Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming and frightening. One moment you’re driving through Kansas City’s busy streets, and the next, your world has been turned upside down. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender on I-35 or your car was totaled in the Plaza, knowing what steps to take immediately after a Kansas City car accident can help you protect your health, rights, and financial future.
Car accidents happen quickly, often due to another driver’s lack of attention or poor decision-making. When you’re dealing with the shock and potential injuries from a crash, it’s difficult to think clearly about what you should do next. That’s why it’s important to have a clear action plan.
This guide will walk you through each essential step to take after a car accident in Kansas City, from ensuring your immediate safety to understanding your legal options. Remember, the choices you make in those crucial first moments and days following an accident can significantly impact your recovery and any potential compensation you may receive.
10 Key Takeaways of Steps to Take After a Kansas City Car Crash
- Ensure safety and turn on hazard lights
- Call 911 to report the accident
- Exchange information with the other party
- Document the scene of the accident and injuries
- Obtain the police report to use as evidence
- Seek medical attention even if injuries appear minor
- Never admit fault to protect your rights
- Contact a car accident attorney to file a claim
- Notify your insurance company of the facts of the accident
- Be cautious with insurance adjusters and let your attorney handle them
Immediate Actions at the Scene
1. Ensure Safety First
Your safety and the safety of others should always be your top priority. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from heavy traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
If you can’t move your car, try to get yourself to a safe spot. If anyone appears seriously injured, don’t attempt to move them unless they’re in immediate danger.
2. Call 911
Under Missouri law (Section 300.110), you must call 911 as soon as reasonably possible if your accident resulted in injury, wrongful death, or property damage of $500 or more. Given that even minor accidents often exceed this threshold, it’s generally best to call the authorities regardless of how minor the crash appears.
The police will document the scene and create an official accident report. This report becomes crucial evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. When officers arrive, they’ll take statements about how the accident occurred and document important details about the crash.
3. Exchange Information
While waiting for the police to arrive, exchange essential information with the other driver. Take a picture of their license plate and insurance information card. Collect:
- Full Name and Contact Information
- Driver’s License Number
- Insurance Company and Policy Number
- Vehicle Make, Model, Year, and Color
- License Plate Number
Don’t forget to gather contact information from any witnesses. Their independent accounts of what happened can be invaluable if there are disputes about fault later.
Documenting the Accident
4. Take Photos That Support Your Claim
Documentation is your best friend after a car accident. Use your smartphone to photograph:
- All vehicles involved from multiple angles
- Damage to your vehicle and others
- The accident scene, including street signs, traffic lights, and road conditions
- Your visible injuries
- License plates of all vehicles involved
- The other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license
These photos can provide crucial evidence about how the accident occurred and the extent of damage and injuries.
5. Obtain the Police Report
The police report is an official document that can significantly impact your insurance claim and any potential legal proceedings. After a Kansas City car accident, you can request your crash report from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department online at their police reports portal, in person at any patrol division station, or by mail.
Keep in mind that report processing times have increased. Online requests through the system take 12-16 weeks, while in-person or mail requests take 8-12 weeks. You can call 816-234-5100 to check on report availability.
6. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain and injuries that may become apparent hours or days later. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries like whiplash, may not manifest symptoms right away.
It’s important to have a medical professional check you for:
- 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
If emergency responders suggest you go to the hospital, don’t decline. Insurance companies often use delays in seeking medical treatment against accident victims, arguing that injuries aren’t as serious as claimed if you waited weeks to see a doctor.
Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, including:
- Emergency Room Visits
- Doctor Appointments
- Physical Therapy Sessions
- Prescription Medications
- Medical Bills and Receipts
These records will be essential for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
Important Legal Considerations
7. Never Admit Fault
One of the most important things to remember is not to admit fault at the scene. Even saying “I’m sorry” could be used against you later if you need to seek compensation for your injuries. You may not understand the full circumstances of the accident immediately, and fault determination should be left to insurance companies and legal professionals who can thoroughly investigate the incident.
Stick to factual statements about what you observed, but avoid speculating about causes or accepting blame.
8. Contact a Car Accident Attorney
You should speak to a car accident attorney if:
- You or passengers sustained injuries
- There’s significant property damage
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- Fault is disputed
- The insurance company is offering a settlement that seems too low
An experienced attorney can protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. Once an attorney becomes involved, the other driver’s insurance company can no longer contact you directly – all communication must go through your legal representative.
Dealing with Insurance Claims
9. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, typically within 24 hours. Be honest about what happened, but stick to the facts. Your insurer needs to know about the accident even if you weren’t at fault.
10. Understanding the Claims Process
Remember that the other driver’s insurance company is not on your side. Their claims adjuster represents the insurance company’s interests, which naturally involve minimizing your payout. They may try to offer you a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages and future medical needs.
Don’t feel pressured to accept the first settlement offer. These initial offers are often far below what your claim is actually worth, especially if you have ongoing medical treatment or missed work due to your injuries.
Protecting Your Future After an Accident
Car accidents can have lasting impacts that extend far beyond the initial crash. Medical bills can pile up, you may miss work during recovery, and your vehicle may require extensive repairs or replacement. The stress of dealing with insurance companies while trying to recover from injuries can be overwhelming.
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. Focus on getting proper medical care for your injuries and consider consulting with an experienced car accident attorney in the Kansas City metro area who can help protect your rights and interests.
At The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we understand the challenges you’re facing after a car accident. We’re here to help guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember, insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim – you should have experienced legal representation on your side, too.
If you were injured in a car accident in Kansas City, don’t wait to seek the help you need. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Our founding attorney, Peter A. Jouras, Jr., has over 35 years of experience as a personal injury lawyer. 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.
