What you do after a car accident in Kansas City can impact every aspect of your medical and legal recovery. Your priority should always be to get out of harm’s way and get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you may have injuries of which you are not aware.
If you are overwhelmed with questions, Kansas City car accident lawyers can give you all the information you need to make confident decisions about your case. After reviewing the details of what happened, an attorney can tell you exactly what to do after a car crash to protect the value of your claim.
1. Get to Safety and Call 9-1-1
The first thing to do after a car accident in Kansas City is to get to a safe place. Then, if you or a loved one are seriously injured, call 9–1–1 and request an ambulance.
Missouri law (300.110) requires you to give “immediate notice” to local police if someone is hurt or the crash causes over $500 in damage. Request the police to come to the accident scene and wait for them to arrive.
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2. Assist Police With the Crash Report
Share a detailed account of how the accident occurred with the Kansas City police officer. If you suspect the other driver is drunk, impaired, or distracted, tell the police why you believe this is the case.
Ask the police officer if anyone will be cited for causing the accident. Lastly, get the accident report number from the police officer and ask when they believe the report will be ready. You will want to request your crash report from KCPD as soon as it is available.
If the Kansas City Police are unable to come to the accident scene, you will need to file a report in person at your local KCPD police station, or you can call KCPD’s non-emergency line. If the accident happened in another municipality, you should call the local government to find out how to file the report there.
3. Get Contact and Insurance Information of All Drivers
Write down the vehicle description and contact information of all drivers and passengers. You can also take pictures of these documents with your phone. Just be sure to preserve this evidence. Also, ask for the insurance information of all drivers and make sure to write this information down.
You may get a call from the insurance adjuster for the at-fault party who caused the car crash. You should be careful if you do because they will ask you trick questions. For this reason, you may want to speak with a car accident attorney before speaking with them.
4. Get Statements From Witnesses
Another important thing to do after a car crash is to get the contact information and statements of any witnesses. Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of what happened, which is especially valuable when multiple vehicles are involved or when the fault for the collision is unclear.
Be sure to collect their names, phone numbers, and any other contact details they are willing to share. Ask them to describe what they saw and write down or record their statements while the details are fresh in their minds.
This information can be crucial in supporting your version of events and strengthening your claim if there are liability disputes.
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5. Photograph Accident Scene and Injuries
Take photos and videos of the accident, the intersection, any light signals or signs nearby, and anything else that may be relevant to how the accident happened or who is at fault. Cell phones are everywhere, so it is easier than ever to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and other important items.
Pictures often tell a story better than words, especially in the months after the accident. As a result, make sure that your photos are clear and not blurry. Pictures are especially helpful of the accident scene, the position of the vehicles involved, and the damage or injuries caused.
You cannot take too many pictures, but you can take too few. For that reason, you should take several from many different angles to ensure that the picture accurately shows the results.
6. Do Not Admit Fault
Do not admit fault for the car accident, even if you believe you may be partially responsible. Admitting fault can harm your ability to pursue compensation later, as insurance companies or opposing parties may use your statements against you. Provide honest answers about what happened, but stick to the facts and avoid speculating about who is at fault.
Let the police and their crash investigation determine the cause of the accident based on evidence and witness statements. This approach protects your rights while ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation. The liable party is responsible for covering your lost wages and other losses after a car accident.
To learn more about what not to do after a car crash, download our free ebook to avoid wrecking your claim. Our team can help you avoid the top nine mistakes that can wreck your accident claim in Kansas and Missouri.
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7. Promptly Treat Any Injuries
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, they could worsen or become serious in the hours or days following the incident. Conditions such as internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have significant health consequences if left untreated.
Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
Seeking proper medical care as soon as possible ensures that any hidden or developing injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly. Additionally, documenting your injuries right away creates a clear medical record, which can be important if you decide to file a claim to recover your medical bills after the crash.
To learn more about what to do after a car accident, check out our top 10 ways to maximize your recovery after a car accident.
Contact Our Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer
After any car accident, you should focus on getting proper and prompt medical care for all your injuries and consider contacting a car accident lawyer for a free consultation. Our Kansas City car accident lawyers can offer further guidance on how to get maximum compensation.
Of course, Kevin McManus Law Injury and Disability Attorneys is always happy to discuss your case with you. Please contact us today for a free, no–obligation consultation. Just call our office or fill out the form below. We would be honored to serve you.
