Car Accident Lawyer - Kansas City & Springfield, MO

Have you been injured in a car accident?  Let our Kansas City & Springfield car accident lawyers help you.   A motor vehicle accident is one of the most terrifying situations to go through, and unfortunately, the difficulties do not soon end. Victims must deal with ongoing medical needs, insurance obstacles, financial issues, and in some cases, much more. In many states, limits on the amount of money that can be recovered provide distinct obstacles that only an experienced car accident attorney can hurdle.

Most people think any attorney can satisfactorily handle their auto accident claim. While many “soft tissue” claims, with clear facts, do not require specialization, in reality, auto accident cases often involve something less than clear-cut facts. Were there impartial eyewitnesses? Is there physical evidence that can only be evaluated by expert accident reconstruction? Were the injuries complex and significant, requiring retention of experts to analyze future disability and lost income? Were there special vehicles involved which would require an analysis of trucking regulations or regulations that pertain to buses or “common carriers”? Was there a death? If so, other special experts and laws may apply.

In short, there is no such thing as a simple auto accident case. You deserve a car accident lawyer with the training and experience to maximize your financial recovery, no matter the facts and circumstances.

What You Should Do After a Car Accident

Car Accident Attorney ChecklistAfter an auto accident, your adrenaline and emotional state can be elevated, but it is important to remain calm. Our Kansas City and Springfield car accident attorneys have developed a “What to Do After a Car Accident Check List” to help you remain calm and obtain the information you will need after an accident. Download a copy to keep in your glove box for reference in case you ever need it.

  • Stay at the Scene

    Never leave the accident scene until it is appropriate to do so. You can face serious criminal penalties for leaving the scene of an accident.

  • Check on All Drivers & Passengers

    Before assessing property damage, make sure everyone involved in the accident is OK. Get medical attention for anyone who needs it.

  • Call the Police

    If there is any reasonable chance of physical injury or if there is significant property damage, call the police. When they arrive, ask that a police report be filed and note the name and badge numbers of all responding officers.

  • Exchange Information

    Get the names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information from all drivers involved, as well as passengers. Our printable checklist has space for you to organize and keep this vital information.

  • Be Careful What You Say

    Try to be cordial and cooperative, but do not offer apologies such as, “I’m sorry, I ran the red light.” Even the innocent expressions of kindness like, “I’m so sorry,” may later be seen as admitting liability or fault.

  • Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers

    Do not settle a claim until you know you will be compensated for all of your injuries. Keep in mind that not all injuries show up or reach their greatest level of discomfort until days, weeks, or months later.

  • Talk to Witnesses

    Ask every witness what he or she saw. Get their names, numbers, or addresses, if possible.

  • Inform Your Insurance Company

    Promptly tell your insurance company you have been in an accident. Explain the facts clearly and be truthful about what happened and the extent of your injuries.

  • Take Photos

    Record any damage to your vehicle as soon as possible after the accident. Photos of the positions of the vehicles, skid marks, road debris and injuries are also very helpful.

  • Consider Hiring A Lawyer

    Consult an auto accident attorney before signing any waivers or settlement documents. This is especially important if there were injuries. An accident lawyer can help you maximize your financial recovery if you were injured.

Who Pays For a Motor Vehicle Accident

There are two prongs to an auto accident claim – liability (responsibility for the accident) and damages (compensation for injuries and related losses). In almost all cases, damages are paid by insurance. This may be a combination of:

  • The other driver’s liability policy if he or she was at fault
  • Your own auto policy if the other drive is “uninsured” or “underinsured”; and/or
  • Coverage of third parties (trucking company, construction contractor, and automobile manufacturer) that caused or contributed to the crash or its consequences.

Damages are based on the economic impact and the personal aftermath. This could mean several things: one, the total amount of all medical bills and future medical care, lost wages, and projected loss of income; two, total compensation for pain and suffering, or for disfigurement or permanent disability. You are also entitled to coverage for repair/replacement of your damaged vehicle.

Damages in an Auto Accident

Each insurance policy has an upper limit, or maximum, on damages. This upper limit depends on how much coverage the policy owner purchased. In cases of catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death we may seek compensation from several sources to reach the needed amount, including claims under your own insurance for excess losses. At other times, unsafe road or highway design or a defect in the automobile operated may signal other avenues of recovery.

The vast majority of claims are settled out of court, although negotiations may take several months. Our car injury lawyers can file a formal lawsuit to preserve your rights. A lawsuit could also put pressure on a party that is reluctant to admit liability or settle the claim.

The last recourse is to try the case before a jury. This is an expensive undertaking involving many experts and witnesses, and there is always the risk of coming up empty. However, our auto accident attorneys do go to trial (and regularly win) when the facts support our client but the defense refuses a reasonable settlement.

Types of Car Crash Cases We Handle

Our Kansas City and Springfield car accident lawyers represent victims who have been injured in:

  • Motorcycle and Moped Accidents – Many times there are claims that go beyond a simple collision. Did a helmet properly protect the victim? Were there stability issues with the motorcycle? Many folks get distracted by the perception that motorcycles are inherently dangerous. Tim Monsees is a licensed motorcycle operator, and can relate to the special challenges of motorcycle operation.
  • Trucking Accidents and Charter or School Bus Accidents – These special vehicles are often regulated. Operators or drivers that fail to abide by applicable regulations may invoke other theories of recovery that a simple car accident lawyer may overlook.
  • Ridesharing Accidents – There are specific “periods” known in the ridesharing industry that dictates which insurance policy is responsible for an injury or if there is any coverage at all.
  • Pedestrian-related Accidents – This could be in crosswalks and other dangerous areas. Pedestrian cases include walkers, runners, and others who were hit by motorists on highways, roads, and city streets.
  • Bicycle Accidents – Representing adults and children who have been hurt by motorists while biking requires the following inquiries: What are the rules of the road for bicycles? Was there a defective helmet? Was there a defect in the bicycle that contributed to the injury? Our experience and expertise allows us to identify and quickly navigate these issues at the outset.
  • Hit-and-run Accidents – In many cases of hit-and-run accidents you are left navigating the troubled waters of insurance policies. Dealing with these difficulties is much easier with the right personal injury attorney; that is where we come in.
  • Distracted Driving-related Accidents – Auto accident cases caused by drivers who were texting, talking on the phone, navigating with GPS, or engaging in other dangerous behavior.
  • Drunk Driving Accidents – Collisions involving motorists under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, or prescription drugs

Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists – Helping clients seek compensation after being in accidents involving drivers who had no insurance or minimal insurance

Car Accident Attorney

When you contact a car accident lawyer, we begin an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Our Kansas City and Springfield accident lawyers will talk to you and other passengers in your vehicle and contact any witnesses. Depending on the nature of the injuries or complexity of the crash, we may hire professional investigators and accident reconstructionists.

We take on the burdens of dealing with insurance companies. We keep clients informed and involved at every stage of the process. If you have questions or issues that arise, such as problems with hospital bills or property damage claims, we are always accessible. Assistance with these matters comes at no additional charge.

At Monsees & Mayer, P.C. we develop a relationship with our clients so we can understand their medical progress, their symptoms and limitations, their financial hardships, and the impact on their daily life and future. Those insights and details help us get the maximum compensation so you and your family can move forward.

Free, Confidential Consultation

Our attorneys are here to help. Contact us today.