When injured in a car accident that wasn't your fault, it's essential to speak with a Kansas City car accident attorney to ensure that you have comprehensive legal representation and counsel, as well as an accurate picture of what a reasonable and fair settlement will look like. However, following an accident, there are some actions that can completely ruin or damage a case.
By calling our Kansas City auto accident attorneys following an accident where you (or a loved one) was seriously injured or killed, we at Popham Law will compassionately and thoroughly guide you through the legal process, fighting for maximum compensation to fully cover the financial damages incurred. For a free, no-obligation with our auto accident attorneys, call our downtown KC law firm today at (816) 221-2288.
Filing a KC Car Accident Claim
When another driver is negligent or committing a traffic violation, such as speeding, and crashes into your car, you may be entitled to compensation for financial damages stemming from the accident, such as medical expenses, loss of income from work, pain and suffering, and more.Like many states, however, Missouri applies the fault system when it comes to car accidents and financial responsibility. As such, following an accident that involved injury or death, you can:
- File a claim with your own insurance company
- File a third-party claim with the other driver's insurance company
- File a lawsuit against the other driver in court
It's important to speak with an experienced attorney who can look at your case and determine whether or not you have a viable claim that'll hold up in court.
8 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your KC Car Accident Case
In addition to helping you file a claim, your personal injury lawyer will also provide legal counsel so that you don't hurt your chances of a successful claim. Some of the mistakes that claimants make include, but are not limited to:
1. Failing to call the police
Even minor accidents can cause injury, and no matter the case, it's important to call the police and insist that they complete an accident report. This accident report is an important document when determining fault in the accident.
2. Not seeking medical assistance
Following a crash, you might feel as if you're all right. However, some injuries don't manifest right away (such as concussions or some brain injuries). By visiting a doctor after an accident, you may uncover a more serious injury that could require a lawsuit later on. Also, by visiting the doctor, you have a documented record that may support a claim.
3. Giving a recorded statement to anybody except your attorney
Insurance adjusters may be calling you after the accident, and they may seek a statement regarding how the accident happened. Even with your own insurance company, engaging the insurance adjuster without your attorney may cause problems, whether related to fault or anything else that could hurt your overall claim and/or potential settlement.
4. Accepting the settlement check right away
The insurance company may also want to close the case as quickly as possible, offering what might seem like a very attractive settlement. However, by accepting the first offer, you may be losing out on a much larger settlement. Additionally, when you accept the offer, you often cannot seek more money later on. If your injuries turn out to be much worse than you thought, then financial assistance to pay for the damages may be unavailable at this point.
5. Failing to disclose previous injuries and/or medical conditions
When the accident aggravated a previous injury or medical condition, you may still be entitled to compensation. As such, there is no reason to not disclose pre-existing injuries. Make sure to inform your doctor, your attorney, and your insurance company regarding pre-existing injuries that were aggravated.
6. Discontinuing medical treatment
Personal injury lawsuits can take time, as well as standard negotiations with the insurance company. As such, if you discontinue ongoing medical treatment, the insurance company may assume that you are better and may reduce the overall settlement amount. Always complete the full course of treatment.
Call the KC Car Accident Lawyers at Popham Law Today
Being injured in an accident is a terrifying, stressful experience, especially when serious injury or death occurred. However, you do have the law on your side when the accident was caused by the other individual. Make sure to seek justice for the injuries you didn't have to incur and call the leading auto accident lawyers in Kansas City. For a free consultation, call Popham Law today at (816) 221-2288.
