A serious traffic accident is one of the most traumatic, life-altering experiences a person can go through. Victims may be left facing extensive medical treatment and financial uncertainty. Navigating the legal aftermath of a severe accident is often complex, and a traffic accident lawyer in Kansas City can help ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable.
This blog aims to break down the essential steps to take after a severe traffic accident, and how individuals can safeguard their rights in these life-changing scenarios with the guidance of a skilled attorney.
Missouri Car Accident Facts: Understanding the Risks on the Road
Each year, thousands of crashes occur on Missouri roads. These accidents can lead to severe or catastrophic injuries, significant financial losses, and fatalities. Though most drivers arrive at their destinations safely, some car accidents are unavoidable.
Examining key statistics can help to gain insight into and provide further understanding of the most common causes of these high-risk accidents.
In 2021, the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported that 53,109 people were injured in traffic accidents. The MSHP found that the most common cause of fatal accidents in 2021 was improper lane changes, while the most common cause of injury was a failing to yield.
According to MoDOT’s Traffic Crash and Highway Safety Dashboard, Missouri’s traffic fatalities are already up from last year—which records January of 2025 having a ~14% increase compared to January fatalities in 2024.
What Are Serious and Catastrophic Injuries?
While both serious and catastrophic injuries have a direct, significant impact on a victim’s life, catastrophic injuries are considered more severe. The key differences between serious injuries and catastrophic injuries include:
- Extent of the injuries: Catastrophic injuries are more extreme than serious injuries, often necessitating prolonged and intensive medical care.
- Total damages: Catastrophic injuries typically lead to significantly greater damages due to their long-term impact and extensive medical costs.
- Impact on earning capacity and quality of life: Catastrophic injuries often cause permanent disabilities, limiting the victim’s ability to work and diminishing their overall quality of life.
Catastrophic injuries can include:
- The loss of two or more limbs
- Paraplegia (functional loss of the use of two or more limbs)
- Quadriplegia (functional loss of the use of all four limbs)
- A traumatic brain injury resulting in cognitive impairment, rendering the victim unable to engage in daily activities that allow for independent living
- Injuries that cause irreversible failure of one or more major organ systems
- Vision loss that makes it hard to see clearly at 20 feet what most people can see at 200 feet, even with glasses or contacts, or vision that narrows to less than 20 degrees (like looking through a small tunnel)
It may be difficult for individuals to determine the extent of their own injuries following an accident. The best way to get help after you have suffered a serious or catastrophic injury in a traffic accident is to seek guidance from an experienced traffic accident lawyer in Kansas City.
Steps to Take After a Serious or Catastrophic Injury
To protect the health, legal rights, and future of victims, it’s essential for those affected by a serious or catastrophic injury to take immediate action. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but understanding what to do next can make a significant difference in the outcome of a legal case.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After a traffic accident, the top priority is seeking proper medical care. Not all injuries are visible to the naked eye, and conditions like internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and concussions may not show symptoms right away.
Call 911 as soon as possible. Once medical treatment is received, keep a list of all treatment providers, diagnoses, and medications. Depending on the severity of the injuries, long-term rehabilitation may be required to support recovery. Following all medical recommendations during this time is very important.
2. Report the Accident to the Police
An official police report provides a factual record of details regarding the accident. When giving the account of the accident, always be truthful, and never speculate or guess what happened.
A police report can be extremely useful for a traffic accident lawyer in Kansas City handling the case, and helps ensure the lawyer has a complete picture of the accident and surrounding details.
3. Gather Evidence
If able to do so, gather evidence at the scene of the accident when safe to do so. Evidence collected at the scene can be extremely important to insurance claims and litigation. The evidence that should be gathered includes:
- Taking photos of the accident: Take clear photos of the accident scene and all vehicles involved from every (safe) angle. Be sure to capture damages, dents, and license plate numbers. If possible, take photos of the broader scene, capturing traffic signs, signals, and road conditions.
- Collect witness statements: Gather contact information of any witnesses who are able to provide statements regarding the accident.
- Document the accident: After the accident, try to record an account of the accident as soon as possible. Having a precise account of what happened, including details about the scene and accident itself, will help preserve valuable information to be used later during the case.
4. Understanding Legal Rights
If serious or catastrophic injuries are a result of someone else’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.
Discussing the accident with a traffic accident lawyer in Kansas City who is experienced in catastrophic injuries helps to ensure that those responsible for the accident are held accountable, and that the victim receives fair compensation for their injuries.
If at all possible, reach out to an attorney before peaking with any insurance companies. Though it is important for a victim to contact their insurance company, having an attorney at hand ensures that the victim does not accidentally say something that may hinder their case.
5. Explore Rehabilitation Options
Depending on an injury’s severity, extensive rehabilitation may be required as part of the recovery process. Victims of serious or catastrophic injuries should work closely with a healthcare provider to explore rehabilitation options that are centered on their specific needs.
Rehabilitation can include physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other specialized treatments. Follow all provided therapy regimens.
Protecting the Legal Rights of Severe Injury Victims
Traffic accidents involving serious or catastrophic injuries are incredibly complex. Seeking legal counsel from a traffic accident lawyer in Kansas City is extremely important. Lawyers who specialize in cases like these have the skills, tenacity, and experience to protect an individual’s rights and secure the best possible outcome for their clients.
A qualified traffic accident attorney will:
Explain and Protect the Victim’s Legal Rights
Traffic accident lawyers provide crucial guidance throughout the litigation process, working to help clients understand their legal rights and helping them pursue fair compensation. They will work to hold negligent parties accountable, negotiate with insurance companies, and secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Gather Evidence
Building a strong case requires the collection of evidence. This includes gathering materials like medical records, accident reports, photographs, and witness statements. This evidence is key to demonstrating the extent of the injuries sustained, as well as proving liability.
A traffic accident lawyer will work to assist the victim in gathering comprehensive evidence. Evidence is necessary to prove your case, and to secure adequate compensation for the victim.
Handle the Logistics
One component of severe or catastrophic injury accidents is handling insurance companies. An accident attorney can effectively negotiate with insurers to obtain fair value for a claim. These attorneys ensure that the victim’s interests are protected through the entire negotiation process.
Along with skilled negotiations, a lawyer will help to file all required legal documents within deadlines, ensuring the victim can focus on the healing process rather than the legal one.
Strong and Strategic Court Representation
Cases centered on serious or catastrophic injury often require court representation.
When an agreement cannot be reached through traditional negotiations, an attorney is necessary to advocate for the victim’s rights and pursue fair compensation.
Contact Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader to Work With a Traffic Accident Lawyer
In Kansas City, navigating the aftermath of a catastrophic accident can be overwhelming for the victim and victim’s family. Understanding your legal rights and securing proper compensation is an important step in rebuilding your life after an incredibly difficult experience.
Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader is committed to providing the guidance, advocacy, and representation that injured victims deserve. Our firm devotes the time, resources, and experience necessary to build strong cases for our clients. From negotiating with insurance companies to relentlessly pursuing litigation, our team works to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe or catastrophic injury in a traffic accident, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Get in contact with an attorney by contacting our office at (913) 266-2300 or by using our virtual care tool.
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.
