WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER I’M IN AN ACCIDENT IN KANSAS CITY?

Believe it or not, the decisions you make shortly after an accident can seriously affect your ability to recover compensation. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you sustain injuries in a Kansas City-area accident: REPORT THE ACCIDENT Call 911 to report a traffic accident, notify your employer if you get hurt on the job, or notify a property owner if you get hurt on someone else’s property. DOCUMENT THE SCENE Take pictures of the location of the accident, your physical injuries, damage to nearby property, and anything else that might be useful to your attorney down the line. DON’T APOLOGIZE Saying you’re sorry can be interpreted as an admission of guilt, and you want to avoid that at all costs. Sharing responsibility for an accident can seriously jeopardize your ability to recover damages in a Missouri personal injury case. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY Getting to the closest hospital in Kansas City right away will help ensure that all of your injuries including broken bones, brain injury, and trauma are identified and treated. Your visit will also help to create a time-stamped record of your injury, which can be critical in proving that it was caused by your accident. CALL A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY IN KANSAS CITY FOR HELP Don’t speak to the insurance company, consider a settlement offer, or take any other steps before you’ve had the time to speak with a personal injury lawyer near you in Kansas City. Hiring a lawyer levels the playing field and helps ensure that your legal rights are respected. It also puts you in the best position to win your case and maximize your financial recovery.

WHEN SHOULD I HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER?

Under Missouri state law, you’ll typically have just five years to file a personal injury lawsuit, so it’s important to hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. If you haven’t filed a claim by the fifth anniversary of your accident, you’ll forfeit the right to demand compensation for your injuries and suffering. Of course, there are times when a different statute of limitations will apply to your case. For instance, wrongful death actions must be filed within three years of a victim’s death. In addition to preserving your right to seek compensation, hiring an attorney right away can increase the odds of a meaningful financial recovery. Your attorney can begin to investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a claim on your behalf immediately. This can be critical to success, as evidence can get lost or forgotten, and witness memories tend to change over time.

HOW DO I PROVE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

It depends on the basis of your claim. In Missouri, most personal injury lawsuits involve negligence. Negligence essentially means that you’ve sustained injuries (and damages) because of someone else’s careless or unreasonable actions. In a negligence action, you’ll have to prove four things: Duty of care: The defendant in your case owed you a duty of care. Breach of duty: The defendant breached this duty of care in some way. Causation: The defendant’s actions or inaction caused you to get hurt. Damages: You have experienced damages. For example, let’s say you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in Kansas City. You were rear-ended at an intersection and the driver who hit you was texting at the time of the crash. You suffered whiplash and broken bones in the collision. You’d have to prove the other driver owed you a duty of care (all motorists assume a duty on the road), they breached it (because they were texting and driving), their conduct caused an accident (you wouldn’t have been rear-ended and injured if they were paying attention), and you’ve suffered damages as a result. In Missouri, you’ll have to prove your personal injury claim by a preponderance of the evidence. In other words, your case—as supported by facts and evidence—has to be more likely true than not for you to win.

WHAT KIND OF COMPENSATION CAN I GET IF I’VE BEEN HURT IN A KANSAS CITY ACCIDENT?

Compensation generally falls into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are awarded to put you back in the financial situation you were in before your accident. Examples include: Medical bills Lost wages Disability Rehabilitation Therapy Nursing assistance Property damage Out-of-pocket costs Economic damages can be paid to compensate for present costs and expenses that you’re likely to experience in the future. However, they must be backed by invoices, bills, receipts, pay stubs, and other documentation. Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the trauma and suffering that your injuries might cause. Examples include: Pain and suffering Emotional distress Loss of consortium Disfigurement Lost quality of life Post-traumatic stress disorder Insurance companies will want to undervalue your claim, especially your non-economic award. Our personal injury attorneys in Kansas City will work closely with experts and specialists as we navigate your case to make sure that doesn’t happen. Expert insight can help us fully understand how your accident and injuries affect your life, today and in the future. This knowledge will allow us to leverage a financial award that accurately reflects what your Kansas City personal injury case is worth.

CAN I STILL RECOVER COMPENSATION IF I’M PARTLY TO BLAME FOR AN ACCIDENT IN MISSOURI?

Yes, you can receive compensation as long as you’re not entirely at fault for the accident. However, sharing responsibility for your accident will affect how much money you can receive when your case is resolved. Missouri is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that damages are reduced in direct proportion to your degree of fault. Let’s say you’re involved in a slip and fall accident in Kansas City and suffer damages of $100,000. You’re assigned 15 percent fault for the accident. Once comparative fault is taken into account, you’ll be entitled to up to $85,000 in damages. Insurance companies love to blame the victim. Negligent parties will be quick to point fingers instead of accepting responsibility. So, it’s important to prepare yourself for these tactics, which can seriously hurt your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. Our Kansas City personal injury attorneys will anticipate these types of claims and be ready to defend you at every turn, working tirelessly to ensure that you receive a fair and appropriate financial award.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO HIRE A KANSAS CITY PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?

We don’t want you to miss the legal help you need after an accident just because money is tight. When you choose Brown & Crouppen, you don’t pay anything unless and until our award-winning Kansas City personal injury attorneys win your case. We work on contingency, which means there’s no upfront cost to you. Our law firm assumes all of the risks of litigation. We only recover a percentage of your financial award when we win your case. It’s simple, and it allows you to get the help you need without added financial stress.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

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If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in or near Olathe, an attorney at Brown & Crouppen may be able to help you recover compensation for damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

To get started with your injury claim, call (816) 670-4701 or request a free case evaluation online. The personal injury attorneys at Brown & Crouppen Law Firm can help you build a strong case and recover financial compensation.

We’ve helped our clients recover over $1 billion in compensation since 1979. Whether you’ve been injured in an auto accident, while working on the job, or as a result of a slip and fall accident, our attorneys are here to help. And remember, there are no upfront costs or legal fees – we only get paid if you win.

The Midwest's Most Effective Injury Law Firm

Our Olathe personal injury lawyers are committed to justice and a client-focused approach. We’ll investigate the details of your case to establish liability, build a strong claim based on supporting facts, and handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf. If needed, we’re also prepared to go to trial. We aim to provide unparalleled legal representation to get the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovering.

Brown & Crouppen is one of the most respected names in Midwest injury law. Our skilled, trusted, and award-winning attorneys have what it takes to handle even the most complex cases. Call our law office today for more information.

Get started with a free consultation with one of our skilled Personal Injury Lawyers today.

Get the Best Injury Law Firm Serving Olathe

At Brown & Crouppen Law Firm, we have a proven track record of getting results for our clients. Our office is located in Kansas City and serves residents of Olathe. Because of our local presence, our attorneys know the laws in Kansas, the courts, and the judges. Along with our experience, we’re recognized as the Best Law Firm in St. Louis by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and named the Top Trial Lawyers in America by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Our managing partner, Ed Herman, fights for our clients’ rights. He won a Mid-America Emmy® Award in 2019 and 2020 and made the National Trial Lawyers “Top 100 Lawyers” list. Similarly, our attorney, Rachel Lawrence, has won high settlements for our clients, including a $100,000 payout for a hit-and-run accident. Managing partner Andy Crouppen regularly appears on “Great Day St. Louis” and “Show Me St. Louis” to provide viewers with legal guidance.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Read About Our Clients’ Experiences With Us

Our client testimonials speak for themselves about our firm’s responsiveness, compassion, and professional service. We’ve won numerous favorable case outcomes and brought positive changes to our clients’ lives. You can feel confident when choosing Brown & Crouppen because so many others have vouched for our dedicated firm.

Thank you, Brown & Crouppen Law Firm, your team is fantastic. Everyone is so nice. Unlike so many other law firms, they walk with you through every process. If you have a question or concern, they are right on it to assist you and always follow up afterward. These people genuinely care about their clients. They kept me updated at all times, answered questions, and would just check in with me to see how I was feeling. They have done a wonderful job, thank you again!

Tammy N.

“So far it’s been great. It seems like they really care and have ears open to really hear what their clients are talking about. I would recommend them to anybody. They care. They would come to your house and sit there with you!! If you want somebody that cares about you being in an accident and really wants to see you win and be taken care of, GO WITH BROWN & CROUPPEN!! Thanks for taking our case!!!!”

Alex C.

"Fantastic and caring lawyers who will work hard to make sure you are taken care of and receive payment for your injuries. Thank you Jason and your entire team that worked on my case."

Justin C.

Damages Available in Olathe Injury Cases

After an accident, several types of damages may be available to you and your loved ones. In a personal injury case, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the concrete losses that you sustain, including:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Out-of-pocket expenses
Property damage

Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for your more intangible losses, such as:

Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Loss of companionship
Permanent scarring and disability

Working with our Olathe injury attorneys may increase your chances of compensation. Below are a few case results we secured on behalf of our clients.

$750K Rear-end Accident Settlement: We secured a $750,000 settlement in under four months for a client who sustained a neck injury requiring surgery after a rear-end collision with a suspected drunk driver in Kansas.
$250K Bicycle Accident Settlement: We overcame the insurance company’s claim of full recovery to secure a $250,000 settlement for a client injured in a bicycle accident after a car made an improper left turn.
$100K Car Accident Settlement: Despite an initial $45,000 offer from the insurance company and a client with pre-existing conditions, our attorneys Tom Davis and Deborah Doak secured a $100,000 policy limits settlement for the client, who sustained a rotator cuff injury requiring surgery.

Successful Case Results

Brown & Crouppen has successfully represented clients in the Olathe area. In one motorcycle accident case, attorney Tom Davis secured a $200,000 settlement for a client who rear-ended another vehicle. Despite the police report indicating the client was speeding, Davis argued that the other driver was distracted while searching for a house.

The client sustained severe tibial and fibular fractures, which necessitated multiple surgeries and resulted in nearly $300,000 in medical expenses. Davis contended that even if the client bore most of the fault, the severity of the injuries warranted full compensation. Consequently, both the at-fault driver’s insurance and the client’s underinsured motorist coverage paid their respective $100,000 policy limits, totaling a $200,000 settlement.

You can review more of our case results to learn about our past successes.

How To Prove a Personal Injury Claim

To prove a personal injury claim, you must first establish negligence. In different scenarios, people have a duty of care to those around them, and falling short of this duty can constitute negligent behavior.

For instance, drivers on the road have a duty of care to other motorists and pedestrians to operate their vehicles safely. When someone is speeding and weaving in and out of traffic, ultimately causing a crash, these actions could be a failure to uphold their duty of care.

Once you have proven someone was negligent, you must show that their negligence directly caused your injuries. These injuries must lead to compensable damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

At Brown & Crouppen, our Olathe personal injury attorneys know how to build a strong case against the negligent party.

Types of Olathe Personal Injury Cases Our Team Handles

Our Kansas City law office, located at 2345 Grand Blvd #675, proudly serves Olathe and the surrounding areas of Johnson County. At Brown & Crouppen, our team of over 250 dedicated legal professionals brings deep experience and unmatched versatility to all types of personal injury cases.

Our Olathe injury lawyers have helped thousands of individuals throughout the Kansas City metro area recover the financial compensation they deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a concussion from a slip and fall or broken bones and spinal damage from a motor vehicle collision, know that you are not alone, and we are here to fight for you every step of the way. Some of the most common cases that our team takes on include the following:

Car accident cases are especially common among our Olathe clients. In 2023 alone, the city saw over 2,300 auto collisions. Regardless of the type of accident you find yourself in, we are here to help. Our attorneys can assist in identifying whether you have an eligible case and begin collecting compelling evidence to secure compensation.

Get Started on an Olathe Injury Claim With Help From Brown & Crouppen Law Firm

Our Olathe personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees or costs. At Brown & Crouppen, we only get paid if you win. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to the wrongdoing or negligence of another, get help from the personal injury lawyers at Brown & Crouppen.

Getting started with your case by calling (816) 670-4701 or request a free case evaluation online from our legal team. Our attorneys can help determine if you’re eligible to pursue legal action, and can help you build a strong claim to recover financial compensation.

Birmingham
Blue Springs
Blue Summit
Claycomo
Gladstone
Independence
Hyde Park
Lee’s Summit
Lenexa
Liberty
North Kansas City
Northeast Kansas City
Overland Park
Parkville
Pendleton Heights
Platte City
Raytown
River Bend
Riverside
South Kansas City
Sugar Creek

Frequently Asked Questions

When To Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Hiring an attorney for a personal injury case can offer many advantages. They can help prove the two primary points required to win compensation:

That somebody was negligent
That negligence caused your injuries

Additionally, your lawyer can keep track of all documentation, evidence, and laws impacting your case, like the statute of limitations. Other benefits of hiring an attorney include:

Saving time and effort
Increasing the chances of maximum compensation
Having protection from insurance companies
Having extensive experience and legal advice

How Long Do I Have To Start My Personal Injury Case?

If you’ve been injured in Olathe or surrounding areas in Kansas, you have 2 years to file an injury claim. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, which varies by state. This time limit begins on the date of the accident or the date the injuries were discovered. Those who miss the deadline will be unable to pursue legal action and financial compensation.

How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

Most personal injury cases settle for approximately $55K. However, settlements vary based on many factors, and your compensation may be higher or lower than the average.

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

Often, personal injury cases are resolved within 1 year after the claim is filed. Similar to settlement amounts, many variables can affect the timeline, such as the severity of injuries and the length of medical treatment.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

OUR OFFICE

Brown & Crouppen Law Firm

Address: 2345 Grand Blvd #675, Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone: (816) 670-4701

LOCATIONS

Arnold Office

Edwardsville Office

Fairview Heights Office

Related Practice Areas

Our Results

Truck Accident settlement collision
with tractor trailer

$390,000

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Slip & Fall settlement

$300,000

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Car accident settlement

$250,000

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TESTIMONIALS

“I have never needed an attorney before this accident, I am very grateful for their help. They work with you and help you to the people you need in a timely fashion. Their services so far have exceeded my expectations. they are always available to help quickly and a high level of professionalism”

“Absolutely loved B&C. They did everything in their power to help me and as quickly as they could. I was dealing with a car wreck and this was my first time doing something like this and they made it less stressful for me. Definitely will go back if I need to!”

“All Brown and Crouppen employees were kind and thoughtful. All questions were answered promptly . I could relax knowing I was in capable hands. I will be happy to use this law firm again if needed. If I hear of anyone needing legal assistance because of an injury, I will highly recommend Brown and Crouppen”

Have you suffered an injury?

Call Brown & Crouppen at (816) 670-4701 for a FREE consultation

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Olathe Personal Injury Lawyers

The Midwest's Most Effective Injury Law Firm

The Midwest's Most Effective Injury Law Firm

Get the Best Injury Law Firm Serving Olathe

Read About Our Clients’ Experiences With Us

Damages Available in Olathe Injury Cases

Successful Case Results

How To Prove a Personal Injury Claim

Types of Olathe Personal Injury Cases Our Team Handles

Get Started on an Olathe Injury Claim With Help From Brown & Crouppen Law Firm

Frequently Asked Questions

When To Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

How Long Do I Have To Start My Personal Injury Case?

How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

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