Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, but it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. In Kansas, there are specific procedures you should follow after a car accident to ensure that you are protected and that you receive the medical attention and compensation you deserve.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing you should do after a car accident is to stay calm and assess the situation. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. If you’re able to move your vehicle safely, pull off to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. If your vehicle cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights and stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Once you’ve ensured that everyone is safe, you should exchange information with the other driver. This includes their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Be sure to provide your own information as well. Avoid discussing who is at fault or admitting guilt, as this may affect your ability to file a claim.
Document the Accident Scene
It’s important to document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, any skid marks or debris on the road, and any injuries you or your passengers have sustained. You should also take notes of any witnesses who saw the accident occur and get their contact information.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. They will ask for the details of the accident and provide you with instructions on how to proceed. Be honest with your insurance company and provide them with all the information they request.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries may not show symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident. Keep all medical records and bills related to the accident.
Consider Hiring an Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
File a Report with the Police
In Kansas, you are required to file a report with the police if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even if the accident appears to be minor, it’s still a good idea to file a report as it can provide important documentation for insurance and legal purposes. When filing a report, be sure to provide accurate and detailed information about the accident.
Be Careful What You Say to Insurance Adjusters
After an accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster from your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company. Be careful what you say to them, as anything you say could be used against you in a claim. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be misconstrued.
Keep Track of Expenses
Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, car repairs, rental car fees, and lost wages. This will help you calculate the total cost of the accident and ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses.
Be Patient
Finally, be patient. The process of filing a claim and receiving compensation can take time, especially if the accident involved serious injuries or disputes about the fault. Stay in touch with your insurance company and attorney, and be persistent in pursuing your claim. With patience and perseverance, you can successfully navigate the aftermath of a car accident in Kansas.
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but following the necessary steps can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. By staying calm, exchanging information with the other driver, documenting the accident scene, contacting your insurance company, seeking medical attention, considering hiring an attorney, filing a police report, being careful what you say to insurance adjusters, keeping track of expenses, and being patient, you can successfully navigate the aftermath of a car accident in Kansas.
As attorneys licensed to practice law in Kansas, at Melinda Young, we can provide valuable assistance to those who have been involved in a car accident in Kansas. Here are a few ways we can help with what to do after a car accident in Kansas cases:
- Provide Legal Advice: We can provide legal advice on what steps to take after a car accident, including how to file a claim with your insurance company, what information to provide to the other driver and their insurance company, and what to do if the other driver is uninsured.
- Investigate the Accident: We can investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and gather evidence to support your claim. This may involve talking to witnesses, obtaining police reports, and reviewing medical records.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Represent You in Court: If your case goes to court, we can represent you in front of a judge and jury. This includes filing court documents, preparing witnesses, and presenting evidence to support your claim.
- Advocate for Your Rights: We can advocate for your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process. This includes advising you on your legal rights, protecting your privacy, and advocating for your interests in court.
We can provide legal advice, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, represent you in court, and advocate for your rights in what to do after a car accident in Kansas cases. By working with experienced attorneys like us, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.