Car Accident Attorneys in Liberty & Kansas City, Missouri
Car accidents often have drastic consequences for those involved. Even when victims survive, they are likely to feel the effects of the accident for years to come, from chronic pain and lost income to mounting medical expenses and the inability to return to work.
Insurance companies claim they will take care of you after an accident, but their goal is to settle your case for as little as possible. You need experienced representation from attorneys who have spent decades negotiating against these companies and who know the tactics they use.
At Dougherty & Holloway, we have been successfully negotiating with insurance companies for full compensation for our clients' injuries for more than 30 years. During that time, we have obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for car accident victims throughout Missouri and Kansas.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The moments and days after a car accident can be confusing and overwhelming. Here are steps you should take to protect yourself and your potential claim:
If you or another person is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Your health is the first priority.
If you are able, obtain contact and insurance information from the other driver. Report the accident to the police and note the report number for later reference.
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries. If you are unable to do this, ask someone nearby to help.
If an insurance company representative approaches you after the accident, do not sign anything before consulting with an experienced attorney. There may be multiple relevant forms of insurance coverage that apply to your situation, and we can help identify them and determine how they can be used to cover your expenses.
Car Accident Cases We Handle
- Rear-end collisions
- Intersection and stoplight accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact and T-bone crashes
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Distracted driving accidents (texting, phone use)
- Drunk driving accidents
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
- Accidents involving road hazards or poor conditions
How We Handle Your Car Accident Case
Review Your Case
We sit down with you to review the events surrounding your accident, educate you on all of your options, and explain the process.
Investigate
We consult with state and local authorities, investigate all available evidence, and determine where the fault lies.
Assess Your Injuries
We work with your medical team to document the full extent of your injuries, including future treatment needs and long-term impact on your quality of life.
Fight for Compensation
We negotiate with insurance companies for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs related to your injuries.
Car Accident FAQ
What should I do if the other driver does not have insurance?
Missouri requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but not all drivers comply. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys can review your policy and identify all available sources of recovery.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of a car accident case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the available insurance coverage. Ed and Phil will evaluate the specifics of your case during a free consultation.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
In most cases, the first offer from an insurance company is significantly lower than what your claim is worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle quickly and cheaply. Having an experienced attorney negotiate on your behalf often results in substantially higher compensation.
Can I still file a claim if the accident was partially my fault?
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your damages.
Related Practice Areas
Request a free consultation or call (816) 891-9990.
About Dougherty & Holloway, LLC
Dougherty & Holloway, LLC is a personal injury law firm based in Liberty, Missouri, serving clients throughout Kansas City, Clay County, and the surrounding communities in Missouri and Kansas. Our partners, Ed Dougherty and Philip Holloway, bring more than 70 years of combined trial experience to every case we handle.
We focus exclusively on personal injury law, including car accidents, motorcycle wrecks, semi-truck collisions, traumatic brain injuries, medical malpractice, wrongful death, slip and fall, nursing home abuse, product defect, construction site, highway and guardrail, and other personal injury claims. Every consultation is free and confidential, and we work on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Ed and Phil personally handle every case from intake through trial. You will never be passed off to a junior associate or a call center. To learn more, read who we are, review our verdicts and settlements, or contact us directly. You can also request a free consultation online or call (816) 891-9990.