Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer

Hurt in a Wreck? Mike’s Got This! 

A sudden crash on I-435 or I-70 does more than just cause injuries; it instantly pits you against an insurance company focused on one thing: protecting its bottom line. Their goal is to minimize your claim, not to ensure your full recovery. This means that to secure the compensation you are legally owed for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, you need a powerful advocate to fight back on your behalf.

You need an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer who understands these tactics and has the resources to counter them effectively. At DM Injury Law, our role is to level the playing field. We are a team of trial-tested attorneys dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and recovering the maximum compensation for our clients.

Our motor vehicle accident attorneys in Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, handle all types of cases, including:  

• Distracted driving accidents 
• Drunk driving accidents 
• Fatal car accidents 
• Hit-and-run accidents 
• Rear-end accidents 
• Uber and Lyft accidents 
• Uninsured motorist accidents 

If you have been injured, contact us today for a free, no-obligation review of your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.

Your Car Accident Questions Answered:

• Why Choose DM Injury Law for Your Kansas City Car Accident Claim
• Our Car Accident Case Results 
• How Common Are Car Accidents in Missouri?
• Common Causes of Car Accidents in KC 
• Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Kansas City Car Accident?
• Laws Affecting Car Accident Claims in Missouri
• Laws Affecting Car Accident Claims in Kansas
• Time Limits for Filing Car Accident Claims
• Compensation Available in a Kansas City, Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit
• What Should I Do After a Car Wreck?
• Car Accident FAQs
• Schedule Your Free Consultation

Call (816) 888-7500 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Why Choose DM Injury Law for Your Kansas City Car Accident Claim

When you’re choosing a law firm, you’re choosing a partner for one of the most challenging journeys of your life. You need a team with the resources of a big-time firm but the personal touch of a local advocate who genuinely cares. At DM Injury Law, we offer exactly that. We combine our deep Midwestern roots with a powerful, nationwide reputation for success.

Clients across Kansas City and beyond choose us because we provide:

• A History of Results: We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for accident victims. This track record gives our clients peace of mind and sends a clear message to insurance companies: we are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation possible.
• Personalized Attention: You are not a case number to us. We believe in building real relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your unique situation, your goals, and your concerns, tailoring our legal strategy to fit your specific needs.
• A Large Support Team: When you hire DM Injury Law, you don’t only have the help from an expert lawyer, you also get a support staff of investigators, case managers, medical records specialists, and more to help you throughout your KC car accident claim.
• The Power to Fight Back: We level the playing field. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their profits. We provide you with the firepower to fight back, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

We handle every aspect of your claim, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, taking your case to trial. Let our team stand by your side and fight for you.

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Our Car Accident Case Results 

The attorneys at DM Injury Law have helped thousands of clients receive millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts. No matter how difficult the situation may be, you will have a team that will fight for the justice you are owed. 

Take a look at some of our successful case results, and see how we can help you: 

• $11,000,000: Our client’s son was killed in a work zone after the driver of a company truck fell asleep at the wheel and hit him. 
• $8,800,000: Our client suffered a brain injury after an accident with a defective vehicle. 
• $4,600,000: Our client sustained a traumatic brain injury and broke multiple bones after being ejected from the passenger seat during an accident. 

How Common Are Car Accidents in Missouri?

While every driver hopes for a safe journey, the unfortunate reality is that serious and fatal car accidents are a daily event on Missouri’s roads. State officials at the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) are actively working to combat this through their “Show-Me Zero” initiative, a plan aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities.

Despite these efforts, the statistics reveal a persistent and tragic problem. According to the latest preliminary MoDOT data:

• Last year alone, Missouri recorded 955 traffic fatalities.
• While this number was a slight 3.6% decrease from the year before, it highlights the staggering human cost of accidents across the state.
• The danger continues. The first quarter of this year saw an increase in fatalities compared to the same period in 2024, with 201 lives lost.

Additionally, the Missouri Traffic Crashes 2022 Report states in 2021, the Kansas City area, particularly Jackson County, experienced some of the highest rates of traffic-related deaths in Missouri. This includes:

• 111 traffic fatalities in Jackson County. 
• 44% increase in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities from 2012 to 2021, with 77% occurring in urban areas. 
• 34.3% of fatal crashes involved speeding. 
• 23.1% of fatal accidents involved alcohol or drugs. 

What do these numbers mean to you? They mean that on any given day, lives are being changed forever by preventable accidents. Behind every statistic is a family grappling with sudden loss or a person facing a long and difficult recovery from serious injuries. 

When a crash happens, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be daunting. Our firm exists to help victims and their families navigate these challenging times and fight for the justice they deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in KC 

Car accidents can occur in an instant, but their consequences can last a lifetime. Our Kansas City car accident attorneys learn the exact cause of your accident so we can build a strong case. 

The most common causes of accidents we see include: 

• Distracted Driving: This dangerous habit includes activities like texting, eating, or using a GPS that take a driver’s attention off the road. 
• Drunk or Intoxicated Driving: This refers to incredibly negligent incidents caused by drivers operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: This involves driving at unsafe speeds or engaging in careless, dangerous behavior on the road, like swerving or changing lanes without a signal. This can also include road rage. 
• Dangerous Road Conditions or Faulty Vehicles: These accidents can be caused by poorly maintained roads or malfunctioning vehicles. 
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: These types of wrecks happen when people blow through intersections without stopping at red lights or stop signs. 

No matter the cause, our car crash attorneys and support staff in KCMO and KCK work tirelessly to determine fault, gather evidence, and build a strong case for you. Schedule your free consultation. 

Test Your Knowledge: Take Our Who Caused This Car Accident Quiz 

Common Injuries from Car Accidents 

If you’ve been injured, no matter how minor or major, you deserve justice and compensation for your expensive medical bills. Our Kansas City auto accident attorneys will fight tooth and nail to secure the maximum settlement to help you move forward with your life. 

Some of the most common injuries from car wrecks include: 

• Back injury 
• Brain injury 
• Burn injury 
• Broken bones 
• Disfigurement or loss of limbs 
• Paralysis 
• Spinal cord injury 
• Whiplash 
• Wrongful death 

Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Kansas City Car Accident?

After a car accident, you will likely be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster very quickly. They may sound friendly and concerned, and they might make what seems like a fast, reasonable settlement offer. It can be incredibly tempting to accept it, especially when medical bills are starting to pile up and you’re out of work.

However, it is almost always a mistake to accept the first offer.

You must understand the insurance company’s goal: to protect its profits by paying out as little as possible on your claim. The first offer is a business tactic. It’s calculated to be just high enough to seem appealing but far less than the true value of your claim.

Here’s why that initial offer is so low:

• It Doesn’t Account for Future Medical Needs: When an adjuster makes a quick offer, you likely haven’t completed your medical treatment. You may need future surgeries, physical therapy, long-term medication, or rehabilitative care. The first offer will not include these future costs, leaving you to pay for them out of your own pocket down the road.
• It Ignores the Full Scope of Lost Wages: You may know how much income you’ve lost so far, but what about the future? If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or limit your ability to earn a living in the long term, this “loss of earning capacity” is a significant part of your claim that the first offer completely ignores.
• It Drastically Undervalues Your Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life you experience are real, compensable damages. Insurance companies have no incentive to value these non-economic damages fairly in an initial offer. They hope you’ll take the quick cash and forfeit your right to full compensation for your suffering.

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you can never go back and ask for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be far more serious than you initially thought. Before you speak to an adjuster or sign any documents, talk to an experienced Kansas City car accident attorney at DM Injury Law. We can help you understand the true, long-term value of your claim and will handle all communications with the insurer to protect you from their tactics.

Call (816) 888-7500 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Laws Affecting Car Accident Claims in Missouri

In Missouri, several key statutes will directly influence how your case proceeds and how compensation is awarded. Our attorneys understand these laws and use them to build the strongest possible case for our clients.

Missouri’s At-Fault Insurance System

Missouri is an “at-fault” state, which means that the person (or party) who is legally responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying for the resulting damages. This is different from “no-fault” states, where your own insurance policy covers your initial losses regardless of who caused the crash.

In an at-fault system, you have three primary options for seeking compensation after a crash caused by someone else’s negligence:

1. File a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance company.
2. File a claim with your own insurance company (if you have applicable coverage like collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage).
3. File a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver in civil court.

Because the other driver’s fault must be proven, it is crucial to gather strong evidence from the very beginning. This includes police reports, witness statements, photos of the scene, and medical records. Insurance companies will often try to dispute fault to avoid paying a claim. Our job is to build an evidence-backed case that clearly establishes the other party’s liability.

Shared Fault in Missouri

What happens if the insurance company argues that you were also partially to blame for the accident? Missouri follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule to handle these situations.

This rule means that you can still recover damages even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, let’s say the court determines you were 20% responsible for the crash (perhaps you were speeding slightly when a drunk driver ran a red light and T-boned you). Under pure comparative negligence, your award would decrease by your 20% of fault.

Insurance companies are experts at using this rule to their advantage. They will look for any reason to shift blame onto you to reduce the amount they have to pay. A skilled car accident lawyer is essential to fight back against these false accusations and protect the value of your claim.

Take a look at the comparative fault laws.

Laws Affecting Car Accident Claims in Kansas

In Kansas, several key statutes will directly influence how your car accident case proceeds and how compensation is awarded. Understanding these laws is the first step toward building the strongest possible case.

Kansas’s No-Fault Insurance System

Kansas is a no-fault state, which is a significant difference from at-fault states like Missouri. This means your own car insurance policy is your first source of compensation for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.

Every driver in Kansas is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

After an accident, you file a claim with your own insurance company to access your PIP benefits, which cover initial expenses like:

• Medical and hospital bills
• Lost wages
• Rehabilitation costs

However, the no-fault system does not let the at-fault driver is completely off the hook. If your injuries are serious enough, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim or lawsuit against the driver who was actually responsible for the crash.

To do this, you must meet one of two thresholds:

1. Your medical expenses related to the accident exceed $2,000.
2. You have suffered a serious injury, such as permanent disfigurement, a fracture of a weight-bearing bone, or a permanent injury.

Once you meet this threshold, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver for damages not covered by your PIP, most notably for pain and suffering.

Shared Fault in Kansas

What happens if the other driver’s insurance company argues that you were also partially to blame for the accident? Kansas follows a strict modified comparative negligence rule to handle these situations.

This rule states that you can recover damages from the other driver only if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.

• If your portion of the fault is 49% or less, your total compensation award will decrease by your percentage of fault.
• If your portion of the fault is determined to be 50% or more, you cannot recover any compensation at all.

Insurance companies are skilled at using this 50% bar to their advantage. They will investigate every detail to try and shift enough blame onto you to deny your claim entirely.

This is why you want a skilled car accident lawyer to protect you from unfair blame and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Time Limits for Filing Car Accident Claims

The statute of limitations is a critical legal deadline. It is a law that sets a strict time limit on your right to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation in court forever.

Missouri

• Car Accident Claim: According to RSMo § 516.120, you have 5 years to file a car accident claim in Missouri. 
• Wrongful Death Claim: According to RSMo § 537.080, a family member has 3 years to file a wrongful death claim in Missouri.

Kansas

• Car Accident Claim: According to K.S.A. 8‑1604, you have 2 years to file a car accident claim in Kansas. 
• Wrongful Death Claim: According to K.S.A. 60‑513, you have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim in Kansas. 

While five years may seem like a long time, it is a mistake to wait. Key evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and it becomes much more difficult to build a strong case. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident allows us to begin our investigation immediately, preserving crucial evidence and putting you in the best position for a successful outcome.

Learn More: 

• Understanding Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Missouri 
• Understanding Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Kansas 
• Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit? 

Compensation Available in a Kansas City, Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to demand compensation for all of your losses. These losses, known as “damages,” are typically broken down into two main categories: economic and non-economic. Our goal is to meticulously document every loss you have suffered to ensure we are fighting for a settlement or verdict that truly covers the full extent of your damages.

Economic Damages are the tangible, calculable financial losses you have incurred, including:

• All past and future medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy)
• Lost wages and income from being unable to work
• Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries are disabling
• Property damage to your vehicle and other belongings
• Out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation to medical appointments

Non-Economic Damages are the intangible, personal losses that don’t have a specific price tag but are just as real and devastating. They include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish (anxiety, depression, PTSD)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once loved)
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium (damage to your relationship with your spouse)

In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you for a loss but rather to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

Learn More: Tips to Maximize Compensation After a Car Accident 

What Should I Do After a Car Wreck? 

The steps you take after a car accident are important. They can have major effects on the outcome of your case. It’s important to think before speaking and to gather as much information as possible. 

Follow these steps after being in a car accident: 

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries appear minor, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. A medical professional can identify underlying issues that may not be immediately visible and provide documentation that can be used as evidence and leverage while negotiating your case. 
2. Document the Accident: If it is safe and you’re able to, take detailed photos and videos of the accident scene, including any property damage, your injuries, and surrounding evidence. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as their statements may support your case later. 
3. Avoid Admitting Fault: Be cautious with your words after the accident. Even a simple “I’m sorry!” could be interpreted as admitting fault and used against you in insurance claims or legal matters. Stick to the facts when discussing the incident. 
4. Contact an Attorney: Reach out to our car accident lawyers in Kansas City for guidance. We will handle all aspects of your case, from dealing with insurance companies to gathering additional evidence, so you can focus entirely on your recovery. 

Learn More: 

• Why You Do Not Say Sorry After a Car Accident 
• How to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident 
• How to Obtain a Police Report After a Car Accident 

Kansas City, MO Car Accident FAQs

We know you have many questions right now. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from car accident victims in Kansas City.

What if The Driver Who Hit Me Was Uninsured or Fled the Scene?

This is a stressful and, unfortunately, common situation. If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurer to cover your damages. The same applies if the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your losses (this is where Underinsured Motorist, or UIM, coverage helps). We can help you navigate the process of filing a UM/UIM claim with your own insurance company.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer if The Accident Seems Minor?

Yes, it is always wise to consult a lawyer. Many “minor” accidents result in injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage that can develop into chronic pain days or weeks later. An insurance company will take your claim more seriously when you are represented by an attorney. A lawyer ensures you don’t unknowingly accept a lowball offer for an injury that turns out to be more significant than you first realized. A free consultation costs you nothing and can provide invaluable insight.

What Does Working on A “Contingency Fee” Basis Really Mean for Me?

It means you have absolutely no upfront financial risk. We cover all the costs of investigating and pursuing your case. You will not pay us a single dollar out of your own pocket. Our fee is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the total compensation we recover for you. To put it simply: If we don’t win your case, you owe us no attorney’s fees. This allows everyone, regardless of their financial situation, to afford top-tier legal representation.

Contact the Experienced Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers at DM Injury Law Today

You don’t have to carry the weight of this accident on your own. You have rights, and you have options. The most important step you can take right now is to get a powerful legal advocate on your side. At DM Injury Law, we are ready to stand up and fight for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve.

Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on healing. When you choose our firm, we will immediately get to work to:

• Conduct a comprehensive investigation into your accident.
• Gather all evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony.
• Calculate the full, long-term value of your claim.
• Handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies.
• Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Your future is too important to leave to chance or to place in the hands of an insurance company. Put our experience, resources, and dedication to work for you.

Call our Kansas City office now at (816) 888-7500 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation. We are here to help you move forward.

Call (816) 888-7500 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.