A serious crash can leave a profound impact on a victim, wreaking havoc physically, emotionally, and financially. Navigating the post-accident maze of insurance companies, mounting medical bills, and complex legal intricacies can feel like an insurmountable task. However, you don’t have to face it alone. At Monge & Associates, our devoted team of Wichita car accident attorneys are ready to stand beside you. Leveraging our comprehensive knowledge of Kansas laws and an unwavering dedication to protecting accident victims’ rights, we pledge to provide unparalleled legal representation and steadfast support for our clients facing these challenging times.
No matter the extent of your injuries – from minor to severe – we are prepared to fiercely fight for your rights and tirelessly pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve. Don’t hesitate, contact our Wichita car accident attorneys at Monge & Associates today to discuss your case and take the crucial first step towards recovery and justice.
Wichita Car Accident Resources
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Leading Causes of Car Accidents
Why Do Car Accidents Occur in Wichita?
Proving Fault in a Car Accident Claim
Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim
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Leading Causes of Car Accidents
Various types of car accidents can occur due to a range of factors. Some common types of car accidents that we see at Monge & Associates include:
- Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a vehicle strikes the back of the vehicle in front of it. Rear-end collisions can result from tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
- Intersection Accidents: Accidents that happen at intersections often involve one vehicle colliding with another that is crossing or making a turn. Failure to yield, running red lights, or distracted driving are common causes of intersection accidents.
- T-Bone Collisions: Also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, these occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another at a right angle. T-bone accidents often happen at intersections and can cause severe injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of vehicles.
- Head-On Collisions: These accidents involve two vehicles colliding front-to-front. Head-on collisions often occur when a driver crosses into oncoming traffic lanes, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact. These accidents can occur during lane changes or when one vehicle drifts into another’s lane.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: These accidents involve a single vehicle that crashes into an object, such as a tree, pole, or barrier. Single-vehicle accidents can result from various factors, including driver error, adverse weather conditions, or road hazards.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Pileup accidents involve multiple vehicles colliding with each other, often in rapid succession. These accidents commonly occur on highways or in adverse weather conditions with reduced visibility.
Our car and truck accident attorneys in Wichita are familiar with the most common types of collisions and they injuries they may cause. We are prepared to help you assess your legal options and pursue the course of action that is most appropriate for your situation.
Why Do Car Accidents Occur in Wichita?
Our Wichita car accident attorneys handle cases involving various causes of car accidents. Some common causes we see include:
- Distracted Driving: The use of cell phones, texting, eating, grooming, or any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road can result in serious accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Defective vehicle components or poor maintenance can result in brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or other mechanical issues that may lead to accidents.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for the road conditions reduces a driver’s ability to react to potential hazards, increases the risk of losing control, and magnifies the severity of accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Engaging in aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, erratic lane changes, excessive speeding, or running red lights poses a danger to others on the road and can cause accidents.
- Fatigue: Drowsy driving can have similar effects to driving under the influence, impairing a driver’s alertness and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Road Defects: Poorly designed or maintained roads, inadequate signage, potholes, or other road defects can contribute to accidents and make the responsible governmental entity liable.
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring traffic signs or failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections can lead to collisions, especially in scenarios such as left turns or merging onto highways.
- Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, often leading to devastating accidents.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, or other adverse weather conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Negligent Drivers: Negligent actions, such as failing to check blind spots, improper lane changes, sudden stops, or improper turns, can cause accidents and result in injuries.
How is it Possible to Prove Fault in a Car Accident Claim?
Proving fault is a crucial aspect of car accident claims. To establish liability and demonstrate that another party was at fault for the accident, several key elements need to be considered and proven by your Wichita personal injury attorney:
- Duty of Care: The first step in proving fault is establishing that the other party owed a duty of care to you. In car accident cases, all drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely and adhere to traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: It must be demonstrated that the other party breached their duty of care. This can involve showing that they acted negligently, recklessly, or in violation of traffic regulations. For example, they may have been speeding, texting while driving, or driving under the influence.
- Causation: It must be established that the other party’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and subsequent injuries. This can be done by presenting evidence such as witness testimonies, police reports, photographs, or video footage from the scene of the accident.
- Damages: To have a valid claim, it is necessary to prove that you suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. These damages may include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that fault can be shared among multiple parties. The percentage of fault assigned to each party can impact the amount of compensation they are entitled to receive.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim?
In Wichita, car accident claims are subject to a statute of limitations, which sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit after an accident. It is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations as failing to file a claim within the specified timeframe can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, in Kansas is generally two (2) years from the date of the accident. This means you have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
However, there are certain exceptions and variations to the statute of limitations that can apply in specific circumstances. For example, if the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit may be different.
Contact Our Wichita Car Accident Attorneys Today
In the wake of a car accident, taking action promptly can be an important determination for your likelihood of success in your claim. Amid the onslaught of medical bills, insurance discussions, and legal complexities, you may feel too overwhelmed and paralyzed to take action. That’s where our team here at Monge & Associates steps in. Our dedicated team of skilled Wichita car accident attorneys can help to shoulder your legal burdens and guide you through this difficult period.
Our mission is to fight for your rights and relentlessly pursue the maximum compensation to cover your injuries, damages, and losses. By contacting us, you’re taking a step towards achieving justice and restoring normality to your life. Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your case, and allow us to chart a course towards a favorable resolution. We’re here for you.