Kansas City Car accident injury claims
When you've been injured in a car accident caused by another driver's negligence, you shouldn't have to bear the financial burden alone. This is something your law firm can help guide you through. At Fletcher Law Office, our Kansas City car accident lawyers have handled hundreds of cases representing people who have been injured by another driver's negligence.
We understand the frustration and anxiety that you're faced with, and our primary goal is to take the daily burden of this accident off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. The Kansas City car accident lawyers at our firm specialize in representing you in your injury claim for compensation with the insurance company.
Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney For A Kansas City Car Accident?
An experienced car accident attorney will have a great deal of experience specifically with the personal injury claim process. After a personal injury in Kansas City, there are many components involved with a car accident injury claim.
When an injured car accident victim attempts to proceed with their car accident claim on their own, often the insurance company will employ tactics that will ultimately diminish the injured victim's ability to obtain compensation. An insurance company will often seek a recorded statement with an injured driver immediately after the car wreck. This statement may then be used against the injured driver during their claim with the insurance company to dispute liability and their damages.
By hiring an attorney to represent them in their personal injury claim after an accident, the injured individual can seek protection against these tactics that we see insurance companies using.
An experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer can guide the injured victim through the car accident claim process to ensure that the claim is proceeding properly towards a favorable result. Severe impacts in car accidents can cause catastrophic injuries.
When you're injured in a Kansas City auto accident and have no previous experience with the legal system, you need a strong advocate to guide you. Auto accident cases can be confusing and disorienting. A car accident lawsuit is evidence intensive and demanding, particularly when there is a serious personal injury involved.
Car accident attorneys must be able to step in after auto accidents and work to build your case as the seek to recover compensation for you. Hiring a car accident lawyer for traffic accidents will ensure that each pitfall is avoided and that your case is strengthened throughout the litigation process.
Car Accident Case Factors
In the Kansas City area, no two car accident cases are the same. There is a wide array of factors that may completely transform the trajectory of any case. With each case, the specific host of details that led to the accident will change the approach that an attorney must take to proceed. It is vital to locate a car accident lawyer with a law firm that has the breadth of experience to handle your specific car accident as it relates to the type of accident or scenario that occurred.
Common cases the car accident attorneys at Fletcher Law Office handle include:
Car Accident Damages
Hiring a Kansas City car accident lawyer that comprehends the damages you are dealing with following an accident is crucial. The law firm hired in car accident cases makes a world of difference. Car accident damages include, but are not limited to:
- Medical bills. Kansas City Car accident victims often have medical expenses. All costs related to treating your injuries should be reimbursed in a settlement, including emergency care, hospital stays, follow-up visits, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment such as crutches or a wheelchair. Medical expenses may be more substantial with heightened damages such as burn injuries, broken bones, or brain injuries.
- Future medical care. If your condition requires ongoing medical care, we will locate relevant experts who can estimate your healthcare costs so you will continue to have access to the treatment you need.
- Lost wages. Kansas City Car accident victims usually miss some time at work as they are recovering. For your personal injury your personal injury attorney will help accurately calculate their lost earnings, so they receive the maximum possible compensation. After you have been in a motor vehicle accident it's important to seek counsel from a Kansas City law firm that has experience pursuing your economic losses.
- Loss of future earning potential. If you've suffered a permanent disability that will limit your ability to return to work, we will obtain expert testimony to accurately calculate the effect on your future earnings.
- Pain and suffering. A recovery diary can be very beneficial in proceeding through your claim for damages for physical pain and suffering, as well as your emotional distress related to the accident.
- Vehicle and property damage. You are entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle, as well as damage to valuable items inside your car at the time of the accident.
- Transportation costs. We will help you receive full reimbursement for a rental vehicle or other transportation expenses related to the accident.
What is The Law On Car Accident Damages and Compensation?
After a plaintiff has been injured in an accident, they will often be treated for their injuries at a hospital, and many times they are transported to the hospital immediately by ambulance or other means. The initial efforts after a car accident injury are focused on first ensuring that the injured car accident victim's safety and immediate health are secured.
Often car wrecks can result in catastrophic and life threatening injuries. Once the condition is stabilized and the injured person's life is not in immediate danger, the next step often focuses on initial efforts for recovery, and how to ensure that the body is recovering properly.
Throughout this process, the injured individual is also incurring significant medical expenses. As soon as the injured individual begins to return to a sense of normalcy, the stress and pressure of these medical bills begin to build.
This is especially true of those who may have been injured while they did not carry health insurance. Medical bills however are only one of many of the damages that begin to mount after an accident in which someone has been severely injured. They also may be losing wages at work or a complete loss of their ability to earn wages.
In Missouri, for example, an injured plaintiff may seek full compensation for their damages after a car accident. In Swartz v. Gale Webb Transp 215 S.W.3d 127, 130 (Mo. 2007), the Missouri Supreme Court reflected on the standard of proof for damages in Missouri:
"It is Missouri's well-settled rule that a plaintiff is entitled to full compensation for past or present injuries that the plaintiff has shown by a preponderance of the evidence were caused by the defendant. See MAI 4.01. In accordance with this basic damage instruction, when an expert testifies to a reasonable degree of certainty that the defendant's conduct placed the plaintiff at an increased risk of suffering possible future consequences, Missouri courts have long held that such testimony is admissible to aid the jury in assessing the extent and value of the plaintiff's present injuries, even if those future consequences are not reasonably certain to occur."
Swartz v. Gale Webb Transp 215 S.W.3d 127, 130 (Mo. 2007)
This discussion from the Swartz case in 2007 provides an accurate explanation of the overall approach to damages in Missouri today. It is clear that as with other states, courts in Missouri will place weight on evidence provided from expert witnesses regarding the damages suffered by plaintiff and whether or not they were actually caused by the defendant's action or inaction.
In Wiley v. Homfeld, 307 S.W.3d 145, 153 (Mo. Ct. App. 2010) the Missouri Court of Appeals encountered a more recent application of this standard as it relates to future damages.
"Dr. Scowley testified to a reasonable degree of medical certainty that Ms. Wiley had a permanent condition that would require continued treatment and that this condition was going to worsen with age and require more extensive treatment. He described the various forms of treatment that might be required and the costs associated therewith. His testimony also reflects a minimum amount of medical treatment that she would require.
Although he could not testify with certainty how much treatment Ms. Wiley would ultimately require because it would be dependent on her ability to tolerate pain, the speed with which her condition deteriorated, and the success of more conservative treatment, all of the testimony offered by Dr. Scowley on the subject of future medical treatment was properly admitted to allow the jury to assess the nature and extent of her injuries."
Wiley v. Homfeld, 307 S.W.3d 145, 153 (Mo. Ct. App. 2010)
It is clear that the standard by which a plaintiff may seek compensation for future damages, in addition to that damages already incurred, will often require testimony from an expert witness in regard to the threshold for certainty. Courts in Missouri and many states turn to a reliance upon expert witnesses from both the plaintiff and the defendant to accurately depict the nature of the plaintiff's damages as they are alleged.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence on roads around the world. One of the most severe outcomes of any accident is an injury, which can range from mild to debilitating and life-altering. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some common injuries that tend to be caused by car accidents and what they mean for those who suffer them.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most well-known car accident injuries, and it's usually caused when a person's head is suddenly thrown forward or backward with a rapid motion. The neck muscles and ligaments stretch beyond their normal range, resulting in pain, stiffness, and decreased range of movement in the neck area.
Whiplash can also cause headaches, dizziness, shoulder pain and numbness in the arms and hands. In extreme cases, whiplash can lead to blurred vision or even temporary paralysis. It's important for victims of whiplash to seek medical attention immediately after an accident as the symptoms may not appear until several days have passed.
Fractured bones
Fractures are another common injury resulting from car accidents; these are particularly likely if the vehicle experiences significant trauma during impact or if the victim is ejected from their vehicle due to lack of seatbelt use or structural damage to the vehicle itself. Fractures can occur in any bone but tend to be most serious when they occur in bones that support weight such as legs or hips.
Symptoms include swelling, bruising, tenderness, difficulty walking or moving certain body parts due to pain, numbness or tingling sensations, deformity of joints due to misaligned bones, decreased flexibility due to fractures near joints and visible breaks in the skin near fractured areas. It's important for victims with suspected fractures after a car accident to seek medical attention immediately as fractures left untreated can lead to long-term issues such as chronic pain and joint dysfunction.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
In car accidents, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are another potentially serious outcome due to potential blunt force trauma upon impact with another vehicle or object while traveling at high speeds.
Symptoms vary depending on severity but may include changes in behavior or personality such as increased aggressiveness or irritability; changes in alertness such as confusion and difficulty concentrating; headaches; dizziness; nausea; persistent ringing/noise sensitivity; memory loss; slurred speech; seizures; paralysis; coma; impaired vision and hearing loss among others. It's important for victims who experience any signs of TBI after a car accident should seek immediate medical attention as these types of injuries need prompt diagnosis and treatment in order for the patient's prognosis to be favorable long-term.
Back injuries
Back injuries can be some of the most serious and debilitating injuries that result from a car accident. The impact of the crash may cause trauma to muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae in the spine leading to pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness in any part of your body.
In extreme cases these back injuries can even lead to paralysis and long-term disability which is why it's important for victims who experience any signs of back injury after a car accident should seek immediate medical attention. In this blog post we'll take a look at common back injuries caused by car accidents as well as their symptoms so you know what to look out for if you've been involved in an auto collision.
What evidence do I need for a Kansas City car accident?
If you're ever unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident, it is important to collect as much evidence as possible. This can help prove who was at fault and ultimately determine whether or not you are liable for any of the damages caused.
When involved in a car accident in Kansas City, having the right evidence can make all the difference in obtaining a favorable outcome. Evidence can include witness testimony, photos of the accident scene and damaged vehicles, medical records related to any injuries sustained, police reports, video surveillance footage, and more.
Witness testimony
Witness testimony can be a valuable form of evidence in Kansas City car accident injury cases. In many instances, there are no other eye-witnesses to the crash, so relying on testimonies from those who were present at the time of the accident can be invaluable in determining what actually happened.
Eye Witness Car Accident Testimony
In Kansas City, eye witness testimony must include specific details about the incident and all parties involved. This includes information such as the speed of both cars, whether one car ran a red light or stop sign, where each vehicle was located at impact, how long each driver had been behind the wheel and any other relevant factors that could serve as evidence for your case. Witnesses should also provide detailed descriptions about any physical contact between drivers, any gestures or words uttered by either party and if alcohol was involved.
When witnesses come forward with this kind of detail, it adds credibility to an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Having multiple witnesses can go even further towards strengthening a case, as it shows that different people described the same incident in similar ways.
In addition to statements from witnesses who observed the crash directly, Kansas City courts may also consider statements from anyone who arrived shortly after the accident and saw events unfold firsthand.
It is important to remember that Kansas City courts view hearsay with skepticism. For example, if a witness heard someone say something about what happened before they arrived on the scene but did not personally observe the event for themselves, then this statement is considered hearsay and could be discounted by Kansas City judges.
If you’re filing an insurance claim or submitting evidence for a personal injury lawsuit following an automobile accident in Kansas City, make sure to consult with an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer who can help you properly evaluate your evidence and build a strong case for your rightful compensation.
Pain and Suffering Witnesses
Witness testimony can also be used to illustrate the pain and suffering that a Kansas City car accident victim has endured as a result of their injury. For example, if a witness saw the victim after the accident and noticed that they were in a great deal of pain or had difficulty performing basic tasks due to their injuries, this could be used as evidence to support an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Kansas City courts will also consider testimony from family members and close friends who have witnessed changes in the victim’s behavior since the accident.
For instance, if someone has developed anxiety or depression due to the trauma of an auto accident, Kansas City courts may rely on testimony from those closest to them who can explain how their life has been impacted.
In addition, Kansas City courts may take into account any changes in lifestyle that have occurred as a result of an auto accident such as missing out on social engagements, having difficulty attending work due to physical pain, or struggling with financial losses due to medical expenses.
It is important for Kansas City car accident victims to provide adequate documentation when filing an insurance claim or submitting evidence for a personal injury lawsuit.
This includes:
- detailed medical records related to injuries sustained in the crash
- photos of property damage caused by the collision
- thorough statements detailing any physical and emotional effects experienced following the event
- witness testimonies that can help prove negligence on behalf of one or both drivers involved.
With so much at stake in Kansas City car accident cases it is essential that victims seek legal advice from an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer before submitting any evidence.
Medical Records
Medical records are an important piece of evidence that Kansas City car accident victims should provide when filing an insurance claim or submitting evidence for a personal injury lawsuit. In Kansas City, medical records contain detailed information about the injuries sustained in a crash and can be used by courts to determine fault and apportion damages.
Kansas City courts will also consider medical records when determining the extent of damage caused by an auto accident, both in terms of physical and emotional pain and suffering.
When filing an insurance claim or submitting evidence for a personal injury lawsuit, Kansas City car accident victims should have ready access to all relevant medical documents including hospital notes, physician’s office visit reports, x-rays or scans, prescription medications, physical therapy records and any other relevant treatment plans.
These documents should specify how long the victim has been receiving care for their injuries, what treatments were prescribed and whether any additional tests or evaluations were recommended. Kansas City courts may also consider information from occupational therapists who can attest to any lingering effects from the crash such as difficulty performing activities of daily living due to physical limitations caused by the accident.
In addition, Kansas City car accident victims must be able to prove their economic losses as a result of their injuries. This includes documenting lost wages due to missed work days after the crash as well as any additional costs associated with medical bills or ongoing therapy treatments that may have arisen as a result of their injuries.
Kansas City judges will take all these factors into account when awarding damages based on medical records in order to ensure that victims are compensated fairly and adequately for their financial losses due to an automobile accident.
By providing accurate and timely medical documentation following a Kansas City car accident, victims can ensure that they receive the full compensation they are entitled to under Kansas law. It is essential for car accident victims in Kansas City to obtain legal advice from an experienced Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer who can help them navigate the claims process and compile all necessary evidence for their case.
Police reports
Police reports also play a key role in car accident cases since they often provide valuable information on traffic violations which could lead to liability issues being determined in court. Video surveillance footage is another great source of evidence that can help solidify fault and establish damages for any claims made on behalf of injured parties.
Surveillance footage
Surveillance footage from Kansas City car accidents can be crucial evidence in determining fault and establishing damages for claims. Surveillance footage can include dash cam videos from cars involved in the crash, as well as video recordings from businesses located near the accident site.
This type of footage provides an impartial view of the events leading up to, during, and after the incident. Kansas City courts may consider this evidence when assigning liability or awarding damages in a Kansas City car accident case.
Dash cam video can offer valuable insight into how a crash occurred by providing an undisputed visual of what happened. It can also help establish speed limits that were exceeded prior to or at the time of impact, helping to prove fault on part of one or both drivers involved. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses can provide additional context for how a car accident occurred, offering further insight into details such as what traffic laws were broken at the time of collision.
Kansas City courts may also consider surveillance footage when focusing on damages associated with a Kansas City car accident case. By showing exactly what happened during a crash, surveillance video can help make an accurate assessment of property damage caused by the impact as well as any physical pain and suffering experienced by victims due to their injuries resulting from the incident.
Surveillance footage may even be used in Kansas City courts to assess if there was negligence involved in a particular accident or if certain individuals should receive compensation for emotional distress caused by witnessing traumatic events such as those related to auto accidents.
Overall, surveillance footage is a powerful tool that Kansas City car accident victims and their lawyers can use to demonstrate fault and maximize compensation awards in court cases related to car accidents in Kansas City.
Vehicle black box
Vehicle black boxes, also known as Event Data Recorders (EDRs), are becoming increasingly important pieces of evidence in Kansas City car accident cases. This technology has been installed in vehicles since the late 1990s, and is used to record data such as speed, braking force, and steering wheel angle at the time of a crash.
Some models even record information about seatbelt usage by occupants. Since this data is stored electronically, it can be extracted and analyzed to determine the cause of a Kansas City car accident.
Black box data can help Kansas City car accident lawyers build stronger cases for their clients. By providing an accurate snapshot of events prior to and during the crash, vehicle black box data can help prove fault by providing objective evidence that may support or refute claims made by either party involved in the collision.
For example, if a driver claims they were driving below the posted speed limit before the crash occurred but black box data recorded a higher speed than indicated, then liability could be assigned accordingly.
In addition to establishing fault for Kansas City car accidents, vehicle black box data can also be used to calculate damages based on impact acceleration and deceleration rates. This type of evidence helps Kansas City courts determine how much compensation should be awarded to injured parties who were not at fault for an auto accident.
Finally, vehicle black boxes can provide valuable insight into potential traffic violations such as running red lights or speeding that may have been committed prior to or during an auto accident in Kansas City. Such information can be instrumental in determining fault in Kansas City courts which could ultimately result in more substantial damages awarded for those affected by an automobile crash.
Overall, Kansas City car accident lawyers and their clients will benefit immensely from using vehicle black box data as evidence when making or responding to claims related to Kansas City automobile accidents.
By accessing this type of information in court cases, both sides can benefit from gaining access to reliable evidence that will help them make their case more effectively and accurately determine liability for any damage caused by a collision.
Collecting as much evidence as possible can greatly increase your chances of winning a car accident case and receiving fair compensation for any injuries or losses suffered due to the incident. Be sure to
- Take pictures
- Speak with witnesses
- Get all relevant documents from medical practitioners
Doing so will give you the best chance of securing the justice you deserve.
Common types of Kansas City car accidents
We'll explore eight different types of car accidents that occur frequently across the globe. A Kansas City car accident lawyer can walk you through the particulars of your specific kind of accident and what it means for your car accident claim. From rear-end collisions to head-on collisions and everything in between, we'll discuss what each type entails and how you can help prevent them from happening to you.
Rear end car accidents
Rear end collisions are one of the most common types of car accident worldwide; in fact it is estimated that nearly 40% of all road traffic incidents involve rear end impacts. Rear end collisions occur when one vehicle collides with another from behind; often at high speeds or with little warning time for either driver involved in the crash.
These kinds of accidents usually happen because drivers fail to leave enough space between their cars while driving or they don't pay attention and lose track of where other vehicles around them are located on the road. To help avoid these kinds of crashes, always maintain a safe following distance when driving and pay attention to the traffic around you.
Head on collisions
Head on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with one another, typically at high speeds. These types of car accidents are extremely dangerous and often result in serious injuries or fatalities for those involved.
Head-on collisions are commonly caused by drivers disobeying the rules of the road such as speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to yield at an intersection. To reduce your risk of being involved in a head-on collision, always obey speed limits, avoid drinking and driving, and never drive distracted.
Side impact car crashes
Another common Kansas City car accident, Side impact collisions (also known as T-bone crashes) occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, usually at an intersection or while making a turn.
These kinds of accidents are often the result of drivers failing to check their blind spots before changing lanes or turning in front of oncoming traffic. It is important to always take extra caution when driving near intersections as well as when turning left or right; look both ways and check your blind spots for any vehicles that could be coming up quickly from behind you.
Car rollovers
Rollover crashes occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof after losing control during a turn, swerving off the road, or hitting another object such as a guardrail. Rollovers are particularly common in SUVs and trucks due to their higher center of gravity; however, they can happen to any vehicle. To help avoid rollover accidents, always reduce your speed when turning and take extra care to not swerve off the road or into objects on the side of the highway.
Single-vehicle car accident
Less common than some of the other accidents, Single-vehicle crashes involve one car colliding with an object such as a tree, building, or telephone pole without another vehicle being involved in the collision. These types of accidents are often caused by drivers losing control due to excessive speed, poor weather conditions, or distracted driving.
To prevent single-vehicle collisions from happening, always obey speed limits and drive defensively; pay attention to road signs and other vehicles around you and be sure to stay alert while driving in hazardous weather conditions.
Multi-vehicle car accident
Multi-vehicle pileups occur when two or more vehicles are involved in a chain reaction crash. These types of accidents usually happen on highways or other busy roads and can involve anywhere from a handful of cars to hundreds.
Multi-vehicle pileups often occur because there is not enough time for drivers to react to the situation, due to their speed and proximity on the road. To help prevent these kinds of accidents, reduce your speed while driving on highways and pay attention to the other vehicles around you at all times.
Off-road car accident
Run off road crashes happen when a driver fails to stay within their lane and veers onto the shoulder of the highway or even into a ditch. Run off road collisions can be extremely dangerous and often include serious injuries or fatalities. To help avoid run off road crashes, always stay within your lane while driving and be wary of any potential obstacles that could make you lose control of your car. When you have been injured in a Kansas City car accident, a Kansas City car accident lawyer will walk you through the necessary steps of preparing your claim with the at fault driver.
How much is my Kansas City car accident case worth?
After a Kansas City car accident, victims often find themselves asking the same question: How much is my Kansas City car accident case worth? The answer to this question is complicated and depends on a variety of factors. To get an accurate estimate of what your Kansas City car accident case might be worth, it's best to consult with an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer.
When calculating the value of a car accident case, your attorney will take into account medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Medical bills can include hospitalizations, specialist appointments, medication costs, rehabilitation therapy costs, and more. Lost wages can include income that you’ve lost due to time off work as well as future earning potential if you’re unable to return to work in the same capacity as before. Finally, factors such as physical pain and emotional trauma are taken into consideration when determining an appropriate settlement amount or verdict for a Kansas City car accident case.
Medical bills
Medical bills are one of the most important factors in determining how much a Kansas City car accident case is worth. Medical bills can include hospitalizations, specialist appointments, medication costs, rehabilitation therapy costs, and other related expenses. Medical expenses can add up quickly after an accident, especially if it results in severe injuries that require extensive treatments and long-term care.
Even if you have health insurance, you may still incur high out-of-pocket costs due to deductibles and copayments. Your attorney will carefully calculate how much your medical bills have cost or will cost down the line when assessing the case’s value.
Additionally, some medical providers may offer discounts for accident victims who hire an attorney to handle their case. This could further reduce the overall cost of medical treatment for the victim and increase their potential settlement or verdict amount. Therefore, it is important that your lawyer works closely with your medical providers to ensure that you get all of the discounts available to maximize your injury claim’s value.
Medical bills can be overwhelming after a car accident, but an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer can help calculate their impact on what your case is worth and negotiate with medical providers so that you don’t have to bear such a large financial burden alone.
Lost wages
Lost wages can have a significant impact on the outcome of a Kansas City car accident case. For example, if you are unable to work due to your injuries and are not eligible for short-term disability benefits, you may have difficulty covering expenses such as rent and utilities. Lost wages can also include income that you’ve lost due to time off work, as well as any future earning potential that may be affected by your inability to return to your job in the same capacity as before.
In addition, the court must consider any non-economic losses associated with lost wages when determining how much your case is worth. This could mean compensation for emotional pain and suffering caused by not being able to work or make an income. Your attorney will use a variety of techniques such as depositions, expert testimony and other evidence to prove the amount of lost wages in order to maximize what your case is worth.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that lost wages can be extremely difficult for an accident victim to manage on their own. An experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer will carefully assess how much income has been or will be lost due to the accident in order to ensure that full compensation is obtained from the responsible party's insurance company or through a jury award.
Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering can have a significant impact on the value of a Kansas City car accident case. Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by an accident. This includes not only physical pain but also psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, fear, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other forms of mental distress resulting from the accident.
The courts must take into consideration these non-economic losses when determining how much a case is worth. In order to prove the amount of pain and suffering due to the accident, your attorney may use depositions from witnesses as well as expert testimony from medical professionals. The courts also consider your age, occupation, life expectancy and any pre-existing conditions when determining pain and suffering compensation.
In addition to financial compensation for their pain and suffering, some plaintiffs may also be eligible for long-term care or disability benefits depending on the nature of their injuries. Your attorney may carefully assess your case to determine if you are eligible for these types of benefits before entering into negotiations with insurance companies or arguing in court for a verdict award that takes into account all of these factors.
Ultimately, pain and suffering can have a major impact on how much your Kansas City car accident case is worth. An experienced attorney will ensure that all relevant factors are taken into consideration when negotiating with insurance companies or arguing in court so that you receive full compensation for your injuries sustained in an automobile crash.
Aggravating factors or driver recklessness
Certain aggravating factors of particularly egregious conduct by an at fault driver may significantly increase the value of your Kansas City car accident case. For instance, if the at fault driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this could be seen as a particularly irresponsible act and could increase the amount awarded for pain and suffering. Additionally, if the at-fault driver was engaging in other dangerous activities such as speeding, reckless driving, or disregarding traffic signals or signs, these behaviors could also lead to higher financial compensation due to their impact on what your case is worth.
In addition to these examples, prosecutors may seek to charge criminal penalties against an at-fault driver in cases involving serious injury or death. In these cases, the court may decide that harsher punishments are necessary and may order punitive damages alongside any compensatory payment. This means that not only will you receive financial compensation for medical bills and lost wages but also punitive damages which are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their recklessness or negligence.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that no two car accidents are alike and there are a variety of factors that can affect how much a case is worth. An experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer will be able to assess your situation and determine how much your case is worth based on the facts of each individual situation. They will also use a range of strategies including expert testimony from medical professionals as well as evidence from witnesses in order to maximize what your case is worth while ensuring that justice is served in your particular situation.
What steps should I take after a Kansas City car accident?
After a car accident in Kansas City, it is important to take certain steps in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved, handle the situation effectively, and protect your legal rights. Here are some general tips to follow when you find yourself in this unfortunate circumstance:
Seek medical attention
It is vital to seek medical attention following a Kansas City car accident, even if you feel like you are not injured. It is important to recognize that some injuries may only be felt or become apparent after hours or days after the accident has occurred. For example, whiplash is a common injury that may not present any symptoms until later on.
By getting an initial medical evaluation from an emergency room or physician immediately following your car accident, it can help document any potential injuries and provide necessary treatment while also protecting your legal rights. Additionally, the medical record associated with this visit can provide valuable information in the event of any legal action taken against another party involved in the accident.
Contact the police and make sure there is a police report made
It is important to contact the police and make a report after a Kansas City car accident for several reasons. Firstly, this provides an official record of the incident that can be used in any legal proceedings or insurance claims related to the accident. Also, having a police report can help protect your legal rights by establishing fault and any other contributing factors such as reckless driving or negligence.
In addition, having a police officer at the scene can help ensure that all parties involved are safe and that proper safety procedures are being followed. The report also serves as evidence if there are any disputes between parties regarding who was at fault or what actually happened during the accident. Finally, a police report can prove invaluable when it comes time to file an insurance claim, as it will provide an impartial account of the events and details surrounding the crash.
Gather information from the scene of the accident
Exchange information with all drivers involved, including contact information and insurance details. Make sure to get the names, addresses, license plate numbers, phone numbers and insurance policy numbers of all parties involved in the accident. This information will become critical in the event that there is an issue with identifying the other driver or their insurance company. We have handled hundreds of cases where the at fault party was unfortunately not insured, and our client had to turn to their own insurance company to bring an uninsured motorist claim.
Take photographs or videos at the scene of the car accident
When in a Kansas City car accident, it is important to take photographs of the scene and any damage that has occurred. These can be useful when determining fault and provide proof of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Taking photographs at the scene will help create an accurate record that can be used to document details related to the crash, such as skid marks, debris, or other physical evidence.
Additionally, photos of any damage made to vehicles involved can prove invaluable for insurance companies and lawyers alike if a lawsuit results from the accident. Moreover, making sure that you have an accurate description and photograph of any other drivers or witnesses present at the scene can help establish fault without relying on memories that may become confused over time. All these photographs should be taken as soon as possible following the accident in order to ensure accuracy and freshness of recollections.
Seek follow up care to ensure you are recovering
If you were injured during the car accident or begin to feel pain in the days following the crash, it is important to seek follow-up care with your primary physician or another treatment doctor. If left untreated, some injuries can become worse over time and have long-term effects on your health. That is why it is important to get an initial medical evaluation from a qualified medical professional to document any potential injuries and provide necessary treatment.
Additionally, this visit can also be used as evidence if legal action is taken against another party involved in the accident. Receiving prompt medical attention can help protect not only your physical well-being but also your legal rights. Therefore, if you suspect that you may have been injured during a car accident, make sure that you contact a qualified doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment options.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in Kansas City, it is important to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can provide crucial legal advice and help with filing insurance claims and seeking necessary compensation for any damages sustained during the crash. A lawyer can also assess the evidence available and determine whether there are grounds for a lawsuit against any of the parties involved in the accident.
Furthermore, they will be able to help ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the best possible outcome from your situation. By hiring an experienced car accident lawyer, you will have access to resources and knowledge that will allow you to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact a qualified Kansas City car accident lawyer today and protect yourself from future financial losses related to your accident.
Contact A Kansas City Car Accident Attorney At Our Law Firm Today
Hiring an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer will make sure you get the justice you deserve when you have been injured in a car accident. Here are three key reasons to call us for help:
Firstly, your Kansas City car accident attorney will provide the highest quality of service and advice. We have years of experience helping clients with cases involving car accidents, so we understand the legal process and have extensive knowledge about the best ways to maximize your compensation. Moreover, we put client satisfaction first and strive to ensure that every single case is handled professionally and with compassion.
Secondly, our Kansas City law firm has access to a wide network of medical experts and specialists who can assess your injuries accurately without bias. This allows us to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that works for you as well as build a strong argument for your claim in court or negotiations. Additionally, our lawyers will protect your rights throughout the entire process and make sure that no one takes advantage of you while you are hurt or vulnerable.
Finally, we recognize how difficult it can be to navigate the aftermath of an auto accident injury in Kansas City – especially if there are other issues like insurance disputes involved. That's why we also offer personalized support throughout each stage of the claims process.
Your Kansas City car accident lawyer will take care of all necessary paperwork, communicate with any legal representatives on your behalf, explain complex procedures in plain language, keep track of important documentation and deadlines, and update you on any changes or developments related to your case.
At Fletcher Law Office, the mission of our law firm to help individuals after they have been injured in a car accident so they can continue healing without stress or worry about their case. We believe that everyone should receive fair compensation for their damage or losses after an unfortunate event like a car accident personal injury – and with us on your side you can rest assured that all aspects of your claim are being taken care of effectively by knowledgeable professionals who have your best interests at heart. Call us today at 816-631-2868.