Your First Steps After an Accident
Being involved in an auto accident can be overwhelming, whether it's a car crash, a slip and fall, or some other unfortunate event. The moments right after an accident are critical, not only for your safety but also for building a strong foundation for any potential legal actions that may follow.
At Hinrichs & Scott Injury Trial Lawyers, we serve clients in Kansas City, Missouri, and throughout the state (as well as Kansas). Missouri and Kansas each have specific procedures and time limits that must be followed if you're seeking compensation.
Let’s walk through the steps you should take immediately after an accident to protect both your physical health and legal rights. Our personal injury attorneys are ready to help you through every step
Prioritize Your Health
The very first thing you should do after an accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. Here are the key steps to follow:
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for any injuries, even if you feel okay initially. Adrenaline can mask pain or injury.
Call 911 If Necessary: If you or anyone else is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. First responders in Missouri and Kansas will provide medical assistance and make sure that severe injuries receive prompt care.
Don’t Ignore Minor Injuries: It’s essential not to brush off seemingly minor injuries, as they can worsen over time.
See a Doctor Promptly: Even if you don’t need an ambulance, it’s wise to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records are crucial in personal injury cases as they provide evidence of your injuries.
Strengthen Your Claim: Seeking medical attention promptly helps personal injury attorneys establish the link between the accident and your injury, ultimately strengthening your case.
Document the Scene
Once you’re in a safe place and have addressed any immediate medical concerns, it’s time to start documenting what happened. According to the Missouri Revisor of Statutes, in Missouri, drivers involved in car accidents must report the incident to the police if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500.
In Kansas, the threshold for reporting is somewhat similar. Both states treat police reports as critical pieces of evidence in personal injury cases, providing valuable information for us to use as personal injury attorneys if your case goes to trial or requires negotiation.
Take as many photos and videos of the accident scene as possible. Capture damage to vehicles, the surrounding environment, skid marks, and any other details that might explain how the accident occurred.
These photos will be important in building your case, especially if there’s a dispute about fault. The visual evidence helps explain the accident to a judge, jury, or insurance adjuster.
Gather Contact Information
Another key step after an accident is to collect contact and insurance information from everyone involved. Here’s what you should do:
Exchange Information: In Missouri and Kansas, drivers are required to exchange the following information:
Name
Address
Insurance provider
Policy number
Driver’s license number
Document Vehicle Details: Take note of the license plate numbers, make, and model of all vehicles involved.
Gather Witness Information: If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information, as their testimony can be crucial if there’s a dispute over fault later on.
Record Your Account: Write down your account of the incident while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Note Other Party's Statements: Document any statements made by the other party, such as apologies or admissions of fault, as these could support your case later.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information and taken care of any immediate health concerns, it’s time to notify your insurance company about the accident. Both Missouri and Kansas are fault-based states, meaning the at-fault party’s insurance typically covers the damages.
However, you’ll want to inform your own insurance company as well, even if you’re not at fault. This is where our unique perspective as personal injury attorneys with insider knowledge comes in handy.
Attorney Scott's previous experience working with insurance companies allows us to know exactly how insurers operate and how to protect your interests. Sometimes, insurance companies try to minimize payouts, which is why having experienced legal counsel is important.
By notifying your insurance company promptly, you follow the insurance regulations in Missouri and Kansas, helping to avoid any potential issues later on.
Seek Legal Representation
At this point, you should strongly consider consulting with experienced personal injury attorneys. Here are some reasons why this step is crucial:
Working Through the Legal System: The legal processes in Missouri and Kansas can be complicated , especially while recovering from an injury.
Experienced Handling of Cases: We have experience in complicated cases, making sure that clients are treated as individuals rather than just case numbers.
Gather Necessary Evidence: We’ll do what we can to gather all essential evidence when building your case.
Meet Deadlines: Attorneys can help make sure that all deadlines are met, protecting your interests throughout the process.
Prevent Insurance Exploitation: We work to make sure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of you during negotiations.
Trial-Tested Approach: Attorney Hinrichs, with his background as a prosecutor, brings a proven strategy that aids in achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
Personalized Support: We pride ourselves on being personable and approachable, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Preserve All Medical Documentation
Medical records are one of the most critical pieces of evidence in a personal injury case. Whether it’s initial emergency treatment or follow-up care with a specialist, all medical documentation should be preserved.
This includes bills, records of missed work, and any notes from your doctor about the severity and expected duration of your injuries. These records directly support your claim and help prove the extent of your damages under Missouri and Kansas law.
Additionally, keep a journal of how your injuries have affected your daily life. Are you in constant pain? Have you had to miss important events? Have your injuries affected your ability to work or care for your family?
All of these details help paint a clearer picture of how the accident has impacted your life, which can be crucial in recovering damages.
Don’t Speak to Anyone Else’s Agency Without Lawyers
After an accident, it’s common for the other party’s insurance company to contact you. They might ask for a statement or offer a quick settlement.
We strongly advise against giving any statement to the other party’s insurance without first consulting us as your personal injury attorneys. Insurance companies may look for ways to minimize their payout, and they may use your words against you.
By speaking with us first, you’ll have the advantage of knowing your rights and being prepared to avoid common pitfalls. We’ve dealt with countless insurance adjusters over the years, and we know how to protect your claim.
We’ll also handle all communication with the other party’s insurer, so you don’t have to worry about saying something that might hurt your case.
Understand Your Statute of Limitations
One thing many accident victims don’t realize is that there’s a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim in both Missouri and Kansas. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Missouri is five years from the date of the accident.
In Kansas, the time limit is shorter—two years. This might sound like a lot of time, but it can pass quickly, especially if you’re dealing with medical treatment and recovery.
By contacting us early, we’ll be able to start investigating your case right away. This helps us gather evidence before it’s lost or forgotten and makes sure that your case is filed within the legal time limits. It also gives us the time we need to build a strong case for you.
Reach Out if You’ve Been in an Accident
At Hinrichs & Scott Injury Trial Lawyers, we pride ourselves on being both highly skilled and approachable. Our combined backgrounds in insurance and prosecution give us a unique advantage when handling personal injury cases.
Out of our office in Kansas City, Missouri, we're happy to serve clients throughout Kansas and Missouri, including those in Wyandotte County, Johnson County, Jackson County, Clay County, Platte County, and Cass County. Reach out to us today.
