A car accident can disrupt every aspect of your life, which is why both Kansas and Missouri have laws in place that allow injured people to recover compensation after these collisions. Through a properly filed claim, you may be entitled to compensation for ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, and more—although the specifics will vary based on your case circumstances. The best way to value your car accident claim is to consult with an attorney, but here is an overview of the damages you may be entitled to receive.
Medical Expenses
When you are injured in a car accident, you deserve compensation for all medical costs related to your injuries. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any necessary care in the future. Even seemingly minor injuries can result in significant medical bills, and some conditions may require ongoing care for months or years after the accident. Your Kansas City car accident lawyer will work with medical professionals who can assess your long-term needs and determine the value of your future treatment.
Lost Income and Future Earnings
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. This includes time missed for medical appointments and reduced hours due to your accident. For serious injuries resulting in permanent disability or diminished capacity, you may also recover damages for future lost earnings. Your attorney will work with life care planners and economic experts, who will consider your age, occupation, education, skills, and employment history to evaluate how your injuries will impact your long-term financial future.
Property Damage
You are entitled to compensation for damage to your vehicle and other personal property affected by the accident. Your settlement typically covers vehicle repair costs or the fair market value of your car if it’s deemed a total loss. Additionally, you can recover compensation for personal items damaged in the collision, such as electronics, clothing, or other valuables.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond tangible economic losses, you may recover compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life resulting from your injuries. These non-economic damages acknowledge the physical discomfort, mental anguish, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment you experience following an accident. Courts and insurance providers use different methods to calculate pain and suffering damages, so it is important to work with an attorney who can help recover what you deserve.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving extremely reckless or egregious conduct, both Missouri and Kansas courts may award punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior in the future. These damages are reserved for cases involving drunk driving, excessive speeding, or other forms of willful misconduct.
Find Out What Your Car Accident Claim Is Worth
Many car accident victims settle for far less than what their case is truly worth, leaving them struggling with long-term expenses. The Kansas City injury attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe will carefully evaluate your damages and secure full compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Let us handle the insurance companies while you focus on healing. Contact us at (816) 876-2600 for a free consultation with our Kansas City car accident lawyers.