A serious accident can disrupt your life in an instant. Whether it’s a car crash on I-70, a farm-related incident near Salina, or a slip-and-fall in a Wichita business, the physical, emotional, and financial effects can be long-lasting. Families grieving the loss of a loved one face even greater challenges.

This guide offers essential Kansas accident victim resources to help individuals and families after both injury and fatal accidents. Learn how to access medical care, request police reports, get financial and emotional support, and protect your legal rights.

Help for Injury Victims After Accidents in Kansas

If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s critical to seek medical care right away. Once your health is stabilized, you’ll also want to focus on documenting the incident and learning about your legal options.

Emergency Care and Rehabilitation Services

Kansas residents can access trauma and rehab services through several facilities:

• The University of Kansas Hospital (Kansas City) – Level I trauma center with extensive emergency services
• Stormont Vail Health (Topeka) – Trauma, neurological, and orthopedic injury care
• Ascension Via Christi Hospital (Wichita) – Level II trauma center
• Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital (Gardner) – Long-term therapy and recovery

You can also contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for information on local health clinics and public health programs.

Legal Rights After an Injury Accident

Kansas is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance covers your medical bills and lost income—up to your policy limits—regardless of who caused the crash.

However, you may file a lawsuit outside the no-fault system if your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold, including:

• Permanent disfigurement
• Fractures
• Permanent disability
• Death

Kansas also follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

The time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit in Kansas is two years from the date of the accident.

Support for Families After Fatal Accidents in Kansas

A fatal accident changes everything. When a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, Kansas families may pursue a wrongful death claim and access emotional support resources.

Grief Counseling and Bereavement Services

These organizations offer support to families grieving after a fatal crash or incident:

• Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice (Wichita) – Bereavement programs for all ages
• Center for Counseling and Consultation (Great Bend) – Offers grief counseling and support groups
• The Compassionate Friends – Kansas Chapters – Peer support for families grieving the loss of a child
• Kansas 988 Mental Health & Crisis Line – Dial 988 for 24/7 support statewide

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Kansas

Under Kansas Statutes § 60-1901, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the heirs or estate representative of the deceased. Beneficiaries may include:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Other dependents or family members

Damages may cover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of income or services
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish suffered by surviving family members

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Kansas is two years from the date of death.

How to Access Police and Crash Reports in Kansas

A police crash report contains essential information such as fault assessments, witness statements, and details about the scene. These documents are often required for insurance and legal claims.

Requesting a Kansas Crash Report

You can request an accident report through:

• Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) – Visit https://ksp.ks.gov and click on “Crash Reports”
• Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) – Crash data access for public records
• BuyCrash.com – Some local departments upload crash reports to this portal
• City or County Law Enforcement Agencies – Contact the department that handled your case directly

To request a report, you’ll need:

• Crash date and location
• Names of people involved
• Case or report number (if known)
• A small fee (usually around $5 to $15)

Reports are typically available within 7 to 10 business days.

Financial Help and Social Services for Kansas Accident Victims

Accidents can result in lost income, mounting bills, and other unexpected costs. Kansas provides several support programs to help during recovery.

Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF)

DCF offers financial, medical, and food assistance through programs such as:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Short-term cash aid for low-income families
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Grocery assistance
• KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) – Healthcare coverage for eligible individuals and families
• Employment and disability services for those unable to work due to injury

Apply at https://www.dcf.ks.gov

Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board

If your accident involved a criminal act—like a DUI, hit-and-run, or assault—you may be eligible for support through the Crime Victims Compensation Program, which helps cover:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical care
• Lost wages
• Counseling and mental health services

Visit https://ag.ks.gov or call 1-785-296-2359 to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accidents in Kansas

Here are some of the most common questions people ask after a serious or fatal accident in Kansas.

How long do I have to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury or death. If your case involves a government agency, shorter notice requirements may apply.

What if I was partially at fault?

If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your settlement will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Can I sue even if Kansas is a no-fault state?

Yes. If your injuries are considered serious (as defined by Kansas law), you may file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

What if the driver who hit me didn’t have insurance?

You may be able to file a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. An attorney can also help explore other options for compensation.

Do I need a lawyer after an accident?

In serious injury or wrongful death cases, yes. An attorney can help protect your rights, meet legal deadlines, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

Call a Kansas Accident Attorney Today

Recovering from a serious accident—or grieving the loss of a loved one—can leave you feeling helpless. But you’re not alone.

A Kansas accident attorney can help you:

• Request and review crash reports
• File insurance and legal claims
• Meet strict deadlines
• Pursue fair compensation for your losses

Don’t wait. Call a Kansas accident lawyer today to get the support you need and take control of your recovery.