Car accidents can be incredibly traumatic, leaving victims with serious injuries and overwhelming medical bills. In such situations, hiring a car accident lawyer in Kansas City can make all the difference in getting the justice and compensation you deserve. But why is it so important to have legal representation? And what evidence do you need to prove liability in a car accident case? With help from our Kansas City lawyers, we can dive into these questions and explore the importance of hiring an attorney in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident.

Call Holman Schiavone Law, LLC today at 816-399-5149.

Understanding the Importance of Proving Liability

When it comes to recovering compensation for your injuries and damages after a car accident, proving liability is essential. Liability refers to the legal responsibility of another party for causing the accident and the resulting injuries. Without establishing liability, it can be challenging to hold the responsible party accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Proving liability requires significant evidence, as insurance companies and defense attorneys will often try to shift the blame onto the victim. This is where having a Kansas City car accident lawyer from Holman Schiavone Law, LLC becomes incredibly valuable. We have the legal knowledge, experience, and resources to gather and present the evidence necessary to establish liability.

The Process of Proving Liability

One crucial aspect of proving liability is determining the cause of the accident. Car accidents can occur due to various factors, such as driver negligence, mechanical failures, road conditions, or even weather conditions. Identifying the specific cause is vital in holding the responsible party accountable.

For example, if the accident was caused by a drunk driver, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and breathalyzer test results is needed to establish the driver’s liability. On the other hand, if the accident occurred due to a defective car part, evidence such as expert opinions, product recalls, and maintenance records may be necessary to prove the manufacturer’s liability.

Once the cause of the accident is determined, it is crucial to gather evidence that directly links the responsible party’s actions or negligence to the injuries and damages suffered. This evidence can include photographs of the accident scene, medical records, expert testimonies, and any other relevant documentation.

Additionally, establishing liability requires a thorough understanding of the legal principles and standards that apply to car accidents. Laws regarding negligence, duty of care, and traffic regulations vary from state to state, and a Kansas City car accident lawyer can navigate these complexities to build a strong case on your behalf.

Proving liability often involves negotiating with insurance companies and defense attorneys who may try to minimize their client’s responsibility. Having a skilled attorney by your side can level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

How a Kansas City Car Accident Attorney Can Help

At Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, our car accident attorneys in Kansas City play a pivotal role in helping individuals involved in auto accidents navigate the legal complexities and challenges that often follow such incidents. Our experience extends across various aspects of a car accident case, and our primary goal is to advocate for our client’s rights and best interests. Here’s a closer look at the essential roles and responsibilities of our Kansas City car accident attorneys:

  • Legal Counsel: Our car accident attorneys advise clients, guiding them through the complex legal processes and explaining their rights and options. We assess the unique circumstances of each case to determine the best course of action.
  • Investigation: The attorneys at Holman Schiavone Law, LLC conduct thorough investigations into the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, and medical records. This evidence helps build a strong case for our client.
  • Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often aim to minimize payouts. An attorney from our law firm handles all communication and negotiation with insurance companies, ensuring that clients receive fair compensation for injuries and damages.
  • Determining Liability: Our car accident attorneys assess liability and determine who is at fault for the accident. This is a critical aspect of the case, as it directly impacts the compensation the injured party may be entitled to receive.
  • Medical Care Coordination: We may assist clients in finding appropriate medical care and treatment, ensuring that their injuries are properly documented, which is crucial for building a strong case.
  • Filing Legal Claims: If negotiations with the at-fault party or insurance company do not result in a fair settlement, our attorneys can file a lawsuit on behalf of our client and represent them in court.
  • Evidence Presentation: During legal proceedings, we will present the collected evidence, question witnesses, and argue our client’s case persuasively to secure the best possible outcome, whether it’s a settlement or a court judgment.
  • Recovering Compensation: The primary goal of our car accident attorneys is to recover the compensation for our clients. This includes seeking damages for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
  • Legal Compliance: We ensure that all legal documents, filings, and deadlines are met in accordance with Kansas City and Missouri state laws, preventing potential complications or legal pitfalls.
  • Support and Advocacy: Beyond the legal aspects, our car accident attorneys provide emotional support and advocacy for clients, helping them navigate the stress and challenges that often come with recovery from a car accident.

A Kansas City car accident attorney from Holman Schiavone Law, LLC serves as a legal advocate and resource for individuals who have been involved in car accidents. Our role encompasses legal representation, investigation, negotiation, and litigation, all aimed at securing the best possible outcome and helping our clients rebuild their lives after a traumatic event.

Gathering and Preserving Vital Evidence

One of the essential tasks of a Kansas City car accident lawyer is gathering and preserving crucial evidence to prove liability. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key pieces of evidence that can strengthen your case.

Witness Statements: An Essential Piece of the Puzzle

Eyewitness testimony can provide valuable insight into what happened before, during, and after the accident. Your lawyer will interview witnesses, obtain their statements, and include their accounts in your case file. These statements can help corroborate your version of events and contradict any conflicting narratives.

For example, imagine a witness who saw the accident unfold from their apartment window. They can provide a detailed account of the sequence of events, the speed at which the vehicles were traveling, and any other relevant information that can support your case. Their statement can serve as a powerful piece of evidence in establishing liability.

Accident Reports and Police Investigations

Obtaining a copy of the accident report filed by the responding police officer is crucial. This report contains important details, such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as statements from involved parties and any citations issued. Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly analyze the report for any discrepancies or errors that can be used to strengthen your case.

In addition to the accident report, your lawyer may also conduct an independent investigation to gather more evidence. This can involve visiting the accident scene, taking photographs, and speaking to any potential witnesses who were not included in the police report. By going the extra mile to gather additional evidence, your lawyer can build a stronger case on your behalf.

Medical Records: Linking Injuries to the Accident

Medical records are vital in establishing the extent and nature of your injuries. Your Kansas City car accident lawyer will gather all relevant medical records, including hospital bills, diagnostic tests, treatment notes, and expert opinions. These records provide solid evidence linking your injuries to the accident, strengthening your claim for compensation.

For instance, imagine you sustained a severe back injury in the accident. Our attorneys will collect medical records that show the diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis provided by medical professionals. We may also consult with medical experts who can testify about the long-term effects of such an injury and the associated costs of medical care and rehabilitation.

Surveillance Footage and Dashcam Videos

In today’s digital age, surveillance footage and dashcam videos can play a significant role in proving liability. Our attorneys will investigate whether any nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or witnesses captured the accident on video. These visuals can provide undeniable video evidence of how the accident occurred and who was at fault.

For example, imagine a nearby store had security cameras that recorded the accident. The footage can show the exact moment of impact, the actions of both drivers leading up to the collision, and any other relevant details. By obtaining and analyzing this footage, our legal team can present a compelling visual representation of the accident, leaving little room for doubt.

Vehicle Damage Analysis

Examining the damage to the vehicles involved can also yield valuable evidence. Our lawyers will consult with experts who can reconstruct the accident and determine the speed, force, and angle of impact. This analysis can help establish who was responsible for causing the collision.

For instance, imagine a rear-end collision where the force of impact caused significant damage to the rear of your vehicle. By working with accident reconstruction experts, we can demonstrate that the other driver was following too closely or failed to brake in time, resulting in the accident. This expert analysis can provide objective evidence to support your claim.

Phone Records and Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, often caused by phone use while behind the wheel, is a common factor in car accidents. Our attorney will investigate whether the other driver was using their phone at the time of the accident. Obtaining phone records can prove their negligence and strengthen your case.

For example, imagine the other driver was texting or talking on their phone when the accident occurred. Our Kansas City car accident lawyers can subpoena their phone records, which will show the timestamps of calls or messages sent/received around the time of the accident. This evidence can establish that the other driver was distracted and not fully focused on the road, contributing to the collision.

Establishing Negligence: Driver Behavior and Violations

A car accident lawyer from Holman Schiavone Law, LLC will thoroughly examine the actions of all parties involved to establish negligence. We will investigate whether the other driver was speeding, running a red light, driving under the influence, or engaging in any other reckless behaviors. Proving negligence is crucial in securing compensation for your injuries and damages.

For instance, imagine the other driver was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Our legal team can gather evidence such as police reports, breathalyzer test results, and witness statements to establish that the driver’s impaired state directly contributed to the collision. This evidence can strengthen your case and potentially lead to punitive damages being awarded.

Gathering and preserving vital evidence is a critical aspect of building a strong car accident case. By utilizing various sources of evidence, such as witness statements, police and accident reports, medical records, surveillance footage, vehicle damage analysis, phone records, and establishing negligence, our Kansas City car accident lawyers can present a compelling argument in your favor. Remember, the more evidence you have, the stronger your case becomes.

The Timeline of Filing a Car Accident Claim

One important factor to understand is a statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim. This is a strict deadline that varies from state to state, usually ranging from one to three years. Hiring a car accident lawyer early on ensures that your personal injury claim is filed within the appropriate time frame, protecting your right to seek compensation.

Contact Our Skilled Kansas City Car Accident Attorneys Today

Consulting with a Kansas City car accident lawyer from Holman Schiavone Law, LLC can provide you with the guidance needed to navigate the legal complexities of your case. We will gather and preserve crucial evidence, handle all legal aspects of your case, and fight tirelessly to secure your best interests. With legal support from our personal injury law firm, we can present the necessary evidence to establish liability, ensuring that you recover the compensation you are entitled to. 

Call Holman Schiavone Law, LLC at 816-399-5149 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Kansas City today.