Being involved in a car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Between medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages, and the pain you’re suffering, the aftermath can feel overwhelming.
Whether you were rear-ended on I-435 or T-boned while driving in the West Bottoms of KC, you don’t have to face this accident alone. You deserve compassionate legal guidance to help you navigate this difficult time and secure the compensation you need to move forward.
At the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we understand what you’re going through. For over 35 years, our Overland Park car accident attorney has been helping victims across Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri fight for their rights and recover the damages they deserve.
As a small law firm, we provide personalized, one-on-one attention. That means you’ll work directly with our attorney who genuinely cares about your case. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
While we are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave, we serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
Key Takeaways About Overland Park Car Accident Claims
- Common Causes: Crashes in Kansas and Missouri are often linked to speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and right-of-way violations.
- Frequent Injuries: Victims may suffer brain and spinal injuries, broken bones, whiplash, or internal trauma.
- Crash Statistics: Speeding and alcohol are major contributors to fatal crashes in both states, with driver inattention leading Kansas crashes.
- State Fault Systems: Kansas uses a no-fault system, while Missouri follows an at-fault system for determining liability.
- Filing Deadlines: Kansas car accident and wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years; Missouri allows 5 years for injury claims and 3 years for wrongful death.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
After a car accident, insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. Their priority is protecting their profit. Having a skilled car accident lawyer in Overland Park on your side can make all the difference.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate Your Accident: We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstructionists and other industry experts to build a strong case.
- Handle Insurance Companies: We negotiate with insurers on your behalf, so you don’t have to deal with their tactics or lowball settlement offers. All you have to do is focus on healing and moving forward.
- Calculate Your Full Damages: We ensure that all your financial losses, like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future costs are accounted for.
- Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Makes the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. Different?
When you’re searching for a Kansas car accident attorney, you want someone who will treat you like a person, not just another case file on their desk. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Small Firm, Big Results: As a small car accident law firm, we limit the number of cases we take on so we can provide each client with the attention they deserve. You’ll have direct access to your attorney throughout the entire process.
- Over 35 Years of Experience: Our founder, Peter A. Jouras, Jr., has been practicing personal injury law for more than three decades. His deep knowledge of Kansas and Missouri injury and insurance laws gives you a significant advantage.
- Serving Kansas and Missouri: We proudly represent clients on both sides of the state line, so whether your accident happened in Kansas City, Kansas, or Missouri, we’re here to help.
- Free Consultations: We offer a no-cost consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. There is no obligation to move forward.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no out-of-pocket costs to you. We don’t collect a fee unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Kansas and Missouri
Understanding what caused your accident is critical to building a strong case. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can take a driver’s attention off the road.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Exceeding the speed limit or driving aggressively increases the risk of serious accidents.
- Drunk or Intoxicated Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time.
- Right-of-Way Violations: Not yielding when required can lead to dangerous collisions.
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating leaves little room to stop safely.
- Bad Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can make roads hazardous.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals can cause severe T-bone or head-on crashes.
How Common Are Car Crashes in Kansas and Missouri?
According to both the Department of Public Safety Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Traffic Crash Facts Book, the causes above are much more relevant than you may think. Here are some car crash statistics in Kansas and Missouri:
- Speeding: 34.3% of fatal crashes in Missouri involved speeding.
- Alcohol and Drugs: 23.1% of fatal crashes in Missouri involved alcohol or drugs; in Kansas, there were 2,200 alcohol-related crashes in 2023.
- Driver Inattention: The #1 contributing factor in Kansas crashes, accounting for 17.9% of all accidents.
- Right-of-Way Violations: Led to 10.9% of crashes in Kansas.
- Following Too Closely: Accounted for 7.8% of crashes in Kansas.
- Adverse Weather: 3.7% of Kansas crashes occurred during snow and/or ice conditions.
Common Injuries After an Auto Accident
Whether you were in a standard car accident or a truck accident, the injuries can be life-changing. Here are some of the most common injuries you can suffer after a motor vehicle accident:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Burns
- Wrongful Death
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
Kansas Car Accident Claims Laws
How Kansas’s At-Fault Insurance System Works
Kansas operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that after a car accident, you typically file a claim with your own insurance company through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP covers:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages
However, if your injuries meet certain thresholds, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver. These thresholds include:
- Medical expenses exceeding $2,000
- Permanent disfigurement
- Fracture of a weight-bearing bone
- Permanent injury
If your case qualifies, you can pursue additional compensation, including damages for pain and suffering.
Kansas’s Comparative Fault Rule
If the insurance company says you are partially at fault for the accident, there are laws in place for this situation. Kansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:
- You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
- If you are 49% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 30% at fault, your final award would be $70,000. If you need legal guidance after an accident, contact our auto accident attorney in Overland Park, Kansas, for free assistance.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Kansas?
According to K.S.A. 60-513, in Kansas, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also two years.
If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a car accident lawyer in Overland Park, Kansas, as soon as possible after your accident.
Missouri Car Accident Claims Laws
How Missouri’s At-Fault Insurance System Works
Missouri is an at-fault state, meaning the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the resulting damages. After an accident, you have three main options for seeking compensation:
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- File a claim with your own insurance company (if you have collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage).
- File a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
Missouri’s Comparative Fault Rule
Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means:
- You can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, no matter how high.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 60% at fault, you would still receive $40,000.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Missouri?
In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a car accident claim, according to RSMo § 516.120. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is three years, according to RSMo § 537.080.
While five years may seem like a long time, evidence and injuries can fade, making it harder to prove your case. Contact a Kansas City car accident lawyer for legal assistance.
Compensation Available for Auto Accident Victims in Kansas and Missouri
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Our Overland Park car accident lawyer can help you seek economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are measurable losses the accident caused you. That includes:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescriptions.
- Lost Wages: Income you’ve lost due to time off work, as well as diminished earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be able to recover funeral and burial expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are non-measurable losses, including:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and reduced quality of life.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for long-term impairments or scars.
- Loss of Companionship or Guardianship: This is compensation if you lost a spouse, parent, or guardian in the accident.
Every case is different, and the amount of compensation you can recover depends on the specific facts of your situation. An experienced attorney can help you calculate the full value of your claim.
Contact the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. today to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, but we serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
What Should I Do After Being in a Car Crash?
Taking the right steps after a car accident can protect your rights and car accident claim. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get seen by a doctor, even if your injuries appear to be minor. Getting medical attention will create evidence of your accident, which can be used in your claim.
- Report the Accident: Report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police report is important evidence. Section 300.110 requires you to report an accident in Missouri if the accident led to serious injuries, death, or property damage over $500.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, any visible injuries, and road conditions. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration. In Kansas, this is required by law according to K.S.A. 8-1604.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to an insurance company or accept any settlement offer, speak with a car accident lawyer in Overland Park, Kansas, to learn about your rights and legal options.
Continue Reading: What to Do After a Car Accident in Kansas City
Kansas and Missouri Car Accident FAQs
What If the Person Who Hit Me Doesn’t Have Car Insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or fled the scene, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy if you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. Speak to an attorney to explore your options.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer the Insurance Company Offered Me?
In most cases, the first settlement offer from an insurance company is significantly lower than what your claim is worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Before you accept any offer, consult with a car accident lawyer in Kansas or Missouri to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Wreck Lawyer?
At the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no hidden fees. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Our Overland Park Auto Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you contact an experienced Overland Park car accident attorney, the sooner we can start building your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
At the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we’re here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the personalized legal representation you need during this difficult time. With over 35 years of experience and a commitment to our clients, we’re ready to stand by your side every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave. We serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
For your free consultation, call (913) 677-1999
