When you see a lawyer’s advertisement on TV or a billboard, you’ll often notice the small print at the bottom: “The choice of a lawyer is an important one and should not be based solely on advertisements.” It’s usually tucked away in tiny type, but the message should really be much larger. Because it’s so true. Having the most billboards, the loudest ads, or the slickest slogan is not a reliable indicator of the quality of legal advice and representation you will receive in a car crash case.
So what should you look for if you live in Lee’s Summit and are trying to choose the right attorney after a serious vehicle collision? Here’s a local checklist designed to help you filter the noise and choose a lawyer who is truly prepared to protect your rights and your recovery.
1. Look for an Attorney Who Focuses Nearly Solely on Vehicle Crash Cases
Car wreck cases are very different from other personal injury cases. The injuries themselves are often more serious—head, neck, back, traumatic brain injuries, and sometimes catastrophic injury. These are common in violent motor vehicle crashes.
That’s especially true on busy Lee’s Summit corridors like US-50 Highway, where high speeds frequently contribute to severe rear-end and side-impact collisions, and along 291 Highway, where congestion and lane-changing often cause multi-vehicle crashes.
In the types of motor vehicle crash cases Horn Law handles, you may have:
- Multiple drivers or vehicles involved
- Multiple insurance policies or parties
- A need to secure important evidence early on (police report, photograph or video evidence, witness statements, etc.)
- A need for proper medical evaluations, treatment, and rehabilitation records, including expert analysis on long-term medical and economic impact
This is why it is so critical to choose a lawyer who specializes specifically in crash cases. A general personal injury attorney may not have the expertise needed to maximize your settlement after a serious accident.
2. A Published Track Record of Handling Crash Cases
If you’re in Lee’s Summit and are looking for a car wreck lawyer, be sure to evaluate their track record. A good attorney will publish results and outcomes of past injury cases. Visit the firm’s website and check the “Track Record” or “Results” page (for example, Horn Law’s Track Record page). But here’s a caveat: don’t be swayed by a handful of very large verdicts or settlements. The truth is, the vast majority of cases don’t settle for hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.
Instead, focus on:
- A steady record of results over many years
- Consistency, not just headline amounts
- How long the firm has been doing this work in the Kansas City metro region
Doug Horn, the Founder and Lead Attorney at Horn Law, has been practicing for more than thirty-five years. During that time, Horn has handled over 3,500 car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases.
In addition to his caseload, Horn dedicates a significant amount of time giving presentations on motor vehicle accident law to national attorney audiences, instructing younger lawyers on how to advance and strengthen their injury cases.
That is the kind of experience that matters.
Another place to check is Google reviews. When reading reviews, look not only at what people say they recovered but also how they felt during the process. Did they feel heard? Did they feel treated with respect? Did their lawyer communicate clearly and promptly?
Horn Law Google Review from Briana: “Horn law is a place I would highly recommend because they are professional and know what they’re doing. They are super helpful and well at communicating. Horn law gets things done rather quickly in my experience.”
Horn Law Google Review from Hollie: “The staff is amazing and everyone there made the very bad situation into an almost painless process. Thank you everyone that helped work on my case. You all were all so very helpful and amazing. Thank you thank you thank you…”
3. A Firm That Is the Right Fit in Size and Culture
Horn Law is based in Independence, just minutes from Lee’s Summit. The firm has always had the advantage of being smaller and more focused, allowing them to deliver detailed representation in every case.
There are many factors that go into getting the best results after an injury, but you must have a lawyer you can connect with, one who is personally handling your case, and one who starts working immediately.
You’ll know you found the right fit when:
- The attorney or lead lawyer answers your call, or you speak directly to someone who knows you and your case
- From the first call, the firm begins taking action: obtaining records, arranging proper medical care, contacting adjusters, securing evidence
- You don’t experience delays or feel like you’re being pushed off
When you call Horn Law, you will feel served, confident, protected, respected, relieved, and understood. That connection matters, especially after a crash on busy routes like 50 Highway or 291.
4. Transparent Communication and Immediate Help
In serious crash cases, what happens in the first few days counts. You want an attorney who is clear about what steps need to happen: collecting accident reports, taking photos of vehicle damage, securing witness statements, arranging the right medical evaluations, monitoring communication with insurance companies, and preserving your rights.
You also want transparent communication. Your attorney should explain:
- What the process looks like
- What your responsibilities are
- What the firm is doing for you and why
- What to expect next
Clarity builds trust. And trust is one of the real differences between standard advertising and meaningful legal representation.
5. A Focus on Maximizing Your Injury Settlement
Choosing a lawyer should be about far more than choosing the most visible name. It should be about selecting a lawyer who truly understands the full scope of your loss:
- Medical recovery costs (short-term and long-term)
- Lost income and economic loss (past, present, and future)
- The impact of pain and physical limitations on your work, household, and family responsibilities
- The long-range consequences of an injury, including changes in quality of life
An attorney who works crash-only cases knows how to account for these factors, negotiate with well-funded insurance companies, and fight for full value. They don’t just advertise large verdicts—they consistently pursue maximum settlements for every client.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How soon should I contact a car wreck lawyer after an accident in Lee’s Summit?
A1: As soon as possible. The sooner you engage a lawyer, the sooner evidence can be preserved, the insurance claims registered, and your rights protected.
Q2: Why does it matter if the attorney handles only vehicle crash cases?
A2: Vehicle crash cases involve unique factors—multiple parties, complex science, catastrophic injuries, and long-term costs. A crash-only attorney is more experienced in these specifics.
Q3: What can I check on the attorney’s website to evaluate their record?
A3: Look for a “Track Record” or “Results” page, examine how long they’ve been practicing, read recent Google reviews, and pay attention to how clients describe their experience—not just the settlement amounts.
Q4: What should I look for in an injury law firm near Lee’s Summit?
A4: You should receive immediate attention on your first call—not just from the attorney, but also from experienced paralegals. Look for a firm that begins working quickly, which is often an indicator of strong results. Independence-based firms like Horn Law often serve Lee’s Summit clients with prompt, personal attention.
Q5: Will the lawyer promise a large settlement?
A5: No ethical attorney will guarantee a specific dollar amount. Instead, they explain how they build your case, what factors affect value, and how they focus on maximizing your settlement based on all relevant evidence.
