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Your Kansas City, KS Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and dealing with insurance companies can quickly become daunting. At The Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A., I’m here to guide you through each step of the legal process. With years of experience serving clients in Kansas City, Kansas, and the surrounding areas, I know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can happen in an instant but have long-lasting consequences. From dealing with vehicle repairs to navigating complex injury claims, it’s critical to have an experienced car accident attorney by your side. My goal is to take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery. I will handle all communication with insurance companies, gather crucial evidence, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Kansas City
Car accidents can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Using a mobile device, eating, or other activities that divert attention from the road.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit increases the likelihood and severity of accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, or street racing.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can make roads slippery and reduce visibility.
I understand that each car accident is unique, and I’ll tailor my approach to address the specific circumstances of your case.
Types of Injuries from Car Accidents
Injuries sustained in car accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Internal Bleeding
- Burns and Lacerations
It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention following a car accident. Your health and well-being are the top priority, and early treatment can also serve as documentation of your injuries for your legal claim.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Kansas City
If you’ve been in a car accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights:
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if necessary.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
- Collect Evidence: Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident, but avoid providing detailed statements until you speak to an attorney.
- Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer: Before discussing the case with insurance adjusters, contact me for legal advice to protect your rights.
Kansas City, KS Car Accident Law Infographic
Understanding Compensation and Damages
Compensation for a car accident claim typically falls into two categories:
- Economic Damages: This includes measurable financial losses such as medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: This covers intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Additionally, I can seek punitive damages if the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Case
Your compensation may be impacted if you are found partially at fault for the accident:
- Kansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, where you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. If you are 50% or more responsible, you cannot recover any damages.
- Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation even if you are 99% at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages amount to $100,000 and you are found to be 30% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by $30,000.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. It’s common for insurers to offer lowball settlements or deny claims altogether. I have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and will not hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary.
Car Accident Law FAQs
How do you know who was at fault for a car accident?
Determining who was at fault for a car accident typically involves an investigation by law enforcement officers and insurance adjusters. The process generally involves:
- Gathering evidence: Law enforcement officers will gather evidence at the scene of the accident, such as witness statements, photos of the scene, and any available video footage. Insurance adjusters may also conduct their own investigation to gather additional evidence.
- Reviewing traffic laws: Officers and insurance adjusters will review the relevant traffic laws to determine whether either driver violated any laws that may have contributed to the accident.
- Analyzing the evidence: Based on the evidence gathered, officers and adjusters will analyze the sequence of events leading up to the accident to determine who was at fault. This may involve determining factors such as who had the right of way, who was speeding, or who was driving while distracted.
- Assigning fault: Based on their analysis, officers and adjusters will assign fault for the accident. In some cases, both drivers may be found to be partially at fault for the accident.
It’s important to note that fault for a car accident is not always clear-cut, and it can depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. In some cases, it may be necessary to involve an attorney to help determine fault and negotiate with insurance companies.
What do you do after a car accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here are some things to do after a car accident:
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
- Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road to prevent further accidents. If you are unable to move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call the police: Even if the accident is minor, it’s important to call the police to report the accident. The police will create an official report of the accident, which can be useful for insurance claims and legal purposes.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Be sure to also get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Take photos: Take photos of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle(s) involved.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Your insurance company will provide guidance on the next steps you need to take.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention after an accident to make sure you haven’t sustained any injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
It’s important to remember to stay calm and avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you later. If you are unsure of what to do after an accident, you may want to consider contacting an attorney for guidance.
What should you not say in a car accident?
It’s important to be careful about what you say after a car accident, as anything you say can potentially be used against you later. Here are some things you should avoid saying:
- Apologizing: Even if you feel sorry for what happened, avoid apologizing or admitting fault, as this can be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Speculating about what happened: Avoid making any assumptions or guesses about what caused the accident, as this can be used against you if the actual cause of the accident is different.
- Saying you’re not injured: Avoid saying that you’re not injured, even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent, and it’s best to get a medical evaluation to make sure you’re okay.
- Making statements to the other driver’s insurance company: Avoid making any statements to the other driver’s insurance company, as they may try to use your statements against you. Instead, refer them to your own insurance company or an attorney.
- Blaming the other driver: Avoid blaming the other driver or getting into an argument with them, as this can escalate the situation and potentially lead to physical or legal consequences.
Remember to stay calm and polite when speaking with other drivers, passengers, witnesses, and law enforcement officers. It’s a good idea to take notes or record the conversation, if possible, to help you remember what was said later on.
Selecting the Right Lawyer
Opt for a lawyer with a proven success record in car accident cases, who values clear, honest communication. Consult references and online reviews to make an informed choice.
Contact The Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Kansas City, KS or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. I’m committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Call my office today to learn how I can help you get started on the road to recovery.
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4707 College Boulevard, Suite 208 Leawood, KS 66211
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Testimonials
“I am eagerly recommending this law firm for your legal needs. Dan and his associates did an outstanding job in representing me. I don’t anticipate being in the position to be represented any time soon, but if I am, I am headed right back to this firm! Thank you so much!"
