Your advocate in workers’ compensation and personal injury law.
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Your advocate in workers’ compensation and personal injury law.
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Automobile injuries can be quite severe, and many aren’t obvious at the time of the accident. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention immediately to ensure that what looks like a small problem isn’t a big one. Get the facts in the “Kansas personal injury fact sheet” and read on below to prepare for your personal injury case.
When you get into an automobile accident, almost any part of your body may be injured. The most common injuries we see are soft tissue injuries, internal injuries, emotional distress/ psychological injuries, and orthopedic injuries.
Soft tissue injuries occur when the soft tissues of the body (muscles, tendons, or ligaments) experience trauma. Soft tissue damage can look like swelling, soreness, discoloration, and a limited range of motion to the injured area. The most common types of soft tissue damage we see in automobile accidents are sprains, strains, bruises, and whiplash.
Internal injuries are any injury that occurs inside your body, such as to your skeleton or internal organs. These injuries can be difficult to diagnose after an accident, which is why it is important to have a medical expert check you as soon as possible. Watch out for symptoms such as pain, fatigue, thirst, nausea, bruising, symptoms of shock (lethargy, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, weakness), and blood in your urine or stool.
Emotional distress and psychological injuries can be feelings of stress, panic, and anxiety that stay with you long after the accident has occurred. Tell your medical professional if you experience car accident flashbacks, nightmares about the crash, feelings of hopelessness, depression, suicidal thoughts, mood swings, or develop an intense fear of driving.
Orthopedic Injuries are any injury to your joints or bones. Herniated disks, bone fractures, and joint dislocations are all types of orthopedic injuries, but sprains and tears to the tendons attached to the bone also count. Because of this, orthopedic injuries can occur alongside or as part of soft tissue or internal injuries.
When you are in an automobile accident, you might be confused about what you need to do. If you are hurt at the scene of the crash, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. Your health and safety are the most important thing.
Once any immediate danger has passed, you’ll want to call an attorney as soon as you can. Always do this before giving a statement to the insurance companies.
There are also a few steps that you can take that will greatly help your case. If you’re able, be sure to:
Remember, while we can help you pursue the medical treatment you deserve by gathering up your medical records and medical tests, you are ultimately responsible for your own medical care. If you fail to obtain prompt medical treatment, your medical claim may be denied.
The length of your case will depend on how severe your injury is and your settlement value based on the price of your medical expenses and the type of treatment you receive. Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we’ll fight aggressively through the legal system to get you the justice you deserve.
You do not have to navigate your personal injury case alone. When you look for a personal injury lawyer, you’ll want to make sure they’re the right fit for you and your case. Look for a lawyer who:
Has a local presence. With a local firm, you can visit their office in person or by calling their local number. This makes it easier to keep up on your case and have your questions answered. We have offices located in Pittsburg, KS, Coffeyville, KS, Kansas City, KS, and Joplin, MO.
Has experience. Look for an attorney who has decades of experience and has helped clients with similar cases. It’s also important for them to have trial and negotiation experience. This means they have experience in getting cases settled or won no matter how hard they may be.
Has a personal touch. You aren’t just a case number, you’re a person, and you should be treated like one. A good attorney will make you feel comfortable by listening to you, answering your questions, and treating you with respect.
Our diverse team works hard to help those who need us. We never quit. We’ll fight for your rights and stay with you through the entire workers’ compensation process.
After a car accident, you should:
Call 911 and seek medical attention
Document the scene with photos and witness information
Avoid admitting fault
Contact a car accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies
Missouri generally allows five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence is strongest early, so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
In Kansas, the statute of limitations for most car accident and personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a claim within this timeframe, you may permanently lose your right to recover compensation. Because evidence can disappear quickly and deadlines are strictly enforced, it’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Compensation may include:
Medical bills (current and future)
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Emotional distress
You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can review your policy and pursue all available options.
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible—your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are found to be 50% or more responsible, you cannot recover damages. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Usually not. Initial offers are often far lower than the true value of your claim. Once you accept, you typically waive the right to seek additional compensation.
Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen over time. A lawyer can ensure your medical treatment is documented properly and help protect you if complications arise later.
Some cases settle within months, while others take longer depending on medical recovery, insurance negotiations, and whether a lawsuit is required.
Claims involving commercial vehicles are often more complex and may involve multiple insurance policies. Legal representation is especially important in these cases.
Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Legal fees are only paid if compensation is recovered for you.
Phalen Law Firm has multiple offices that are located in Kansas City, Pittsburg, KS, Coffeyville, KS, and Joplin, MO and we serve the broader population of those areas including: