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Injured in a slip, trip or a fall? Our personal injury lawyers are here for you.

Slip, Trip, and Fall: Premises Liability

Slip, trip, and fall accidents are common, and they can cause serious injuries. The owner or occupier of a property may be liable for a slip, trip, and fall accident if they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition that caused the accident. There are two main types of premises liability cases: negligence and intentional tort. Negligence is when someone fails to act as a reasonable person would in a given situation, while intentional tort is when someone intentionally causes harm to another person. In order to prove liability in a premises liability case, you will need to show that the property owner or occupier had a duty to keep the property safe, that they breached that duty, and that the breach of duty caused your injuries. For example, was the property owner aware of a hole in their pavement or were they aware of a slippery condition that was difficult to see and did they fail to warn of the dangerous condition. If you have been injured in a slip, trip, and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. Contact Morefield Speicher Bachman Today. At Morefield Speicher and Bachman, we can help you understand your legal rights and options, and we will fight for the compensation you deserve. Visit our website or call us at (913) 839-2808.

Injured in an accident? Our Kansas City area personal injury attorneys are here to help

How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take?

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering how long it will take to resolve your case. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and the willingness of the other party to settle. Factors that Affect the Length of a Personal Injury Case The following are some of the factors that can affect the length of a personal injury case: How severe are the damages?: More serious injuries typically take longer to resolve than less serious injuries. This is because it takes longer to recover from more serious injuries, and there may be more medical bills and lost wages associated with them. The complexity of the case: Some personal injury cases are more complex than others. For example, cases involving multiple defendants, product defects, or insurance coverage issues can take longer to resolve. The willingness of the other party to settle: If the other party is willing to settle your case quickly, your case will likely resolve more quickly. However, if the other party is unwilling to settle, your case may go to trial, which can take several years to resolve. Some insurance companies and their lawyers engage in delay tactics. The amount of insurance coverage available: If the insurance coverage is low and the damages are high, insurance companies are more likely to attempt and early settlement. When the insurance coverage is high or if the defendant has substantial wealth, the insurance company or defendant will have more incentive to fight hard and attempt to minimize what they have to pay. Average Length  The average length of a personal injury case is about two years. However, this is just an average. Some cases can take much longer and others settle quickly. If you have serious injuries, but there is very little insurance coverage, your case may settle rather quickly.  Can the Process be Sped Up? There are a few things you can do to speed up the process of your personal injury case: Get medical treatment as soon as possible: This will help to document your injuries and make it easier to prove your case. It will also help you obtain a more rapid recovery. Gather evidence: This includes collecting medical records, police reports, and witness statements if you do not have an attorney. If you have an attorney, you can make sure your attorney has the information they need to gather the critical evidence. Hire an experienced personal injury lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help you to navigate the legal system and get your case resolved as quickly as possible. Morefield Speicher Bachman Can Help At MSB, we understand the stress associated with being in an accident and are here to help every step of the way. Contact our personal injury attorneys today.

How to Avoid Being Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident

Drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States. In 2022, there were over 10,000 people killed in drunk driving accidents, roughly 28 people every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving is responsible for about 28% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. If you’re looking to avoid being injured in a drunk driving accident, there are a few things you can do. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs that someone is drunk, the dangerous times to drive, and the days you should avoid driving. Signs of Drunk Driving Drunk driving is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. If you see someone who may be driving drunk, it is important to be able to identify the signs.. These include: Slow or erratic driving A drunk driver may be driving too slowly, weaving in and out of their lane, or making sudden stops or turns. Aggressive driving A drunk driver may be tailgating, honking their horn excessively, or making other dangerous maneuvers. Drowsy driving A drunk driver may be nodding off at the wheel or have difficulty keeping their eyes open. Red, watery eyes A drunk driver may have red, watery eyes or dilated pupils. If you see someone who is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s best to avoid them and alert the police as soon as possible. Dangerous Times to Drive There are certain times of day when drunk driving is more common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most drunk driving arrests and accidents occur between midnight and 3 AM. This is likely due to the fact that many bars and parties close during this time, and people are more likely to be intoxicated. Additionally, people are often tired after a long day, which can impair their judgment and make them more likely to drive drunk. If you must drive during these times, be extra careful. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of any erratic drivers.  Days to Avoid Driving There are also certain days of the year when drunk driving is more common. Some of these include: New Year’s Eve Super Bowl Sunday Labor Day Memorial Day If you can, avoid driving on these days. Take public transportation or try to make plans near home. If you must drive, be sure to take extra precautions. Contact Our Kansas City Area Car Accident Attorneys Today By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of being injured in a drunk driving accident. Remember, never drink and drive. If you’re going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver or call a taxi. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident at the hands of a drunk driver, contact our Overland Park car accident lawyers today. We are here to help.

Injured? Our Kansas City area personal injury attorneys have you covered.

How to Find the Right Kansas City Area Personal Injury Attorney

When you’ve been injured in an accident, finding the right personal injury attorney is crucial. You need someone who has experience and a proven track record of success. At Morefield Speicher Bachman, we have 60 years of collective experience helping clients. We understand the importance of finding the right lawyer to handle your case. In this article, we will share some tips on how to select the best personal injury attorney for your situation. Knowledge The first quality to look for in a personal injury attorney is knowledge. The law can be complex, and it’s important for your lawyer to understand the ins and outs of legal statutes, case precedents, and other relevant information. An experienced personal injury attorney should have a thorough understanding of your rights under the law, as well as the legal process necessary for seeking compensation. To ensure this, verify that your potential attorney has graduated from an accredited law school and is licensed to practice law in your state. Also, check to see if your potential attorney has been recognized for skill by a peer- review organization.  Competence The next quality you should consider is competence. Your lawyer should have the skill and expertise needed to effectively represent you in court or arbitration. A competent attorney will have extensive experience handling cases similar to yours, as well as a successful track record of obtaining desired outcomes for their clients.  Compassion Another essential quality to look for in a personal injury attorney is compassion. While an aggressive attitude is important when defending your rights in court, a good lawyer will also show empathy towards their clients—and help them navigate through difficult times with understanding and kindness. At Morefield Speicher Bachman, our attorneys are skilled and compassionate.  Communication Finally, it’s important to find an attorney who is accessible and willing to take the time necessary to explain complicated concepts in plain language. Good lawyers don’t just offer sound advice; they provide clear communication throughout every step of the process so that their clients are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities at all times.  We Are Here To Help At Morefield Speicher Bachman, we are experienced personal injury lawyers who strive to provide our clients with the best possible representation. We take pride in being there for our clients every step of the way through their legal journey, ensuring their rights are protected through aggressive advocacy and personalized attention to each case. If you or someone close to you is looking for a qualified personal injury attorney in Kansas City, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!

If you have lost a loved one, our Overland Park wrongful death attorneys are here to help

Uncovering Causes of Wrongful Death: An In-Depth Look

Wrongful death cases can be complicated and emotionally charged. While it’s impossible to undo the tragedy of a loved one’s passing, filing a wrongful death claim may help bring closure and justice for those affected. At Morefield Speicher Bachman, we have handled many wrongful death cases over the years. In this article, we delve into the common causes of wrongful death and discuss how we have helped families seek closure and justice. Auto Accidents According to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the United States. In fact, over 42,000 people died from motor vehicle-related injuries in 2022 alone. Whether a loved one was killed as the result of an auto accident involving a car, motorcycle, or semi-truck—you may have grounds to file a wrongful death suit. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal system and ensure those responsible are held accountable. Medical Malpractice When people entrust their health to medical professionals they expect to be treated with the utmost care. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or healthcare professional fails to meet the standard of care and their action or inaction causes serious injury or death. On average per year in the United States, 10% of all deaths are the result of medical error and roughly 85,000 medical malpractice cases are filed each year. By filing a wrongful death claim against those at fault, families can recover financial compensation for their losses. Product Liability Defective products can cause severe harm if proper safety protocols aren’t followed by manufacturers. If someone you love has been wrongfully killed due to a defective product—such as children’s toys, furniture, electronics, motor vehicles, or equipment—you may be able to pursue legal action against those responsible with our help. We have years of experience handling product liability cases and understand how devastating these types of losses can be for families.  Social Host Liability, Dram Shop Liability, and Drunk Driving We have represented several families who have lost loved due to the actions of drunk drivers. We have successfully recovered money not only from the drunk drivers, but also those who served the driver with alcohol when the driver was already visibly intoxicated. If the driver was served with liquor at a private gathering, the person serving the alcohol may have social host liability. If the driver was served with liquor at a bar or restaurant, the bar or restaurant may have dram shop liability. The laws are Kansas differ from those in Missouri Construction Accidents Each year construction workers face danger on job sites both big and small. But when employers fail to adhere to safety regulations or provide adequate training it increases the risk of an accident occurring that could lead to death or injury. If your family has lost a loved one due to a construction accident caused by negligence—we are here for you every step of the way in pursuing justice and rightful compensation for what you’ve endured during this tragic time. Click here to learn about some of our success stories. Our Overland Park Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help At Morefield Speicher Bachman we understand how difficult it is when you lose someone close due to negligence or recklessness from another party—which is why we fight hard on behalf of our clients for rightful compensation and justice for them and their family members who have passed away too soon due to wrongful death causes like motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and construction accidents. Contact our Overland Park wrongful death attorneys today if you think you may have a wrongful death case so we can discuss your options going forward in seeking closure and justice after such an unexpected loss.

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact our Overland Park car accident attorneys today

Active Safety Technology: How it is Reshaping Our Roads

In the modern world, no one wants to experience the pain and suffering that comes with a car accident. As car manufacturers look for ways to make driving as safe and secure as possible, they are turning to active safety technology as a potential solution. This technology utilizes sensors, cameras, radar, and other features designed to detect potential hazards and take corrective action. In this article we’ll explore how this technology is reshaping our roads and reducing the number of car accidents. This technology is great, however, car accidents still continue to happen. If you have been injured in an accident, our Overland Park car accident attorneys are here to help you. What is Active Safety Technology?  Active safety technology is defined as “technologies designed to reduce the risk of a crash or mitigate its severity.” This includes features such as lane-departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and many more. While these features have been around for some time, they are becoming increasingly advanced and widespread across different car models. The Role of Automakers  Automakers are investing heavily in active safety technology as a way to make their cars safer and more competitive in the market. According to research from NHTSA, auto manufacturers spend about $6 billion each year on new technologies. As automakers continue to develop more sophisticated active safety features and make them more widely available, this investment could pay off in terms of reducing accidents. Impact on Car Accidents  Given the immense investment in active safety technology by auto manufacturers, it’s not surprising that this technology has had a significant impact on car accidents in recent years. One study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found that vehicles equipped with lane-departure warnings experienced 46% fewer single vehicle crashes than those without the feature. Similarly, cars with automatic emergency braking systems experienced 40% fewer frontal collisions than those without these systems. Ultimately, it appears that these active safety technologies can have a major role in reducing car accidents. This technology also impacts the legal profession, as lawyers now have access to more data than ever before. This allows for us to better represent our clients and get them the compensation and care they deserve. How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Despite improved technology, accidents still happen all the time. At Morefield Speicher Bachman, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve when recovering from an auto accident injury. Our attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and will work diligently on your behalf in order to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses. With our help, you can rest assured that all costs associated with your accident will be accounted for and addressed appropriately. If you have been injured in a car accident and require legal counsel, contact one of our car accident attorneys at Morefield Speicher Bachman today.

Navigating the Aftermath of Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a rear-end motorcycle accident, you are not alone. Each year, more than 5,000 people are killed in motorcycle accidents and more than 90,000 are injured. Knowing what to expect and the steps to take after an accident can help save your life and protect your rights. In this article, we’ll discuss the common injuries associated with rear-end motorcycle accidents and provide information on how to best handle the situation. If you’ve been hit from behind on a motorcycle, do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Common injuries  Rear-end motorcycle accidents can lead to a variety of serious injuries. Due to the nature of this kind of accident, head and neck injuries are some of the most common ones you will see. According to the National Safety Council, head and neck injuries accounted for 29 percent of all motorcycle fatalities in 2018. Other common injuries associated with rear-end motorcycle accidents include: Road rash: This is a common injury among motorcyclists due to their lack of protection when they are thrown from the bike. Road rash can cause significant pain, swelling, and skin discoloration. In more severe cases, road rash may lead to infection or nerve damage.  Broken bones: When you’re the victim of a rear-end collision, you may be thrown from your bike and suffer broken bones as a result. In addition to causing immense physical pain, it can also have significant financial repercussions due to time off from work and medical bills associated with recovery.  Spinal cord injuries: The spine is made up of many vertebrae that are highly vulnerable to injury in an accident. If your spine sustains trauma during a collision, it could lead to long-term complications such as paralysis or chronic pain. Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries are often permanent and require lifelong medical care.  Loss of limb: Rear-end collisions can cause traumatic amputations if limbs become trapped beneath the vehicle that hit you or were otherwise mangled in the crash itself. The loss of a limb can drastically alter your life as you adjust both physically and emotionally to this new reality.  Steps you can take after an accident What you do immediately after an accident may have a huge impact on how the accident will affect you inside and outside of the courtroom. Here are some steps you should take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation: Seek medical attention right away: It’s important not only for your health but also for any legal action you decide to pursue. This is because having timely records documenting your injuries will help build your case against the other party involved in the crash and clearly show the nature and the extent of your injuries. Notify law enforcement about the accident: Make sure that an official report is filed so that there is a public record indicating who was responsible for causing the crash (as well as any other details related to it).  Contact a qualified motorcycle accident attorney: You may be entitled to receive compensation from those responsible for causing your rear-end motorcycle accident. Having an experienced lawyer on your side will increase your chances of getting what’s owed to you legally under the law. A good attorney will also be able to guide you through any tricky legal situations by thoroughly explaining your rights along with providing helpful counsel throughout each step of proceedings. Contact Our Overland Park Motorcycle Accident Lawyers With decades of experience helping Kansas and Missouri residents who suffered severe motorcycle accident injuries, our Overland Park motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. We focus on helping our clients recover what they have lost and will fight aggressively to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in an accident, fill out a contact form or call us at (913) 839-2808.

Life Changes, Your Estate Plan Should Too

Life is full of changes, both expected and unexpected. From getting married, having children, buying a home, and retiring, our lives are constantly evolving. With each of these milestones come new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities. It’s important to remember that with each new stage in life, your estate plan should be reviewed and updated to reflect these changes. Ultimately, an estate plan is a set of legal documents that outline how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. It may also include instructions for your medical care and finances if you become incapacitated. Without a comprehensive estate plan in place, your assets may be distributed according to state laws, which may not align with your wishes. The process of creating an estate plan may seem overwhelming, however, Morefield Speicher Bachman will make it as easy and stress-free as possible for you. As your life unfolds and your lifestyle changes, we will proactively work with you to ensure you and your family have an estate plan that meets your unique needs today and in the future. Here are some common life changes that should prompt a review of your estate plan: Marriage and Divorce When you get married or divorced, your estate plan should reflect these changes. You may want to change the beneficiaries on your life insurance policy or retirement accounts to include your new spouse or remove your ex-spouse. Additionally, if you get divorced, you may want to update your will to reflect any changes in your wishes for distributing your assets. Birth or Adoption of a Child The birth or adoption of a child is an exciting time, but it also requires some important estate planning decisions. You may want to name a guardian for your child in case something happens to you and your spouse. Additionally, setting up a trust can help provide financial security for your child’s future. Purchase or Sale of Property If you buy or sell a home or other property, your estate plan may need to be updated. You might need to revise the designated recipients on your will or trust to align with any modifications in ownership of assets. You also could adjust your powers of attorney to coincide with any financial or health changes in your life. Retirement When you retire, your estate plan should reflect your new financial situation. Updating your will or trust to reflect any changes in your income, assets or expenses may be something you want to consider. Reviewing your designated beneficiaries on your retirement accounts may also be wise to guarantee they align with your wishes. Changes in Health If your health changes, your estate plan may need to be updated to reflect your new medical needs. For example, you may want to update your powers of attorney to ensure that your medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated. Life is full of uncertainties and changes, your estate plan should evolve with you. By reviewing and updating your estate plan regularly, you can ensure that your wishes are followed and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Our goal at MSB is to ensure that your earnings and legacy are handled with the care they deserve. Contact an experienced estate planning attorney to help you review and update your estate plan today.

Injured in a roundabout accident? Contact our car accident attorneys today.

Risky Roundabouts: How to Better Understand and Avoid Accidents

Roundabouts are an increasingly common feature of the modern roadway. But despite their convenience, roundabouts have their own set of dangers. That’s why it’s important for drivers to understand the risks associated with traveling through roundabouts so that they can make informed decisions behind the wheel. The team at Morefield Speicher Bachman wants to help you do just that by providing this comprehensive guide to understanding and avoiding roundabout-related accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident at a roundabout or any intersection, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The Pros and Cons of Roundabouts Roundabouts are becoming increasingly popular in the US due to their ability to reduce congestion, increase safety, and save money. They can also be a great way to control traffic flow if they’re designed correctly. However, they can be dangerous if drivers don’t take the time to understand how they work.  Here are some of the pros and cons associated with roundabouts: Pros: Improve traffic flow by eliminating congestion caused by stoplights  Improve safety because vehicles must slow down before entering  Can reduce emissions due to elimination of stop-and-go traffic patterns  Cost less to maintain than traditional intersections with stoplights  Cons:  Typically require more space than other types of intersections  Can be confusing for drivers unfamiliar with roundabouts or who are not paying attention  Poorly-designed roundabouts have been found to increase crash rates, resulting in higher insurance premiums  Dangerous for pedestrians to cross due to the size of the intersection and vehicles not stopping Understanding Roundabout Dangers and Causes of Accidents It’s important for you to understand the potential risks associated with traveling through roundabouts so that you can make informed decisions behind the wheel. The most common causes of accidents at roundabouts include: Inexperience – Drivers who are not familiar with how roundabouts work may try to pass through too quickly or fail to yield appropriately. This is especially common among inexperienced teenage drivers.  Driver Distraction – Many drivers become distracted as they enter a roundabout and fail to pay attention to where they need to go next. Drivers need to plan ahead as they approach a roundabout and they need to be aware of vehicles approaching from other directions. It’s important that all drivers stay focused while traveling through a roundabout in order to avoid an accident.  Speeding – Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents at any intersection, including roundabouts. It’s important for drivers to obey posted speed limits while making their way through a roundabout in order to minimize their risk of an accident. How Morefield Speicher Bachman Can Help At Morefield Speicher Bachman, we understand that navigating a busy roadway can be tricky, regardless of whether it contains a traditional intersection or a roundabout. Our Overland Park personal injury attorneys are committed to obtaining the maximum possible compensation for our clients. We are here to help guide clients through the challenging process of navigating a car accident and maintain a close line of communication with them throughout. In the event you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a roundabout accident, call (913) 839-2808 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Hurt in an accident and have an incorrect police report? Our Overland Park personal injury attorneys are here to help.

Know Your Rights: How to Handle an Inaccurate Police Report

If you or a loved one has been in an accident, it can be an overwhelming experience. While the police report may seem like the most reliable source of information, there are times when a police officer gets it wrong. From faulting you incorrectly to saying you were “not injured” when you were, here’s what those injured in an accident should consider if the police report isn’t accurate after an accident. If you have been injured in an accident and have to deal with an inaccurate police report, contact our personal injury attorneys today. Common Mistakes in Reports When someone is injured in an accident, the police report often contains important evidence. It is used by insurance companies and lawyers to either validate or discredit the merit of your claims. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the report to be wrong in key areas. Two particularly worrying examples involve: The police have wrongfully held you accountable in their report. Although this is concerning, an experienced attorney can speak with other witnesses to verify your account or even arrange for an accident reconstruction specialist to demonstrate that the crash was not your fault. The police report may suggest that you weren’t hurt in the accident. Don’t be discouraged—this isn’t necessarily detrimental to your case. Even if the police didn’t notice any injuries, they are not medical professionals. As long as your doctor supports your claim of being hurt in the incident, the police report won’t prevent you from proving your injuries in court. How People Can Protect Themselves What’s in the police report matters, but it is far from being the be-all and end-all when it comes to your case. When investigating an accident, the police report is only one of many sources of information. To ensure accuracy and develop strong proof of the incident, you can take additional steps such as: Seek medical attention immediately. It is common for accident victims to hurt much worse several hours after the incident or even a day later. If you have any concerns that you have suffered an injury in the accident, seek immediate medical attention. This helps prevent the insurance company from arguing that your injuries are unrelated to the accident. Cooperate with the police, but don’t admit fault. Many accident victims don’t want to get the other driver in trouble, so they minimize the conduct of the other driver. Don’t do that. It is important to be accurate in your police report. You do not want to be blamed for the errors of the other driver.  Request a copy of the report. You can contact the station either through its website or by phone. There is typically a nominal fee for this service; however, it’s worth it to thoroughly inspect the document and make sure there are no inaccuracies. Reach out to a lawyer who has successfully helped other accident victims. If you’re concerned by any inconsistencies or declarations in the report, consulting with an experienced attorney can save you hassle and time. Through discussing your worries with an attorney, you’ll be able to find out if these issues could lead to difficulties and precisely how to make sure they don’t negatively affect your claim for damages. We Are Here For You If you have been in an automobile collision and the official police report is wrong, it’s important to have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side. At Morefield Speicher Bachman, our lawyers offer free, private assessments to make sure you’re taking the proper steps with your injury case. Get in touch by calling us at (913) 839-2808.