Car accidents happen every day. Sometimes, these events are routine fender benders. The drivers exchanged information, go on their way, and their claims for minor vehicle damage are sorted out by their respective automobile insurance agencies. But, what if your car accident results in serious injuries, catastrophic vehicle damage, and weeks of recovery, and time lost at work?
In these instances, you might want a Kansas City car accident lawyer on your side. Car accident cases can be complicated, and an attorney might be able to make sure you are fairly represented in your pursuit of a settlement. Do not let insurance companies and their teams of lawyers deny you the compensation you might be owed. Reach out to the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233 for help.
Someone Else Could Be Liable for Your Injuries
An attorney might be able to help prove that your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Negligent parties may be able to be held liable for your costs. You could be owed compensation if you were involved in a:
- Side-impact collision: Side-impact accidents can be the fault of the driver who broadsides a vehicle or the driver of the vehicle that has been hit. This type of accident can be caused by a driver’s failure to yield or obey stop signs and signals or other reckless driving behaviors.
- Head-on collision: This type can be especially violent, as it involves two moving vehicles colliding from front-end to front-end. Many causes are possible for this type of crash, including distracted driving while talking or texting on a cell phone.
- Rear-end collisions: In most rear-end collisions, the fault for the accident lies with the tailing driver. Whiplash is a common rear-end collision injury that can occur even during low-speed crashes.
- Rollover accidents: While these accidents can involve two vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that most fatal rollover crashes are single-vehicle accidents that happen when a car hits something that causes it to trip, such as a guardrail, curb, or soft shoulder.
- Hit-and-run or drunk driving accidents: It is illegal to drive while intoxicated and to leave the scene of a crash. Both of these offenses are punishable under criminal law. As a victim of a hit-and-run or drunk driver, you can seek damages against the motorist who caused your accident.
In addition to other drivers, sometimes accidents can be caused by a defective vehicle or parts, such as faulty brakes or brake lights. The city, county, state, or property owner in charge of the road where your accident happened could be liable if they are responsible for negligent road conditions that contributed to your crash. In these instances, a Kansas City car accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, might be able to assist you with a products liability lawsuit or a suit against a municipality.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Kansas City, call (844) 730-0233
Car Accidents Are Deadly and Costly
Motor vehicle accidents caused more than 900 deaths in Missouri in 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also found that fatal traffic accidents cost Missourians more than $11 million in medical costs and more than $1.3 billion in work loss costs that year.
If you were seriously hurt in a car accident, you know that medical bills can add up. The financial strain can be enormous, especially if you are unable to work while you are recovering from your injuries. You could seek awards for:
- Emergency room treatment
- Back pay and future wages
- Vehicle repair and replacement costs
- Surgeries
- Mental health services
- Hospital stays
- Physical rehabilitation
- Funeral and burial costs if the accident caused a death
You may also receive a sum for less calculable damages, like the ways the pain and suffering caused by your accident have affected your life. For example, you could be compensated if you are suffering from depression, insomnia, or another mental health condition brought on by your accident. You can also seek awards if you have suffered a lasting injury, such as paralysis, an amputation, or chronic pain. If you lost a family member in a car accident, you can seek wrongful death benefits to compensate you for your grief and loss.
Missouri does not have a fault threshold for pursuing damages. You can seek compensation from anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries, even if their amount of responsibility is only 1 percent. However, if you win a settlement, your awards will be reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault. This means if you win $100,000 but are 80 percent at fault, your actual settlement amount would be $20,000.
You have five years to pursue personal injury claims in Missouri, according to the statute of limitations outlined in Missouri Statutes §516.120. Keep this in mind to get started on your case before your time runs out.
Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Accident Reporting and Insurance
After your accident, you may have to report your crash to the authorities and file an insurance claim. According to Missouri Statutes §303.040, you are mandated to report all accidents involving an uninsured motorist, a death, injury, or property damage exceeding $500.
You will need to file your insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you were hit by an uninsured motorist, your own state-mandated uninsured motorist coverage might help with a portion of your costs. Sometimes, your insurance claims are denied or are not enough to cover your expenses. This is where a lawyer might be able to assist you in reaching a fair settlement.
Reach Out to a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are ready to get started on your car accident case, contact the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Our Kansas City car accident lawyers can assist you at no upfront cost to you. Call our offices at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
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