Gladstone, MO Car Accident Statistics (Updated 2026)

Car accidents can change a survivor’s entire life in seconds. Unfortunately, you can’t account for how others choose to drive. While practicing safe driving habits is key to protecting yourself, knowing the Gladstone, MO, car accident statistics can be another useful tool to stay vigilant on the road.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to Advocate for Your Case

With over 50 years of combined professional experience, the lawyers at Northland Injury Law know the devastating effects a car accident can have on victims and their loved ones. When you meet with our team, you’ll be able to discuss your situations and concerns in detail.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Gladstone, Missouri

Residents of Gladstone use Missouri Route 152, U.S. Route 169, and the North Oak Trafficway for daily commuting. Like most of America, those who live in Gladstone primarily rely on cars for transit. In 2023, there was an average of two cars per household in Gladstone, with the average daily work commute being 22.6 minutes. The likelihood of a crash increases the more time a person spends driving.

In 2023, there was one traffic fatality in Gladstone, with 18 fatalities overall in Clay County. The most common causes of car accidents in Missouri in 2023 included:

• Failing to yield, with 26,257 crashes
• Following too close, with 18,496 crashes
• Improper lane usage and lane change, with 18,461 crashes
• Being distracted or inattentive, with 16,040 crashes. With the increasing use of phone navigational apps, distracted driving is commonplace nowadays. It can include eating while driving, talking on the phone, changing music on the radio, and texting.Most people don’t realize the dangers involved with distracted driving. Looking down at your phone for five seconds while driving at 55 mph is the same as driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
• Exceso de velocidad, with 13,523 crashes being attributed to driving too fast for conditions. Speeding is common, with most people forgetting how dangerous driving is. However, driving too fast reduces a person’s reaction time and can make the consequences of a car wreck even more severe.

Knowing what to do after a crash can help you protect your physical health and legal case.

What to Do After Being in a Car Accident in Gladstone

After getting into a car accident, there are several steps that need to be taken to secure your health and safety. Be sure to:

1. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention, even if you seem okay. Certain injuries can take a while to present symptoms, such as concussions or internal damage. You’ll also want your initial physical state officially documented to help boost your chances of success in your future legal case.
2. Collect the contact and insurance information of the other driver involved in the crash. If they try to argue with you or refuse to cooperate, it’s important not to engage. Fighting with them will only escalate the situation and make them less likely to cooperate during your future legal case.To save yourself from a future headache, stay calm and quiet. Wait for the police to arrive at the crash site and explain the situation to them. They’ll be able to collect the information on your behalf.
3. Collect the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident happen.During this time, don’t apologize or admit fault to anyone about the crash. Even small mistakes can be detrimental to future legal cases.
4. Take photos of the crash site, including any skid marks or property damage caused by the wreck. This can help show the severity of the accident.
5. Take photos of your visible injuries, damage to your motor vehicle, and damage to other personal belongings.
6. Hire a car accident lawyer to help you gather evidence and file your car accident claim.

Preguntas frecuentes

Q: Can I Speak to Insurance Companies Without My Lawyer Present?

A: After a car accident, you can speak to insurance companies without your lawyer present, but it’s important to be cautious when doing so. Only provide basic facts about the crash and don’t admit fault or speculate about the cause. It can be helpful to write down what you want to say before the meeting. If the insurance adjuster asks you to make a recorded statement or answer their questions under oath, only do so with your lawyer there.

Q: Where Do I File My Car Accident Case in Gladstone?

A: If you were in a car accident in Gladstone, you can file your car accident claim at the Clay County Courthouse, located at 11 South Water Street in Liberty. Victims of car accidents typically have five years from the date of the car wreck to file their legal claim and start their case. This timeline is long, but waiting too long to file can hurt your case. Evidence tends to fade quickly after accidents, making it more difficult to preserve.

Q: What Evidence Do You Need for a Car Accident Case?

A: You’ll need extensive evidence for your car accident case. If you only have a small amount of evidence, and the other party has a substantial amount leaning in their favor, it can make it difficult to have a successful case. Evidence can include eyewitness and professional testimony, copies of medical records and incident reports, transcripts of the 911 call, surveillance footage of the crash, proof of financial and emotional losses, and any other relevant evidence.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Recover in My Missouri Car Accident Case?

A: The amount of compensation you can recover in your Missouri car accident case depends on how much evidence you provide to the court and whether liability is heavily disputed or not. Victims can request damages to help them recover compensation for their medical bills, lost income, damage to their vehicle and other personal belongings, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, and disfigurement.

Work With the Team at Northland Injury Law Today

The team at Northland Injury Law has dedicated their professional lives to protecting the rights of our Missouri neighbors and community members during difficult times in life. Reach out to our office in Kansas City to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. Choose our skilled team to help you seek a brighter future.