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Personal Injury

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.

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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.

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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!

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Injured due to a corporation's negligence? The personal injury attorneys at Morefield Speicher Bachman have your back.

Supreme Court Narrowly Upholds State Corporate Registration Law in Major Personal Jurisdiction Case

On June 27, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld a Pennsylvania law that allows out-of-state corporations to be sued in Pennsylvania courts simply by registering to do business in the state. The case, Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co., involved a Virginia resident who worked for Norfolk Southern in Virginia and Ohio. After he was diagnosed with colon cancer, he sued Norfolk Southern Railway – a North Carolina corporation, in Pennsylvania state court. Norfolk Southern argued that the Pennsylvania court did not have personal jurisdiction over it because it had no other contacts with the state. The Supreme Court disagreed, holding that the Pennsylvania corporate registration law created sufficient minimum contacts with the state to justify personal jurisdiction. The Court reasoned that by registering to do business in Pennsylvania, a corporation consents to being sued in Pennsylvania courts for any claims arising out of its activities in the state. The Mallory decision is a significant victory for plaintiffs who are injured by out-of-state corporations. It makes it easier for plaintiffs to sue these corporations in their home state, where they may be more likely to succeed. The decision also has implications for businesses that register to do business in multiple states. These businesses should carefully consider the implications of the Mallory decision before registering to do business in any state. The corporate registration law in Kansas will likely make corporations registered there subject to lawsuits in the state. What does this mean for businesses? The Mallory decision means that businesses that register to do business in a state may be subject to personal jurisdiction in that state for any claims arising out of their activities in the state. This includes claims that are unrelated to the business’s registration activities. Businesses should be aware of the implications of the Mallory decision when registering to do business in any state. Many companies do business throughout the country and will be required to register to do business in those states.  What does this mean for plaintiffs? The Mallory decision makes it easier for plaintiffs who are injured by out-of-state corporations to sue these corporations in their home state. This is because the decision allows plaintiffs to establish personal jurisdiction over out-of-state corporations based on their registration activities in the state. Plaintiffs should be aware of the Mallory decision and should consider whether it may be helpful in their case. Our Attorneys Can Help If you have been injured by an out-of-state corporation, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. The attorneys at Morefield Speicher Bachman have extensive experience handling many types of personal injury cases. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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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.

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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.

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