Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

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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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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

6 Ways to Prevent Auto Accidents When Driving Early in the Morning

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This article will discuss six ways to stay safe on the road and prevent car accidents when driving early in the morning.

Auto accidents during the early morning hours are common. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent these accidents from happening. This article will discuss six ways to stay safe on the road when driving early in the morning.

st. louis man driving in the early morning

Early Morning Car Accidents

First, let’s take a look at some of the statistics associated with morning accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than one-third of all car accident fatalities occur between the hours of midnight and six in the morning. Furthermore, drivers are about four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident during these early hours than they are during the afternoon or evening. There are several reasons for this disparity. For one, many people are driving on tired legs after a long night of sleep. Additionally, there tends to be more traffic on the road during the morning hours, and visibility is often reduced due to darkness and foggy conditions. Finally, many drivers aren’t paying attention to the road because they’re distracted by their morning routines.

How to Stay Safe

So, what can you do to stay safe when driving early in the morning? Here are six tips:

1. Ensure You Get a Good Night’s Sleep Before Getting Behind the Wheel. It’s important to be well-rested when driving, and this is especially true during the early morning hours.

2. Start Your Car and Let It Warm Up for a Few Minutes Before Driving. This will help you see better and avoid being blinded by oncoming headlights.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings and Watch for Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Other Vehicles.

4. Avoid Distractions. Keep your windows rolled up and the radio turned off so you can focus on the road.

5. Avoid Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol. It’s never safe to drive while impaired, and the risks are even greater during the early morning hours.

6. Leave Extra Space Between Your Car and the One in Front of You. This will give you more time to react if someone cuts you off or slams on their brakes.

Though driving early in the morning can be challenging, following these tips can help you stay safe on the road.

What if You’re Hit by Another Driver and Sustain an Injury?

Sadly, despite your best efforts, you may still be involved in an accident. If this happens, it’s important to know what to do.

First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries aren’t visible right away, so it’s important to be evaluated by a professional.

Next, speak with an experienced car accident attorney. They can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you legally deserve.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

Have you been involved in an early morning accident in St. Louis, Missouri? The experienced car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm are here for you. We have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve and can help you too. Call us today for a free consultation!

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

How Long Should You Be Sore After a Car Accident?

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Several factors will generally determine how long you will feel sore after a car accident.

Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of time it takes to heal will vary from person to person. For some, the soreness may drag on for days or even weeks after the accident occurs. This article discusses several factors that determine how long you can generally expect to feel pain and discomfort after an accident. We’ve also provided some tips on managing the pain and speeding up the healing process.

st. louis man with back pain after a car accident

Factors That Determine How Long You Will Feel the Effects

Several factors can influence how long you will feel pain after an accident. These include:

The Severity of Your Injuries: Generally, the more severe your injuries are, the longer you can expect to feel pain. If you’ve suffered a broken bone or a concussion, you’ll likely experience pain and discomfort for some time after the accident.

The Location of Your Injuries: Injuries in certain body parts can be more painful than others. For example, a broken bone in the leg can cause more pain than a broken toe.

Your Age: Our bodies tend to heal more slowly as we age. This means that older adults may take longer to recover from an accident than younger people.

Your Health Before the Accident: If you’re already in poor health, you’ll likely take longer to heal from an injury sustained in an accident.

How Can You Manage Pain After an Accident?

The answer to this question should be discussed with a doctor. They often recommend several things to help manage pain after a car accident. These may include:

  • Rest: It’s important to rest after you’ve been injured. This will give your body time to heal.
  • Ice: Applying ice to the area of your pain may help reduce inflammation and swelling.
  • Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication may help to ease the pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your injuries, which can help reduce pain.
  • Massage: Massaging the injured area may help relieve some of the tension and discomfort.
  • Hot Packs: Heating pads or hot packs may be recommended to help soothe sore muscles and joints.

It’s important to remember that everyone heals differently, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel better right away.

When Should You See a Doctor?

It is generally best to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you feel ok at the time. You should also seek medical attention immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe pain that does not improve with medication
  • Sudden swelling or bruising in an area near your injury
  • Numbness or tingling in an arm or leg
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Bleeding that will not stop

A doctor will assess your injuries, prescribe the appropriate treatment and guide you on the road to recovery.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Hoffman Law firm, our St. Louis car accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims get the money they deserve and can evaluate your case for free.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242