claims by yourself. Insurance companies do not owe you a living, though. They will try their best to pay you minimalistically. They will blame you for the accident or say that your injuries are minor. An effective lawyer knows how to build a strong case. They are able to get evidence, interview witnesses, and handle all negotiations with insurance providers. This lets you focus on recovering while your lawyer protects your rights.
Causes of Missouri Auto Crashes
Car accidents happen because of many factors. Some of the most prevalent are:
- Distracted driving, like texting or driving while eating
- Speeding or driving recklessly
- Drinking and driving or being under the influence of drugs
- Not giving way or not pulling over for signs
- Bad weather or road conditions
No matter the situation, if your injury is caused by the actions of another driver, you may have a case.
What to Do After a Car Accident
What you do following a crash can affect your case. These are the things to do:
- Call 911 right away if someone or you get hurt.
- Get medical help even if you are fine. Some injuries do not occur until hours later.
- Get information from the other driver, such as names, phone numbers, and insurance.
- Document with photographs the location of the collision, damage, and injuries.
- Get statements from witnesses and their contact details.
- Report the collision to your insurance company.
- Do not give statements to the other driver’s insurance company.
- Call a Kansas City personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
What Losses Can You Recover?
There are various losses a car accident can result in. You can recover:
- Medical costs for treatment, therapy, and medication
- Loss of income if you are unable to work
- Pain and suffering for the injury you will endure
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle to get it back into working condition
- Future costs if you need future care
Each case is unique, so your lawyer will consider all of this when determining how much your claim is worth.
Fault in Missouri Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
Missouri is a comparative fault state. What this means is you are still entitled to recover even if you were partially at fault. But your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are blamed 20%, you would get 80% of the payment. Another fine reason to seek the counsel of an attorney is that the insurance company will try to blame you so they can pay less.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Missouri, you typically have five years within which to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your family member died in a car accident, three years is how long you would have within which to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These deadlines may feel far away, but it’s better to start early. New information is a better case.
Why Hire a Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney
You have many options, but not all lawyers are created equal. When you hire a Kansas City injury lawyer, you get:
- Knowledge of Missouri traffic laws and courts from a local perspective
- Individualized focus on your case and your needs
- Effective negotiation skills to deal with insurance companies
- Preparation for trial if your case is ever tried
The right attorney can make all the difference in your result.
What to Expect During Your Case
There are processes for every car accident claim. Here’s usually how it works:
- Free case review: Your attorney hears your story and lays out your options.
- Investigation: They get police reports, medical expenses, and witness statements.
- Demand letter: Your attorney writes a demand letter asking for reasonable damages.
- Negotiation: Your attorney and insurance adjuster negotiate back and forth to reach an agreement on payment.
- Lawsuit (if required): If negotiations break down, your attorney can sue.
- Resolution: Most cases are settled out of court, although some do go to trial.
Your lawyer will be in contact with you each step along the way.
You Pay Nothing Unless You Win
Most personal injury lawyers in Kansas City are on a contingency fee. No advance fees are paid. They get paid only if you win a payment of money. This is one method whereby anyone, no matter how limited their finances are, can get legal process representation.
Symptoms You Need to Call an Attorney Right Now
Not every accident needs an attorney. But you should call if:
- You’ve sustained serious injuries
- Someone is blaming you for the accident
- The insurer denies paying your claim
- You are in doubt regarding your rights
- You are getting insurance adjuster calls pestering you
A call can help you understand what you have to do and make mistakes.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
Each case is different. The value differs with:
- Other factors which are pertinent
- The cost of money which you spent getting your medical treatment
- How many days you were out from work
- How bad your injuries are
- Whether or not you will need future medical treatment
- How much pain and suffering you will experience
Your lawyer can give you a better estimate after having more details about your case.
How to Protect Your Rights After an Accident
- Don’t post details about your wreck on the internet.
- Don’t apologize at the crash site.
- Don’t sign a document without approval from your lawyer.
- Keep copies of all medical appointments and billing records.
- Listen to your doctor.
These steps help construct your case and guard your rights.
Call today
A car crash can spin your life around within seconds. You do not have to go through what is coming next alone. If you were hurt in Missouri, a Kansas City injury lawyer can take you through it. They will walk you through it, represent you, and take you through each step.
Call a local experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer today for a free case consultation. Your recovery starts on the phone.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
Most claims take a few months to one year. More involved cases or cases that are tried will take longer.
2. What if the person is not insured?
You may still have an avenue of recourse. Your lawyer can seek uninsured motorist coverage or another method of collecting damages.
3. Will I need to testify?
The vast majority are resolved out of court. But in the unlikely event that you will need to appear in court, your lawyer will be well-equipped to represent you.
4. Can I recover money even if I was partially at fault?
Yes. In Missouri, you can recover money even if you are partly at fault. Your payment will be reduced by your share of fault.
5. How much does a personal injury attorney cost?
Most personal injury attorneys charge a contingency fee. You pay nothing out of pocket. They only make money if you make money.