Car Accidents in Kansas can come with a high price tag, even for those who didn’t cause the crashes. If you’re in a collision, you might lose time at work and, therefore, income. You may also face high medical bills and need to repair your car. There may also be many additional costs to consider. It can quickly become overwhelming.
According to the National Safety Council, the average comprehensive cost of a car accident, including medical expenses and loss of quality of life, can average $12,474,000 for a fatal crash and $1,016,000 for a collision resulting in severe injury.
These are stark numbers.
The attorneys at Bretz Injury Law understand that the costs of a serious car accident can be financially catastrophic for Kansas residents, even when drivers have good insurance. Our goal when victims come to us after a traffic accident is to do all we can to recover lost wages, medical bills, and to provide for their future.
There are no guarantees about the amount of compensation you may be able to get after a car accident. However, there are things you can do to stack the odds in your favor. Read on and discover the steps you’ll want to take for the best chance at financial recovery.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Kansas
No two car accidents in Kansas are the same, but in general, these are the steps you’ll want to take if you’re in a traffic accident:
- Stay calm
- Call 911
- Take photos and video of the accident scene, if you can
- Get the contact and insurance information of any other driver involved in the crash
- Get the contact information of any witnesses, if possible
- Get a medical evaluation
- Report the injury to your insurance company and police
- Contact a personal injury attorney in Kansas if you lose time at work or need medical care for your injuries
- Continue to keep an eye on your symptoms and seek follow-up medical care
Taking these steps doesn’t ensure you’ll get compensation, but it is the best way to protect your right to recovery. These steps start the documentation process and ensure you care for your health and protect your rights.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
Whether or not you think you’ve been injured, seeking medical attention immediately following a car accident is important. One of the significant risks of any traffic collision is a traumatic brain injury, which can happen if your head hits a solid object or is shaken violently. When this happens, your brain crashes against the inside of your skull, which can cause bleeding, bruising, swelling, and damage to brain tissue.
Traumatic brain injuries don’t always present symptoms right away, but they can be life-threatening. A medical evaluation lets you get checked for brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, and other injuries so you can get appropriate medical care immediately. This can improve your medical outcome but can also help you prove your injuries were caused by your accident.
Even after a medical evaluation, stay alert to any symptoms that develop over time. Even if you get a clean bill of health after an accident, issues such as chronic back pain can develop. It’s also possible you may have initially been misdiagnosed. If something doesn’t feel right, get follow-up care and a second opinion to make sure you get the treatment you need.
Don’t forget your mental health, either. Car accidents in Kansas can cause anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms can be subtle and can develop over time. If you notice mood swings, trouble concentrating, sleep disturbances, or difficulty returning to your everyday life, contact your doctor. Medical interventions can make a big difference in your symptoms and quality of life.
Reporting the Accident to the Authorities and Your Insurance Company
It’s important to report serious accidents to the police to begin the documentation process. Police can investigate the cause of the accident, which can help you prove your claim. In addition, if a criminal action, like drunk driving, caused your crash, police can make sure the at-fault driver faces the consequences and doesn’t get a chance to hurt others.
In addition to reporting your accident to the police, you’ll also need to report your accident to your insurer. This helps you get started filing for compensation. In addition, your policy requires you to report crashes to your insurer.
Why You Should Avoid Making Statements Without Consulting a Lawyer
It’s not unusual for people to want you to make a statement after a car accident. The police may ask you for a statement, and when you call your insurance company, they will likely record the conversation. Your insurance company or the insurance company for the other driver may also ask you for a statement.
You don’t want to make statements without speaking to an attorney first. For one thing, you may be traumatized after a car accident and may misspeak, which can be used against you. Other parties can also use very innocent statements against you. For example, suppose you speak to an insurer and automatically reply “fine” when they ask you how you are. In that case, the insurance company can use this to allege you’re not seriously injured. It seems ridiculous, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility.
On the other side, insurance companies and their attorneys also have a financial interest in getting you to say something that could hurt your case. It’s not uncommon for insurers to ask leading questions that can be confusing and could result in you misspeaking.
For all these reasons, contacting a personal injury attorney before speaking to anyone else is the best idea. Your attorney works for you and is dedicated to maximizing your recovery. They can speak to insurers for you or at least recommend what you should and shouldn’t say.
How a Kansas Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Get Maximum Compensation
The attorneys at Bretz Injury Law are focused on maximizing compensation. We’re transparent and honest about this: we can’t guarantee any specific outcome to any claim. No one can. However, we can say that we work hard to leave no money on the table. We don’t back down and don’t accept low settlements if we can go to court and get a better recovery.
Our results speak for themselves. Since 1991, we’ve won more than 98% of the cases we’ve taken on. We’ve recovered over $300 million in verdicts and settlements, including multi-million dollar wins for clients who have been seriously injured.
The reality is that personal injury law in Kansas is designed to protect you. It allows you to seek compensation for medical bills and lost wages and to protect your family’s future if you’re injured. However, you’re not just handed compensation. Our attorneys understand the law, and we know how insurance companies work. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to build strong, strategic cases designed to get results.
At the same time, we believe you deserve more than just financial recovery. We know we may be coming into your life at one of the most challenging times,when you’re worried and in pain. That’s why everyone on our team is compassionate and listens. It’s why we’re responsive and work to address your needs. We’ve stayed intentionally small to give you more personalized service as a boutique law firm. We’re who you need when you’re in need. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Kansas, contact Bretz Injury Law first. Schedule a free consultation at one of our 10 offices to discuss possible ways to maximize your recovery.
