The aftermath of a car accident, even a minor one, can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been involved in a minor car accident in Kansas City, MO, you might wonder whether hiring a lawyer is necessary. It may seem unnecessary for a minor crash, but there are several reasons why consulting with an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer could be beneficial for your case.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
You have specific legal rights after a car accident in Kansas City, even a minor one. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other economic or non-economic damages if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional misconduct. A lawyer can help you clarify your rights, evaluate your case, and make informed decisions about filing personal injury claims and lawsuits, as well as settling your case or taking it to trial.
Evaluating Your Damages
Car accidents often lead to unexpected expenses, from medical bills and lost wages to vehicle repair costs. A Kansas City car accident lawyer can assist in identifying and quantifying all your potential damages so that no source of compensation is overlooked.
Even seemingly minor accidents can result in overlooked injuries or future losses. Future damages for ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, or diminished earning capacity may be critical to your car accident claim. A lawyer may collaborate with experts, such as medical professionals or economists, to provide a thorough evaluation of your future damages. This helps maximize your compensation while addressing your immediate and long-term needs after an accident.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies try to settle car accident claims while minimizing payouts. You may receive lowball settlement offers after an accident or find that an insurance adjuster is delaying or denying your claim. Experienced Kansas City car accident lawyers can represent you and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. They can help you avoid being pressured into accepting less than you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
Navigating Missouri Laws
Missouri’s personal injury laws play a critical role in car accident claims, particularly regarding the statute of limitations and comparative negligence. The statute of limitations gives you five years from your accident to file a lawsuit for injuries and other damages. However, a Kansas City car accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit earlier before evidence and witness recollections become less reliable.
A Kansas City car accident lawyer can also help you recover compensation if you are partially liable for your accident. Missouri follows pure comparative negligence in personal injury cases, which means your compensation may be reduced by your share of fault for the accident. An experienced lawyer can fight to make sure your fault is fairly assessed to improve your odds of recovering compensation and maximizing compensation.
Contingency Fee Arrangements
Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer due to concerns about costs. However, most Kansas City car accident lawyers accept car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win.
You do not have to pay any upfront or hourly fees. Instead, your lawyer’s compensation is a fixed percentage of the amount they recover on your behalf. This keeps them motivated to achieve the best possible outcome.
Involved In a Minor Car Accident? Schedule a Consultation With a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer
Even a minor car accident can have significant legal and financial implications. While you might not think hiring a lawyer is necessary, consulting with one can improve your odds of recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been involved in a minor car accident in Kansas City, schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City car accident lawyer today to learn what an attorney can do for you.
For more information, contact the Kansas City, MO personal injury law firm of Dickerson Oxton to schedule a free initial consultation.
We serve in Jackson County and its surrounding areas across Missouri:
Dickerson Oxton – Kansas City Office
1100 Main St #2550, Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 268 1960
Hours: Monday to Friday,
from 9 am – 5 pm