Who is Liable for Damages in Wrong-Way Accidents in Missouri & Kansas?

Wrong-way accidents are often more dangerous and deadly than other types of vehicle collisions on roadways in Missouri and Kansas. This is because wrong-way drivers may be traveling at high speeds on freeways or major thoroughfares and the impact is typically head-on. Of course, even at a lower speed, a wrong-way accident may still result in serious injuries if the right circumstances are present.

Hiring our experienced car accident attorney will ensure that you hold the wrong-way driver responsible and get the damages that you are owed. Call our personal injury attorney in Kansas City, Missouri at 816-203-0143 or contact us through our website for a free consultation and find out how to get the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After an Accident Caused by a Wrong-Way Driver?

If you are in an accident with a wrong-way driver, you should immediately document the license plate of the driver, the location of the accident, damage to the vehicles with photos or video, get witness contact info, and any other pertinent details you think are relevant.  Call the police and be careful what you say about being injured or not to the other driver or insurance companies. Wait for emergency personnel and let them do their job. Then, when the accident report is available, you will want to obtain a copy and make sure it is accurate.

If you are injured, follow the instruction of emergency personnel on the scene, and seek immediate medical attention.  It’s very important for your recovery and any insurance claims to follow the recommended treatment plan.  You should also consider talking with our car accident attorney about your case.  The wrong-way driver has violated more than just the rules of the road. If you are injured due to negligence of a wrong-way driver, you have the right to recover compensation for your injuries under Missouri and Kansas law.  Many times, you can recover fair compensation without filing a lawsuit, but it is critical that you have our trusted and experienced personal injury attorney to help make sure you get the settlement you deserve.

Injuries from Crashes with Wrong-Way Drivers

An accident with a wrong-way driver can result in a variety of injuries and damages, such as:

• Neck, back and spine injuries, including herniated discs or whiplash
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Brain injuries or concussions
• Lacerations and soft tissue injuries
• Burns and permanent scarring
• Chronic pain

Unfortunately, wrong-way accidents can also result in fatalities. No amount of compensation can ever remedy the loss of life from a fatal accident caused by a wrong-way driver. However, under Kansas and Missouri law, surviving family members may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim to recover compensation from the at-fault driver on the behalf of the deceased.

Who is At Fault for a Wrong-Way Accident?

In almost every case, the wrong-way driver is responsible for the damages or injuries that result from a crash. However, it’s important to remember that the insurance company for the at-fault party is not your friend. Their goal is to pay as little as possible for any claim and to use any argument available to deny liability. 

Insurance companies or defense lawyers might try to use the doctrine of comparative fault in Missouri or Kansas to argue that the other vehicle shares in responsibility for their injuries or damages. They may argue that you failed to take evasive action to avoid the crash or weren’t wearing a seatbelt.

This is another reason why you need to be careful handling any personal injury case on your own. Our attorney is experienced in car accident cases and the laws of Missouri and Kansas.  Our firm will be able to evaluate the strength of any of these arguments and advocate on your behalf.

Fair Settlement for a Wrong-Way Accident in Kansas City

The greatest challenge in a wrong-way crash often is not proving fault—it’s obtaining a fair settlement for the damages and injuries you have suffered. When calculating a settlement value, you should include:

• Present and future medical bills,
• Rehabilitation and in-home care costs,
• Lost wages and future lost earning capacity, and
• Pain and suffering.

If you were injured in a wrong-way accident that was not your fault, you likely have mounting medical bills. You may have been unable to work to pay those bills. This financial pressure can make you feel like you must accept any offer the insurance company makes. That can be a very costly mistake. You are entitled under Missouri and Kansas law to receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and all damages that result. Our experienced wrong-way attorney in Kansas City will make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Call Our Wrong-Way Accident Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri

When you work with our Kansas City accident lawyer, we will start by undertaking a full investigation of the accident, including reviewing and obtaining the police reports, photographs, and witness statements. If necessary, we may also consult with accident reconstruction experts. Then, we will make sure that you are getting proper medical treatment for your injuries and help guide you through a process toward a full recovery. 

While you focus on getting better, our team at Kevin McManus Law will deal directly with the insurance company.  We will obtain all evidence and documentation to build as strong a case as possible and handle the communication with the insurance company. Perhaps most important, we can help guide you through the claim process to an acceptable settlement or file a lawsuit if necessary.

Wrong-way accidents can become complicated legal matters, especially when they result in serious injury or death. Let our experienced car accident attorney help with your case. Our attorney has handled these cases throughout Missouri and Kansas and offers a free consultation.  Call us today at 816-203-0143 or contact us through our website contact form or chat.  We're here for you, and on your side!