A Crash Happens in Seconds. What Now?
Car crashes hit hard and fast. In one moment, everything changes. Your car is wrecked. You’re in pain. Bills pile up. Questions start.
Who caused this?
Will insurance help?
Do I need a lawyer?
If you’re in Kansas City, personal injury lawyers know how to help. They handle car crash claims every day. They work to get you money for your injuries, lost wages, and pain. Here’s how the process works—from the crash to the claim.
Step 1: The First Call
The first step is simple—call an experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer. Most Kansas City lawyers offer free talks. No pressure, no cost.
They ask what happened. You tell your side. They ask things like:
- Where did the crash happen?
- Who was at fault?
- Were you hurt?
- Have you seen a doctor?
- Did you miss work?
If they think you have a case, they take it. You don’t pay anything unless they win.
Step 2: Building Your Case
Once hired, the lawyer gets to work. They start collecting proof. This helps show who was at fault and how badly you were hurt.
They gather:
- Crash reports
- Photos of the scene
- Dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Doctor’s notes
- Car repair bills
They may visit the crash site. They may work with crash experts. They do all this to build a strong case for you.
Step 3: Talking to Insurance
Insurance adjusters call fast. They may offer a quick payout. Don’t take it. It’s often far less than you deserve.
Your lawyer deals with them. You don’t have to talk to the other driver’s insurance again. Your lawyer speaks for you.
They:
- Fill out claim forms
- Send your records
- Share medical updates
- Fight for fair pay
- Push back when low offers come in
They don’t just ask for car damage. They ask for:
- All medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and stress
- Future medical care
- Disability if you have one
This is called a demand. It’s backed by facts and proof.
Step 4: Medical Help Matters
Get checked after any crash. Even small crashes can cause big pain. Some injuries show up days later.
Your lawyer helps with the legal process to track your care. If you don’t have insurance, they may help you find doctors who’ll treat you now and wait for payment later.
They gather:
- Test results
- Physical therapy logs
- Surgery notes
- Treatment plans
All this shows how the injury changed your life.
Step 5: Time to Settle or Sue
Once your treatment is done, your lawyer adds up the damage. They send the full demand to the other side.
If the insurance agrees, you settle. You get your money. No court needed.
If not, your lawyer files a lawsuit. This doesn’t mean a trial right away. Most lawsuits still settle. But the lawyer prepares for trial, just in case.
What Happens in a Lawsuit?
In a lawsuit, each side shares what they know. This is called discovery. They may:
- Ask written questions
- Take depositions (talk under oath)
- Get expert opinions
If the case goes to trial, your lawyer:
- Tells your story
- Shows proof of fault
- Proves your pain and loss
- Asks the jury for fair pay
Juries decide the amount. Some cases get more money in court. But court takes longer.
What If You Were Partly At Fault?
Don’t worry. Missouri uses “pure comparative fault.” This means you can still win money even if you made a mistake.
Let’s say you were 30% at fault. You can still recover 70% of your total loss. Your lawyer will fight to keep your fault share low.
How Long Does It Take?
Each case is different. Some settle in months. Others take over a year.
It depends on:
- How bad the injury is
- How long treatment takes
- If the insurance company fights
- If the case goes to trial
Your lawyer keeps you in the loop. They explain what’s happening and why.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
Most Kansas City car crash lawyers charge nothing up front. They work on a “no win, no fee” basis. If they win, they take a part of the money—usually 33% to 40%. If they lose, you owe nothing. They may also pay case costs up front (like court fees or medical records). These come out of the final payout if you win.
Injuries Lawyers Handle
Even “minor” crashes can cause major injuries. Common ones include:
- Whiplash
- Back and neck pain
- Head injuries
- Brain trauma
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Spinal damage
- Emotional distress
Some injuries last months. Others may never fully heal. Your lawyer takes each one seriously.
Kansas City Crash Hotspots
Lawyers know the local crash zones. Many wrecks happen on:
- I-70
- I-435
- U.S. 71
- The Plaza
- Downtown
- Highway 169
They also know Missouri and Kansas laws. This helps when they build your case.
What Makes a Good Lawyer?
A good lawyer:
- Listens to you
- Talks in plain words
- Answers calls and texts
- Has handled many crash cases
- Knows the local courts
- Pushes for full money
- Cares about your recovery
Before hiring, check reviews. Ask how many crash cases they’ve handled. Pick someone you feel good about.
5 Unique FAQs About Kansas City Car Crash Claims
1. How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Kansas City?
You have 5 years in Missouri and 2 years in Kansas. The sooner you file, the better. Delay can hurt your case.
2. What if the other driver has no insurance?
Your lawyer may file a claim under your own uninsured motorist policy. They may also check if the other driver has personal assets.
3. What if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
You can still get money. But your payout may be reduced. The other side may argue you made your injury worse.
4. Can I change lawyers if I’m not happy?
Yes. You can switch lawyers anytime. Your new lawyer can handle the change. You may still owe fees to the first lawyer, but that comes out of the final win.
5. What should I bring to my first lawyer meeting?
Bring any papers you have. This includes:
- Crash report
- Photos
- Doctor notes
- Bills
- Insurance info
- A list of what you remember
This helps the lawyer understand your case faster.
The Bottom Line
A car crash can leave you hurting, scared, and lost. You don’t have to handle it alone. A Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer knows what to do. They deal with the details, the phone calls, the legal talk.
You focus on healing. They focus on winning your case. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, call a lawyer today. Help is out there.
