Car accidents in Kansas City typically happen when other drivers engage in distracted driving, violate road rules, or drive carelessly. Unfortunately, these accidents can result in debilitating or permanent injuries and medical complications.
If you sustained injuries in a recent car crash, our Kansas City car accident lawyers at Bruning Law Firm can represent you during every stage of your case. Our legal team can aggressively fight for your interests during settlement negotiations – or litigate your case to a resolution in court – in pursuit of a favorable monetary award.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Kansas City car accident attorney, please contact us online to learn more.
Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
Table of Contents
- Why Should Our Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers Represent You?
- How Much Is Your Kansas City Car Accident Case Worth?
- Where Do Car Accidents Frequently Happen in Kansas City?
- Types of Kansas City Car Accidents
- Common Injuries in Kansas City Car Accidents
- Fighting the Insurance Company After a Car Accident in Kansas City
- Essential Steps to Take Following a Kansas City Car Accident
- Speak to Our Knowledgeable Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers Right Away
Why Should Our Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers Represent You?
Kansas City car accidents may lead to injuries that require ongoing medical care, including surgeries and physical therapy. These injuries can also bring about intense pain, inconvenience, and suffering.
The knowledgeable legal team at Bruning Law Firm understands the serious medical and financial repercussions of car accidents. Our team will review the circumstances of your accident with you and identify all potential legal options.
Additionally, if the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to make you a fair settlement offer, we are not afraid to litigate your case through the court system to a favorable resolution.
Our team has more than 35 years of experience and has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our injured clients. You can review some of our most recent case results here. We also have a 10.0 client rating on Avvo.
Our firm has convenient office locations in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wichita, but we regularly represent car accident victims in neighboring Illinois as well. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your accident-related losses.
How Much Is Your Kansas City Car Accident Case Worth
In a Kansas City car accident case, several types of compensation – also known as damages – may be recoverable.
These damages help individuals recover from the financial, physical, and emotional tolls of their car accidents:
- Related Past and Future Medical Expenses – This includes costs related to hospital visits, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatments due to the accident. You may recover future medical expenses if the injuries require ongoing care.
- Lost Income – If the accident caused the victim to miss work, they may be entitled to compensation for the income they would have earned during that time. This includes income lost due to hospitalization, recovery, and any resulting disabilities that prevent them from returning to work.
- Property Damage – This covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged vehicles, as well as any personal property damaged in the accident, such as electronics or personal belongings.
- Pain and Suffering – This refers to the physical and emotional distress experienced as a result of the car crash. It includes compensation for pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions resulting from the victim’s injuries.
- Loss of Consortium – If the accident results in the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy between spouses or family members, the injured party or their loved ones may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Punitive Damages – Punitive damages punish the wrongdoer for the at-fault party’s particularly egregious or intentional actions. Only the court system can award them.
- Funeral Expenses and Wrongful Death – In cases where the car accident results in death, the victim’s family recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, as well as damages for their loss of financial support and companionship.
- Loss of Life Enjoyment – This compensates the victim for the loss of their ability to participate in activities they enjoyed before the accident due to their injuries.
These types of compensation are intended to help injured individuals recover physically, emotionally, and financially from the effects of a Kansas City car accident. At Bruning Law Firm, we can explain your rights and pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Where Do Car Accidents Frequently Happen in Kansas City?
In Kansas City, Missouri, car accidents often occur in various locations throughout the city.
Some of the most common streets and locations where car accidents frequently happen include:
- Interstate 70 (I-70) – As a major interstate highway passing through Kansas City, I-70 sees a high volume of traffic, making it prone to accidents – especially during peak travel times.
- Interstate 435 (I-435) – Another busy interstate that encircles the Kansas City metropolitan area, I-435 is known for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents – particularly at interchange ramps and congested sections.
- U.S. Route 71 (Bruce R. Watkins Memorial Drive) – This major north-south highway in Kansas City is often congested, leading to rear-end collisions, side-swipes, and other types of accidents, especially during rush hours.
- U.S. Route 169 – U.S. 169 runs through the heart of Kansas City, passing through both residential and commercial areas. Accidents often occur along this route due to its high traffic volume and intersections with other major roads.
- U.S. Route 40 (Independence Avenue) – Independence Avenue is a busy thoroughfare in Kansas City, particularly in the eastern part of the city. Accidents frequently occur along this route, especially at intersections and during heavy traffic times.
- Truman Road – Truman Road is another major east-west artery in Kansas City that sees its fair share of car accidents, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity and commercial establishments.
- 31st Street and Southwest Trafficway Intersection – This intersection is known for its complexity and heavy traffic flow, leading to a higher risk of accidents, particularly rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes.
- Metropolitan Avenue and 18th Street Expressway Intersection – This intersection is located near downtown Kansas City and is known for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents, especially during busy travel times.
- North Oak Trafficway – North Oak Trafficway is a major north-south route in Kansas City that experiences congestion and accidents, particularly at intersections and areas with high commercial activity.
- Main Street and Westport Road Intersection – This busy intersection in the Westport area of Kansas City is known for its high traffic volume and frequent accidents, especially during weekends and evenings when nightlife is bustling.
Types of Kansas City Car Accidents
In Kansas City, Missouri, several common types of car accidents occur, including:
- Rear-end accidents, where the front of one vehicle hits the back of another
- Traffic intersection accidents, where a negligent driver fails to yield the right-of-way at the proper time
- Side-impact collisions, or T-bone accidents, where the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle
- Distracted driving accidents, when a driver becomes preoccupied with activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving
- Drunk driving accidents, when a driver operates their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
If you suffered injuries in one of these types of car crashes, the Kansas City car accident attorneys at Bruning Law Firm can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries in Kansas City Car Accidents
In Kansas City, car accidents can lead to:
- Whiplash – Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and strains, can affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body and may result in pain, limited mobility, and swelling.
- Back Injuries – Back injuries, including herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and fractures, can occur in car accidents – particularly in high-speed collisions or accidents involving a significant impact. These injuries may cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of function in the affected area.
- Head Injuries – Head injuries, including concussions, comas, and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are common in car accidents – especially when the victim’s head strikes the steering wheel, window, headrest, or dashboard. Frequent symptoms of head injuries include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and ongoing memory problems.
- Broken Bones – Fractures and broken bones frequently occur in car accidents, especially in the pelvis, ribs, arms, wrists, knees, and ankles. These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb or body part.
- Internal Injuries – Internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and abdominal trauma, can also occur in car accidents – particularly in high-speed collisions or accidents involving blunt force trauma.
Serious car accidents may also result in emotional and psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health complications. Affected victims may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty coping with the emotional aftermath of their accident.
Seeking prompt medical attention after a car accident is crucial, even if injuries seem minor at first. Many injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment can worsen the condition.
At Bruning Law Firm, we can handle the legal components of your car accident case while you focus on making a full recovery from your injuries.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Car Accident in Kansas City
After a car accident in Kansas City, Missouri, dealing with the insurance company can be frustrating and overwhelming. However, having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference in fighting for the compensation you deserve.
First, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny car accident claims altogether. They may use tactics like offering low settlement amounts or questioning the severity of your injuries.
A lawyer can advocate for your rights and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain, and suffering.
Additionally, navigating the claims filing and litigation processes can be complex, especially if you’re dealing with serious injuries and recovery. A lawyer can handle the paperwork, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.
Furthermore, if your case goes to court, a lawyer can represent you effectively and argue your case before a judge and jury. They have the experience and knowledge of Kansas City’s legal system to present compelling arguments and fight for the best possible outcome.
Moreover, a lawyer can explain your rights under Missouri’s personal injury laws and ensure that you don’t accept a settlement that’s less than what you deserve. They can also advise you on the statute of limitations for filing a claim, ensuring that you don’t miss out on the opportunity to seek compensation.
At Bruning Law Firm, we can help level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies. Specifically, we can aggressively advocate for your rights, handle the legal complexities, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Essential Steps to Take Following a Kansas City Car Accident
After a car accident in Kansas City, Missouri:
- Report the Accident – Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about what occurred, but never admit fault for the accident.
- Carefully Document the Accident – Keep a record of all documents related to the accident, including police reports, medical records, and correspondence with insurance companies. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Follow All Medical Recommendations – Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation. Attend all scheduled medical appointments and follow through with prescribed therapies and medications.
- Keep Track of All Related Expenses – Keep track of all expenses related to the car accident, including medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. This information will be important when seeking compensation from insurance companies or filing a lawsuit.
- Consult with an Experienced Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer: At Bruning Law Firm, we can provide guidance on your legal options, advocate for your rights, and help you navigate the complex legal process.
- Be Cautious with Communication – Be cautious when communicating with insurance companies – especially if they try to pressure you into accepting a settlement or admitting fault for the car accident. Consult with a lawyer before providing any statements or signing any documents.
Speak to Our Knowledgeable Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers Right Away
If you recently suffered injuries in a car crash that was not your fault, you need experienced legal representation on your side right away. The skilled team of lawyers at Bruning Law Firm will aggressively fight for your legal interests and pursue the compensation you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer, please contact us today at (314) 735-8100.
