Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an injury causing accident?

First make sure to address your medical needs.  No matter how insignificant your injury may seem, it is very important to get a full and complete evaluation by a medical professional.  Do not try to tough it out; some injuries do not begin to affect an individual until later. Any serious personal injury case should have a skilled attorney to protect the injured victim's best interests and future.

Be very careful about what you say to the police, insurance adjusters, and the other individual involved in the accident.  Carefully review the statement you gave to the police before you sign it, some statements can significantly hurt your case.  Do not speak with the other individual's insurance company or sign any agreements without first receiving the sound legal advice of your attorney.

What constitutes a valid personal injury case?

The surest way to determine the validity of your case is to consult a Kansas City personal injury attorney.  At Martin & Wallentine, we offer free consultations to all potential clients and will not charge any fees unless you receive compensation for your injuries.

A valid case usually entails that one individual was injured as a direct result of the reckless actions or negligence of another individual.  If you can trace the cause of your injuries or hardships back to another individual's specific action or inaction, then you have a valid case.  Injuries sustained do not have to be strictly physical.  They can include defamation of character, severe emotional distress, and extreme anxiety caused by fear for your safety.

How does a personal injury lawsuit work?

First your lawyer will gather all relevant documents and materials to establish the true extent of your injuries, what caused these injuries, and how these injuries will affect you in the future.  Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may hire experts to assist in accident reconstruction, economic forecasts to determine future medical needs and costs, and research on the responsible party.

Next your attorney will use this information to make a compensation demand from the insurance companies for monetary damages.  Your attorney will then negotiate with the insurance companies to reach an injury settlement.  If negotiations fail, your attorney will file a personal injury lawsuit.  Negotiations will continue with a greater scrutiny on all relevant information and personal testimonies.

If a settlement cannot be reached, the lawsuit will be brought before a judge and a jury will determine the outcome of the case.