Car wrecks turn your world around. From getting your car fixed to injuries, costs run amok. You find yourself wondering what to do and how to receive a fair settlement for the inconvenience. An experienced Kansas City personal injury attorney can come to your rescue. They will enable you to collect the compensation you deserve so that life can go back to normal. Below, watch how your attorney will protect your rights, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and battle for a fair settlement.
Why You Need a Kansas City Auto Accident Attorney
You may assume that after the accident is over, your insurance pays for everything. Adjusters will attempt to write checks for pennies on the dollar, however. Your attorney recognizes their lowballing or denial tactics.
Your attorney can:
- Gather evidence that verifies the cause of the accident.
- Allow physicians to inform you of the seriousness of your injuries.
- Place a price tag on all damages, i.e., pain and suffering.
- Deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
- Reserve the option of suing if negotiations fail.
The majority of attorneys offer free case consultations. You have nothing to lose by meeting with them.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Kansas City
Learn how to react after a smash to secure your case. Do the following:
- Call 911. Get help for injury.
- Make it to safety. Try to get out of traffic.
- Get a picture. Get damage, road, and injury.
- Get information. Get names, phone numbers, and insurance.
- Get medical help. No matter the condition of injury, see the doctor.
- Report the incident. Report to your insurance.
- Call an attorney. The quicker you get help, the stronger your case.
How Attorneys Help Prove Fault
Missouri also has a law called “pure comparative fault.” Yes, you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault. But your recovery will be lowered by your percentage of fault.
Example: You were 20% at fault and you have $100,000 damages, you recover $80,000.
Insurance companies do not want to fault you in trying to pay you less. A lawyer can turn the tables on you by:
- Obtaining the police report and checking for fault.
- Conducting witness interviews.
- Utilizing experts in trying to reconstruct the accident.
The more tangible your evidence, the stronger your case.
What Damages Are Available to You?
A Kansas City car accident claim can include an array of loss
- Medical costs: Hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medication.
- Lost wages: Time away from work recuperating.
- Lost capacity to earn: If your injuries put you out of commission.
- Pain and suffering: Physical, anxiety, and mental pain.
- Property damage: Repairing or replacing your car.
- Other miscellaneous expenses: Travel and home treatment, adaptive equipment.
Your lawyer will break down all these expenditures to give you the big picture of what you’ve lost.
How Settlement Negotiations Work
Most cases are settled without ever entering a courtroom. That’s the way it generally goes:
- Claim filed: Your attorney writes to the insurer.
- Investigation: Both sides gather facts.
- Demand letter: Your attorney states your damages and makes a payment demand.
- Negotiation: The insurer sends an offer and a counteroffer.
- Accord or litigation: Accept, counter, or sue.
It may be weeks or months. A lawyer pressures the insurance company so that they treat your claim seriously.
When to File Your Claim
You have five years in which to sue under Missouri law. But wait too long and it will hurt your case. People forget things. Files get lost. Witnesses move away. If a government car hits you, the law can be bound. Always get an affordable and skilled Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer immediately to defend your rights.
Hazards That Will Destroy Your Claim
Minor errors cost you money. Avoid the following hazards:
- Blaming at the accident scene.
- Missing treatment.
- Placing stories of the accident on social media.
- Taking the insurance company’s first offer.
- Not having an attorney.
An attorney will not commit these errors.
Why Local Experience Counts
Kansas City has its own traffic and court rules. A local attorney:
- Knows the staff and judges personally.
- Has local experts with whom they are familiar.
- Understands the variations between Kansas and Missouri law.
- Can get the records immediately from city records.
This can be a huge advantage to your case.
No Win, No Fee Guarantee
Most personal injury lawyers have contingency fee arrangements. That is:
- You don’t pay to begin.
- The lawyer isn’t paid unless you win.
- The lawyer takes the fee from your settlement.
By doing this, you can get help in the legal process without charging your wallet a single cent.
Tips on How to Get Along with Your Lawyer
You personally have an interest in winning your case. Be cooperative with your lawyer by:
- Keeping all of your receipts and documents.
- Following your doctor’s advice.
- Being honest about your injuries.
- Following up and keeping your lawyer informed on a regular basis.
Good cooperation will give you your best chance for equal pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. My Kansas City car accident case will be worth how much?
Each case is different. Things to take into consideration are medical expenses, lost income, future care, pain and suffering, and percentage fault to you. A lawyer can provide an estimate after reviewing your case.
2. How long will it take?
Most claims are settled within two months. More serious or very serious cases take over one year. Your lawyer will negotiate a reasonable settlement immediately.
3. What if the other car is not insured?
You can also recover under your own uninsured motorist coverage. Your lawyer can also pursue other means of recovering damages, including suing the driver himself.
4. Do I receive payment if I was partially at fault?
Yes. If you were partially at fault, you can recover damages in Missouri. Your portion of the settlement is then reduced by your percentage of fault.
5. What do I take with me on my first meeting with an attorney?
Photocopy the accident, doctor’s bill, police report, insurance policy, and any correspondence from the insurer. Your attorney will be able to go over your case more effectively with these photocopies.
