Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers
If You’ve Been Injured in an Auto Accident in Missouri, We’re Here to Help
Getting into an auto accident can have a permanent impact on your life. To get the most out of your situation, make sure you turn to the skilled Kansas City car accident attorneys at DM Injury Law. Our Kansas City car accident lawyers handle all types of auto accident cases, including:
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Fatal car accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Rear end accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Uninsured motorist accidents
Your Car Accident Questions Answered:
- How Long Do I Have to File?
- Should I See a Doctor?
- What If I Was a Passenger?
- What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
- What Damages Can I Recover?
- How to Prove Fault
- Who Is At Fault If I Was Rear-Ended?
- What If I Was Partially At Fault?
- Book a Free Consultation!
When you work with us, you get a team of experts who will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident and collect hard evidence. We work diligently on your case so that you can focus on your recovery.
Our priority is holding negligent drivers accountable when their actions result in harm. Our team provides free consultations to discuss your case in detail. We operate on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you only pay if we win your case.
If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a car accident, know that you are not alone. You deserve to recover the necessary compensation for your injuries and property damage, and our Kansas City car crash lawyers are here to stand by your side.
Call (816) 888-7500 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Missouri?
As with any type of personal injury lawsuit, there is a time limit on how long victims have to file a claim after an auto accident. This is called the statute of limitations.
In Missouri, you have 5 years to file a car accident claim. The clock starts running on the date the accident took place.
In fatal auto accident cases, the victim’s family will only have 3 years to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
In Kansas, you have 2 years to file a car accident claim.
Should I See a Doctor After a Minor Car Accident?
Yes! Many people who are injured in a car accident may not notice their symptoms until much later due to the shock and surprise of the accident.
Even worse, you may be suffering from internal injuries that you are not even aware of. Going to the doctor and getting thoroughly checked out can help identify any problems that have arisen from the accident. Since cases like these can take some time, it is important to document your injuries from the beginning so you have solid evidence as you recover.
What If I Was a Passenger in the Car That Was Hit?
If you were a passenger in a car that was involved in an accident, you may be entitled to file a claim against the insurance of the at-fault driver. If the accident was caused by the driver of the car you were in, you can seek compensation from their insurance company.
If the other driver is to blame, you can seek damages from the other driver’s insurance company. However, keep in mind that the number of people filing claims for the accident may limit the total amount that you are able to recover.
What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
While having auto insurance is mandated under the law, thousands of drivers in Missouri are currently uninsured. However, this does not necessarily mean that you will be unable to collect damages if you were hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance.
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, you may be able to recover compensation from your own insurance company for the accident. If you do not have this coverage, you may be able to sue the driver of the car.
Working with an experienced auto accident lawyer can help you clearly understand your situation and put you in a better position to get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Call (816) 888-7500 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
One of the biggest questions you may have when coming to DM Injury Law for help with your car accident case is, “What kind of compensation can I recover in a car accident claim?” The three most common types of compensation our car accident attorneys pursue are related to medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
1. Medical Expenses
This is perhaps the most obvious recoverable damage. Depending on the severity of the injuries you’ve sustained, your medical expenses can range from a few outpatient procedures to more serious surgeries that require long-term medical care.
Your medical expenses may include:
- Ambulance fees
- In-home services and care
- Medical accessories, such as crutches, wheelchairs, and heating pads
- Consultations with doctors
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays and services
2. Loss of Wages/Missed Time at Work
If your injuries have put you out of work and diminished your ability to return to your occupation, you may be able to recover for loss of wages. You must be able to successfully prove that the injuries you have suffered have significantly impacted your ability to earn an income in the future. The court will look at a number of factors, including age, occupation, experience, and life expectancy.
3. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering fall under what is considered “general damages,” which are non-economic damages that cannot be exactly calculated (non-financial). “Pain and suffering” is the legal term used to describe the mental distress and anguish that was caused by the accident. Some examples of pain and suffering can include anxiety attacks, severe stress, and the level of pain felt from your injuries.
How to Prove Fault in an Auto Accident Case
Determining fault usually means showing which driver was the most careless. All drivers are required to follow certain rules to ensure the safety of others. If a driver breaks these rules and causes an accident, that driver is at fault for the crash.
If the violation is more subtle, the legal concept of negligence will apply, which means that the driver who acted carelessly during the accident can be considered at fault.
To prove fault, it must be shown that:
- The driver is required to be careful in this situation
- The driver failed to be reasonably careful
- Their carelessness resulted in harm to another
Who Is at Fault If I Was Rear-Ended by Another Vehicle?
As a general rule of thumb, the driver of the car that crashed into the back of the other is considered to be at fault for a rear-end accident. This assumes that a driver unable to stop in time was not driving as safely as they are expected to.
However, depending on the details of the accident, liability may be proven in different ways. Speaking with the car crash lawyers at DM Injury Law is the best way to determine fault.
What If the Car Accident Was Partially My Fault?
While we will fight to show that you are not to blame for what happened, there may be some instances where it can be shown that you contributed to the car accident in some way. This does not mean that you are to be considered liable or that you do not deserve a monetary award for your injuries. Fault, or liability, works by showing who was more at fault and deciding compensation from there.
For example, if the accident was only 10% your fault, the other driver will be responsible for paying 90% of the total cost of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional damage, and more.
Call to Schedule Your Free Consultation
After preparing your case, we will file a claim with the appropriate insurance company. If the agent is not willing to offer full and fair compensation, we can aggressively negotiate a settlement that you are satisfied with. When a fair car accident settlement cannot be reached, and your case is taken to court, you can be sure our firm will fight for your rights and represent you with the utmost professionalism.
DM Injury Law is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Kansas City, reach out to our auto accident attorneys for reliable guidance. Remember, you don’t pay a cent unless we win your case.
Call (816) 888-7500 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results, and every case is different and must be judged based on its own merits.
