Our Kansas City Texting and Driving Accident Lawyers Answer Your FAQ
Texting while driving is one of the most reckless things you can do, but despite the well-understood risks, we see more distracted driving accidents than ever.
At Wendt Firm, our texting and driving accident lawyers are prepared to do what it takes to secure maximum compensation in your case. Navigating the legal system alone is overwhelming for most people, and after a distracted driving accident, you need to focus on your recovery.
When you agree to representation from a driving accident attorney at Wendt Law, you can rest easy knowing that everything is being handled with due care and diligence. We pride ourselves on our approach to the attorney-client relationship meaning we will always keep you updated, and will always be available to answer your queries.
We understand how important it is that you feel confident and secure in your legal team. We offer a free initial consultation so that you can seek answers to your questions and speak to your potential attorney before you agree to representation.
Call our law office today at (816)-531-4415 for a free consultation.
Why Hire a Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer?
- Our Kansas City distracted driving attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience dealing with car accident cases.
- We are prepared to fight for your rights in court where a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Samuel Wendt has received many awards for his services to personal injury law, including Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyer every year since 2008.
- We work on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay anything unless we are successful, and our fee will be taken as a percentage of your eventual settlement.
- We offer a free consultation to anyone who has been a victim of a Kansas City distracted driving accident.
What Are the Things That a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Could Do for Me?
A distracted driving crash can lead to devastating and life-altering injuries. Victims should focus on their recovery, and seek legal representation to fight for compensation on their behalf. Not only does this save time and stress, car accident claims with representation usually end up with a bigger settlement, even when legal fees are considered.
Deal With Insurance Companies
For one, a lawyer will protect you against insurance companies. Insurance companies didn’t get to be as big as they are by paying out large amounts of compensation. They hire insurance adjusters whose job is to devalue your claim. Never accept a settlement before speaking to an insurance claims attorney, once you do you will forfeit your right to claim more.
Maximize Compensation
Your attorney at Wendt law will have in-depth knowledge of Missouri and Kansas distracted driving laws. They will use their skills and experience to prove fault and secure maximum compensation. While financial compensation for damages such as medical bills and lost wages might be easy to quantify, your attorney will make sure that you are also fairly compensated for your pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment.
Evidence Your Claim
Your attorney at Wendt Law will guide you on every step of your claim, and keep you informed throughout. They will get to work quickly to protect evidence such as CCTV footage, police reports, eyewitness statements, and mechanic reports. They will also approach experts such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your claim if necessary.
Distracted Driving Laws in Kansas City
Although many states have a complete ban on handheld devices, there is currently no statewide ban on cell phone use in Kansas. That means you can make calls while driving unless you have a learner’s permit or an intermediate license. However, like the vast majority of other states, texting while driving is always illegal, other than via a wireless communication device.
On the other hand, in Missouri, current law only prohibits people 21 and under from using a handheld device while driving, who could be punished with a $200 fine and two points against the driver’s license. Commercial drivers are legally able to use their handheld devices, including reading, writing, or sending a text.
Just because it might be legal to talk on your phone while driving, it doesn’t make it safe. Furthermore, if you are found to be distracted driving and you cause an accident then you could still be held liable for damages.
What Types of Accidents Are Caused By Texting and Driving?
Texting while driving can cause any type of accident. However, the most common are rear-end accidents, this is because distracted drivers are more likely to use their cell phones in stop-and-go traffic. While these types of accidents can only cause minor damages, if a distracted driver was driving at high speed, then the resulting damages can be devastating.
Other common types of distracted driving accidents include T-bone crashes, wrong-way accidents, crosswalk collisions, head-on collisions, and turning accidents.
In the worst-case scenario, they cause wrongful death. If you have lost a loved one in a distracted driving accident then you can claim compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income to a family household, and more. No amount of money can make your loss easier, but you should not have to face financial burdens because of someone else’s negligence.
Injuries Caused By Texting and Driving Accidents
Texting and driving causes car accidents that are completely avoidable. This is frustrating when victims are left with severe injuries such as:
- Spinal injuries
- Brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Wrongful death
At Wendt Law, our car accident lawyers are dedicated to personal injury. By specializing, we ensure that we have all of the resources necessary to help our clients. We will ensure that your past and future medical bills are considered, as well as any home adjustments, lost earning potential, and compensation for your emotional suffering.
Are You in a Fault or No-Fault State?
Before you file an injury claim, you should be aware of whether you are in a fault or no-fault state.
Kansas is a no-fault state and Missouri is a fault state. In Kansas, your insurance company will cover some of your damages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if you have serious injuries, and your policy does not cover the extent of your damages, then you can still file a claim against an at-fault party.
On the other hand, Missouri is a fault-based state, which means that you can always hold the at-fault party accountable.
FAQ
What is the fine for texting and driving in Kansas?
In Kansas, the fine for texting and driving is just $60. Considering the devastation it can cause, this seems very lenient. However, you can hold distracted drivers responsible by proving their liability for your damages.
How many fatalities are caused by texting and driving?
According to the NHTSA, over 400 fatal crashes happen each year as a result of texting while driving in the United States. The problem is not just caused by young or novice drivers, distracted driving facts show that it is an increasing problem in all age groups.
Is texting and driving a moving violation in Kansas?
Yes, texting while driving is illegal for all drivers in Kansas.
Can you get pulled over for texting and driving in Missouri?
If you are over the age of 21, then texting while driving is not a violation in Missouri. However, if you are driving dangerously then you could still be pulled over.
Contact a Kansas City Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer
If you have been in a car accident with a distracted driver then you deserve compensation for your injuries. Hiring high-quality representation could be the difference between getting by with a lowball settlement and securing the full amount you deserve.
With over 50 years of combined experience and a commitment to personal injury cases. Our team at Wendt Law has what it takes to go above and beyond for your case.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation at (816)-531-4415.