Fatal Car Accidents in Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas
It's an unfortunate fact that thousands of people killed in motor vehicle accidents each year in the United States. During 2018, 36,560 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents. In Kansas, 404 people died in fatal crashes that year. Missouri fatal crashes resulted in 921 deaths in 2018.
If a traffic accident resulted in your loved one's death, you might want to consult our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer about filing an action to hold the person responsible for the crash accountable for his or her negligence and wrongdoing.
Almost any car accident can result in fatal injuries for the victims. However, the presence of certain risk factors increase the probability that car wreck will be serious and result in devastating injuries, including death.
Below are the factors we have unfortunately seen too often at our car accident law firm in Kansas City, Missouri.
Common Causes of Fatal Traffic Accidents in Missouri and Kansas
Most car accidents are preventable. The causes of car accidents involve errors and mistakes that lead to a crash. Some accidents result from negligence and other wrongdoing. Factors that contribute to fatal car accidents in Kansas and Missouri include, but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving continues to be a common cause of fatal car accidents. Common distractions include texting while driving, talking on a cell phone, eating, grooming, and programming a GPS.
- Intoxicated driving or impaired driving, whether it involves alcohol or drugs, kills thousands of people each year. DUI accidents can result in criminal charges and civil liability.
- Reckless driving and speeding result in many deadly car crashes each year. Driving aggressively, including road rage, and driving too fast for conditions are common examples of bad driving behavior.
- Drowsy driving or fatigued driving is another cause of fatal car crashes. Truck drivers, night shift workers, and some people who have certain conditions (sleep apnea) or are on some medications can be at a higher risk for drowsy driving accidents. Occupants of other vehicles and non-occupants are at a high risk of death in large truck accidents.
Car Accident Injuries That Can Be Life-Threatening
Any type of injury can result in life-threatening conditions under the right circumstances. However, catastrophic and traumatic injuries usually have a higher risk of death compared to other car accident injuries.
Catastrophic and traumatic injuries that might result in death include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Damage to internal organs
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries
Some injuries may result in immediate death. However, some injuries carry the risk of lifelong impairments and complications, which can ultimately result in a person’s death. Regardless, both Missouri and Kansas law allow family members to hold the parties responsible for the crash and losses that result.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
When a car accident results in a fatality, the family of the accident victim might have a claim against the other driver or another party. Wrongful death laws in Missouri and Kansas provide a legal process for families to seek compensation and justice when another party’s actions cause the death of a family member.
Statutes of limitation restrict the time you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit. It is best to contact a wrongful death lawyer near you as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorney in Kansas City, MO
The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus represents families in Kansas City and throughout Kansas and Missouri who have lost a family member because of a car accident. If you suspect a fatal crash was caused by a negligent driver, or someone who was intoxicated, distracted, drowsy or reckless, you need a lawyer you can trust. We are here to help.
To schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City wrongful death lawyer, call 816-203-0143 today.
