Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Hays
At Bretz Injury Law, we have experience with all types of motor vehicle accidents—from relatively minor fender-benders to catastrophic multi-vehicle collisions. No matter the size of the case, our approach is the same: listen carefully, investigate thoroughly, and fight for the maximum compensation available under Kansas law.
Here are some of the common car accident scenarios we handle for clients in the Hays area.
Rear-End and Intersection Collisions
These accidents are especially common near Vine Street, 27th Street, and other high-traffic intersections in town. Even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, and back damage.
We gather witness statements, traffic light data, and vehicle damage reports to establish fault and pursue compensation.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If the driver who caused your accident fled the scene, you may still have options for recovery. We work with law enforcement, local businesses, and insurance carriers to identify at-fault parties or explore uninsured motorist coverage.
Hit-and-run victims often feel abandoned twice—once by the driver, and again by the system. We are here to stand in that gap and fight for you.
DUI-Related Crashes
Drunk and impaired driving remains a serious problem across Kansas, including in Hays. These cases require a firm that is ready to gather chemical test results, criminal records, and police reports to build a strong claim.
We hold impaired drivers accountable—and we pursue additional damages when recklessness is involved.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims
Not every driver carries the coverage they should. If the driver who hit you has no insurance—or too little to cover your damages—we can help you file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
These cases are often misunderstood, but they can be critical in helping you get the financial support you need.
How Kansas Car Accident Laws Affect Your Claim
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be confusing, especially when legal terms and deadlines are involved. Understanding how Kansas law applies to your situation is an important first step toward protecting your rights. Whether you were injured on I-70, Vine Street, or near Fort Hays State University, the same legal principles apply—and they can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.
You do not need to be a legal expert to take action, but knowing the basics of Kansas personal injury law can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Kansas Statute of Limitations
In Kansas, you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. For most car accident cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash.
If you fail to file your claim within that two-year window, you may lose your right to pursue compensation—no matter how strong your case may be. There are very few exceptions to this rule, and courts are strict about enforcing deadlines.
Acting early gives your legal team more time to investigate, preserve evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company. Waiting too long can jeopardize your entire case.
Modified Comparative Fault: What It Means
Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced—but you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, resulting in an $80,000 recovery. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation at all.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts. At Bretz Injury Law, we push back with evidence, expert testimony, and strategic legal arguments to make sure your role in the crash is accurately represented.
Insurance Company Tactics and Your Rights
After an accident, it is common to receive a phone call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They may seem helpful, but their goal is to protect their bottom line—not your recovery. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims by offering quick, lowball settlements or using your own words against you.
You have the right to decline giving a recorded statement. You are also not required to accept the first offer—or any offer—without legal advice. At Bretz Injury Law, we deal with the insurance companies so you do not have to. Our priority is to protect your rights and ensure your claim is taken seriously.
Additional Service Areas in Kansas
- Car accident lawyer in Wichita, KS
- Car accident lawyer in Dodge City, KS
- Car accident lawyer in Garden City, KS
- Car accident lawyer in Hays, KS
- Car accident lawyer in Hutchinson, KS
- Car accident lawyer in Kansas City, KS
- Car accident lawyer in Liberal, KS
- Car accident lawyer in Olathe, KS
- Car accident lawyer in Salina, KS
- Car accident lawyer in Topeka, KS
What to Do After a Car Accident in Hays
The hours and days after a crash can be disorienting. You may be in pain, worried about your vehicle, or unsure what steps to take next. The actions you take—or avoid—during this time can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal options.
If you have just been involved in a car accident in Hays or Ellis County, here are some essential steps to protect yourself.
Report the Accident and Get Medical Help
Always call 911 after a crash, especially if there are injuries or significant vehicle damage. Police will file an official report, which serves as an important record for your insurance claim and potential lawsuit.
Even if you do not think you are seriously hurt, it is important to see a doctor. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal damage may not be immediately obvious. Prompt medical attention also creates documentation linking your injuries to the crash.
Protect Your Rights—Avoid Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly and ask to record your statement. Politely decline. These recordings are often used to reduce or deny your claim.
Instead, speak with an attorney first. We can communicate with insurers on your behalf and make sure your words are not taken out of context.
Save Evidence and Track Expenses
If possible, take photos at the scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and save all documents related to the accident—medical bills, repair estimates, prescriptions, and time missed from work.
Organizing this information early makes it easier to calculate your damages and support your claim later.
Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible
The sooner you get legal guidance, the better. An experienced attorney can help you avoid mistakes, explain your options, and begin building your case immediately.
At Bretz Injury Law, we offer free consultations and take cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay unless we win. There is no risk in reaching out for help.
Real Results: Our Case Victories Across Kansas
Bretz Injury Law has spent decades fighting for accident victims throughout Kansas. Our track record includes millions in recoveries for people who were seriously injured or lost loved ones in crashes.
While we never promise specific outcomes, our history shows what is possible when experience, preparation, and determination come together.
Multi-Million Dollar Settlements and Verdicts
Our firm has secured some of the largest case results in Kansas personal injury law, including multi-million dollar verdicts and a $50 million wrongful death settlement. These results demonstrate our ability to take on powerful insurers and win.
Every dollar we recover reflects hours of hard work, strategic planning, and a refusal to settle for less than our clients deserve.
Recoveries for Ellis County Residents
We are proud to have helped clients across Ellis County—including Hays, Victoria, and surrounding communities—get back on their feet after life-altering accidents. Our team understands the specific challenges faced by residents in rural Kansas, from access to care to the long-term impact of serious injuries.
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable
Insurance companies are not in business to pay out large claims easily. They rely on delay tactics, denials, and low offers to protect their profits. We have taken on national insurers and forced them to do what is right—either through tough negotiation or in the courtroom.
We believe in leveling the playing field for injured people.
How We Use Our Experience to Benefit You
With decades of legal practice and a focus solely on personal injury law, we know how to build cases that succeed. We apply that knowledge to every client, using proven strategies, expert resources, and hands-on service to pursue the best possible result.
Our experience is your advantage.
Why Time Matters: The Sooner You Call, the Better
Delays can cost you—both in evidence and legal rights. Acting quickly allows your attorney to take control of the case, protect your interests, and preserve your claim’s full value.
Here is why time is one of the most critical factors in any car accident case.
Preserving Evidence While It’s Fresh
Crash scenes change quickly. Vehicles are repaired or scrapped. Witnesses forget details. Video footage is deleted. The sooner our team is involved, the better chance we have of collecting key evidence.
We move quickly to gather reports, images, statements, and expert evaluations that strengthen your case.
Dealing With Insurance Adjusters Early
When you have an attorney handling communication from the beginning, insurance companies know they cannot take advantage of you. We present your claim with full documentation and a clear demand, backed by legal authority and real consequences.
Early involvement also prevents you from making statements that could hurt your case.
Avoiding Missed Deadlines or Damaging Mistakes
Legal timelines in Kansas are strict. Missing the statute of limitations or failing to follow required procedures can end your case before it even starts. We help you stay on track, meet deadlines, and avoid costly missteps that could affect your compensation.
Contact Our Hays Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you were injured in a car accident in Hays or anywhere in Ellis County, you do not have to face the legal system alone. Bretz Injury Law is here to help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Call (620) 662-3435 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation. There is no cost to get started, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Hablamos Español.
