Car Accidents

Evidence-gathering starts right after a car accident, though it may be the last thing on your mind. Before you leave the scene, do your best to: - Write down what happened so you can relay the details later. - Take photos of the accident scene, including skid marks, debris, the cars involved, and anything that could help show how the accident happened and how severe it was. - Get contact information from witnesses who might be able to testify on your behalf. - Write down the names and badge numbers of the police who respond to the scene. After leaving the scene, you will want to track the effects of the accident on your life. You should always seek medical attention after a crash, even if you feel you have not been injured. Some injuries do not appear until hours or even days later, especially those that are internal. Save all your photos, receipts, and reports from law enforcement, medical professionals, auto repair shops, and anyone you may have visited due to your accident. If an insurer calls, we recommend you do not speak to them—enlist our team to handle communications so your rights are protected.

Insurers in Missouri must abide by a pure comparative fault rule. This means accident victims can pursue compensation even if they were partially at fault for the crash. Unlike some states that follow comparative fault rules, Missouri allows injury victims to file a claim regardless of how much at fault they were for an accident. When comparative fault is applied to your case, the percentage at which you are determined to be at fault will be deducted from the initial recovery amount, whether that be an award or a settlement. For example, if you were injured by a driver who was texting, but you made an illegal lane change, it could be argued that you share 10% fault for the accident. If your initial recovery for the accident was $100,000, the 10% would be deducted, leaving a final recovery of $90,000.

Insurance companies like to settle fast and for as little as possible. They may try to apply pressure to get you to agree to a settlement that is far below the true value of your claim. Or, they may try to convince you to admit a portion of the blame. It is best to avoid engaging in conversation with them for this reason—refer any insurance company representative to our team for help with maximizing your recovery.

Most auto accident claims are resolved outside of court through settlements negotiated between your car accident attorney and the insurance company. Should the insurance company refuse to pay the full value of your losses and damages, we may recommend taking the case to trial. At Presley & Presley, we have the dedication and expertise to successfully go to trial if necessary. Our experienced personal injury lawyers have successfully handled countless court battles against big companies. We will always keep you updated regarding the status of your case and help you make informed decisions about what to expect and how best to proceed.

While it’s relatively easy to determine fault for a car accident that only involves two vehicles, when multiple cars are involved, filing for compensation becomes much more complex. One or more drivers might be held accountable for the pile-up, resulting in a heated battle between different insurance companies. Typically, the problem with multi-vehicle accidents is that everyone tends to point the finger at someone else. This can slow down the process of determining fault and securing the compensation you need. This is not a problem for the skilled team at Presley & Presley. We conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, analyze the police report, and put together a case showing why we believe certain parties should be held liable for a multi-vehicle accident. We are specialists at unraveling intricate claims to make sure your rights are protected.

Our goal at Presley and Presley is to help you receive the justice and support you need. Contact us at our Kansas City offices today to discuss your case in a free initial consultation. We are ready to show the insurance company that you’re serious.