A car accident in Hays can leave you reeling—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether it happened on I-70, at a busy intersection near Vine Street, or in a parking lot by Fort Hays State University, the aftermath is rarely simple. You may be dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and growing pressure from insurance adjusters. In a moment when you need answers, it can feel like you are being left to figure things out on your own.
At Bretz Injury Law, we know how disruptive a crash can be. Our firm has spent decades helping people across Ellis County take back control after serious accidents. If you or a loved one was hurt in a car wreck in or around Hays, you do not have to navigate the recovery process alone. We are here to guide you, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Hays Residents Trust Bretz Injury Law
When something as serious as a car accident turns your life upside down, the attorney you choose matters. You need a legal team that understands the law, but also understands your community—how people in Hays live, work, and travel. At Bretz Injury Law, we bring more than legal knowledge to the table. We bring a real commitment to the people of central and western Kansas.
Our attorneys take pride in delivering straightforward, responsive, and compassionate representation. Below are a few of the reasons why accident victims in Hays continue to put their trust in our firm.
A Kansas Firm Focused 100% on Injury Law
Unlike general practice firms that take a wide range of case types, Bretz Injury Law is entirely focused on personal injury and wrongful death claims. That exclusive focus means every case we take on benefits from years of deep experience with Kansas negligence law, insurance disputes, and civil litigation.
We know the tactics insurers use to reduce payouts. We know how to prove negligence under Kansas law. And we know how to build strong claims that hold up in settlement discussions or in front of a jury.
Trusted by Clients Across Ellis County
From Hays to Victoria, Walker, and Schoenchen, our firm has worked with individuals and families across Ellis County who were blindsided by a serious crash. We understand how injuries affect everyday life—from missed shifts at work to long drives for medical care.
We also understand how smaller communities function. Many of our clients are referred to us by friends, neighbors, or coworkers. That local trust is something we take seriously.
Recognized for Results and Client Service
Over the years, Bretz Injury Law has recovered more than $300 million in compensation for Kansas injury victims. But numbers are only part of the story. What matters to our clients is how we treat them—from that first phone call to the day their case is resolved.
Our attorneys and staff take the time to answer questions, explain legal steps, and keep you informed. That level of service has earned us statewide recognition for both results and client satisfaction.
You Speak With Your Attorney—Not a Call Center
We believe that if you are trusting a law firm with your case, you deserve direct access to the people working on it. At Bretz Injury Law, we do not route your questions through call centers or junior assistants. When you hire us, you work directly with an experienced attorney who knows your case and your goals.
Our firm limits caseloads so that every client receives personalized attention—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Local Crash Risks in Hays and Ellis County
Car accidents happen everywhere, but certain risk factors make collisions more likely in specific areas. In Hays and surrounding parts of Ellis County, we see a variety of accident causes tied to geography, traffic flow, and local infrastructure. Understanding these patterns helps us tailor our legal strategies and speak credibly about what our clients are up against.
If you were hurt in a crash anywhere in or around Hays, chances are we have handled a case under similar circumstances.
I-70 and 183 Corridor Accidents
Interstate 70 brings steady high-speed traffic through Hays, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle collisions, semi-truck crashes, and rear-end accidents at exit ramps. U.S. Route 183, including Vine Street, is another busy corridor prone to congestion, sudden stops, and lane-change collisions.
Accidents on these roads can involve out-of-state drivers, fatigued truckers, and local commuters—all adding to the complexity of liability.
Student and Campus Traffic Hazards
Hays is home to Fort Hays State University, which adds a significant number of student drivers and pedestrians to the road. This influx increases risk during the academic year, particularly near campus zones, crosswalks, and campus housing areas.
Distracted driving, inexperience, and unfamiliarity with local streets can all play a role in campus-area crashes.
Commercial Truck and Agricultural Vehicle Collisions
Hays is a hub for both regional commerce and agriculture. That means passenger vehicles often share the road with delivery trucks, grain haulers, and wide agricultural equipment. These large vehicles have limited visibility, long stopping distances, and blind spots that increase the danger for smaller cars.
We frequently handle cases involving commercial drivers and farm vehicles, which require a clear understanding of federal transport regulations and local roadway usage.
Rural Roads with Limited Visibility
Just outside the Hays city limits, drivers face rural roadways with narrow lanes, no shoulders, and minimal lighting. These conditions contribute to rollover crashes, collisions with wildlife, and serious injuries from vehicles leaving the roadway.
Emergency response times can also be longer in rural Ellis County, which affects both medical outcomes and the evidence-gathering process.
After An Accident, Put Our Team On Your Side.
Since 1997, we’ve fought for Kansas families after serious accidents and injuries. Let our team protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Start Your Free, No-Obligation ConsultationTypes of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Hays
At Bretz Injury Law, we have experience with all types of motor vehicle accidents—from relatively minor fender-benders to catastrophic multi-vehicle collisions. No matter the size of the case, our approach is the same: listen carefully, investigate thoroughly, and fight for the maximum compensation available under Kansas law.
Here are some of the common car accident scenarios we handle for clients in the Hays area.
Rear-End and Intersection Collisions
These accidents are especially common near Vine Street, 27th Street, and other high-traffic intersections in town. Even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, and back damage.
We gather witness statements, traffic light data, and vehicle damage reports to establish fault and pursue compensation.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If the driver who caused your accident fled the scene, you may still have options for recovery. We work with law enforcement, local businesses, and insurance carriers to identify at-fault parties or explore uninsured motorist coverage.
Hit-and-run victims often feel abandoned twice—once by the driver, and again by the system. We are here to stand in that gap and fight for you.
DUI-Related Crashes
Drunk and impaired driving remains a serious problem across Kansas, including in Hays. These cases require a firm that is ready to gather chemical test results, criminal records, and police reports to build a strong claim.
We hold impaired drivers accountable—and we pursue additional damages when recklessness is involved.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims
Not every driver carries the coverage they should. If the driver who hit you has no insurance—or too little to cover your damages—we can help you file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
These cases are often misunderstood, but they can be critical in helping you get the financial support you need.
How Kansas Car Accident Laws Affect Your Claim
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be confusing, especially when legal terms and deadlines are involved. Understanding how Kansas law applies to your situation is an important first step toward protecting your rights. Whether you were injured on I-70, Vine Street, or near Fort Hays State University, the same legal principles apply—and they can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.
You do not need to be a legal expert to take action, but knowing the basics of Kansas personal injury law can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Kansas Statute of Limitations
In Kansas, you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. For most car accident cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash.
If you fail to file your claim within that two-year window, you may lose your right to pursue compensation—no matter how strong your case may be. There are very few exceptions to this rule, and courts are strict about enforcing deadlines.
Acting early gives your legal team more time to investigate, preserve evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company. Waiting too long can jeopardize your entire case.
Modified Comparative Fault: What It Means
Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced—but you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, resulting in an $80,000 recovery. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation at all.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts. At Bretz Injury Law, we push back with evidence, expert testimony, and strategic legal arguments to make sure your role in the crash is accurately represented.
Insurance Company Tactics and Your Rights
After an accident, it is common to receive a phone call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They may seem helpful, but their goal is to protect their bottom line—not your recovery. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims by offering quick, lowball settlements or using your own words against you.
You have the right to decline giving a recorded statement. You are also not required to accept the first offer—or any offer—without legal advice. At Bretz Injury Law, we deal with the insurance companies so you do not have to. Our priority is to protect your rights and ensure your claim is taken seriously.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Hays
The hours and days after a crash can be disorienting. You may be in pain, worried about your vehicle, or unsure what steps to take next. The actions you take—or avoid—during this time can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal options.
If you have just been involved in a car accident in Hays or Ellis County, here are some essential steps to protect yourself.
Report the Accident and Get Medical Help
Always call 911 after a crash, especially if there are injuries or significant vehicle damage. Police will file an official report, which serves as an important record for your insurance claim and potential lawsuit.
Even if you do not think you are seriously hurt, it is important to see a doctor. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal damage may not be immediately obvious. Prompt medical attention also creates documentation linking your injuries to the crash.
Protect Your Rights—Avoid Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly and ask to record your statement. Politely decline. These recordings are often used to reduce or deny your claim.
Instead, speak with an attorney first. We can communicate with insurers on your behalf and make sure your words are not taken out of context.
Save Evidence and Track Expenses
If possible, take photos at the scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and save all documents related to the accident—medical bills, repair estimates, prescriptions, and time missed from work.
Organizing this information early makes it easier to calculate your damages and support your claim later.
Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible
The sooner you get legal guidance, the better. An experienced attorney can help you avoid mistakes, explain your options, and begin building your case immediately.
At Bretz Injury Law, we offer free consultations and take cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay unless we win. There is no risk in reaching out for help.
Real Results: Our Case Victories Across Kansas
Bretz Injury Law has spent decades fighting for accident victims throughout Kansas. Our track record includes millions in recoveries for people who were seriously injured or lost loved ones in crashes.
While we never promise specific outcomes, our history shows what is possible when experience, preparation, and determination come together.
Multi-Million Dollar Settlements and Verdicts
Our firm has secured some of the largest case results in Kansas personal injury law, including multi-million dollar verdicts and a $50 million wrongful death settlement. These results demonstrate our ability to take on powerful insurers and win.
Every dollar we recover reflects hours of hard work, strategic planning, and a refusal to settle for less than our clients deserve.
Recoveries for Ellis County Residents
We are proud to have helped clients across Ellis County—including Hays, Victoria, and surrounding communities—get back on their feet after life-altering accidents. Our team understands the specific challenges faced by residents in rural Kansas, from access to care to the long-term impact of serious injuries.
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable
Insurance companies are not in business to pay out large claims easily. They rely on delay tactics, denials, and low offers to protect their profits. We have taken on national insurers and forced them to do what is right—either through tough negotiation or in the courtroom.
We believe in leveling the playing field for injured people.
How We Use Our Experience to Benefit You
With decades of legal practice and a focus solely on personal injury law, we know how to build cases that succeed. We apply that knowledge to every client, using proven strategies, expert resources, and hands-on service to pursue the best possible result.
Our experience is your advantage.
Why Time Matters: The Sooner You Call, the Better
Delays can cost you—both in evidence and legal rights. Acting quickly allows your attorney to take control of the case, protect your interests, and preserve your claim’s full value.
Here is why time is one of the most critical factors in any car accident case.
Preserving Evidence While It’s Fresh
Crash scenes change quickly. Vehicles are repaired or scrapped. Witnesses forget details. Video footage is deleted. The sooner our team is involved, the better chance we have of collecting key evidence.
We move quickly to gather reports, images, statements, and expert evaluations that strengthen your case.
Dealing With Insurance Adjusters Early
When you have an attorney handling communication from the beginning, insurance companies know they cannot take advantage of you. We present your claim with full documentation and a clear demand, backed by legal authority and real consequences.
Early involvement also prevents you from making statements that could hurt your case.
Avoiding Missed Deadlines or Damaging Mistakes
Legal timelines in Kansas are strict. Missing the statute of limitations or failing to follow required procedures can end your case before it even starts. We help you stay on track, meet deadlines, and avoid costly missteps that could affect your compensation.
Contact Our Hays Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you were injured in a car accident in Hays or anywhere in Ellis County, you do not have to face the legal system alone. Bretz Injury Law is here to help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Call 620-RESULTS or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation. There is no cost to get started, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Hablamos Español.