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“Can Social Media Posts Hurt My St. Louis Car Accident Claim?”

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Many people do not realize that a social media post can harm their St. Louis car accident injury claim.

It’s usually a good rule of thumb to be very cautious when using social media. This rule applies even more so when you have recently been in a car accident. Although many people don’t consider it, a seemingly innocent social media post can harm your St. Louis car accident injury claim.

Before you go and post to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, let’s first examine how social media posts could hurt your future St. Louis car accident settlement.

posting to social media after car accident

Insurance Adjusters Are Watching

Insurance adjusters are usually quite skilled at what they do, and they have come up with plenty of clever tricks for saving their employers money. Insurance adjusters might attempt to view your social media pages to argue against your claim.  

For example, let’s say you are claiming that you badly hurt your leg in your recent car accident. If an insurance adjuster goes to your Instagram page and sees pictures of you hiking a week after the accident, they could deny your personal injury claim arguing that if you are well enough to go hiking, your leg must be fine.

Overusing Social Media Can Be Dangerous 

We all know that social media is often used to project an image to the public that is not often the truth. Someone can appear to be living an incredible life on social media, but in reality, be hurting on the inside. This is why you must be extra careful to post on social media if you seek damages for psychological injuries suffered from a car accident.

Opposing attorneys might argue that you are not really psychologically traumatized by your St. Louis car accident based on your excessive or overly positive social media posts. This is not to suggest that you need to post about how traumatized you are all of the time, but it is best to exert caution before posting anything. 

Public Record

Never forget that anything you say on social media becomes a matter of public record, whether your account is private or not. Generally, anything you say or post on social media about your St. Louis car accident could effectively be used against you in a court of law. 

Avoid speaking about your car accident on social media in any capacity. Take particular care never to admit any guilt. 

What You Can Do

The first thing you can do is to make sure that all of your social media accounts are set to private. Although this will not completely protect you, it will make it harder for adjusters and attorneys to find your posts. You should also avoid accepting new followers who you do not personally know. 

It would help if you also got in touch with an experienced attorney who can advise you and help protect your legal rights after a car accident. Our experienced legal team is here to help. If you have been involved in a St. Louis auto accident, 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

The Dangers of Not Wearing Your Seat Belt

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There is a strong link between the failure to wear a seat belt and many serious injuries and fatalities resulting from car accidents.

Car accidents can occur anytime, anywhere. Missouri sees a fair share of car accidents, and many people get injured and lose their lives in these accidents. In Missouri, car accidents occur for various reasons, including the negligence or recklessness of one or more drivers. Regardless of the cause of the accident, the resulting injuries can be life-changing. There is a strong link between the failure to wear a seat belt and many serious injuries and fatalities resulting from car accidents.

buckling seat belt

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, six out of 10 Missourians killed in traffic crashes are not wearing their safety belts. In fact, traffic accidents are among the most common causes of fatalities for those aged 30 and less in the US. In Missouri, people in the age group of 21-34 years are at the biggest risk of death from car accidents.

Recent statistics indicate that the rate of seat belt usage lags behind the national average. In fact, in 2019 around 87 percent of Missouri drivers use seat belts, while the national average was around 90 percent. If drivers and passengers used the restraint systems and strapped their children into appropriate boosters and car seats, the number of serious injuries and fatalities could be reduced significantly.

Most of us believe that winters are often a dangerous time to be on the roads because of poor weather conditions such as fog, snow, and ice. However, summertime has its dangers as well. Safety often depends on the drivers’ and passengers’ actions because it is often the negligence of a driver that directly causes a car accident and the resulting damages. Therefore, it is important to follow all traffic rules while driving, including wearing your seat belt at all times.

Injured in a St. Louis Auto Accident?

If you have been involved in a St. Louis auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have a legal right to seek compensation. To ensure you do not settle for less than you are legally entitled to for present and future expenses, speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible.

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7 Ways to Reduce Your Chances of Being Involved in a St. Louis Car Crash

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There are many rules of the road that drivers must follow in Missouri, but many behaviors can increase the likelihood of an accident.

Driving is not a right; it is a privilege. As such, those who drive are responsible for using caution and great care when behind the wheel. There are many rules of the road that drivers must follow in Missouri, but many behaviors can increase the likelihood of an accident. To limit your risks, try to avoid these driving practices.

st. louis driver

Since Missouri is an at-fault state, that means that whoever is negligent in an accident is generally responsible for paying for any injuries and damages. To make sure that you aren’t at fault, exercise good driving behaviors. To reduce your chances of causing or being involved in an accident:

  • Always make sure that if you are entering onto a roadway that you look both ways. It is important to be cautious of all traffic lanes and surroundings to avoid being in an accident.
  • Recognize your blind spots instead of relying on your car. New safety features and cameras are a great convenience but don’t make the mistake of thinking that they can override your vigilance. Be aware of when things are in your blind spot, and don’t rely too heavily on your mirrors or sensors.
  • Don’t follow too closely or tailgate. Riding closely on the tail of another driver isn’t going to make them go any faster or get you to your destination quicker. It is only going to increase the chances of you being in a car wreck. Keep a safe buffer in between you and the car ahead of you, just in case they stop suddenly.
  • Drive appropriately for the weather conditions. If there is snow on the road or heavy rain, take precautions and adjust your driving behaviors accordingly. Just because there is a posted speed limit doesn’t mean you can’t go under it when conditions call for you to use special care.
  • If you see someone driving erratically, move out of their way. If someone is tailgating you, move aside and let them pass. It is not your job to monitor their bad behaviors, and slamming on your brakes to teach them a lesson, or even slowing down, might be creating the potential for disaster.
  • Maintain your vehicle. Ensure that your car is in working order by always maintaining it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Obey the speed limit. In Missouri, the posted speed limits are not just an optional guide – they are the law. Make sure to follow posted speeds to avoid a ticket and reduce the potential for an accident.

Do Your Part to Prevent a Crash

The best way to avoid an accident is by driving to prevent one. Practice good driving habits when out on the road to limit the risks of being in an accident and reduce the potential that you might be at fault. If you are in an accident, make sure to speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. to protect your legal interests and help you get the compensation you are entitled to under Missouri law.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Common Injuries Resulting From St. Louis Motorcycle Accidents

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Motorcycle accidents can be severe and can result in catastrophic injuries or even permanent disability.

While an accident can happen in a split second, the aftermath of an accident and the recovery period can take months, if not years. Even with a helmet, motorcycle riders can sustain a head injury, and these can require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, therapy, home and lifestyle adaptations, assistive devices, etc. If an accident victim is fortunate enough to recover partially or fully from their injuries, the chances are that the process will be difficult and expensive.

st. louis motorcycle accident scene

Possible Injuries

While a minor accident may simply result in road rash or a fracture or two, it is not uncommon for victims of motorcycle accidents to sustain severe injuries including:

Any of these injuries or the combination of several can be life-altering. Though the recovery process might be long and/or difficult, with medical treatment, most of these injuries can be recovered from. The injuries most likely to have long-lasting implications, however, are spinal cord injuries and brain injuries. Because these injuries can be permanent, they will most likely require ongoing and costly medical treatment. It is possible that a patient may not be able to make a full recovery.

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are, unfortunately, common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists should always wear a helmet to prevent serious head injuries, but even wearing a helmet does not mean that you are fully protected in a major accident. Brain injuries can be minor, or they can be severe. Symptoms may not immediately present themselves. If you have been in an accident where you may have hit your head, you should always see medical attention to make sure a head injury does not go undiagnosed.

Symptoms of brain injuries can include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Memory Loss
  • Chronic Pain
  • Headaches

A more serious brain injury can result in cognitive and behavioral problems and physical disabilities. Someone with a serious brain injury may need long-term medical care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are also common in motorcycle accidents. Spinal cord injuries can cause varying degrees of paralysis or physical disability. Caring for someone with a spinal cord injury for the rest of their life can cost millions of dollars, and unfortunately, many of the treatments may not be covered by health insurance.

Legal Help for St. Louis Accident Victims

Discussing your accident and potential case with a St. Louis auto accident attorney as soon as possible is important. Your attorney can advise you regarding the best way to proceed. They can protect your rights and pursue full compensation for you and your family. Your attorney will make sure that the insurance company is not taking advantage of you or underpaying you and will help you to decide whether settling is right for your particular case or not. Acting quickly and finding a supportive attorney to guide you through the legal process is extremely important.

Contacting an experienced St. Louis motorcycle attorney as soon as possible is the best way to maximize your chances of getting full compensation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

St. Louis Auto Accidents – What Are the Benefits of Working With an Attorney?

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Here’s why it’s a good idea to, at the very least, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer after a St. Louis auto accident.

Many accident victims can achieve far better results if they have an attorney working on their side, advocating for them. Knowing when to find an attorney is very important. It may make all of the difference in whether or not you get full and fair compensation.

st louis car accident lawyer

Accidents are almost always unexpected. Even careful drivers can be involved in auto accidents. Other drivers can be unpredictable. Sometimes, conditions like changing weather, obstructions in the roadways, or malfunctioning vehicles can make the likelihood of an accident occurring much greater. Reckless or negligent drivers may be the biggest cause of vehicle accidents today. If you have been injured in an auto accident, you should consult with an attorney at the very least to discuss your options and to determine how to proceed. You may be entitled to monetary compensation.

Some accident victims contact an auto accident attorney as soon as possible following an accident because dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and a very complicated process. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and because of this, they generally do not offer adequate compensation or even have the best interests of the victim in mind. They are more likely to offer a settlement amount that is too low and may not even cover all of the costs associated with your accident. Insurance companies also tend to push for a fast settlement so that you are rushed and do not have time to fully comprehend the full extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.

Accidents can be very overwhelming. Working with an auto accident attorney can help your chances of achieving a fair settlement and not getting taken advantage of by an insurance company or other party. Legally protecting your rights by hiring an auto accident attorney can be one of the best things accident victims can do for themselves and their families. The last thing you want is to be mistreated or taken advantage of while dealing with the process of recovery and returning to normal life.

If you decide to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, property repairs, lost wages, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering, you should definitely talk to an attorney about how to proceed. The money you are awarded in a personal injury claim could be subject to state and federal income taxes, so finding an experienced attorney who understands your state’s accident laws is very important.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Again, it is essential to find an attorney experienced in handling cases similar to your circumstances. It is not unusual for attorneys to give free consultations or case assessments, which can make finding a great attorney even easier.

Legal help can be more affordable than people assume. Many attorneys will work for a portion of the settlement amount that you receive rather than hourly fees. This sort of contingency basis can mean that legal help is more accessible to those that need it.

Having an experienced car accident attorney can help to put your mind at ease, knowing that you are in good hands. Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm today for a free and private consultation.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Disfigurement After a St. Louis Car Accident – What Are Your Rights?

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An experienced attorney can help ensure your rights are protected after a St. Louis car accident involving disfigurement.

Car accidents are a common cause of permanent scarring, disfigurement, and amputations. Long-term injuries usually lead to lengthy car accident claim processes because the MMI (maximum medical improvement) point might be somewhere in the victim’s distant future. 

disfigured st. louis woman

Filing a claim for disfigurement is a very specific case amongst car accident claims. It presents some unique nuances, like emotional distress, limitation of professional advancement (depending on the job,) and so on.

Let’s see what can be considered disfigurement in a legal case and what the victim should do to ensure the best outcome. 

Mental Distress Caused by Disfigurement

“Pain and suffering” is a legal phrase that defines the non-economic damages an injured person sustains. It can refer to mental distress, emotional damage, increased susceptibility to or aggravation of mental disorders. 

Disfigurement is one of the injuries that impact personal injury victims profoundly, especially if their scars are easily noticeable. Face disfigurement is one of the most serious types of disfigurements for a victim, but arms, legs, and scalp affected by scars and deformities may also inflict a lot of distress on them. 

Here are some of the most common disfigurements caused by car accidents:

  • Burn scars
  • Scarring 
  • Amputations, whether partial or total 
  • Limping, other changes in mobility
  • Modified bone structure

What Are You Entitled To?

Putting a monetary value on the distress caused by disfigurement can be a difficult task. When it comes to pain and suffering, the compensation value is usually calculated by applying a multiplying factor (x2, x3, etc.) to the total economic damages the victim has suffered. Sometimes, the compensation’s value is exponentially greater and expressed by a round, impactful sum when the case is so bad that the victim’s life is impacted severely by the disfigurement. 

While it may be difficult to say exactly how much compensation you are truly entitled, a good place to start is by speaking with an experienced attorney who can evaluate the specifics of your claim.

Some of the most important factors that will influence this amount are:

  • Where the scar or disfigurement is located (how visible it is)
  • Whether the scar is permanent or not, treatable or not
  • The age of the victim, as young and very young persons can be more affected by such injuries
  • The victim’s career, formation, profession: a model, for instance, will be greatly affected by a disfigurement that won’t let them work in that industry anymore. 

As you can see, there are many factors to take into account in a disfigurement case. Let an experienced St. Louis auto accident attorney represent you in this difficult process and fight for the full and fair amount of compensation you are entitled to.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242