Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

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6 Reasons Auto Collisions Occur in Construction Zones

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If you find yourself involved in a St. Louis car accident in a construction zone, get in touch with an experienced St. Louis construction zone injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Every year, thousands of car accidents happen in construction areas. Part of it has to do with the fact that construction zones are often located on high-traffic highways. However, several other factors contribute to the high accident rate in these areas. This article will consider six of the most common reasons auto collisions occur in construction zones.

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road construction sign

Narrow Lanes

One of the main reasons why auto collisions occur in construction zones is narrow lanes. When construction crews work on a road, they typically need to close off one lane to do their work safely. This can often lead to traffic congestion and makes it more difficult for drivers to avoid accidents. Additionally, when roads are under construction, they are often more bumpy and uneven, which can also contribute to accidents.

Improper Merging

Another common reason why auto collisions occur in construction zones is improper merging. When lanes are closed off, drivers often wait until the last minute to merge into the open lane. This can lead to sudden braking and swerving, increasing the risk of an accident. In addition, drivers who fail to merge properly may block traffic and cause other drivers to become impatient and take risks.

Speeding

Drivers may be in a hurry to get through the construction zone, or they may not realize that the speed limit is lower in these areas. This can lead to serious accidents, as drivers may not have enough time to react to hazards or slow down workers. 

In addition, speeding reduces the amount of traction a vehicle has on the road, making it more difficult to stop or maneuver around obstacles. 

Distracted Driving

With so much activity going on, it can be easy for drivers to take their eyes off the road. Maybe they’re looking at the workers or the equipment, or perhaps they’re just daydreaming about being done with the drive. Some could even be talking on the phone, texting, or adjusting the radio and may not see hazards until it’s too late. Whatever the reason, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents in construction zones.

Rubbernecking

Rubbernecking is another common cause of car accidents in construction zones. Drivers who slow down or stop to look at accidents or other roadside attractions are more likely to be involved in rear-end collisions. In addition, rubbernecking can cause traffic jams which can lead to frustration among drivers, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

Improper Signage

Construction zones can be confusing for drivers, especially if they’re not well-marked. Poor signage or markings can make it difficult to tell where you should and shouldn’t be driving, which can lead to accidents.

These are just a few reasons why auto collisions occur so frequently in construction zones. By understanding these risks and taking steps like watching out for debris, merging properly, maintaining a safe following distance, staying focused on the road, and obeying the posted speed limit, drivers can help make these areas safer for everyone involved.

St. Louis Construction Zone Injury Lawyer

Auto collisions can happen anywhere and at any time. If you find yourself involved in a St. Louis car accident in a construction zone, get in touch with an experienced St. Louis construction zone injury lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm 24/7. We have a proven track record of assisting victims of St. Louis car accidents for over 20 years. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

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What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do

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A car accident lawyer can help you determine what your rights are as a victim of an auto collision and help you navigate the legal process.

A car accident lawyer is an attorney who generally specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and other related cases. A car accident lawyer can help you determine what your rights are as a victim of an auto collision and help you navigate the legal process.

The first step in hiring a car accident lawyer is to find one that specializes in the type of case you have. For example, if you were injured in a bicycle collision or pedestrian collision, then you generally want to find an attorney who is familiar with these types of cases. You should also consider how much experience the attorney has had with your specific case type.

st. louis car accident lawyer working on a case

What is the Role of a Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident lawyer will help you in settling your claim as well as in the legal proceedings. They are also called personal injury attorneys and are responsible for representing the victims of car accidents.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help You Get Maximum Compensation?

With the number of vehicles on the road, it is not surprising that car accidents are a common occurrence these days. These accidents can have a huge impact on your life, both physically and financially. Therefore, you will greatly benefit from the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney who knows how to get you maximum compensation.

What is the Difference Between a Personal Injury Attorney and a Car Accident Attorney?

Personal injury attorneys work to help people who are injured due to the negligence of others. They can be contacted by the victim or their family and friends. They can also be contacted by the insurance company of the person who caused the injury.

A car accident attorney is a lawyer that specializes in automobile accidents. They are usually contacted by an individual or their family after they have been in a car accident.

Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

The first step in hiring an attorney after a car accident is to request a consultation. This can be done by phone or email. The next step is to provide the attorney with any information that they may need from you. This includes medical records, police reports, and insurance information. You should also provide them with a detailed description of your case and what happened during the accident.

At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of success in obtaining compensation for victims of St. Louis car accidents. Call us 24/7 or fill out our online contact form to request a free case evaluation to ensure your legal rights are protected after a car accident. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we get you compensation!

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Pre Existing Injury Aggravated in Car Accident

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Not all St. Louis car accident claims are simple and straightforward. Here’s what you need to know if a pre-existing injury was aggravated in your car accident.

St. Louis car accident claim lawyer

Anyone who gets injured in a St. Louis car accident caused by the fault of another person or party is generally entitled to receive compensation for both economic and non-economic losses from the at-fault party. However, not all claims are simple because the circumstances surrounding every case differ. When making an injury claim following a car accident, some people wonder if their pre-existing medical condition or prior surgeries would influence their financial recovery.

For example, the victim who wants to make a claim had undergone a wrist fusion before the accident, and the fuse was not completely healed. The accident caused a fresh injury to the wrist, and the victim’s condition gets aggravated. In such cases, the victim would likely still be able to make a claim.

What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?

You may have heard the term “pre-existing condition” in the context of health insurance, and it means pretty much the same thing in the field of law. 

A pre-existing condition is any kind of health issue or injury that you experienced in the past, and has affected your health before your car accident. About 50% of all non-senior adults have a condition or injury that may count as a “pre-existing condition.” 

Medical History and Insurance Companies

When a person files a claim for a car accident injury that resembles any other injury in your medical history, the insurer will likely argue that the fresh injury is a mere aggravation of the pre-existing injuries. The victim does not have to accept this argument as they are legally entitled to fair compensation for their injuries whether they are new injuries or an aggravation of previous injuries.

Proving New vs. Pre-existing Injuries

No matter you have suffered a completely new injury or aggravated any previous injury, you need to prove it, and the best proof is your medical records. If the prior injuries have got aggravated then there would become overlap in the medical treatment. The victim would need the doctor’s help to prove whether the injuries are new and separate or pre-existing.

Doctor’s Statement

Make sure you tell your doctor everything about the car accident right from the start. Tell your doctor about all your symptoms no matter how minor they seem. Let the doctor know of the pain, soreness, numbness, tingling or any discomfort you felt on impact. The doctor’s opinion would be binding on you, and his/her diagnosis and prognosis of your car accident injuries in relation to the pre-existing injuries would be the best evidence in support of your claim.

Remember, insurance adjusters are trained and experienced and when you file a claim they would ask for your medical records. Although they do not have a legal right to check out your records, if you do not provide them, the adjuster can deny your claim. It is important to be honest about any pre-existing conditions or it can affect your credibility and of course, your injury claim too.

Do Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Compensation After a St. Louis Car Accident?

If you or a loved one had a pre-existing condition and then was seriously injured in a car accident in St. Louis that made the condition worse, you may be worried that this will affect their ability to get compensation. Let’s discuss the basics of pre-existing conditions and why it’s a good idea to discuss your pre-existing conditions with an experienced attorney.

car accident doctor

Can You Seek Damages For Pre-Existing Injuries & Conditions?

It’s not possible to seek damages for pre-existing injuries and conditions, as a general rule of thumb.

For example, if you have experienced back pain in the past and you’re taking prescription medication for the pain, then you are involved in a car accident that results in a broken leg or arm, you can only seek compensation for the broken leg or arm. If the accident did not affect your back, you can’t seek damages for this issue since it was a known and pre-existing condition. 

You May Be Able To Recover Compensation if Pre-Existing Injuries or Conditions Are Aggravated

Worried that a pre-existing condition will stop you from getting compensation for an injury caused by a car accident in St. Louis? In most cases, this won’t happen – because even though you can’t seek damages for pre-existing injuries, you may be able to get compensation if an auto accident makes the condition worse.

Using the above example again, let’s say that you have experienced back pain in the past, and are on pain medication for this issue. Then, you get in a serious accident that results in fractured back vertebrae.

In this case, you may still seek compensation for the injury, even though you have experienced back issues in the past. The injury to your vertebrae could aggravate or accelerate your previous back pain – which would not have happened if you were not involved in a St. Louis car accident.

Auto Accident Claims Attorney St. Louis

If you have a pre-existing condition and you suffer a fresh injury in an automobile accident, it would be in your best interests to get in touch with an automobile accident attorney to help you deal with the insurance company and obtain rightful compensation. Call (314) 361-4242 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

St. Louis Bus and Taxi Accident Claims: What Are Your Rights?

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While buses and taxis are generally among the safest and most effective ways to get around, things sometimes go wrong, resulting in an accident.

Unfortunately, these accidents can have catastrophic impacts and often result in severe injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. Additionally, these accidents cause psychological damage and could make victims wary of traveling on public transport ever again.

Understandably, after a bus or taxi accident, you may be worried about your legal rights. Let’s discuss your rights as a bus or taxi accident victim and how an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney can help ensure they are protected.

taxi sign on top of a car
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What Are the Common Causes of Bus and Taxi Accidents?

Buses and taxis are usually busiest during peak hours. For this reason, it’s not surprising that most bus and taxi accidents happen at this time. Here are the top causes of bus and taxi accidents.

Bus Accidents

Bus accidents are often caused by braking too hard or suddenly, driving recklessly, or driving unreasonably fast around sharp corners.

Some of the parties at fault for your injuries in a bus accident are the bus driver and the bus management company. However, there are instances where multiple parties may be at fault. Our attorneys can help you determine the parties liable for your injuries and resulting damages.

Taxi Accidents

Common causes of taxi accidents include inclement weather, failure to replace faulty parts, drunk driving, and distracted driving. At-fault parties in a taxi accident may include the taxi driver, maintenance worker, or the cab company.

When you take a taxi, you trust the driver with your physical integrity. Although taxi drivers are experienced, accidents can happen, and you can get injured. Fortunately, it’s easier for a passenger to get compensation since they cannot be deemed liable for the accident. You can file a claim towards the taxi driver, the other driver involved, or even both drivers. 

Were You Hit by a Taxi While Driving or As a Passenger in Another Car?

If the taxi driver is determined to be at fault for the accident, you can typically file a claim against them or the company they work for. In at-fault states, such as Missouri, you can file a claim even if you share the responsibility for the accident. The settlement will be calculated based on how much each of you were at fault for the accident.

Should You Pursue the Taxi Driver or the Company They Work For?

This depends on what caused the accident and who is at fault. If a problem with the taxi maintenance and a technical issue led to the accident, the company will generally be held liable for not keeping their vehicles safe for the users. Even if the accident was caused by pure human negligence on the driver’s part, you may be able to sue the company, as the principle of “vicarious liability” may apply (they are responsible for what their employees do while on duty).

How to File a Taxi Accident Claim?

In both scenarios, you should start gathering evidence as soon as possible, right at the scene of the accident. Collect information about the drivers who were involved, eyewitnesses, and the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the vehicle you were in, the other vehicle, and your injuries. Call the police even if the accident seems minor because hidden injuries and underestimated property damages are usually found later.

What Are My Rights After a Bus or Taxi Accident?

If you or your loved one is injured in a bus or taxi accident, you may be eligible for compensation from the liable party. Some of the damages you are entitled to include:

  • Lost wages during the time of recovery and possible loss of future income
  • Permanent disabilities
  • Rehabilitation
  • Medical expenses

Do You Need Assistance Proving Liability?

Just like any other type of car accident, proving liability in a bus or taxi accident requires strong evidence and may involve quite a bit of investigation and documentation. It’s not something we recommend pursuing on your own. Before you file a claim or start your journey of proving liability, make sure you speak with an experienced car accident attorney.

Apart from gathering and documenting necessary evidence and determining the at-fault party, your attorney can also connect you with expert witnesses. Expert witnesses can help explain to the court how the accident happened and demonstrate how the at-fault party could have prevented the accident.

Speak With a St. Louis Auto Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a St. Louis bus or taxi accident? Speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm today. We have over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of successful claims. Call us 24/7 for a FREE case evaluation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Can You Sue Someone Personally After a Car Accident?

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Depending on the specifics of your car accident case, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver may be your best option.

After being involved in a car accident, you may be left with injuries, including whiplash, and expensive medical bills, and damaged property. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance company should cover the cost of your damages. However, sometimes the insurance settlement may not be enough to cover the cost of your damages. In these cases, you may be able to sue the other driver personally depending on the circumstances of your case.

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car accident victim with whiplash

What Does It Mean to Sue The At-Fault Driver Personally?

When you file a lawsuit against another driver after an accident, this is called a personal injury lawsuit. If the court finds it in your favor, the other driver will be required to pay you damages. These damages can cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

When Can You Sue the At-Fault Driver Personally After an Accident?

There are a few situations where suing the other driver may be your best option. 

The Insurance Settlement Is Too Low

If your insurer only offers you a fraction of what you need to treat and recover from your injuries, you may have no choice but to sue in order to get the compensation you need to cover your expenses. An experienced St. Louis car accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Your Medical Bills Are Too High

If you were seriously injured in the accident and have astronomical medical bills, you will need compensation to move forward. Your health insurance will most likely cover some of your medical expenses, but it generally will not cover them all. If you have health insurance with a high deductible, you’ll be responsible for paying that before your coverage kicks in. This means that even if you have insurance, you could still owe a lot of money out of pocket. In this case, it may make sense to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver to recover some of those expenses. 

You Are Not At Fault

If it’s obvious that the other driver was at fault for the accident and they’re refusing to accept responsibility, then a personal injury lawsuit might be your best option. For example, if they were drunk driving or speeding at the time of the accident, there’s a good chance they will deny any responsibility for what happened. If this is the case and their insurance company refuses to pay out on your claim, then taking them to court may be your only option.

No one wants to deal with the stress and hassle of going to court, but sometimes it’s necessary to get the compensation you deserve after an accident. If you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, consult with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney first so they can help you determine what your best options are to obtain compensation after a car accident. 

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident and need help securing the compensation that is rightfully yours, contact The Hoffman Law Firm! Our St. Louis car accident attorneys have over 20 years of experience and are here to help!

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

3 Common Questions About Car Accident Witness Statements

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Witness statements can be essential to building your case, as they can provide crucial info about how the accident occurred and what factors may have played a role in causing it.

When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to gather as much information as possible about the incident. This includes information about the at-fault party, such as their name, contact details, and insurance info. It also includes information about your injuries and other losses sustained in the crash. Perhaps most importantly, however, it includes witness statements.

Witness statements can be essential to building your case, as they can provide crucial info about how the accident occurred and what factors may have played a role in causing it. They can also corroborate key details of your account, such as how fast each driver was going or where you were positioned on the road when the crash occurred. Overall, securing viable witness testimony is one of the most crucial steps in building a successful car accident claim. 

gavel with scales of justice in front of a accident witness

FAQs About Witness Statements

How Many Types of Witness Statements Are There?

In the context of a car injury claim, there are generally two types of witness statements: Eyewitness statements and Expert Witness Statements. 

  • An eyewitness statement comes from someone who directly observed the accident, such as another driver, a pedestrian, or a bystander. These statements typically consist of first-hand observations about what occurred during the accident, including factors like road conditions, weather conditions, and traffic patterns. These witness statements can be particularly useful if there are no other sources of information available about what happened during an incident. 
  • An expert witness statement comes from someone with expertise on the topic at hand, such as an accident reconstruction specialist or a medical professional. These statements typically provide more technical details about things like vehicle behavior in high-impact collisions or injuries sustained by crash victims based on their diagnosed medical conditions. These details can help clarify questions about how an incident occurred and who may have been responsible for any resulting damage or injuries.

Do I Have to Provide a Witness Statement? 

It’s generally not required by law to provide a witness statement, but it may help support your car injury claim. If you choose not to provide one, the insurer may investigate your claims less thoroughly, which could result in a lower settlement offer or denial of your claim altogether. 

What Should Be Included in a Witness Statement? 

Some things that you may want to include in a witness statement are: 

  • The full name, address, and contact details of the witness
  • The witness’s recollection of events leading up to the accident
  • The details of the accident itself 
  • The witness’s current physical and emotional state

These are just some examples—your attorney will generally include whatever details are important and relevant to your case. The most important thing is ensuring the testimony is honest and accurate.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a car accident and need help pursuing your claim, a St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Hoffman Law Firm can help. We have over 20 years of experience protecting the rights of injured car accident victims and can do the same for you. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242