A serious car accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you unable to work and facing hefty medical bills. If you've recently been hurt in an accident caused by another driver's negligence, Peterson & Associates, P.C. is here to help.
Causes of Kansas City Car Accidents
Several factors can contribute to Kansas City car accidents. Most of these can be avoided if drivers take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of others.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, also known as inattentive driving, is a term used to describe a driver's inattention or lack of focus while behind the wheel. Many factors can contribute to distracted driving, including cell phone use, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, and reading a map. Although some people might not realize it, distracted driving is illegal in Kansas City, Missouri.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving causes car crashes because consuming alcohol impairs a driver's ability to react to danger. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol, they lose their ability to make quick decisions and maintain steady hand-eye coordination. This can lead to dangerous driving behaviors such as weaving, swerving, and speeding. Alcohol also blurs a driver's judgment, making it more likely that the driver will take unnecessary risks on the road.
Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions frequently cause serious car crashes throughout Kansas City. Rain, sleet, and snow can be dangerous for drivers trying to see clearly or drive at a steady speed. Windy conditions can also be problematic for drivers because the wind can throw items like tree branches and loose gravel onto the road. Even when it's not raining or snowing, bad weather can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians and other vehicles on the road.
Road Construction
Car accidents can result from construction sites that are not adequately maintained. As these sites become busier, workers may forget to clean up debris and oil spills. Drivers may also be distracted by work being done on the road.
Types of Car Accidents
There are several different types of car accidents, some of which are more serious than others.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle is rear-ended by another vehicle. Rear-end collisions can be very dangerous, as the vehicle that is struck may suddenly stop or swerve out of the way, increasing the risk of a second collision or even causing the car to flip over. Rear-end collisions can also cause severe damage to both vehicles involved and their passengers.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone accidents are some of the more serious types of car accidents. It's a type of crash where one car hits another at an angle, causing the front of the vehicles to impact each other. Both cars can be damaged in T-bone crashes, and both drivers need to stay calm and seek medical attention if they're involved in a T-bone collision.
Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions in cars occur when a driver strikes another vehicle from the side or on the front. Head-on accidents are often the result of drivers who fail to check their blind spot before changing lanes or turning into traffic. When both vehicles travel in the same direction, the likelihood of a head-on collision is greatest for large cars and SUVs because they have more space to maneuver.
Common Car Accident Injuries
After being injured in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. That's where a lawyer comes in. They can help guide you through the legal process and represent your best interests.
Whiplash
One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash. Whiplash is a medical term that describes neck and back pain caused by sudden, rapid acceleration or deceleration of the torso. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision.
Back and Neck Injuries
The back and neck are common areas for injury in car accidents. When a person is thrown forward or backward during an accident, they can strike their head on the windshield or dashboard, which can cause severe damage to the spinal cord and ligaments.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can also occur following a car accident, especially if exhaust fumes leak from the engine or the tailpipe. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream and replaces oxygen in red blood cells. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Carbon monoxide poisoning is fatal if left untreated; therefore, drivers must be cautious of exhaust leaks following an accident to avoid this condition.
Cuts and Bruises
You'll likely have cuts and bruises after a car accident. If you can get immediate medical help, you can reduce the risk of infection. Also, avoid touching the area around the wound. This might lead to additional injury if your hand slips and comes into contact with the blood.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) after a car accident can lead to various long-term physical and psychological symptoms. Those who have sustained a TBI risk experiencing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems, including memory loss, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. People with a history of TBIs must take steps to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further harm. These include regular medical checkups, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and getting enough sleep, and talking about their experiences with loved ones.
Types of Compensation Available to Car Accident Victims in Missouri
If you've been injured in a car accident in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The exact amount you can receive depends on the facts of your case, but common types of compensation include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
If you're considering filing a car accident claim, it's important to speak with a lawyer who can help you determine your best course of action.
What to Do After Being Involved in a Car Accident
After being involved in a car accident, there are things you need to do right away.
Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident, it is crucial to get treated to avoid complications. Your doctor's report will also serve as important evidence while filing your car accident claim.
Gather Evidence
You should take pictures of the accident scenes and the license plate number of the at-fault party after the accident. It is also important to keep copies of medical expenses, doctor's reports, and police reports. Your chances of winning a car accident lawsuit will be high if you have enough evidence to prove your case.
Exchange Contact Information With the Other Driver
After an accident, exchanging contact information with the other driver is important. This will allow the other driver to contact you if they need further assistance after the accident. Another critical reason for exchanging contact information is so that you can notify your insurance company about the car accident. You can also use this opportunity to get a copy of their insurance card and other relevant documents.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
An attorney can help you understand the different ways you can sue the person who was at fault for your injuries and other damages and can also help you determine whether or not it makes sense for you to file a lawsuit.
Statute of Limitation for Car Accident Cases in Missouri
Missouri's statute of limitation for car accident cases is five years. This means that you have five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, it's important to note that the statute of limitation may differ if you file a claim against a government agency.
Speak to a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer
Auto accidents are often traumatizing. If you've been injured in a car accident in Kansas City, you need a lawyer that understands the Missouri legal system and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Peterson & Associates, P.C. knows what it takes to win your case. Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with insurance companies and know how to get you the best possible outcome. We'll work hard to ensure you're taken care of, so don't hesitate to call us today.
Contact a Kansas City car accident attorney at our personal injury law for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options.