Hurt in a Crash? A Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer Can Guide You Through the Legal Process

An accident can turn a typical day into a typical nightmare. You may be hurt. Your car may be totaled. Bills will start to stack up fast. You may be out of a job. Life is tough. But if the accident was not your doing, you don’t have to fight alone. A Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer can take back control for you. They know the law. They know how to deal with the insurance companies. And they know how to get you compensated for what you’ve lost.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

When you get hurt, you have to worry about getting better—about forms and phone calls. That’s where an attorney is useful. They do the legal process work for you. Insurance companies are not your friend. They’ll write the check for the least amount possible. They may offer you a lowball settlement and try to get you to sign it. You can’t then request more after that if your injury worsens. A lawyer protects you. They fight for maximum compensation. That is funds for doctor visits, lost income, and pain. And they do it with no up-front cost.

What Your Lawyer Will Do for You

Here’s what a Kansas City personal injury lawyer will do:

• Talk to you – They’ll sit down with you and explain how much your case is worth.
• Investigate the accident – They’ll get police reports, photos, and witness statements.
• Prove fault – They’ll show who caused the accident and how.
• Deal with the insurance – You won’t need to deal with them at all.
• Deal with doctors – They’ll obtain your medical bills and records.
• Request full payment – They’ll send a demand letter indicating all your costs.
• Initiate a lawsuit – If needed, they’ll sue in court.

Don’t stress about having to experience it alone. You have an attorney walking you through every step.

Injuries Following a Crash

You can be injured by even a slow-speed accident. Some injuries are nothing at the moment, but they get worse over the next few days.

The following are some of the injuries people end up suffering:

• Whiplash
• Back or neck hurt
• Bruises or lacerations
• Fractured bones
• Head trauma or concussions
• Knee or shoulder injury

You can also be drowsy, worried, or lightheaded. You don’t sleep properly. Always seek a doctor. Get examined right away. The sooner you start care, the stronger your case.

What Can You Be Compensated For?

You can be compensated for:

• Medical costs – Ambulance, ER, surgery, therapy, etc.
• Lost income – If you are out of work or unable to do your job
• Pain and distress – This encompasses physical and emotional pain
• Car damage – Fixing or replacing your vehicle
• Future care – In case you ever require help later on due to the injury

A lawyer adds up all these losses. They make sure that you demand what your case is worth.

How the Legal Process Works

1. Free Case Review

The majority of attorneys offer a free initial consultation. They will listen to what happened and provide advice. You don’t have to hire them yet.

2. Gathering Evidence

This is the most significant step. Your lawyer will gather everything in your favor—photos, medical reports, bills, etc.

3. Medical Review

They may hold back until you finish treatment to let you know how much your case is worth. Some heal rapidly. Others take months.

4. Demand Letter

When you’re done recovering (or close to it), the lawyer sends a letter to the other driver’s insurance. It states your injuries, proof of fault, and how much you should receive.

5. Settlement Negotiations

They may agree. Or they may try to settle for less. Your lawyer will negotiate fair money.

6. Suing

If negotiations fail, your lawyer may sue in court. Don’t worry—most cases still settle without going to trial. But your lawyer will be ready just in case.

Kansas City Laws Apply

Kansas City spans two states. That means your rights depend on where the accident happened.

• Kansas is a no-fault state. Your own insurance pays first—even if you weren’t at fault for the accident.
• Missouri is an at-fault state. The party causing the accident (and their carrier) owe.

The state line could be pertinent to your situation. An attorney from Kansas City who has experience in both jurisdictions knows what laws apply and how to use them in your favor.

What If You Were Somewhat at Fault?

Some individuals think that if they were somewhat to blame, they cannot sue. Not the case.

• In Missouri, you may still be compensated—even if you were 90% at fault. But less money comes your way.
• In Kansas, if you were 50% or more at fault, you get nothing. If you were less than 50% at fault, you may recover part of your loss.

A skilled lawyer will analyze the facts and help establish that the other driver was mostly (or entirely) at fault.

What to Bring to Your First Meeting

You don’t have to bring it all, but this helps:

• The crash report
• Photographs of the crash or your car
• Medical records or bills
• Name of doctors’ or clinics’
• Information on missed work or lost wages
• Your car insurance policy

If you’re missing a document, that’s okay. Your attorney will be able to get the documents for you.

Choosing the Right Lawyer

Find a lawyer who:

• Is certified to practice in Kansas City
• Is knowledgeable about Kansas and Missouri law
• Has handled car accident cases in the past
• Offers a free case evaluation
• Only gets paid if you win

You need someone to return your phone call, answer you straight, and speak with you respectfully. Don’t be afraid to ask.

FAQs

1. How much does a Kansas City personal injury lawyer cost?

Most lawyers only get paid when you win. This is known as a “contingency fee.” It’s usually a third of your last payment.

2. Can I still get paid if I did not go to the hospital right away?

Yes, but waiting will hurt your case. Get a doctor right away—even if the injury does not look large.

3. What if the car that hit me wasn’t insured?

Your own insurance might pay you. This is uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can find ways to get you paid.

4. How long will my case take?

It’s different for everyone. Some of them settle in a matter of months. Others, too—but particularly if you’re still in recovery. Your lawyer will update you.

5. I was riding in the accident. Do I still have rights?

You do. You can sue the driver who caused the accident—even if it was the person driving your car.

Don’t Wait to Get Help

If you were hurt in a crash, talk to a skilled Kansas City personal injury lawyer today. You owe nothing. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless you recover. And the sooner you start, the better your case will be.