Author:
Kimberly J. Benjamin, Founder & Managing Attorney
October 20. 2021.
What Is the Missouri Accident and Injury Law Center
At the Missouri Accident and Injury Law Center, we represent car accident victims throughout Kansas City Metropolitan area. We have more than 15 years of combined experience helping clients get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages. In fact, our record is unparalleled when it comes to successfully represent people in motor vehicle accident cases.
When you hire a car accident lawyer at our law firm, we will investigate your car accident case and fight for maximum compensation. If another driver was at fault for your car crash, we’ll show how their carelessness caused them to inflict injuries on you or a loved one, and we’ll work with medical experts to help prove that those injuries have left you with lasting disabilities.
If the automobile accident wasn’t your fault, we’ll fight for full compensation on your behalf. We’ll work to prove that car accident injuries prevent you from working and earning the income you need to support yourself or your family, despite having never made a car insurance claim in the past. We’ll handle the negotiations for you and will personally handle your car accident lawsuit if we need to go to court.
When you need a Kansas City car accidents lawyer, don’t take chances with your case. Call 816-322-8008 today to set up a free case evaluation.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If you’re thinking about representing yourself, keep in mind that Kansas legal process can be complicated. For example, Kansas has a statute of limitations for these types of cases that is just one year from the date of your injury. Knowing what evidence to gather and how long you have to file a suit can be daunting.
In addition to Kansas’s strict time limits for filing car accident claims, Kansas also has a “comparative negligence” rule which means if you are found even 1 percent at fault for the collision, Kansas courts will likely not award you any damages – even if another driver caused the accident.
This makes it critical for car accident victims—especially those with serious injuries—to hire a Kansas City personal injury attorney who understands Kansas law. Kansas is a “no-fault” tort state, which means Kansas has no set limits on the amount of compensation an injured victim can recover.
The Kansas City car traffic lawyers at the Missouri Accident and Injury Law Center will handle your case from start to finish with as little inconvenience to you as possible.
We’ll investigate the accident scene, gather evidence such as police reports and photographs, subpoena medical records and bills, and hire experts if we need to prove causation or damages. We do all this so you don’t have to – but we let you manage all negotiations for settlement yourself, allowing you to focus on your medical treatment and getting your life back together after a collision.
Insurance Companies Do Not Have Your Best Interests at Heart
Insurance companies are not your friend. Their primary goal is to pay out the least amount of money possible to settle your claim, while simultaneously trying to protect their profits by paying as little compensation as they can get away with.
Insurance adjusters are trained in under-valuing injury cases so that the insurance company will not have to pay you what you’re actually owed. This can include paying you for pain and suffering which is limited under Kansas law, and these limits change on a regular basis.
Do you really think an insurance adjuster whose job depends on making the company as much money as possible while saving on claims will do what’s fair? You need legal advice from a lawyer who is experienced in personal injury claims, serious or catastrophic injuries, and auto accidents.
Depending on the circumstances, it may be difficult for prosecutors to obtain a 1st-degree burglary conviction where a person mistakenly enters the tent or RV of another when stumbling around in a dark campground. Much is contingent on the other elements.
What Are the Elements of the Crime of Burglary?
When you or a family member is charged, you may be asking, “What are the elements of the crime of burglary?” of which you need to be most aware. One thing to be aware of is that all of the first-degree elements do not need to be present for the entire crime.
These may include the defendant picking up a knife or other deadly weapon present in the building. Another possibility is if the owner or resident interrupts the crime but isn’t there at its beginning. If the person not committing the crime inadvertently suffers physical injury during the defendant’s immediate flight therefrom, it is also burglary in the first degree.
Auto Accident Injuries in Kansas City
A car crash is a common phenomenon. According to car accident statistics by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in 2019, 157,038 road crashes occurred in Missouri. Out of this figure, 881 of these accidents had fatalities, while 55,112 people sustained various degrees of injuries.
Distracted driving, aggressive driving, speeding, and drunk driving are the most common factors involved in car accidents in the U.S. These four factors are also responsible for serious and fatal injuries in Kansas City.
Although drunk driving is a straightforward offense that drivers commit knowingly, a distracted driving offense can easily happen to almost any driver. While technology is advancing, more and more people text while driving, talk on their phones, or adjust the music in their vehicles. When distracted drivers take their eyes off the road, they can easily hit another vehicle, object, or pedestrian.
Speeding under bad weather conditions can also be considered unsafe driving and result in a reckless driving charge. On the other hand, aggressive driving can be described as driving while committing a combination of moving traffic violations that endanger other individuals or property.
Some people are lucky to survive motor vehicle accidents. And when they do, they are often so disoriented that they make the following common mistakes:
- Admitting liability.
- Leaving the scene of the accident.
- Failing to contact insurance companies.
- Speaking with the other party’s insurance company in the absence of their accident attorney.
- Not calling 911 in case of personal injury.
- Not documenting evidence.
- Failing to get prompt medical care.
- Accepting a settlement without undergoing proper assessment.
These mistakes can cost you a lot of time and money. You can avoid them if you take the right steps at the right time.
The first thing to do immediately after an auto crash is to consult a team of reputable Kansas City Missouri car accident lawyers.
A good car accident lawyer can build a solid case for you if you speak with him/her immediately after the car crash, so it’s best to consult a Kansas City car accident lawyer when the details are still fresh in your memory.
When you turn to the Missouri Accident and Injury Law Center, we will support you through every step of your journey. We’ll listen attentively and inform you about all available options for recovering from a crash or work injury to help you get back on track with life.
Compensation From a Car Accident Claim
The Missouri Accident and Injury Law Center will personally handle your accident claim from beginning to end.
Some injuries may take months or longer to resolve, whereas other life altering injuries may be so serious that there is no chance of returning to the quality of life enjoyed before the accident.
You shouldn’t have to worry about struggling with paperwork or the insurance companies who are trying to settle quickly with you.
We carefully evaluate each and every injury case we take so that we pursue the maximum possible payments. We ensure that we get the compensation you deserve so you can get on with your life.
Determine Liability With an Auto Accident Attorney Kansas City
At the end of a court trial, a judge will determine the party at fault who will bear financial responsibility for property damage or sustained injuries.
One factor that determines responsibility in car accidents and personal injury cases is negligence. Different states have different laws that determine liability and negligence when auto accidents occur.
During car accident cases in Kansas City, MO, the party who is negligent will not only bear the financial responsibility but may also face criminal charges.
That is why consulting an auto accident law firm in Kansas City will help you determine your liability during car crashes. At the Missouri Accident and Injury Law Center, our track record of success in car accident cases speaks for itself.
When Do You Need a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer?
People often wonder when it’s appropriate for them to speak with their Kansas City accident attorney after suffering from a car crash, yet many people don’t take action until days later – this could cause major problems.
The right time to speak with an experienced trial lawyer or legal representative would be immediately after any car crash that has occurred, as you may have rights and options available for compensation, which will not exist if it’s too late.
In Missouri, there is a time limit within which to sue in personal injury claims. If you don’t take swift and strategic action after a car crash injury, you may find your legitimate claim for damages snagged by the statute of limitations.
Our Kansas City MO car accident lawyers will advise you of your rights and the proper steps to take immediately after an auto crash.
In an auto accident case, the police may administer breathalyzer tests to the drivers to check their blood alcohol concentration. If the police charge you with DWI, the consequences can be dire. You need a team of experienced DWI lawyers in KC Mo to fight the charges.
Settling Your Case With a Car Accident Attorney in Kansas City, MO
If from all indications, another party’s negligent behavior was responsible for the crash, it is possible to settle with the other party without going to court.
There are many benefits of settling your case with the help of accident attorneys in Kansas City, MO. Some benefits of an out-of-court settlement include:
- Settlement saves drivers and the law firm time and resources.
- Settlement is less expensive.
- A trial can go either way.
- Settlement guarantees payment for a plaintiff.
- Settlement is less stressful than trial.
You should never agree to a negotiation without the help of an experienced accident lawyer.
There are steps your personal injury attorney will take to ensure that you get the maximum compensation for damages and claims. If the other driver refuses to offer a fair settlement out of court, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial.
What to Expect at an Evaluation With Our Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers
There are many kinds of auto accidents involving different vehicles. Also, different laws and rules apply to these different scenarios.
An experienced car accident lawyer is well-versed in assessing the circumstances of the accident and making informed recommendations.
After proper reviews, your lawyers will advise you on the next step to take. They will base their recommendation on the following factors:
- The weather.
- The condition of the vehicles.
- Injuries sustained during the auto accident.
- The damages.
- The condition of the road.
- Your medical condition and records.
How Can We Help With Your Kansas City Car Accident Case?
Apart from helping you determine who is at fault in a car wreck, our super lawyers can assist you in the following ways:
Help You Calculate Your Damages
Sometimes, the damages you sustain in a car crash can involve more than just material possessions. In situations where the loss is intangible, reach out to an attorney to help you calculate the damages.
Get Adequate Compensation
Generally, the amount of compensation you are entitled to depend on the severity of your damages or losses. But the skills and expertise of your lawyer can also determine how much you can obtain as compensation. An experienced lawyer will ensure that your compensation will cover areas such as lost income, past and future hospital bills, and physical and emotional suffering.
Get Proper Insurance Claims
Vehicle insurance plays a huge role in legal claims involving car accidents. The liability of drivers involved in car accidents depends on their car insurance policies. If given the opportunity, the insurance company will reduce your car accident claim to the barest minimum. To avoid being shortchanged by an insurance company, get an experienced accident lawyer to help enforce your rights.
Sue in Court
Having an experienced personal injury lawyer beside you after a car collision is always important. Apart from advising you and protecting your best interest, the attorney is always ready to sue. The threat of legal action will make the other party shift ground, especially when you have a genuine car crash claim.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Kansas City and Get Help Now
Car accidents are serious matters that can transform the lives of injured victims in an instant. For example, auto accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries. No matter the type of injuries, the suffering, pain, and scars sustained in a car crash can last a lifetime.
Worse still, losing a loved one in an auto accident can be devastating. Although no amount of money can replace a loved one, it can help take care of those left behind.
Don’t suffer alone. Take advantage of the free consultation and free case evaluation offered by our personal injury attorneys. When you meet with trusted car accident lawyers at our law office, we will help you navigate this challenging time and help you move forward with your accident claims.
To discuss your car crash and personal injury or wrongful death claim, contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our law office.
Our Kansas city car accidents lawyers have years of experience in a range of legal practice areas, including truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, head on collisions, rear-end collisions, and many other categories. We are here to help you navigate through your accident claim in Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Minor car crashes can sometimes be just as catastrophic as major ones, but the costs and timetables involved in minor accidents usually don’t warrant such action on behalf of an attorney.
However, if you have sustained serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or high medical bills, or lost wages—it may be helpful to have legal representation present when you retrieve your vehicle from impoundment and approach any insurance company claims process with vigilance.
Getting legal counsel will also help protect your chance at receiving full compensation down the line if there are unclear details that come into focus later on. If you’re unsure what this means for you, consult with an injury lawyer without delay.
Is it Worth Getting an Attorney for Car Accidents?
Yes. Accident proceedings can be difficult and complex and are best handled with the help of car accident attorneys who have experience handling these types of cases. Your attorney will help document your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, take care of any paperwork and court appearances on your behalf, ensure you receive your medical benefits, and stand up for your best interests in court.
What is the Average Settlement for Car Crashes with Injury?
In Missouri, the minimum settlement for a car crash with injury is $3,000.
Settlement amounts vary depending on various factors such as the injury claim severity and type, how much bills cost for treatment at an ER or specialist, and other expenses incurred due to the accident.
However, most settlements fall within this range. Always consult an experienced lawyer before making any decisions in your case.
What Happens if an Uninsured Driver Hits You?
The Missouri Accident and Injury Law Center have the resources to assist you with your accident injury claim by helping you determine your best options with as little stress as possible.
Car insurance is crucial for all drivers. However, it is also crucial that underinsured drivers as well as uninsured drivers ensure they have the best insurance coverage.
The Missouri Accident and Injury Law Firm can provide legal advice on what you need to do and how to assess for settlement and loss recovery with an insured or uninsured motorist.
Can You Sue for Negligence in Auto Accidents?
If you were in a car accident caused by another driver’s fault, yes. Filing a legal claim against the negligent driver may be the only way for the injury victims to recover compensation they need to get better.
Negligence occurs when another party fails to exercise reasonable caution or show the level of care expected by law. If this negligence results in serious injury or death, it is considered serious and willful Vehicular homicide. This is what will allow you to sue for damages over the injuries you’ve sustained.
