What to Do After a Car Accident: Legal Advice From a Kansas City Injury Lawyer

Car crash will leave you dazed and bewildered as to what to do first. You may be injured, bewildered, or worried about how much the treatment will cost and how much the car will cost to fix. Knowing what to do first after the crash keeps you safe and preserves your rights. You simply need a step-by-step easy-to-follow guide that can help you regain control after a Kansas City car crash.

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

Second, check to see if you or someone else is hurt. If you or someone else requires assistance, call 911 immediately. Do not try to transport the injured person unless the individual is in imminent danger, such as in front of an oncoming fire. If you are able to leave the vehicle safely, go to a space off the road. Turn on your hazard lights to warn oncoming vehicles. Even if you are all right, you must go and see a doctor. Some of the injuries do not appear until a number of hours after the accident, like neck or back pain. Going to the doctor also gives you a report that will be utilized in justice for your future claim.

2. Call the Police and Get a Report

It is what everybody but the most cynical individuals believe is enough to trade numbers and leave. In Kansas City, you have to call the police to come and take a written report.

Your evidence of the incident is a police report. It will have such things as:

• Date and time of the accident
• Names and phone numbers of all parties
• Witness statements
• Insurance information

Ask the officer to explain how to obtain a copy of this report. You will find it useful in the legal process even if you need to make a claim or go to court.

3. Trade Information

Trade information with the other person. The following is what you should obtain:

• Full name and telephone number
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company name and policy number
• License plate number
• Make, model, and color of the vehicle

Be courteous but do not apologize for the accident, even if you believe you were responsible. Those are words you may be able to be sued upon later.

4. Record with Pictures and Proof

Photograph with your cell phone:

• All of the cars
• Injured cars
• Skid marks or remnants
• Traffic signs or signals along the path of the accident
• Your injury, if possible to do so
• Remember to lock your car after taking the documentation.

If you have witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact numbers. Witnesses provide you with a sense of what actually happened.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company immediately. Provide them with only a minimal amount of information about the accident. Tell your adjuster the truth and in a straightforward manner. Do not guess or make things up. If the other driver’s insurance company calls you, don’t give a recorded statement. You are entitled to talk to an attorney first, though.

6. Know post-crash symptoms

You may not be injured immediately after an accident. In the days following a crash, the following post-crash symptoms to know are:

• Stiff neck
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Numbness in arms or legs

If you experience any of these, go see a doctor right away.

7. Consult with a Kansas City Injury Lawyer

You don’t need to fight the insurance companies alone. A skilled and affordable car accident lawyer in Kansas City can help you:

• Gather and save evidence
• Handling negotiations with the insurance adjusters
• Assigning a fair value to medical bills and lost income
• Sue if necessary

Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation. That’s why you can learn about your situation without a charge.

8. Document Everything

Keep all your records regarding your wreck, such as:

• Doctor visits and bills
• Receipt for medical supplies or prescription
• Estimates for fixing your car
• Lost time or records of wages due to missing work

These records depict how the accident affected you.

9. Be Careful on Social Media

Don’t look back and refer to an internet crash later. Your insurance company will read what you’ve written and decide if you actually got injured. Even harmless remarks or images can be manipulated out of context and turned against you.

10. Follow Through On Your Treatment Plan

If your doctor has written something to you, accept it. Go for all your follow-up visits and take your medication. If you don’t get treated, then the insurance company will be able to say that your injuries never happened.

Mistakes to Steer Clear Of

You kill your claim for lack of knowledge. Avoid these typical blunders:

• Saying you’re okay when perhaps you’re not
• Admitting fault at the accident scene
• Shunning medical care
• Discussing too much with the other driver’s insurance company
• Waiting too long to seek an attorney

If you don’t know what to do, a Kansas City injury attorney will lead the way.

How an Attorney Can Help

The following are some ways an attorney can help:

• Investigate the accident – Obtain evidence, read police reports, and speak with witnesses.
• Handle all contact with insurance – Less stress for you.
• Fight for just compensation – An attorney will battle to cover your medical expenses, repair of your vehicle, and lost income.
• Sue if it’s necessary – Your attorney can proceed with your case to court when negotiations break down.

When to Get an Attorney

Get an attorney if:

• You are severely injured
• The insurance company is rejecting your claim
• The other party is blaming you
• You are being rushed to settle
• You need information on your rights

It is more advisable to ask early. There is a time limit under Kansas law for you to make a claim. 

Why You Should Hire a Kansas City Injury Lawyer

Your local town attorneys are familiar with the courts and insurance companies in your area. They are familiar with Kansas and Missouri law and have represented cases here. You receive advice you can rely upon after you hire an experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer.

What You Might Recover

If your claim is strong, you can recover money for:

• Medical bills
• Future care
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Fixing or replacing your car

Every case is unique. A lawyer can review your claim and tell you what is fair.

Need to Discuss Your Case?

If you’ve been injured in a car crash, don’t wait. Call a Kansas City injury attorney today to discover how to safeguard your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I have to report a minor accident to the police?

Yes. Report it to the police even if the damage seems minor. A report documents what happened and will stand up for you in the future.

Q2: Am I able to recover damages if I was partially responsible?

Maybe. Kansas is a comparative fault state. You might still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault.

Q3: How long do I have to make a claim?

You have two years from the date of the accident to sue in Kansas.

Q4: Will I have to go to court?

Not likely. Most claims are settled without appearing in court. Your lawyer can take your case to a judge or jury if necessary.

Q5: How much does it cost to get a car accident lawyer?

They bill mostly on a contingency fee. You do not pay anything initially. They will not receive any payment if they lose your case.