A car accident can mean severe injuries that sideline you for weeks or months. In some cases, your life may never be the same again. Along with the physical pain and frustration comes the financial stress of medical bills and other expenses, especially if you are unable to work.
It doesn’t seem fair when your accident happened because the other driver was focused on something aside from their duty to operate their vehicle safely. Our distracted driving accident lawyers in Kansas City can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our team at Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered over $1 billion in combined judgments, settlements, and jury awards. Call today for a free consultation and find out how our Kansas City car accident lawyers can help.
Should You Take a Settlement?
Insurance companies are often willing to settle your accident claim out of court. In fact, the at-fault driver’s insurer may contact you with a settlement offer soon after the crash. However, it isn’t wise to accept their offer without speaking with an attorney first.
Insurance companies know many people are stressed, injured, and confused after an accident. And, you most likely have no idea what your claim is actually worth. They’ll offer a low settlement, hoping to take advantage of you and get off the hook for less than you deserve.
Our Kansas City personal injury lawyers aren’t going to let that happen. We will understand the full value of your claim, and we’ll hold the driver and their insurance company accountable for your damages. Our team is on your side, even if the insurance company isn’t.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
If a distracted driver caused your crash, our team can offer advice, support, and peace of mind throughout your legal ordeal. Some of the ways our distracted driving accident attorneys in Kansas City can help include:
- Accident Investigation: We will investigate the crash to gather evidence like phone records, witness statements, and traffic camera footage.
- File Your Claim: Our team will file your claim and handle all communication with the insurance companies so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing.
- Assess Your Compensation: We will help you understand what your claim may be worth by reviewing medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
- Prove Liability: Our attorneys will build a strong case to prove the other driver’s distraction directly caused your injuries.
- Negotiate for a Settlement: We’ll work for a fair settlement through negotiations and won’t let insurers pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
- Represent You in Court: If needed, we’ll take your case to court and represent you every step of the way.
Our goal is to help you understand what to do after a car accident. You don’t have to take on powerful insurance companies by yourself.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
What Is Distracted Driving?
The definition of distracted driving is when a driver’s attention shifts away from the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to serious crashes. Types of distractions that can cause accidents include:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road to send a text message, for example.
- Manual: Removing your hands from the wheel. Examples include eating or drinking.
- Cognitive: Losing mental focus on driving, such as daydreaming or thinking about something stressful.
Driving while drowsy or overtired also affects mental focus and reaction time, making it just as dangerous as other forms of distraction. If someone hit you because they weren’t paying attention, it’s not just careless; it’s potentially a legal issue.
Is Distracted Driving Illegal?
Yes, distracted driving is illegal in Missouri under certain conditions. Missouri Revised Statutes § 304.822 bans all drivers from using handheld electronic devices while driving, including texting, unless you’re using voice-activated or hands-free features.
This law aims to reduce accidents caused by people who take their focus off the road. While other distractions like eating or reaching for items aren’t specifically outlawed, they can still count as negligent behavior in a crash.
If a distracted driver caused your injuries and the driver faces criminal charges, our Kansas City distracted driving accident lawyers may be able to use this to build your case. However, even if the driver didn’t get a ticket, you still have the right to seek compensation.
Get Help From a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Kansas City
Accidents can happen to anyone, but they should never occur because another driver was focused on something besides keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Their actions put everyone on the road in danger and may have caused your injuries.
Our distracted driving accident attorneys in Kansas City can help you understand how a car accident case works. We will identify liable parties, file your claim, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
At Foster Wallace, our attorneys have over 45 years of combined experience giving a voice to injured accident victims in Missouri. It’s your injury; our fight. Call today to schedule a free consultation to talk about your distracted driving accident case.
