An automobile collision may turn a routine trip in Kansas City into a stressful nightmare in seconds. You might be shaken up, you might feel hurt, you might not know what to do next. The first few minutes count, but so do the days that follow. The first thing you should do if you are involved in a car crash in Kansas City, Missouri is to focus on your safety. Collect information, report the accident when necessary, get medical treatment and secure your documents. These basic steps will benefit you later with insurance claims and any legal complications.

Get to a safe place

Safety is first, paperwork is second. Missouri law compels drivers involved in a crash to stop. If your car is a traffic hazard, move it when you can do so safely. Otherwise, Missouri guidance says don’t move the vehicle until law enforcement tells you to do so. You should also help anyone who is harmed and call the police. If there is a significant injury contact 911. Never attempt to treat a serious injury yourself. There are the typical major roadways in downtown Kansas, such as I-29, I-35, I-70, I-435, and several bustling downtown streets. In seconds a stopped car can cause another crash. If you can turn on your hazard lights, do so and be alert to vehicles around you.

When you need to call the police

A police report can be a vital record following a mishap. Kansas City, Missouri has special crash reporting requirements. Missouri law mandates that a crash in the city that results in an injury, death or at least $500 in apparent property damage to one individual be reported immediately to the police department. You should tell officers the facts of what transpired. If you don’t know, don’t speculate on speed, distance or fault. Don’t dispute with the other driver at the scene. After a wreck, emotions can run high. Focus on safety and facts. Kansas City Police also has online reporting for some incidents. But not every crash gives that option, especially if someone is harmed. Call 911 in case of emergencies.

Exchange Information with Other Driver

Before you go, write down the basic facts you may need later. The Missouri Department of Revenue suggests drivers trade in:

• Name and address in full
• Driving license information
• Information about cars
• Plate number
• Insurance firm
• Policy Number of Insurance

If you can, take pictures of the insurance card and driver’s license. Note the manufacturer, model and color of each vehicle. Look around the scene too. Was there a traffic signal nearby? Any skids? Was the road wet? Any other automobiles stopped nearby? Details can go away soon.

Snap Pictures Before They Alter the Scene

Your phone is a handy resource after a car accident in Kansas City. Take broad photographs of the full crash scene. Now shoot close-up shots of the damage to each vehicle. Photograph traffic signs, lane markings, signals, road conditions, and damage to property nearby. If you have noticeable injuries, take pictures when you can. Save copies of the medical records and bills as they arrive. Don’t worry about getting the images flawless. Take sufficient pictures to demonstrate what happened. If witnesses observed the crash, obtain their names and contact information. A witness can recall anything the drivers overlooked.

Getting Help If You Are Feeling Well

Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Adrenaline can conceal pain for hours after a crash. Later, you may have neck discomfort, back pain, headaches and other symptoms. If you feel wounded or develop symptoms seek medical attention. A doctor’s visit also makes a record of your condition after the crash. Follow the treatment plan your health care physician gives you. Don’t disregard a problem because the vehicle damage seems to be minimal. A little ding is not usually a little wound.

Tell Your Insurance Company 

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as it is practically possible to do so. Provide basic facts regarding the crash Provide papers needed by the insurance Watch out for assertions about blame. You can explain what happened without speculation or taking responsibility until all the facts are available. Missouri law requires motor vehicle owners to carry liability insurance. The state now mandates at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident in liability coverage for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Bodily Injury Uninsured Motorist coverage is required in Missouri at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Coverage might get more complicated if the other motorist has no insurance or if there are other vehicles involved.

What if the Other Driver is Not Insured?

If you are hit by an uninsured driver, don’t think you have no options. Missouri law includes a procedure for some accidents involving uninsured motorists. The Department of Revenue says if an accident involving an uninsured motorist causes more than $500 in property damage or injury or death, it may need to be recorded. Your personal uninsured motorist policy may be relevant here, too. Read your policy, and check with your insurance to find out what’s covered. Retain any correspondence, email, bill, estimate and claim number about the crash. A folder on your phone or computer will save you a lot of hassle later.

Exercise Caution in Early Settlement Offers

An insurance company may call you shortly after the accident. You could be requested to provide a recorded statement or negotiate a settlement. Don’t rush. Before taking any money for your injury claim, be sure you know what the cash is for. Some injuries take time to diagnose and to treat. You may have limited capacity to seek extra money for the same injuries once a lawsuit is settled. If you have serious injuries, mounting medical bills, or the fault is in dispute, speaking with a Kansas City automobile accident attorney will help you understand your legal alternatives before you sign anything.

Maintain a Simple Accident File

One practical suggestion that is sometimes ignored is to keep everything in one location. In your file you may put:

• Information from police report
• Numbers of insurance claims.
• Pictures and Videos
• Medical records and bills
• Estimate for repairs
• Towing and rental car logs
• Lost Work Data
• Contact data of witnesses
• Correspondence with insurers
• Notes on pain and other symptoms

Write down the crucial occurrences while they are fresh. A short timeline can help when weeks or months have passed. Traffic crash reports can be requested from their records department, according to the Kansas City Police Department. The department said that reports are typically made public 20 business days following the incident.

Know Missouri’s Accident Reporting Rules

Two reporting difficulties should be noted by drivers. First, Kansas City has a city ordinance that requires quick notice to police of qualifying crashes. Second, Missouri has a unique state reporting process for some crashes involving uninsured motorists. Under Missouri law, a driver must file a written accident report with the police department within five days if the crash was not investigated at the scene by a police officer, and the accident was a qualifying accident that resulted in injury, death or at least $500 in apparent property damage. The Missouri Department of Revenue also has information on when an accident involving an uninsured motorist should be reported to the Driver License Bureau. The standards are based on the facts of the crash, so don’t assume that a report automatically meets every requirement.

When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Kansas City?

You don’t need a lawyer for every fender-bender. If you’ve been in a serious incident, someone has been killed, culpability is being challenged, you were in a multi-vehicle crash, or an insurance company is disputing your claim, legal guidance can be helpful. It may also be useful if you have significant medical bills, long-term treatment, lost income, or worries about uninsured driver coverage. A lawyer can look at the facts and tell you what claims may be available under Missouri law. Then you can decide on the next step that makes sense for you.

Bottom Line

Don’t Let Stress Push You Into Decisions After a Kansas City Car Accident Get Yourself to Safety. If you need help, ask. Report the accident. Transmit information. Get pictures. Seek medical attention. Inform your insurer and keep your documents. Most importantly, be sure you understand what happened before you sign away critical rights. A few thoughtful steps after the crash can make the road ahead a lot simpler to travel.

FAQ’s

1. Should I Call the Police After a Car Accident in KC, Missouri?

Short answer: Some crashes have to be reported to the police.

Detailed answer: Kansas City law mandates that anybody involved in a crash in the city that results in an injury, death or at least $500 in apparent property damage to one person give prompt notice. Missouri law has its own, unique reporting requirements.

2. Do I need to move my automobile after a Kansas City accident?

Short answer: move it if it poses a traffic hazard staying there.

Detailed answer: Missouri’s Department of Revenue recommends a driver move a car if it could cause another accident. Otherwise leave it where it is until instructed by law authorities.

3. Do I need to consult a doctor after a minor vehicle accident?

Short answer: If you have symptoms or worries or if you have pain, see a doctor.

Detailed answer: Some injuries from a crash may not be apparent. Medical care can also create a record of the symptoms and treatment related to the injury.

4. What if the other driver from Kansas City has no insurance?

Short answer: It is contingent upon your policy, although you may be covered by your uninsured motorist coverage.

Detailed answer: Missouri mandates uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage at the state minimum mandated limits. In addition, an accident involving an uninsured driver must be reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

5. When to call a Kansas City automobile accident lawyer

Short answer: If you’re dealing with injuries, or fault or insurance concerns, get legal advice.

Detailed answer: If you have serious injuries, a dispute about who was at fault, very high medical bills, lost wages, many vehicles involved or an uninsured motorist, a lawyer can help. If you get assistance early, you’ll understand your options before you accept a settlement.