This blog will review 3 ways an auto accident lawyer in Overland Park can help clients after experiencing a car crash.
Why work with a lawyer?
Working with an auto accident lawyer in Overland Park helps protect an individual’s rights after a vehicle crash. Car crash lawyers have a specific set of litigation skills that allow victims the chance to receive compensation for the harm they experienced.
Besides having the experience and ability to litigate a victim’s case, these lawyers will have the knowledge to handle the following essential aspects of an individual’s case:
1. Handling of Evidence and Accident Details
Working with a lawyer who knows it’s important to quickly and accurately handle and collect evidence is necessary to an individual’s case. A lawyer will commonly preserve the following types of evidence:
- Witness statements and police reports
- Photographs of the accident scene and surveillance footage
- Medical records
- Vehicle inspections and property damage
- Weather and road condition reports
- Physical evidence left of the roadway and vehicles involved in the accident
While not always possible, it’s helpful when an individual gathers evidence (records witness and involved party contact information, takes photos and videos, recovers physical evidence) after a wreck.
2. Access to Experts
An experienced auto accident lawyer in Kansas City will have access to skilled experts who can help:
- Create a reconstruction of the accident to demonstrate what happened.
- Download and analyze any information from a car’s electronic control module.
- Assess an individual’s medical records to determine potential future needs.
3. Damage Considerations
Auto accident lawyers will have the drive to help individuals recover damages for the harm they experienced. Damages include things like:
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages because of an injury
- Physical harm
- Mental and emotional stress
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
The steps someone takes following an auto accident in Overland Park can impact every aspect of the medical and legal recovery process. The top priority after a crash should be to safely get out of harm’s way and seek professional medical attention.
Even if you feel fine after an accident, it is still important to get a thorough assessment from a medical provider to ensure there are no internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
From getting to safety to contacting an auto accident lawyer in Overland Park, here is a recommended step-by-step breakdown of what to do after an auto accident.
Get to a Safe Location, and Contact Emergency Personnel
When physically able to do so, move to a safe area to help prevent further injuries. Once in a safe spot, call 911 as soon as possible, and if anyone was possibly injured in the accident, ask for immediate medical assistance.
A police officer should arrive on the scene to gather details and create a report regarding the crash. This accident report will contain facts and information about the crash and what the parties involved believe happened. Reports like this are often extremely valuable during the litigation process.
Be clear and honest about what occurred leading up to the accident, but avoid assigning blame. Be direct, and focus on relating facts. Additionally, request a copy of the police report, and keep it in a secure, accessible place for future use.
Collect Evidence
If safe and able to do so, collect evidence at the scene of the accident. This can include photos or videos of the scene, which can provide evidence of fault and a physical representation of the damages that occurred.
If possible, try to capture:
- Damage to the vehicles and surrounding property
- Skid marks or road conditions leading up to the accident
- Street signs and traffic signals
- The final positions of the vehicles involved
- Road hazards, like potholes or uneven lanes
- Injuries sustained—no matter how minor
- Insurance and contact information of the other drivers involved
Along with these photos and videos, take steps to document any medical care or treatments received after the auto accident. Keep a detailed record of medical care, including out-of-pocket expenses related to treatments. If possible, request copies of any medical records and/or bills.
Speak to Witnesses of the Accident
If there were any nearby witnesses to the crash, try to gather their name(s) and contact information, along with a brief statement of what they saw. Ask if they would be willing to make a recorded statement, which can be done with a cellphone.
If they do not wish to make a recorded statement, ask if they can instead write what they saw and believe happened.
Speak to an Auto Accident Lawyer
Navigating the path forward after an auto accident can be difficult to do on your own. An auto accident lawyer in Overland Park can provide concise and essential guidance to help secure the best outcome possible for an auto accident claim.
Experienced attorneys play a critical role in helping accident victims deal with insurance companies, protecting their rights, and providing key guidance throughout the legal and recovery process.
Contact Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader to Work With an Auto Accident Lawyer in Overland Park
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in an automobile accident, it’s essential to know your rights. Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader is the trusted name for personal injury lawyers in Kansas City. We deliver answers, accountability, and justice for victims of car accidents.
When representing clients and families, we devote the time, resources, and experience to achieve the best possible result. Our attorneys are dedicated to investigating cases the right way—by answering every question and methodically working through each case.
Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be challenging. An auto accident lawyer in Kansas City can give you the support, tools, and resources to help you recover.
You can contact one of our lawyers today by using our virtual case tool or by calling our office at (913) 266-2300 to speak with one of our team members.
The above is not intended to be legal advice. Each case is different and must be analyzed on its own set of facts and circumstances. If you believe you may have a case, it is critically important that you contact a lawyer quickly to ensure your rights are protected.
