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Were you injured in a car accident? Are you trying to figure out how to pay your medical bills and make ends meet while you are incapable of working? Do you need a car accident attorney in Kansas City? Joseph, Hollander & Craft’s Kansas City car accident lawyers can help. We will discuss your case with you and determine your options to recover compensation. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us today.

Do You Have a Claim?

After a car accident, you may be overwhelmed, in pain, and confused as to whether you have a claim for compensation. In order to be eligible to collect damages, your accident typically needs to meet two criteria:

• The accident was at least partly caused by someone else’s negligence
• The accident caused you or a family member to suffer serious physical injuries.

When you meet with JHC’s Kansas City car accident attorneys for a consultation, we will sit down with you and listen to your story. We will investigate your accident to identify who was negligent and who caused the collision.

Establishing Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident

Establishing fault in some car accident cases may be done by asking you the following questions:

• Did the other driver violate any traffic laws?
• Was the driver arrested for DUI?
• Has the other driver admitted fault?
• Have you seen the police report?
• Were there any eyewitnesses who can testify on your behalf?

In every case, it is necessary to prove negligence. Negligence can be established by proving:

• The at-fault party had duty to the injured party;
• The at-fault party breached his or her duty; and
• You suffered damages as a result of the at-fault party’s breach.

What To Do When The Insurance Company Contacts You

It doesn’t matter what the insurance company tells you. If they contact you about your accident, they won’t be trying to help you get the money you need to recover. Most often, the insurance company representing the at-fault driver is acting against your best interest. You may be offered a quick settlement by the insurance company before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. You may also be contacted by an insurance company for the following reasons:

• To get you to admit that you were at fault for the accident.
• To convince you that your claim is not worth much.
• To get you to confess that you were using prescription drugs, distracted, drowsy, or impaired at the time of the collision.
• To learn whether you have any pre-existing conditions and then use that information to deny your claim.

Do not give out any personal information to the insurance company of the at-fault party. Direct the insurance company to your attorney.

JHC’s Kansas City car accident lawyers know exactly how to deal with insurance companies. We are familiar with how to gather the necessary information before entering into settlement negotiations. We also know what factors can affect an insurance company’s settlement offers and which cases should be tried in court.

Proving Your Car Accident Case

To prevail in your car accident case, you will need to prove that the party acted either negligently, recklessly, or intentionally. To prevail on your negligence claim, you will need to prove:

• Duty – In motor vehicle accident cases, showing a duty is fairly straightforward since every motor vehicle operator on the road owes a duty of care to others on the road.
• Breach – The at-fault party breached the duty of care through actions or omissions.
• Causation – The at-fault party’s breach of the duty of care directly and proximately caused injury to another person.
• Damages – The injured party has incurred damages.

You can prove fault in a car accident with the following evidence:

• Police accident report
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Photographs of the vehicles involved in the accident
• Eyewitness statements
• Surveillance videos around the scene of the accident
• Medical records of your injuries

In many cases, our Kansas City car accident attorneys engage accident reconstruction experts to gather evidence and prepare a report that shows how the car accident occurred and who is at fault.

Injuries in Car Accident Cases

Many different types of injuries can result from car crashes. A different legal approach may be necessary depending on the specifics of your injuries. Our Kansas City car accident attorneys have experience with numerous types of injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Amputations
• Back injuries
• Neck and shoulder injuries
• Fractures
• Internal Organ Damage
• Soft tissue damage and whiplash

Common Questions About Car Accident Cases

When should I contact a car accident lawyer?

It is stressful enough to deal with the serious injuries that result from motor vehicle collisions. Don’t make it more stressful by trying to navigate the legal process on your own. It is important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after your car crash. You only will have a limited time period to file a claim for compensation for injuries and damages resulting from your car accident.

Speaking with a car accident attorney as soon as possible ensures that your lawyer has the maximum amount of time to investigate your car accident and build your case. The process begins with contacting a local car accident lawyer who will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation.

At JHC, our car crash lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees unless and until we secure compensation for you. Please contact our car accident lawyers to learn more.

How much time do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?

Each state has a statute of limitations that governs the time period you have to file your car accident claim. Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations. Kansas has a two-year statute of limitations.

It is essential that you consult with an experienced car accident attorney to determine if you still have time for a claim. Contact JHC’s personal injury lawyers today.