Best Car Accident Lawyers in Lees Summit

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lees Summit, Missouri?

  The Lee’s Summit Police Department can be reached for non-emergency concerns at 816-969-7390.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lees Summit, Missouri?

  To get a copy of an accident report, go to the official website of Lee’s Summit city and download a Records Disclosure Request Form. Complete the form and submit a printed copy to the address below. Lee’s Summit Police Records Department 10 NE Tudor Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on major holidays Please note that police reports become available for copy requests five working days from the date of the incident. Each report copy costs $5. Please allow 7 to 10 working days for your request to be processed. You can also look up and download a copy of your accident report online through www.buycrash.com.

• How long does a car accident victim in Lee’s Summit, MO, have to file a personal injury claim?

  Car accident victims in Lee’s Summit have five years from the crash date to file a personal injury claim according to the Revised Statutes of Missouri Section 516.120. A shorter statute of limitations is applied for wrongful death claims resulting from an auto collision. The surviving kin or legal representative of the departed car accident victim must file the claim within only three years starting from the date of the death.

• How can you afford to hire a car accident lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO?

  Generally, auto accident lawyers in Lee’s Summit take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer only collects payment if and when they have successfully secured a settlement or verdict award for you. You will not have to pay any legal fees out of pocket as the lawyer will collect an agreed-upon percentage from your settlement or award as their payment.

• What types of damages can you claim after a car accident in Lee’s Summit, MO?

  You can claim economic and non-economic damages in Lee's Summit. Economic damages compensate you for ongoing and future financial losses, such as medical bills and therapy and rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and vehicle repairs or replacement. Non-economic damages address impacts that are not financially measurable, including emotional trauma, physical pain, and loss of consortium between spouses.

• How can a Lee’s Summit car accident lawyer help you recover compensation?

  Your Lee's Summit car accident lawyer helps secure the maximum compensation for you by:

  • Conducting extensive crash investigations
  • Collecting evidence, including traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness and crash expert testimonies
  • Collecting evidence of your damages, such as medical reports, and testimonies from medical specialists and your family and friends on how the car accident affected your life
  • Calculating your current and future damages
  • Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company
  • Representing you in court trial if needed

• What is the pure comparative negligence rule, and how will it affect your car accident compensation in Lee’s Summit, MO?

  Under the pure comparative negligence rule applied in Lee's Summit, the compensation for your damages will be diminished in proportion to your percentage of fault in the accident. This will particularly affect you if you were partly at fault for the crash like in a multi-car collision. For example, if you were deemed 10% at fault for the accident for driving slightly above the speed limit, your compensation of $50,000 will be reduced by 10% to $45,000.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.