Wichita Car Accident Lawyer: Your First 72-Hour Crash Checklist (Kellogg, I-135 & K-96)

Authored by Bradley A. Pistotnik — well-known and highly experienced Wichita car accident lawyer.

If you were just hit in the Wichita metro, the actions you take in the first 72 hours can make or break your injury claim. This checklist is built for crashes on Kellogg (US-54/400), I-135, I-235 and K-96, and aligns with Kansas law and what local insurers demand.

What to do right now

• Call 911 and get medical care the same day—even if you “feel fine.” Delayed pain is common.
• Photograph vehicles, skid marks, debris, intersection controls and visible injuries.
• Exchange information and ask the officer for the case number and how to get the crash report.
• Tell your insurer about the crash, but avoid recorded statements to the other driver's carrier before legal advice.
• Save receipts, missed-work notes and all discharge instructions.

Kansas rules that matter

• Statute of limitations: Most Kansas injury claims must be filed within 2 years (K.S.A. 60-513).
• Comparative fault: You can recover if you're less at fault than the other parties; your award is reduced by your percentage (K.S.A. 60-258a).
• No-fault/PIP: Your own policy's PIP pays first for medical and some wage loss (K.S.A. 40-3107 & 40-3110).

Local crash picture

• Sedgwick County (2023): 10,217 crashes, 54 deaths, 5,214 injuries, per KDOT.
• Wichita Police report a 4% crash decrease in the 2018–2022 period versus 2013–2017 after traffic operations changes.
• KHP maintains a public crash log for recent injury and fatal crashes statewide.

When to call a lawyer

Insurers move fast to shape the narrative. A Wichita car accident lawyer can preserve evidence, coordinate treatment, and handle all adjuster contact while you heal. Call 316-684-4400—consults are free 24/7.