- Call for a Free Consultation
Manhattan, KS (December 31, 2025) – An injury-causing car accident in Manhattan led to an emergency response on the afternoon of Sunday, December 28.
Around 2:44 p.m., the Riley County Police Department was called to the scene of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Murray Road and Fort Riley Boulevard. The collision involved a 2009 Nissan Frontier driven by Heather Cunningham, 44, and a 2014 Toyota Tundra operated by 62-year-old Stephen Gerard. Both drivers and Gerard’s passengers, Cheryl Gerard, 63, and Dean Gerard, 6, were all identified as Manhattan residents.
Paramedics responded quickly and transported Cunningham, as well as all three occupants of the Tundra, to Via Christi Hospital for medical care. Authorities noted that Cunningham was cited for driving at an unsafe speed for the prevailing conditions.
Officers continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the accident. The Kansas Highway Patrol is also assisting with reviewing roadway conditions and any possible contributing factors.
We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Every year in Kansas, thousands of people are injured in car accidents ranging from fender benders to major highway collisions.
The state reported over 58,000 crashes in a recent year, with more than 12,000 involving injuries. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Manhattan, understanding your rights and next steps can make a major difference.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions after a car accident in Manhattan:
Knowing what to do after a car wreck in Kansas is crucial. You should move to a safe place and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 so police and paramedics can arrive. If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions.
After a crash, obtaining the official police report is often necessary to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. In Kansas, this typically involves submitting a request through local or state law enforcement agencies for a police report. A skilled attorney can help you obtain this report and use it as evidence in your case.
Yes. Kansas follows a comparative negligence rule. That means if you were partially responsible, your compensation can be reduced by the percentage you’re found to be at fault. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you may not recover damages.
It depends on your injuries. Soft tissue damage, whiplash, and back pain are common in collisions, and many victims benefit from physical therapy to regain mobility and reduce long-term discomfort. Keep records of all appointments and medical advice.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Manhattan, you deserve an attorney who knows how to fight and win. With nearly 20 years of experience, Attorney Jerry Wallentine has helped over 1,000 clients pursue justice after being injured by others’ carelessness.
At Wallentine Injury Law, we’ve secured millions for injury victims and are deeply committed to client-centered legal service. Jerry’s courtroom skills, from jury selection to verdict, are shaped by years of trial work and even judicial service. We won’t let insurance companies lowball you. We will pursue the truth, and fight for every dollar you need for recovery. Call our car accident attorney today for your free consultation to find out how we can help. Call 913-934-6333 to get started.
Notes: This article was written using available secondary sources regarding the reported accident. We have not independently verified every detail. If you notice any incorrect information, please contact Wallentine Injury Law right away so we can make prompt updates with the most accurate details available. We will also remove this post upon request.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to promote awareness of roadway dangers and encourage safer driving to help prevent serious injuries. This accident news article is not intended as a business solicitation, nor should it be taken as medical or legal guidance. The image used in this post does not depict the actual accident scene.
It is rare to find such an excellent team of competent and compassionate people in any business. To find them in a law firm is an extremely pleasant surprise. In addition to being a great lawyer, Jerry is also really good at hiring and empowering great people.
Sarah and Cody are an awesome team. Listened to me when I had concerns and brought a fantastic final settlement.
Outstanding legal services. He pays close attention to your needs, gives excellent advice, and manages your issues with you. Highly recommend using his services.
Jerry Wallentine, Angela Oswald, and their staff represented us in a serious truck accident. Not only did they work tirelessly to get us covered in a fair and equitable manner, but they were always friendly, personable, and of the highest moral character. We can most highly recommend them in every
They were very professional and caring. They heard our story and what we were there for, and immediately wanted to help, answered any questions I had at any time. Christal was amazing, and I appreciate everything she did to help my family.
My husband was in a pretty bad accident where another driver ran a red light. I was (thankfully) able to obtain video footage from the city traffic cams, and we reached out to Jerry. From the onset of our working relationship, Jerry and his team were very good communicators. We've
Jerry is top notch!!! I called Wallentine Injury Law LLC, after being turned away by two other attorneys. A diligent and thorough professional, Jerry reviewed my case with an open mind. He read between the lines and devised a creative strategy which resulted in a HUGE win! I highly recommend
Jerry represented me on a complex Johnson County District Court case that was very complicated. He had an excellent grasp of the facts and the law and fought hard for me. The result was better than I expected!
I am so grateful to have worked with Jerry and Sarah on my personal injury case I can’t thank them enough for everything they did for me throughout my case, they consistently listened to my concerns and ensured that I felt heard and understood. Their prompt responses and clear communication
This group was fantastic to work with! I got in a wreck and my insurance company, the person who caused the wreck, and his insurance company, did me so wrong. They helped me get justice and A pretty nice settlement. Ashley was AMAZING! with being transparent and contacting me, making
I had 2 cases and the Martin & Wallentine law firm took great care of me and my needs. The communication was great , especially with Christal constantly updating me. I would recommend them to my friends and family and I wish them all the best in the future
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for Jerry Wallentine and his team's exceptional legal guidance and unwavering support throughout my case. Their expertise and dedication have made a significant impact, and I am truly thankful for their assistance in helping me.
I am extremely happy with everything Martin & Wallentine has done for me. If I ever need anything in the future they will be my first choice. Especially love Christal. Always kept me updated on what was happening all the time and very friendly.
I contacted Martin & Wallentine about helping me with getting a quite title for a vehicle that I purchased out of state. And they where very helpful and walked me through the process and after speaking with them we proceeded and it was great they keep me updated with the
