Highway 71 serves as a north-south corridor through Kansas City, stretching from the downtown loop through the city as Bruce R. Watkins Drive. This heavily traveled route sees its share of serious accidents, especially where it intersects with other major highways and navigates through densely populated urban areas. When high-speed traffic meets negligent driving, the consequences can be severe.
Common Causes of Accidents Along the Highway 71 Corridor
Several factors contribute to accidents on Highway 71 every year, such as:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones, adjusting GPS systems, or eating while navigating Highway 71’s busy lanes create serious collision risks for everyone sharing the road.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Drivers can travel along the highway at excessive speeds, while aggressive lane changes and tailgating are common during congested rush hours.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make Highway 71 even more treacherous. If drivers don’t reduce their speed, wet or icy conditions can quickly lead to skidding and loss of vehicle control.
- Construction Zone Hazards: Work zones require construction crews to narrow traffic down to fewer lanes, forcing drivers to merge. These unexpected bottlenecks catch drivers off guard.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment, making it impossible for drivers to navigate Highway 71 safely.
- Mechanical Failures: Tire blowouts, brake failures, and other vehicle malfunctions can cause drivers to lose control and veer into other lanes, which can be dangerous when a car is traveling at highway speeds.
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File a Claim After a Kansas City Highway Accident
Who Pays for a Highway 71 Accident in Kansas City?
When an accident on Highway 71 leaves you injured and struggling, you deserve compensation for your damages. Fortunately, you have legal options to recover what you’ve lost. Missouri operates under a fault-based insurance system when filing a car accident lawsuit, meaning the party responsible for causing your accident must pay for your damages.
Depending on how your accident happened, multiple parties may share liability:
- The at-fault driver and their insurance company
- The at-fault driver’s employer if they were working at the time of the crash
- Government entities responsible for highway maintenance if poor road conditions contributed to the accident
- Trucking companies for driver negligence or improper vehicle maintenance
- Vehicle manufacturers if mechanical defects caused the crash
What to Do If You Are Injured on Highway 71
Highway accidents can be scary and dangerous. When a collision happens, move to a secure location if possible and call 911 immediately. If your vehicle is blocking traffic, turn on your hazard lights and try to get your car to the shoulder. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even for seemingly minor injuries.
If you’re safely out of traffic’s path, document everything while the scene is still fresh. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident happen.
Finally, contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance adjusters. Your specialized personal injury lawyer in Kansas City will handle all communications and paperwork so that you can focus on healing and recovery.
Contact Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe Today
Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe has helped Kansas City families navigate these challenging situations for years. Our attorneys focus on securing the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the long road to recovery ahead. After seeking medical care, contact us at (816) 876-2600 today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.