Author: bretzinjurystg

Being in a truck accident in Kansas can feel devastating. Trucks are much larger than cars and the effects can be much more severe. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 40 tons, while the average passenger car weighs 1.5 tons. In a collision between the two, the occupants of the passenger car are more likely to face head injuries, spinal cord trauma, fractures, and other potentially life-changing injuries.

The problem is that a truck accident in Kansas can be so overwhelming that victims may not know what to do first. That’s why we’ve created a guide — to help you understand what you should do after a truck accident in Kansas to protect your health, finances, and future.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention is important for two reasons:

• It ensures you get a diagnosis and treatment right away, which can improve your medical outcome.
• It starts documenting your injuries, helping you prove they were caused by the accident.

Call emergency services if you or anyone else at the scene has sustained a serious injury. Do not attempt to move anyone unless instructed by a 911 dispatcher. Moving a person can worsen some injuries.

If you’ve been lucky enough to escape injury, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, you may have been injured. Life-threatening head injuries, for example, may not present symptoms for hours. Whiplash and some back injuries may have you feeling fine for hours or even days, but you may still be injured.

The risks are especially high when you don’t have symptoms right away. As a result, you might not seek medical treatment in time and may unintentionally aggravate your injury. In addition, if you delay seeking medical attention, it becomes easier for insurance companies to argue your injuries were not caused by the truck accident.

As you consider your medical situation, don’t overlook your emotional and mental health. Truck accidents can cause trauma and emotional distress. If you notice changes to your mood, eating or sleeping patterns, concentration levels, focus, or any other symptoms, talk to your doctor. There is treatment available.

2. Document the Scene of the Accident

Thankfully, many of us now carry cell phones, and if you’re ever in a truck accident, you can use your phone to take photos of your car, the truck involved, and the surrounding area. For example, if you notice poor truck maintenance or an uneven street, take pictures — even if you’re unsure whether they contributed to your accident. You should also document any injuries, as well.

As soon as you can, write down everything you remember, including anything that you noticed right before the accident, where the accident took place, and any additional details. Even something small you remember could help your attorney in their investigation.

If there any witnesses that may have seen your truck accident, ask them for their contact information. They may be able to offer additional evidence.

3. File a Police Report and Exchange Information

In a truck accident, injuries are likely to be serious because of how big commercial trucks are. Truck drivers are also subject to stringent rules about how much cargo they can carry, how often they need to rest, and what training they need. The police will want to know if truck drivers are breaking regulations.

Filing a police report is also important to help document what caused the accident.

If you were in a multi-vehicle crash, you would also want to exchange information with the truck driver and any other driver involved in the accident. Avoid talking about the accident or what may have caused it. It’s best to leave that to the professionals. Stay calm and stick to the exchange of insurance and contact information.

One person you should not talk to is any insurance adjuster. The truck insurance company may contact you soon after your truck crash. They may even be sympathetic. Make no mistake: they’re looking out for their client and their own bottom line, not you. Politely decline such conversations. Before speaking with any insurance company, even your own, contact Bretz Injury Law for a free consultation.

4. Be Extra Cautious on Highways and Interstates

In Kansas, you will  find trucks on most roads, but truck accidents are more likely to happen on highways and interstates. These roadways are where most larger tractor-trailers, big rigs, cement mixers, tankers, and other farm trucks travel between communities and states. The variety of vehicles on highways and interstates, as well as the higher traffic and speeds, can all increase the risk of an accident.

Some highways and interstates in Kansas are primarily known for being the site of truck and traffic accidents. These include I-135 and I-235 in Wichita, Interstate 35, The Kansas Turnpike, and I-70 in the rest of the state.

Always be alert when driving, but use extra caution on high-risk roads. Put away distractions and make sure you can focus on driving. Drive defensively and always leave extra space for yourself around large trucks. Large tractor-trailers and other trucks take longer to stop and have large blind spots, so leaving the extra room is important to let drivers maneuver and ensure truckers can see your car.

5. Seek Legal Representation from an Experienced Attorney

Being in a truck accident isn’t like a typical car accident in Kansas. Trucking companies are often large corporations, and many liable parties are usually involved in this type of accident. Two companies may own the cargo and truck, and a logistics company may also be involved. The truck driver may also be an independent contractor, further complicating matters.

While the truck is covered by insurance, it is commercial insurance, which can make the claims process unfamiliar, even if you’ve been in a car accident before. In these cases, it’s common for different parties to blame each other and try to pay you as little as possible, if at all, for your injuries.

This is precisely why you need an experienced Kansas truck accident lawyer.

Not only are truck accident cases more complicated for all the reasons we explain above, but your injuries are also more likely to be serious and costly because of the size and force of the truck. It can be even more important to get fair compensation so you can protect your future.

If you do contact a Kansas truck accident attorney, do so as soon as possible after your accident, before you speak with any insurance company. You can contact Bretz Injury Law 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Under Kansas law, you have two years to file a legal or insurance claim, but contacting an attorney quickly can help prevent you from signing away any rights or saying anything to an insurance adjuster that could be used against you.

An attorney can also inform you of your rights. Kansas has a no-fault insurance system, which means you will use your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance in most traffic accidents to cover medical expenses and losses. However, if your injuries are serious, you may be able to seek additional compensation through a legal claim. A personal injury attorney can walk you through the process and take care of the steps of filing a claim for you.  

How Bretz Injury Law Can Help

When other Kansas law firms have challenging cases, they often refer them to us. Insurance companies know we don’t back down and don’t accept lowball settlement offers. When needed, we’re always willing to go to court and present a strong case to get you every dollar you deserve.

Bretz Injury Law has recovered over $300 million for injured drivers, passengers, and their families. We have in-depth knowledge of Kansas personal injury and accident law to guide you through the legal process. With offices in Hutchinson, Wichita, Topeka, and other Kansas communities, Bretz Injury Law is poised to represent you after your collision. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing until we win compensation for you.

If you’re in a truck accident, you can be sure the truck driver is contacting the insurance company and their teams of attorneys. You’re the one who’s injured, so you’re the one who deserves legal representation to get the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, car repair costs, and to protect your family’s future.

Don’t hesitate. After a truck accident and injury, contact Bretz Injury Law for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your account of what happened, answer your questions, and start working strategically to get you financial recovery for your injuries and losses, so that your future is protected.

Car and truck accidents in Kansas can happen to anyone. In 2021, there were 5.4 million car accident injuries in the U.S. and 46,980 fatalities. No matter how good a driver you are, you could suffer pain and losses in a traffic accident.

Pain and suffering are just part of the equation. Car and truck accidents are also costly. The attorneys at Bretz Injury Law are dedicated to maximizing financial recovery in traffic collision cases because we understand that the costs of medical care, car repairs, property damage, income loss, and other concerns can be overwhelming.

If you’ve been injured and are wondering how you’ll pay the bills, contact us at Bretz Injury Law for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your options.

One thing we discuss with our clients is modified comparative fault. Understanding this concept can help you work to maximize your recovery and make a claim. Here, we’ve put together a guide so you can understand the basics of modified comparative fault in Kansas.

What is Modified Comparative Fault in Kansas?

When you’re in a car or truck accident in Kansas, the cause of the accident is not always perfectly clear. Each party may have contributed somewhat to the crash, which becomes important if the collision results in a claim.

In Kansas, modified comparative fault is a legal principle used to assign fault when multiple parties are involved in a car or truck accident or another personal injury claim. Modified comparative fault in Kansas effectively assigns a percentage of fault to each party in the collision and adjusts compensation accordingly. If you’re injured but are found to be partly to blame for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in accordance with the percentage you’re found to be at fault.

How Kansas Applies Modified Comparative Fault in Car and Truck Accidents

In Kansas, determining fault is important if you want to make a claim. If you’ve been injured, you will want to maximize your recovery to replace your lost income and pay for car repairs, medical costs, and other expenses.

However, if you are partly to blame for the accident, you may have difficulty getting enough financial recovery to pay for all your injury-related expenses.

Let’s look at an example to see how a modified comparative fault in Kansas can be applied to a case. Suppose you’re in a car accident on Kellogg in Wichita. The person in front of you slammed on their brakes, and you rear-ended them. After an investigation, it was determined that the other driver was 70% responsible for braking suddenly without reasonable cause, and you were 30% responsible for not noticing the sudden stop in time.

Your injuries were valued at $100,000 for medical care, car repairs, and lost time at work. Under the modified comparative fault system in Kansas, you might secure $70,000 in compensation, however, your compensation would be reduced by 30%.

Understanding Your Legal Rights in Kansas Car and Truck Accidents

Liable parties have a financial incentive to use modified comparative fault in Kansas to reduce how much they need to pay. For example, if they can show you were 40% responsible for causing an accident, they may be able to pay you 40% less.

It’s also important to note that Kansas has a 50% bar rule. Under this rule, if you are found to be at least 50% at fault for an accident, you will not be eligible for any recovery. So, not surprisingly, the attorneys for the at-fault driver’s insurance company may work very hard to prove you were at least 50% responsible for causing your crash.

You have a legal right to financial recovery if another driver caused your injuries and those injuries are serious enough that you can seek compensation beyond PIP (personal injury protection) coverage on your own policy. In such a case, you have the right to pursue compensation for:

• Lost income because of time you’ve had to lose at work due to your injuries
• Your medical bills, including expected future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
• Property damage, including car repair and replacement bills
• Incidental costs, such as the costs of rental cars

You also have a right to present your case. You can work with a car and truck accident attorney in Kansas to present evidence that the at-fault driver caused your injuries.

Working with an Experienced Attorney After a Car or Truck Accident in Kansas

Now that you understand modified comparative fault in Kansas, you can probably appreciate how car and truck accidents in Kansas can turn into finger-pointing. It’s not unusual for an at-fault driver to try to claim that you were more than 50 percent at fault for the accident.

There’s a lot at stake, and an experienced attorney can make sure the attorneys for the other side don’t try to blame you for an accident you didn’t cause. An experienced attorney will:

• Investigate the cause of the accident.
• Negotiate with other parties involved in the collision.
• Accurately evaluate the likely total costs of your injuries and losses.
• Present evidence showing that the percentage of fault assigned to you should be lower.
• Seek the fairest compensation possible for you.

An experienced Kansas car and truck accident attorney will also take care of many of the details of your case for you, from negotiation to presenting your case before a trial if your case makes it before a judge. This allows you to focus on your medical treatment and rebuilding your life after your accident.

The Importance of Accurately Assigning Fault in Kansas Car and Truck Accidents

Every percentage point of comparative fault assigned to you is money out of your pocket. The difference between you being found 10% at fault in an accident and 30% at fault can be a difference of tens of thousands of dollars or even more in a serious collision. This can be the difference between you being able to pay your medical bills and struggling to get back on your feet after a car crash.

Remember that a serious car and truck accident in Kansas can result in spinal cord injuries, head trauma, or other serious injuries resulting in millions of dollars in medical care over a lifetime. You want to seek to maximize your recovery so you can get the compensation you need to pay for medical care. Without compensation, you may not be able to afford the care you need, and your home, savings, and other assets could be in danger if you need to pay for the costs of a serious injury yourself.

How Can Bretz Injury Law Help?

At Bretz Injury Law, we’re known for aggressively pursuing a recovery, and we’re willing to take your case to trial if that’s the best way to seek compensation for you. We build strategic approaches for your case, and we fight against every percentage point of blame assigned to you to make sure you have a chance to maximize your recovery.

We have already recovered over $300 million in settlements and verdicts and have won over 98% of the cases we’ve pursued. Consultations are always free. We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay until we win.

With our offices in Hutchinson, Wichita, Salina, Hays, Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Kansas City, Olathe, and Topeka, we can work with car accident victims and families across Kansas. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in the state, don’t hesitate. Contact Bretz Injury Law for a free consultation.

Car accidents are relatively common in Kansas. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, there were more than 90,000 car accidents in Kansas in 2021, with over 12,000 injuries and 424 fatalities.

The most common types of car accidents in Kansas are rear-ended collisions, followed by single-vehicle accidents, sideswipes, and head-on collisions. These types of accidents account for over 80% of all car crashes in Kansas.

Despite the fact that the number of fatal crashes has decreased slightly over the past few years, the rate of car accidents in the state is still higher than the national average. Therefore, it is important for drivers in Kansas to practice safe driving habits in order to prevent car accidents.

The First Step in Seeking Compensation for Car Accidents in Kansas

If you have been injured, you should contact a personal injury attorney who understands Kansas car accident laws. An experienced auto accident attorney can help you protect your legal rights and options and navigate the process of filing a claim for compensation.

If you are filing a claim, you will need to provide details about the accident, including the date, time, and location, as well as any witnesses. Your insurer may require you to provide a police report or other documentation of the accident.

Understanding Fault and Liability in Kansas Car Accident Cases

Understanding fault and liability in Kansas car accident cases is important in determining who is responsible for the damages caused by the accident. In Kansas, negligence is the basis for fault and liability. Negligence is defined as the failure to use reasonable care in an action or inaction, resulting in damage or injury to another. Negligence can come in many forms, such as failing to obey traffic laws, driving while distracted or impaired, or demonstrating reckless behavior such as speeding.

In Kansas, a car accident is considered to be the fault of the driver who is determined to be negligent. This means that if the negligent driver is found to be at fault, they are responsible for the damages caused by the accident. Under modified comparative fault laws in Kansas, if the accident victim is responsible for 50 percent or less of the fault, they retain their rights to file a claim for damages.

Types of Damages Available to Kansas Car Accident Victims

There are a variety of damages that are available to Kansas car accident victims that can help them recover from the losses they’ve suffered. These damages may include economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available.

Economic damages are the most common type of damages awarded in car accident cases. They are meant to compensate the victim for any financial losses that have been incurred from the accident. This can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and any other costs associated with the accident. Compensation for car accident victims can be achieved either through an insurance claim settlement or through litigation.

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate the victim for losses that are not financial in nature. These damages are generally more difficult to calculate and are based on the subjective pain and suffering of the victim. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all types of non-economic damages that can be awarded in a car accident case.

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available. Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party and are usually only awarded if the actions of the other driver were intentionally egregious or reckless.

Time Limits to File a Car Accident Lawsuit

In Kansas, you have to file a lawsuit two years from the date of your accident. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. After two years, you can lose your right to file a lawsuit and lose the opportunity to claim compensation.

There are some exceptions to the time limit. For example, the two-year limitation period can be extended if the injured party was a minor at the time of the accident or if the injured party was unable to file a lawsuit due to mental or physical disability. Only an experienced personal injury attorney can accurately determine the time limit for your unique case.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for Your Car Accident Case

Hiring a lawyer for your car accident case is a smart decision. Experienced personal injury attorneys can provide you with valuable guidance and expertise in navigating through the legal process.

They also can help you secure more compensation. According to a study by the Insurance Institute, people who hire an attorney to represent them receive two-and-a-half to three times higher settlements than those who do not seek legal assistance.

Call Bretz Injury Law Today for a Free Case Evaluation

If you try to handle your car accident claim on your own, you will likely face a difficult uphill battle. Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements that do not cover the true cost of victims’ losses. The insurance company may even argue that the accident was wholly or partially your fault.

At Bretz Injury Law, we understand you are not to blame, and our team works tirelessly to get you compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income, and the expense that comes with long-term care. Contact us today.

If you’ve been injured in a collision with a semi-truck in Kansas, your priority will be rebuilding your life as fully and quickly as possible. You can do this by working with an experienced truck accident attorney at Bretz Injury Law.

The attorneys at Bretz Injury Law are dedicated to helping clients seek the fairest financial recovery possible. We have seen for ourselves the life-long impact semi-truck accidents in Kansas can have on occupants of passenger cars, and we’ve witnessed how fair recovery can help these survivors pay for quality medical care, car repairs, therapy, rehabilitation, and other services victims need to get back on their feet.

Have you been injured in a semi-truck accident anywhere in Kansas? Don’t hesitate to contact Bretz Injury Law for a free consultation to discuss ways to maximize financial recovery for your injuries.

How to Maximize Recovery After Your Semi-Truck Accident in Kansas

Kansas is a no-fault state, meaning you don’t have to establish who caused your accident to collect your carrier’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. What many victims of semi-truck accidents in Kansas come to realize, though, is that PIP does not cover all their medical costs, car repairs, and other losses.

There are options, fortunately. Kansas allows you to seek further financial recovery if you have been in a serious crash. If you decide to seek a lawsuit against liable parties to get a fair recovery, you will need to prove that other parties were at fault, and you will need to establish a strong claim for your losses.

Proving fault in a semi-truck accident in Kansas starts as soon as you’re in a crash. If you find yourself in this situation, here is what you will want to do as quickly as possible:

1. Collect Evidence at the Scene

At the accident scene, gather as much evidence as possible. Use your phone to take pictures of your car, the truck, the surrounding area, and any car damage or injuries you’ve suffered. If possible, get the contact information of any witnesses and write down anything you can remember about what happened just before the crash.

There are many reasons for semi-truck accidents in Kansas. The truck driver may have been speeding, driving under the influence, or violating Hours of Service rules, limiting how long truck drivers can stay on the road before they need to rest.

The more evidence you gather, the more you help your attorney investigate the cause of your crash and prove your claim.

2. Document Medical Treatment

Semi-truck accidents in Kansas often result in serious injuries, such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and whiplash. These can leave you in pain, unable to work for weeks or months, and struggling with medical bills.

It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after any truck accident. Even if you think you haven’t been seriously injured, you may have been.

For example, it’s not uncommon for someone to walk away from a traffic accident feeling fine, only to have symptoms appear over the next few days or weeks. If symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or neck and back pain appear, signaling a traumatic brain injury or whiplash, you need to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Did you know that about 190 Americans die every day due to traumatic brain injuries? In some cases, these lives may have been saved with prompt treatment, so never hesitate to seek medical attention after a semi-truck accident.

Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can also be slow to show symptoms. The sooner you get medical attention, the sooner you can start healing.

In addition, getting medical attention helps you start documenting your injuries. Reports from the emergency room and your doctor can establish when you were injured, how you were injured, and how serious the situation is. Get a copy of your medical reports if you can. They can help you show that your injuries were caused by your semi-truck accident. 

3. Investigate the Trucking Company

Truck carriers are subject to many federal and state rules that regulate the training of their drivers, the transportation of hazardous material, the weight and loading of trucks, and much more.

Unfortunately, truck companies also have a financial incentive to sometimes ignore the rules, especially now when the industry faces additional challenges due to a truck driver shortage and more pressure on the supply chain.

If you’re in a collision with a semi-truck, how can you know whether the truck company hired under-qualified drivers, set unreasonable deadlines for drivers, overloaded trucks, failed to properly maintain their fleet, or otherwise acted negligently?

One way to get the facts is by working with an experienced truck collision attorney, like the team at Bretz Injury Law. Our team can work with expert witnesses, accident reconstruction professionals, private investigators, and other professionals to find out exactly what happened. We can seek to subpoena truck accident records, gather testimony, and more.

Semi-trucks have “black boxes” that record information about a truck, including speed of travel and other details. This can contain invaluable information about what a driver did in the minutes before a crash. When you work with an attorney, they will work to subpoena this black box information.

The legal team at Bretz Injury Law also investigates the history of the truck company in your accident. If the company has a history of safety violations or crashes, this can establish a pattern of negligence and can help us work to maximize your recovery.

4. Consult an Experienced Attorney

An experienced Kansas truck accident attorney can do more than investigate the cause of your crash. An attorney can also:

• Determine whether you have a claim
• Negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
• Review your insurance policy and explain what is and isn’t covered
• Help you understand how much your injuries and losses could cost
• Pursue fair compensation on your behalf
• Take care of all the details of filing a claim and even going to court to pursue recovery for you
• Advise you about your options if you receive a settlement offer

Above all, your attorney is dedicated to making sure you don’t leave money on the table or accept a low offer because you feel you have to. Instead, your attorney explains your options so you can make the right choice and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

5. File a Claim before the Statute of Limitations Runs Out

In Kansas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Delaying beyond two years means you will not be able to pursue recovery, but there are many reasons to file a claim as soon as possible:

• Filing promptly shows your injuries are serious enough to pursue recovery without hesitation
• You may have access to more evidence, such as the truck’s black box and surveillance records, if you file soon and your attorney can act to preserve this evidence
• Witness memories may be fresher if you file quickly

How Bretz Injury Law Can Help

Choosing the right personal injury attorney for your semi-truck accident case in Kansas doesn’t have to be complicated. Look for an attorney who is dedicated to your recovery and someone with extensive experience seeking financial recovery for truck accident victims and their families.

Bretz Injury Law believes compassionate and respectful assistance should be available if you’re ever injured. Not only have we recovered over $300 million in verdicts and court wins, but we also take the time to listen and create a strategic plan to seek fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and to protect you and your family’s future.

Since 1991 we’ve won over 98% of the cases we’ve pursued, and we’re always willing to go to court if that’s what it takes to get you the recovery you need. In fact, other law firms send us their cases when the going gets tough. Bretz Injury Law also works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us until we win for you.

We’re proud to serve communities across Kansas from our offices in Hutchinson, Wichita, Salina, Hays, Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Kansas City, Olathe, and Topeka. We don’t just serve clients in these areas, either. We take an active part in giving back through charitable work and in our communities. Bretz Injury Law is who you need when you’re in need. If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident in Kansas, contact us for a free consultation.

Drunk driving is a serious problem in Kansas. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, in 2021, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 22.5% of total traffic fatalities in the state. In 2021, the report states there were 2,158 crashes involving alcohol, resulting in 86 deaths.

Kansas has implemented stringent DUI laws against drunk driving to combat the issue. Despite these efforts, drunk driving is still a problem in the state, and everyone needs to recognize the dangers of driving under the influence.

The History of Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a non-profit organization and movement founded in 1980 by Candy Lightner after a drunk driver tragically killed her 13-year-old daughter.

Lightner’s daughter was walking home from a school carnival when she was struck and killed by a repeat offender who had been drinking. Lightner was enraged by the injustice and decided to do something to help prevent future tragedies like this one. She quickly organized a grassroots organization to raise awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and to advocate for tougher laws and stricter enforcement of existing laws.

In Kansas, MADD has been active for more than 40 years. In that time, the organization has been instrumental in creating and enforcing laws dedicated to reducing the number of alcohol-related incidents on the road. Matt Bretz sits on the national board of directors, volunteering his time to ensure that the MADD mission succeeds.

The organization also works to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving through public campaigns and educational resources. MADD is a visible presence in Kansas by providing support to victims and their families. Additionally, MADD works to create campaigns for underage drinking prevention, ignition interlock laws, and other initiatives in a concentrated effort to reduce the amount of alcohol-related deaths and injuries on the roads. Today, MADD is an influential and respected organization that continues to fight against drunk driving and bring attention to this important issue.

MADD’s Advocacy for Stricter DUI Laws and Penalties

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is an organization that works to end drunk driving and advocates for stricter DUI laws and penalties to help reduce the number of drunk driving deaths and injuries. MADD believes harsher penalties are necessary to deter people from driving while intoxicated and to protect the public from the dangers of drunk drivers.

MADD advocates for stiffer penalties for DUI offenses, such as increased fines, longer license suspensions, mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices, and jail time for repeat offenders. In addition, they support the expansion of sobriety checkpoints, ignition interlock laws, emerging auto safety technology, and zero-tolerance laws for underage drinking.

MADD also works to increase public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and ensure that all states have strong laws to prevent drunk driving. By advocating for stronger DUI laws and penalties, MADD hopes to reduce drunk driving deaths and injuries to make the roads safer for everyone.

MADD has worked with Kansas lawmakers to ensure that the Kansas DUI laws are enforced and updated as needed. MADD is a strong advocate for victims of drunk driving and works to ensure they receive the support and justice they need.

Current Kansas DUI Laws and Penalties

Under Kansas DUI laws, anyone caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be charged with a DUI. Depending on the circumstances, punishments can include jail time, fines, loss of license, or a combination of all three.

Kansas has an implied consent law, which means that anyone who operates a vehicle in the state is subject to a chemical test of their blood, breath, or urine if they are suspected of driving under the influence.

The penalties for a first-offense DUI in Kansas include a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, a 30-day license suspension, and an ignition interlock. Additionally, there may be an alcohol education program or community service requirement imposed.

For a second or subsequent offense, the punishment is more severe. The fine may increase to up to $2,500, the jail time can increase to one year or more, and the license suspension may increase to one year. The court may also require an alcohol treatment program, and the offender will be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.

How can Bretz Injury Law Help?

If you’ve been injured in an accident with someone who was driving under the influence, the personal injury attorneys at Bretz Injury Law can help. Call today for a free, confidential consultation. We can help you understand your rights and seek justice.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Kansas, you likely have a lot on your mind. How will you pay to get your car fixed? Who will take care of the bills while you’re out of work? Do you need to sue the other driver’s insurance company? Didn’t your neighbor say they knew a lawyer? Your neck is hurting…

Don’t worry. Bretz Injury Law is here to answer all of your questions. We have secured more than  $300 Million in verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we’re ready to help you through this often frustrating process. We’ll touch on the questions posed above, but first, let’s talk about how important evidence will be to your case.

1. Understanding the Importance of Gathering Evidence After a Car Accident

Gathering evidence after an accident is an important first step in determining the cause and who is at fault in car accident claims. Evidence collected could potentially protect you from any legal repercussions or help you file a successful insurance claim. It is also important to document the scene of the accident and any injuries that may have been sustained.

Accidents happen every day in Kansas, and gathering evidence can be the difference between a successful claim for compensation and a long, drawn-out legal battle. Evidence collected at the scene of an accident can include photographs of the collision, witness statements, diagrams, or video recordings. It is important to document the conditions of the road, the position of the vehicles, the speed of the vehicles, and any weather conditions that may have been present at the time of the accident. You will want to obtain the crash report from the police department that worked the crash as it will contain information that is vital to your case.

Witness statements are an essential part of gathering evidence. Witnesses can provide valuable information about the accident and offer testimony on who may have been at fault.

Having evidence to support your injuries can ensure you’ll receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. It can also help prove that the injuries were a direct result of the accident. Photos, medical records, and doctor’s notes are all crucial pieces of evidence to have when making a claim.

After you have gathered evidence, call the experienced Kansas accident attorneys at Bretz Injury Law for a free case evaluation on how you can get compensation for medical bills and lost wages, and to protect your family’s future.

2. Understanding Fault and Liability in Kansas Car Accident Claims

If you live in the state of Kansas and own a car, it is unlawful to not have automobile insurance. Kansas car accident laws require that all vehicles have liability insurance of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. This type of insurance covers the costs of medical bills and repairs if you cause an accident.

Kansas also requires personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, also known as “no-fault” insurance, which pays for medical bills and lost wages immediately after an accident. This type of coverage is mandatory in Kansas and drivers are required to have a minimum of $4,500.

Fault is the legal term used to describe who caused the accident and who is responsible for the resulting damages. Fault is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of accident, the circumstances of the accident, and the behavior of each driver involved. In Kansas, fault is typically determined by the legal doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that both parties can be held responsible for the accident, depending on their degree of fault.

Liability is the legal term that describes who is responsible for paying for the damages caused by the accident. In Kansas, liability is generally determined by the fault of each party involved. If one party is found to be more at fault than the other, they can be held liable for all or part of the damages. There are certain exceptions to this rule, such as when a driver is determined to be grossly negligent.

3. Understanding How No-Fault Car Insurance Works

No-fault car insurance is a type of auto insurance coverage that is required by law in the state of Kansas. It is designed to provide reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages that result from an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault. No-fault insurance is also referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

No-fault insurance is designed to provide financial protection if you are injured in an auto accident. It is important to understand the coverage limits and exclusions of your policy so that you can be sure you are adequately protected. If you’ve been in an accident and need help understanding if your no-fault policy is up-to-date and meets your needs, contact the personal injury attorneys at Bretz Injury Law for a free insurance review.

4. Understanding Caps on Kansas Non-Economic Damages

Caps on non-economic damages in Kansas seek to limit the amount of money a victim can receive when they are hurt due to another’s negligence. Non-economic damages are damages that are difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In Kansas, the maximum amount of non-economic damages a victim can receive is $250,000. This cap applies to each person in a single lawsuit but is limited to a total of $350,000 for all claims arising from an incident. This means that if multiple people are injured in the same accident, the total non-economic damages paid out cannot exceed $350,000.

5. Knowing When It’s to Call a Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been involved in an accident, it is important to call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you speak to an experienced Kansas lawyer, the better your chances of obtaining the most money for your settlement. The Insurance Research Council did a study and found people who hire a personal injury attorney obtain a 3.5 times higher settlement than those who don’t.

At Bretz Injury Law, we excel in car, motorcycle, and truck accident claims. Your attorney can help you identify all of your legal rights and options and provide advice and guidance on how to proceed in your case.

In Kansas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. After this period has passed, it is very difficult to file a claim for your damages. There are few exceptions, so it’s important to act fast. Contact us today for an evaluation of your accident case.