Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

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What Are the Most Common Internal Injuries After a Car Accident?

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This article will discuss the most common internal injuries after a car accident and what you can do to protect yourself.

Internal injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. Unfortunately, many people die from internal injuries sustained in a car accident, even if they don’t die from the initial impact. This article will discuss the most common internal injuries after a car accident and what you can do to protect yourself.

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man with internal injury after a car accident

7 Common Internal Injuries from Car Accidents

Aortic Rupture

This is a tear in the aorta caused by a direct blow to the chest, and it’s often fatal.

Blunt Abdominal Trauma

This is an injury to the abdomen, mostly the stomach area, that can occur when a hard object hits the stomach. It can cause internal bleeding and organ damage, which can be fatal.

Spinal Cord Injury

This is an injury to the spinal cord that can occur when a hard object hits the spine. It can cause paralysis and death.

Pulmonary Contusion

This is an injury to the lungs that occurs when a hard object hits the chest. It can cause difficulty breathing and death.

Brain Injury

This is an injury to the brain that can occur when a hard object hits the head. It can cause paralysis, coma, and death.

Ruptured Spleen

The spleen is a small organ in the abdomen that helps to filter blood. It can be ruptured (torn) by a direct blow to the abdomen, causing internal bleeding and death.

Liver Damage

This is an injury to the liver that can occur when a hard object hits the abdomen. It can cause internal bleeding and death.

Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries

Unlike external injuries, which are usually visible, internal injuries can be difficult to detect. The signs and symptoms of internal injuries may include:

  • Pain in the area of the injury
  • Bruising in the area of the injury
  • Swelling in the area of the injury
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

If you think you or someone else may have an internal injury, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. A physician will be able to order tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to diagnose an internal injury. Treatment for internal injuries will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Internal injuries from car accidents are serious and can be fatal. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from these types of injuries:

Wear a Seatbelt

Seat belts help keep the body in the car during a crash and prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle. Ensure that everyone in the car wears a seatbelt, including all passengers and children.

Drive Safely

One of the best ways to prevent being involved in a car accident is to drive safely. Obey all traffic laws and use caution when driving in adverse weather conditions. Also, be aware of your surroundings and other drivers on the road and avoid tailgating, speeding, and other risky behaviors.

Avoid Driving Under the Influence

 Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of being involved in a car accident. So, if you are going to drink, don’t drive. And if you are going to drive, don’t drink.

Injured in a St. Louis Car Accident?

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm can help. We have a proven track record and over 20 years of experience protecting the rights of injured car accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation

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6 Common Reasons Truck Drivers Cause Auto Accidents

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Whether a truck driver is new to the job or has been driving for many years, it would be helpful to review these six common reasons truck drivers cause auto accidents.

There’s no doubt that the life of a truck driver is both challenging and rewarding. However, it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. So, whether a truck driver is new to the job or has been driving for many years, it would be helpful to review these six common reasons truck drivers cause auto accidents.

missouri truck driver behind the wheel

Not Preparing For the Trip

If you’re a rookie truck driver, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not being prepared for your trip. This means having a detailed plan of where you’re going, mapping out your route, and knowing the regulations of the cities you’ll be driving through. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s important to be as prepared as possible before hitting the road.

Not Taking Breaks

Another mistake that rookie truck drivers often make is not taking breaks. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of making deliveries on time, but it’s important to remember that your safety should always be your number one priority. If you’re feeling tired, make sure to pull over and take a break. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.

Not Obeying the Speed Limit

Sure, the open road can be tempting, but it’s important to obey the speed limit. Not only is speeding dangerous, but it can also lead to costly tickets. As a truck driver, you already have enough expenses to worry about. So, save yourself some money and stress by sticking to the set speed limit.

Not Paying Attention to Blind Spots

Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. And, if you’re not careful, it’s easy to accidentally drift into one of these areas without realizing it. That’s why it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and regularly check your mirrors to make sure there are no cars in your blind spots.

Driving Under the Influence 

Despite the strict laws against it, some truck drivers still choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. This is a huge mistake that can not only lead to accidents, but also result in costly fines and even jail time. If you’re going to be driving, make sure you’re sober and alert. The safety of yourself and others depends on this.

Not Knowing How to Properly Secure the Load

This is a mistake that not only rookie truck drivers make but also some experienced ones. If you’re not properly securing your load, it can shift while you’re driving and cause an accident. Make sure you know how to properly secure your load before hitting the road.

St. Louis Auto Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in an auto accident caused by a truck driver? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our experienced St. Louis injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.

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St. Louis Carpool Accident – Who Is Responsible?

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A recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau found that more than 15% of all commuters carpool to work.

While this number is on the rise, so are carpool accidents. In this article, we’ll discuss what a carpool accident is, explore the causes and who may be responsible for them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to stay safe while carpooling.

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group of workers carpooling

What Exactly Is Carpooling?

Carpooling is when two or more people share a ride. This can be done informally between friends or family or through a formal arrangement like a vanpool or rideshare program. Carpooling saves money on gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and it’s good for the environment. It also helps reduce traffic congestion and can make your commute shorter and less stressful.

However, there are some risks associated with carpooling, including carpool accidents. These accidents can be serious and sometimes even fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 400,000 carpool accidents in the U.S in 2016.

What Causes Carpool Accidents?

Many factors can contribute to a carpool accident. Some of the most common include:

Who’s Responsible for Carpool Accidents?

Generally, the vehicle’s driver is usually held responsible for a carpool accident. This is because they are the ones in control of the vehicle. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the carpool driver is working for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, their employer may be held liable for the accident.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe While Carpooling?

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while carpooling:

  • Make sure the driver is sober and alert. If they seem tired, ask them to pull over so someone else can take the wheel.
  • Avoid distractions by putting away your phone and not talking to the driver while driving.
  • Wear your seatbelt and make sure everyone in the car is buckled up.
  • Choose a safe route and avoid any areas with construction or bad weather.
  • Choose a safe vehicle to ride in. Avoid old cars or those that don’t have seatbelts.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

A carpooling accident can leave you injured, feeling helpless, and unsure of how you can move forward. The good news is, you don’t have to go through this alone. At The Hoffman Law Firm, our experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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The Most Common Car Accident Back Injuries and How to Deal with Them

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Let’s discuss the three most common car accident back injuries, how they occur, and their common symptoms.

Back injuries are prevalent after car accidents, and they can take a long time to heal. Below, we will talk about the most common back injuries sustained in car accidents and how to deal with them.

car accident victim with a back injury

The Most Common Car Accident Injuries

There are a variety of different back injuries that can occur after a car accident, and some are more common than others. Let’s discuss the three most common car accident back injuries, how they occur, and their common symptoms.

The good news is that most of these injuries can be treated with rest and prescription pain medications (or surgical intervention). So if you experience one of these injuries, don’t wait— seek medical help and follow the doctor’s orders.

Whiplash

Did you know that around 3 million whiplash injuries occur every year and that most of these injuries result from auto accidents? Car accident-related whiplash injuries mainly occur when the head and neck (which is the start of the spinal column) are suddenly jerked backward and then forward. This type of injury can cause damage to the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and discs in the neck.

Symptoms of whiplash include neck/back pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty turning the head, and numbness or tingling in the arms or hands. 

Vertebrae (Spinal) Fractures

The spinal column is made up of 33 individual, interlocking vertebrae. These bones work together to provide support and flexibility for the spine. A spinal fracture is a break in one or more of these Vertebrae, and it most often happens when the victim’s car is hit from the side or rear, and the force of the impact is transmitted up the spine. Here are the three most common spinal fractures:

  • Burst fractures: This occurs when the vertebrae are compressed and then smashed.
  • Compression fracture: This type of fracture occurs when the force of the impact is so great that it crushes the vertebrae.
  • Hyperextension fracture: This is a break in one or more of the vertebrae that occur when the spine is bent back too far.

Symptoms of a spinal fracture include back pain, tingling or numbness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking or standing, and swelling in the area around the break.

Slipped or Herniated Discs

The vertebrae that make up the spinal column are held in place by tough, rubbery discs. These discs act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to bend and twist. A slipped or herniated disc is a condition in which one of these discs ruptures or bulges out of its normal position. This can cause the disc to press on one or more spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

Have you or a loved one suffered a back injury in a car accident? Speak with an experienced car accident attorney at the Hoffman Law Firm today. We can evaluate your claim for free and help you determine what steps to take to protect your legal right to compensation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Keeping a Car Accident Journal After an Auto Accident

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If you are involved in a car accident, a journal can prove extremely useful in documenting and proving your injuries, expenses, and pain and suffering.

Automobile accidents can be extremely traumatizing especially if they cause serious injuries and property damage. Although most of us like to believe that it can never happen to us, especially if we drive carefully at all times, the reality is that all of us are at risk of being involved in an accident.

woman writing in journal after a car accident

Despite your best efforts to stay safe, you may get involved in an automobile accident caused by another careless, negligent, or reckless driver. In this case, you can generally claim financial compensation for your injuries and property damage from an at-fault driver. However, to make a successful claim, you need to prove that the accident was the other person’s fault and that you suffered injuries as a result. To do this, it is extremely important that you record all facts and gather all possible evidence that can strengthen your claim. Maintaining a car accident journal can be helpful in preparing your case and making a successful claim.

This journal can be helpful evidence in your car accident case and may be shared with your lawyer and in court. Here is what you may record in your car accident journal.

Information to Include in Your Journal

Details about the accident: It is extremely important that you record all the details of the accident as soon as possible after the crash. You should include the details of the other driver, his behavior before and after the crash (drunk, distracted, drowsy, aggressive, etc.). Also, include the details such as weather conditions at the time of accident, road defects and other information that may be relevant to the cause of accident.

Medical treatment and doctor’s treatment: You can obviously get your medical records from your doctor, but it is important that you write down what your doctor said at your appointments. This will help you keep track of your treatment and recovery.

Pain and suffering: This step is very important because your pain will fade over time, and you need to document how bad it was to prove how much you suffered.

Impact of the accident on your life: If you had to miss work, vacations, family events, or you could not pursue your hobbies due to car accident injuries, you should note it down in your journal.

Note all details honestly and add a date to all your journal entries.

Keeping an Accident Journal

Make sure you maintain your journal in a convenient way so that you can make entries easily and then retrieve the information when required. You can keep a document on your computer or tablet or use the traditional paper journal. Whatever method you choose, the idea is to record all the information that may be relevant to your claim.

If you have been injured in a St. Louis automobile accident, it’s in your best interests to speak with an experienced St. Louis car wreck attorney as soon as possible.

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10 Common Reasons Auto Accidents Happen in the Summer Months

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Summertime is a great time to be out and about, enjoying the sun and warm weather. However, it’s also a time when car accidents seem to happen frequently.

Here are 10 common reasons car accidents happen in the summer months.

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two young women on a summer road trip

1. People are driving more. With the warmer weather and longer days, people are naturally inclined to get out and about more. Unfortunately, this means more cars on the road and more opportunities for accidents to happen.

2. People are driving faster. With the good weather and open roads, people tend to let their foot off the gas a bit more and go a little faster than they normally would. This can lead to accidents especially if the drivers aren’t paying attention.

3. The roads are more crowded. With everyone driving more, the roads are bound to be more crowded and congested. This can lead to accidents as people jockey for position on the road.

4. There are more pedestrians and cyclists. With the nice weather, there are also more people out walking and biking. Unfortunately, this can lead to accidents, for example, if drivers don’t yield the right of way.

5. There are more construction projects. With the warmer weather, construction crews are able to work longer hours and get more projects done. This can lead to accidents if drivers aren’t paying attention to the road or if they don’t slow down in construction zones.

6. The days are longer. With the days being longer, there is more time for people to be out and about. Unfortunately, this means more traffic on the roads and more opportunities for accidents to happen.

7. People are vacationing. With the summer months comes the vacation season. As a result, people are traveling more, which means more cars are on the road. This can lead to accidents, especially when driving in unfamiliar territory or not paying attention to the road.

8. There are more young drivers on the road. With school out for summer, there are more inexperienced drivers on the road leading to accidents.

9. People are drinking more. With the warmer weather and summertime fun, people are more likely to drink alcohol. This can lead to drunk driving accidents if they’re not careful or if they’re driving after having too much to drink.

10. People are distracted. With all the summertime activities, people are more likely to be distracted while driving. Unfortunately, this can lead to accidents.

Have You Been Injured in a Summertime Auto Accident in St. Louis?

As you can see, there are many reasons why car accidents happen more in summer. Unfortunately, this means that the risk of being injured in an auto accident also increases. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, we can help. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242