Being in a car accident is scary and stressful. After the accident, you may be left with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and your vehicle repaired. The insurance company will not always pay you fairly. That is where a personal injury lawyer can help you. If you have been involved in a car collision in Kansas City, you deserve your rights. An experienced Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer knows how to fight for your case. They can help you in claiming the payment you require to recover your loss.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident
Most individuals try to handle an auto accident claim on their own. Insurance providers would not want to pay out anything more than they need to, however. They will deny your claim or offer you a small settlement. You’re left holding bills and nothing.
An injury lawyer knows the law and insurance tricks. They will:
- Conduct a full investigation of the accident
- Get evidence like police reports and witness statements
- Talk to doctors about your injuries
- Determine a fair settlement value
- Negotiate for you with the insurance firm
- Advocate for you in court if needed
Having a lawyer, you have an advocate who cares about you. They focus on getting you the best compensation for your injury, pain, and monetary losses.
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What Can You Be Compensated For?
When you get a personal injury lawyer, they review every part of your case. You can be compensated for:
- Doctor bills like hospitalization, operations, and therapy
- Income lost in case you couldn’t work due to injuries
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Damages or loss of your vehicle
- Other accident-related expenses
A lawyer makes sure no part of your loss goes unnoticed. They want you to get full and fair payment.
How to Choose the Right Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer
Not all lawyers are the same. Here are some suggestions to choose the best lawyer for your car accident case:
- Experience: Pick a lawyer who handles car accident and injury cases on a daily basis.
- Reputation: Check testimonials and reviews of past clients.
- Communication: Pick a lawyer who communicates clearly and speaks in easy-to-understand terms.
- Fees: Most injury lawyers work on a “no win, no fee” basis, where they receive their fees only if you succeed.
- Free Consultation: A good attorney offers a free first consultation to discuss your case.
Invest time in finding the right attorney so that you will have a better opportunity to get your fair pay.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Car Accident in Kansas City
What you do right after the accident makes a difference. Do the following:
- See if there are any injuries and call 911 if need be.
- If you can, get to safety.
- Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver.
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident and of damage.
- Get contact details of witnesses.
- Report the accident to the police and insurer.
- Get immediate medical attention, even if you don’t have injuries.
- Inform a personal injury lawyer before giving statements to insurance adjusters.
These actions build a strong claim for damages.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?
Each case is unique. Some cases settle in weeks, others in months or more. It’s dependent upon such things as:
- The severity of your injuries
- Fault is an issue
- The insurance company’s cooperation
- The attitude of the lawyer
Your attorney will keep you updated about the legal process and try to settle your claim promptly.
Why You Should Not Accept the First Insurance Offer
Insurance companies will all too often readily advance you cash to settle. They want to take care of the issue cheaply. This sum is usually less than what you deserve. You can lose money by accepting the first offer. An attorney can review the offer and negotiate a larger payment. They know what your claim is worth.
Can You Still Get Paid If You Were Partly at Fault
Yes. Missouri follows a law called “comparative fault.” Your payment is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% at fault, your payment will be reduced by 20%. You can still receive money if you are partly at fault.
A personal injury lawyer establishes fault mainly with the other driver. They negotiate the best settlement.
Call a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or your relative was hurt in a motor vehicle accident, don’t wait. Time limits are imposed when filing a claim. A Skilled Kansas City personal injury lawyer can review your case at no charge. Having an attorney look at your case sooner rather than later may assist you in obtaining a full settlement. You don’t need to deal with the insurance companies alone.
FAQs About Car Accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers in Kansas City
1. How much do I pay a personal injury lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers are on a contingency fee basis. They only get paid if you receive money. This means no out-of-pocket expense to you.
2. What do I bring to my initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer?
Bring accident reports, medical charges, insurance coverage, pictures, and notes about the accident. This will help the lawyer to familiarize yourself with your case.
3. Do I have the option to resolve a car accident claim without an attorney?
Yes, but not recommended. Insurance companies will attempt to offer less. An attorney will protect your rights and be able to negotiate a better offer.
4. How long do I have to sue a car accident in Kansas City?
In Missouri, you generally have 5 years from the date of accident to file a suit. But you must get going quickly and not lose evidence and witnesses.
5. What if the other motorist is not insured?
You can still get paid with your own insurance coverage for hit-and-run motorists. A lawyer will guide you on how best to do this.
