Car Accidents

CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS

Have You Suffered Injuries in A Car Accident?

Speak with Caleb or Dustin on your first call.

We focus on roadway injury claims and offer a free consultation about your car crash.

If you have suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a bad driver, you may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and loss of time.

An insurance company may dispute fault, coverage or the amount of a claim. If that happens, a lawyer can review the reason given and discuss your options.

If you are injured, get medical help and follow the advice of a qualified medical professional. Before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer or signing a settlement release, consider speaking with Caleb or Dustin. For practical steps after a crash, read our immediate-steps guide.

As you continue to heal from your injury, don’t forget to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Contact skilled car accident attorneys at Biesterveld & Crook, LLC in Overland Park, KS to review your options and make an informed decision going forward.

What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents?

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that 90% of crashes are caused by human error.

Here are some of the most common behaviors that lead to car accidents:

• Distracted driving

• Drunk driving

• Speeding

• Reckless driving

• Failure to keep a proper lookout

When someone causes a car accident due to reckless behavior behind the wheel, they should be held accountable for the damages they cause. The injury attorneys at Biesterveld & Crook, LLC strive to make roads safer for our families by holding bad drivers and their insurers accountable.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

1. Call 911 if anyone is injured or there is an immediate danger. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not delay medical care to gather evidence or assume that police will collect every photograph, witness account or recording.

2. Tell your medical provider what happened and describe your symptoms accurately. Follow the instructions you receive, and ask your provider about symptoms or concerns that arise afterward. Your medical team should decide what evaluation or treatment is appropriate.

3. Call the experienced car accident attorneys at Biesterveld & Crook, LLC. Even the playing field by hiring an experienced car accident attorney to prosecute your claim. By doing so, you can focus on what matters most – getting back to full health.

What Can a Car Accident Attorney Do for Me?

Evidence may include witness accounts, photographs, video, police reports and vehicle data. We review what is available and what further investigation may help. A camera may not have recorded the crash, and usable vehicle data may not be available.

If you are having trouble getting care or understanding bills, tell us. We can discuss records and coverage questions related to your claim. A qualified health care professional should decide what evaluation and treatment you need.

Perhaps most importantly, the injury attorneys at Biesterveld & Crook, LLC challenge the third-party insurance companies that refuse to pay fair compensation to our clients. When this happens, we counsel our clients on their legal rights and options. In some cases, our clients as that we file a lawsuit against the other driver and proceed with litigation until the insurance company agrees to pay fair compensation or, in rare cases, a jury trial.

See our blog “When Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?” for more information about when and why you should hire an experienced car accident attorney.

What Losses Can I Claim from A Car Accident?

The majority of damages in car accident cases are “compensatory”. This means that the damages are meant to compensate the injury victim for his losses caused by the accident. While some are easy to quantify, other damages are more difficult to put a number value on, such as pain and suffering. Here are some compensatory damages commonly allowed in car accident cases:

• Medical treatment – Payment for your medical treatment is a large part of any injury claim. Every injury victim deserves to be compensated for past treatment, as well as any future treatment that is needed.

• Lost income – Injuries often lead to missed time at work. Whether it is for recovery from the initial accident or time off for surgery or even just to attend appointments – you deserve compensation for missing work.

• Pain and suffering – Pain resulting from the injuries you suffer in an accident can be agonizing, especially if it is never truly resolved after treatment. In these instances, you are entitled to additional compensation.

Punitive damages require more than ordinary negligence. Kansas law requires clear and convincing evidence of willful or wanton conduct, fraud or malice. Kansas state-court procedure also requires permission to add a punitive-damages claim. Whether those requirements can be met depends on the evidence. See K.S.A. 60-3702 and K.S.A. 60-3703.

How Is Fault Determined in A Car Accident?

Fault is often disputed by the other driver and his insurance company. Every bit of evidence can play a role in determining fault. Evidence includes the statements and diagrams contained in the police reports, traffic camera footage of the wreck, and pictures of property damage that are used to determine fault.

An accident-reconstruction expert may help evaluate how a crash happened. Whether an expert or vehicle data would be useful depends on the facts and the evidence available. We can discuss that with you as part of reviewing your claim.

What Is the First Step to Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?

Call (913) 353-5870 or contact us online to get started from home. Most clients hire us by phone and email without an office visit. If you hire us, we can handle insurance communications, gather available records and discuss whether additional investigation or expert assistance is needed.

We work to document your losses and pursue compensation supported by the facts and applicable law. The result depends on the evidence, coverage and circumstances of your case. No lawyer can promise a particular recovery or medical outcome.

How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost?

There is no upfront cost in hiring one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you, so there are no legal fees until you decide to accept a settlement offer. Our attorneys offer competitive rates based on an initial evaluation of your case, which sets us apart from most attorneys. If you live in Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, and the greater Kansas City area, reach out now to schedule a consultation.

If you have been injured in a car accident, speak with an experienced injury attorney at Biesterveld & Crook, LLC or contact us online.