Were you hurt in a collision caused by another driver’s actions? Car crashes happen often, but the normalcy and frequency of them do not mean that victims like you should have to embrace the consequences of driving behaviors that were someone else’s fault.
You’re allowed to be angry, and you deserve to pursue compensation for the damages you endured. It all starts with contacting a car accident lawyer in Topeka. Dealing with the aftermath of a crash is never easy, but a Topeka personal injury lawyer can bring you peace of mind.
With Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers by your side, you can trust that experienced and knowledgeable attorneys are working hard to represent you. We have more than 45 years of combined experience, and we’ve recovered over $1 billion in compensation.
Kansas Is a No-Fault State for Car Accidents
Kansas follows a no-fault auto insurance system. This means that after many car-related crashes, each person will turn to their own insurance provider when it comes to recovering compensation, no matter who caused the collision.
This system is designed to streamline the claims process and reduce litigation for minor accidents. Furthermore, according to Kansas state laws, drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance.
PIP provides benefits for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitative care, and in-home services, if necessary. The minimum PIP coverage required in Kansas includes the following:
- $4,500 per person for medical expenses
- $900 per month for one year for disability/loss of income
- $25 per day for in-home services
- $2,000 for funeral, burial, or cremation expenses
- Survivor’s benefits, including lost income and in-home services for a year
It’s worth noting that PIP only applies to bodily injuries, not vehicular damage. Vehicle repairs must be handled through the driver’s collision coverage or the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, but your Topeka car accident lawyer can help you figure out how this applies to your situation.
When Can You File a Lawsuit Outside the No-Fault System?
Although the no-fault system is meant to simplify claims, it does not apply to all injuries. In Kansas, an accident victim can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver as long as they meet specific thresholds.
These thresholds are as follows:
- Medical expenses exceeding $2,000
- Serious injuries, such as permanent disfigurement and bone fractures
- Death resulting from the accident
Once this threshold is met, the injured party may pursue a claim for damages that are not available through PIP, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. You can lean on your Topeka car accident attorney to advocate for this part of the process on your behalf.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Topeka
While every accident is unique in its own way, some factors contribute to car crashes more often than others. Here are examples of common causes of collisions in the area:
- Distracted driving: Texting, using GPS, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems are all common distractions.
- Speeding: Traveling above posted speed limits or going too fast for roadway conditions can increase stopping distance while simultaneously reducing reaction times.
- Drunk driving: Despite public awareness campaigns, impaired driving remains a serious problem that results in collisions.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive maneuvers like tailgating, weaving, or passing illegally are all common across the state of Kansas.
- Weather conditions: Snow, ice, fog, and rain can make the roads treacherous to travel on, especially during the fall and winter months.
- Running red lights or stop signs: Intersections in Topeka are frequent sites of accidents, particularly during high-traffic hours.
Understanding the cause of the accident is important when determining liability and establishing the validity of your claim.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Even relatively low-speed accidents can result in serious injuries. In Topeka, hospitals like Stormont Vail and the University of Kansas Health System frequently treat crash victims for a wide range of conditions, including the following:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Facial injuries from airbag deployment or glass
- Lacerations and road rash
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
Many injuries will not appear right away. In fact, it’s common for symptoms of whiplash, concussions, or other forms of internal trauma to show up hours—if not days—after the accident.
This delay can complicate your diagnosis process and treatment plan, especially if you wait too long to receive medical care. Medical documentation of the injuries you sustained from the crash can also help your lawyer build a case on your behalf.
Call Our Car Accident Law Firm in Topeka for Legal Representation as You Prepare to Face the Justice System
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a collision, you might find yourself feeling very overwhelmed as you look toward the future and think about how to move forward. While the path ahead can feel uncertain, you’re not alone in this.
Rather, reach out to the law firm of Foster Wallace to get in contact with Topeka car accident attorneys who are ready to preserve your right to fair compensation. It’s your injury, but it’s our fight.
We’re here to make the process of rebuilding after such a disastrous collision far less stressful and confusing. Don’t put off contacting us any longer. The sooner you reach out to our Topeka car accident law firm, the sooner we can start taking steps toward justice on your behalf.
