Kansas is a no-fault state, so your own PIP coverage pays first for medical bills and some lost wages. Suburban growth around Overland Park and Olathe has made I-435 and US-69 busy commuter routes, while I-70 crosses the state's open plains. A lawsuit against the at-fault driver is usually possible only above the state's injury threshold.
Is Kansas a no-fault state?
Yes — Kansas is a no-fault state. Kansas is a no-fault state. After most crashes, your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays first for medical bills and some lost income, no matter who caused the crash. You can usually claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering only if your injuries meet Kansas's threshold.
Kansas requires PIP coverage. You can usually step outside no-fault only if your injuries meet a medical-expense or seriousness threshold.
Learn more in our guide to what a no-fault state is.
How does shared fault work in Kansas?
Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 50% bar. Your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault, and you generally cannot recover if you are found 50% or more responsible.
For example, if you were found 20% at fault for a crash in Kansas, your compensation could be reduced by 20%. If your share reached the 50% bar, you could be barred from recovering from the other driver.
Read more: what comparative fault means.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Kansas?
In Kansas, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury, with some exceptions.
Other deadlines can be much shorter. Your insurance policy may require prompt notice of the crash, PIP and uninsured-motorist claims can have their own timelines, and claims against a city, county or the State of Kansas often need formal notice within months. Different rules can also apply to minors and wrongful death claims.
What are Kansas's minimum car insurance requirements?
Kansas requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Minimum limits are often not enough to cover a serious injury. If the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, medical payments coverage or PIP may help. See what to do if an uninsured driver hit you.
What should I do after a car accident in Kansas?
Get safe, get medical care and protect your evidence. These steps apply anywhere in Kansas:
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and move out of traffic if it's safe — especially on busy roads like I-70 or I-35.
- Call the police and ask how to get the crash report. Kansas generally requires reporting crashes that cause injury, death or significant damage.
- Exchange names, insurance and plate numbers, and photograph the vehicles, the scene and your injuries.
- Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine — Kansas PIP claims can depend on prompt treatment.
- Notify your own insurer, but be careful about giving the other driver's insurer a recorded statement.
- Talk to an independent Kansas attorney before signing any release, keeping the two years deadline in mind.
Our full what to do after a car accident guide goes into more detail.
Where do car accidents happen in Kansas?
Crashes happen everywhere, but traffic is heaviest in and around Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka and Lawrence. Major routes include I-70, I-35, I-135, I-435, US-69 and Kansas Turnpike. Our attorney-matching service covers every county in Kansas.