Every time we enter a vehicle, we run the risk of being involved in an accident. An article by Forbes revealed that “the car insurance industry estimates that the average driver files a claim every 17.9 years.” Therefore, the average driver may be involved in two or more automobile accidents before the end of their driving career. A car crash can happen when you least expect it, but having an emergency plan in place may help to keep you calm and organized when you need it the most. According to our experienced car accident lawyers, here are the 5 most common mistakes made after a Kansas City car accident.
5 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid After a Kansas City Car Accident
Failure to Call 911
A police crash report can serve as an official record and can be used during a trial or settlement. Evidence gathered at the scene of an accident may become invaluable later on in a trial. The DMV website states that any accident “in which an injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more occur mean you must contact law enforcement right away.” This means that you may actually be breaking the law if you do not call 911 after a Kansas City car accident.
Failure to Gather Evidence
Pictures taken from your cell phone may be used as evidence later on in a trial. Gathering information from witnesses and others involved in the accident may make or break your case. Collecting a policy number and a point of contact from other drivers involved in the accident may help to minimize the risk of a hit-and-run. You may also want to have a plan in place so that you can gather the following information:
- The name of everyone involved
- Address
- Phone Number
- License Number
- Insurance Information
- Other vehicles involved in the accident
Failure to Seek Legal Help
An imaginary timer starts the moment that you are involved in a car crash. Not only do you have a limited amount of time to gather information and evidence from the scene of the accident, you also have a limited amount of time to contact and hire experienced car accident lawyers. Waiting to contact a professional attorney can give the other party involved more time to get a case put together, which may impact your compensation from the Kansas City car accident.
Failure to Seek Medical Help
Don’t get caught paying for medical bills that were caused by someone else’s negligence. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, over 2.35 million people are injured or disabled and 37,000 people are killed in an automobile collision each year. The total cost of damages comes out to about $230.6 billion. Feel free to call our office if you have questions about an injury or medical bill.
Apologizing or Admitting Guilt
The driver who caused the crash is responsible for covering the repair costs. However, saying “I’m sorry”, or “I didn’t see you” may come across as an admission of guilt. Try to contact your attorney before speaking with law enforcement or any other parties involved in the accident.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Kansas City
In the unfortunate scenario that you are involved in a Kansas CIty car accident, it may be important that you call a personal injury lawyer. Our car accident lawyers in Kansas City are here, right here, fighting for you. If you have been injured in a Kansas City car accident call us at 816-842-7100 or contact us online to speak with one of our experienced Kansas City car accident attorneys.
