3 Reasons You Should Speak with an Auto Accident Attorney

When an accident occurs, the victims may suffer minor or serious injuries, property damage, hospitalization, or inability to work. Under Missouri and Kansas laws, personal injury victims are often required to file claims, prove negligence, estimate case value, and negotiate with the insurance company when seeking damages. Hence, hiring an experienced Kansas personal injury attorney is imperative for proper guidance and to protect your best interests after an auto accident.

At Biesterveld & Crook, LLC, we enjoy giving vigorous representation and knowledgeable guidance to clients in their auto accident cases. Our skilled attorneys will investigate every aspect of your case thoroughly and fight compassionately for your legal rights. Also, we will help you recover fair financial compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and potential damages.

We’re proud to serve clients across Overland Park, Kansas, Jackson County, Missouri, and Johnson, Douglas, and Shawnee Counties in Kansas, as well as the whole Kansas City Metro area.

Reasons to Speak with an Auto Accident Attorney

Getting injured in a car accident can leave you with expensive medical bills, property damages, and other accident-related losses. Auto accident attorneys are legal counsels that are specially trained to assist individuals with their personal injury claims or lawsuits. Here are some important reasons to speak with an auto accident attorney after a car crash:

Determining Fault and Liability

A very crucial aspect of every personal injury case is determining fault. Kansas is a “no-fault” auto insurance state. Under the state’s no-fault system, accident victims will turn to their insurance carrier – personal injury protection (PIP) coverage – to seek compensation for medical expenses and other accident-related financial losses, regardless of the at-fault party.

However, you may be eligible to opt-out of the Kansas no-fault system and file a lawsuit or claim against the at-fault party if you have exceeded your PIP coverage limits for your medical expenses and you suffered a serious injury.

Conversely, Missouri is an “at-fault” auto accident state. According to Missouri’s at-fault laws, the person who caused the traffic crash (the at-fault party) will be held civilly and financially liable for injuries, property damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the victims.

Depending on the surrounding circumstances of your case, your attorney can know how to prove negligence and establish liability in a fault state like Missouri. Similarly, your attorney can decide whether you meet the threshold to opt out of the no-fault system and recover damages from the at-fault driver.

Seeking Damages for Serious Injuries

Furthermore, some accident injuries are often serious and may require ongoing or future medical treatment. Seeking damages for such severe or catastrophic injuries may be more complicated. A skilled attorney will ensure that you attain full recovery or maximum medical improvement (MMI) before accepting the insurance company’s offer.

Once you reach full recovery or MMI, your attorney can help write a demand indicating the damages incurred and the total compensation amount. In addition, your attorney will help pursue compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.

Negotiating With the Insurance Company

However, negotiating a settlement with the insurance company usually involves several complexities. The insurer may offer you a low first settlement offer which may not account for all your medical bills, damages, and accumulated losses.

According to a 2017 Personal Injury Study by Martindale-Nolo Research, plaintiffs who retained an attorney received an average of $77,600 in compensation, compared to an average of $17,600 for those who didn’t. An experienced attorney can review the insurance company’s offer, help negotiate an improved offer, or take additional legal action when required.

Things to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney

Before hiring a personal injury attorney to handle your accident case, here are some important questions to ask:

• How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
• Have you handled accident cases similar to mine before?
• What is my auto accident case worth?
• What do you charge for your legal services?
• Do you prefer settlement or going to trial?
• What are the possible difficulties and issues you see with my accident case?
• Can you provide references or testimonies from previous clients?
• How will you carry me along with the progress of my accident case?
• How much time and resources will you dedicate to my case?
• How long will it take to settle my case?
• What happens if I lose my case? Who will be responsible for case-related costs?

By asking the aforementioned questions, you will know if the attorney you want to hire has the experience, knowledge, qualifications, and resources to handle your case diligently and effectively. Get in touch with our dedicated team at Biesterveld & Crook, LLC, today to discuss your accident case. We’re always poised and ready to help.

Strong & Reliable Representation

Being involved in a traffic accident can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. However, due to the complexities involved – and your limited or lack of knowledge – it is never advisable to handle your auto accident injury claims on your own. At Biesterveld & Crook, LLC, our attorneys have the diligence, skill, and resources to advocate for the best interests of auto accident victims in their injury claims.

Having an experienced attorney on your side can improve your chances of the best possible outcome in your auto accident case. Contact Biesterveld & Crook, LLC today to arrange a case assessment with skilled car accident lawyers. Our firm proudly represents clients across Overland Park, Kansas, Jackson County, Missouri, and Johnson, Douglas, and Shawnee Counties in Kansas, as well as the whole Kansas City Metro area.