Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

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Traumatic Amnesia After a St. Louis Auto Accident

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Let’s discuss what you need to know about this condition and how to pursue fair compensation if you suffer traumatic amnesia after an accident.

As a motorcycle rider, you are at a high risk of suffering traumatic amnesia. Sadly, if left untreated, this condition can have lifelong effects. So, what is traumatic amnesia, and how does it happen?  Let’s discuss what you need to know about this condition and how to pursue fair compensation if you suffer traumatic amnesia after an accident.

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two doctors reviewing an mri scan

What Is Traumatic Amnesia?

According to Mayo Clinic, amnesia refers to the loss of memories, facts, information, and experiences. Sadly, when you hit your head in a motorcycle accident, the part responsible for keeping memories, the hippocampus, may be damaged, leading to traumatic amnesia.

There are generally two types of amnesia:

1. Anterograde Amnesia

Anterograde amnesia is a complete or partial inability to retain new information or memories. You may remember events that took place before the crash but have absolutely no idea about what happened afterward. This type of amnesia mostly affects your short memory making it very frustrating.

2. Retrograde Amnesia

Conversely, retrograde amnesia affects your ability to remember existing memories. For example, you may not remember events before the accident but may recall things that happened after the accident.

While retrograde amnesia may never affect your skills, it will certainly affect some of the facts in your life.

Seeking Compensation

Losing your memory is no easy feat. You will likely need the services of a neurologist or therapist to get your memory in good shape. Unfortunately, the services of these specialists are costly and can drain your pockets. In addition, severe amnesia is not always curable and can leave you with side effects that you have to manage for the rest of your life.

To get compensated, you generally must prove that the other party was liable for your injuries which is not always easy.

An experienced St. Louis auto accident attorney can help you avoid common mistakes motorcycle accident victims make, such as not collecting enough evidence, delaying making a report, accepting the blame, or settling for the first compensation offer. In addition, they’ll advocate for you, guide you on how to navigate the case, and help negotiate a fair settlement for you.

St. Louis Auto Accident Attorneys

The effects of amnesia after a motorcycle accident are immense. And getting compensation for your physical and emotional trauma can be tough and complex. However, the experienced attorneys at The Hoffmann Law Firm are here for you during this trying time. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights after an accident.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

4 Common Blind Spots to Be Aware of to Prevent Auto Accidents

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Let’s take a look at some of the most common blind spots in commercial trucks and what you can do to avoid them and prevent accidents.

Every time you drive in a truck’s blind spot, you put yourself in harm’s way. This makes it worthwhile to know the different truck’s blind spot areas and how you can avoid them.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common blind spots in commercial trucks and what you can do to avoid them and prevent accidents.

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semi truck mirrors

What Is a Blind Spot?

A blind spot refers to that area of a vehicle that is not visible in the mirrors or by turning your head. While every vehicle has a blind spot, a driver of a smaller car generally has an easier time checking their blind spot than a truck driver. This is because:

  • A truck’s length gives it a large space of no visibility.
  • Commercial trucks are taller than passenger vehicles, making it difficult for truck drivers to see low-riding cars in front or beside them.
  • Big rigs don’t have rearview mirrors.

Common Blind Spots in Commercial Trucks

There are four main truck “no-zones,” namely:

1. Front Blind Spot

A driver operating an 18- wheeler truck without a cab-over design may have trouble seeing the area in front of their truck. What’s more, this blind spot can extend up to 20 feet in front of the truck. You don’t want to overstay in this hot spot, or else you may get in a disastrous rear-end accident.

2. Right Side Blind Spot

The right-side blind spot starts at the edge of the right side of the cab and can run as far as three lanes of traffic.

Please note: when you are at the right side of a big rig, you may not be able to tell where the blind spot starts and ends. So, your best move is to keep away from this extremely dangerous zone.

3. Left Side Blind Spot

This blind spot begins from the left side of a truck’s cab and can run back at an angle as far as three traffic lanes. While the left-side blind spot is smaller than the right-side blind spot, staying in it for long increases your risk of underside, rollover, or side-impact accidents. Therefore, it’s generally best to avoid driving on the left side of any big truck. However, if you have to, always stay in an area where you can see the truck’s mirrors.

4. Rear Blind Spot

As large trucks have no rearview mirrors, their drivers generally can’t see behind the truck. In addition, rear no-zones can run as far as 30 feet from the back of the truck.

Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

Have you been injured because a negligent truck driver failed to check their blind spot? Our experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights. Give us a call 24/7 for a free consultation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

How Car Accidents Claims Involving Trucks Are Different

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Here are three of the most significant differences between car accident claims and truck accident claims.

What are the differences between a car accident and a truck accident claim? Ask motorists this question, and many of them will tell you the same thing: there’s no difference because an auto accident is an auto accident. In reality, however, car and truck claims are different.  Here are three of the most significant differences between these two claims.

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semi truck on the road

The Causes

We start with the most significant and most obvious difference: the causes of the accidents. Generally, truck wrecks often occur due to equipment failure or the sheer size of the trucks. On the other hand, car wrecks often happen due to human error (speeding, performing illegal maneuvers, misjudging the distance between cars, etc.). While human error if often responsible for truck accidents as well, these cases are often more complicated.

Evidence

Another big difference between a truck and a car injury claim is the type of evidence you’ll include in your claim. When preparing a car accident claim, you need to have evidence like witness statements, photographs, police reports, and more. However, when filing a truck wreck claim, your attorney will use a different set of evidence to prove liability. This may include the driver’s qualifications file, the driver inspection records, delivery documents, maintenance history documentation, weight tickets, trip envelopes, and more.

Also, evidence collection in truck accident cases generally takes a tad longer than in car accident cases. 

Federal and State Trucking Laws

Truckers are typically held to higher legal standards and are governed by more stringent federal and state trucking laws. For instance, Missouri truckers are required to know how to load and properly secure the cargo safely. There are also rules that stipulate the number of hours a trucker can drive each day and shift. 

Experienced truck accident attorneys generally understand the ins and outs of car and trucking laws and regulations and can help you develop a strategy that will help you prove the driver who caused your accident was negligent. 

Speak With an Experienced Attorney

Whether you’ve been injured in a truck or car accident, one thing remains true: You may be entitled to financial compensation. That said, it’s worth noting that you may end up settling for less than you deserve without the help of an experienced car accident attorney. Your attorney can help you file your claim on time, collect strong evidence, and help you understand the full extent of your injury-related losses. They’ll also help you convince the insurer or judge your claim has merit.

The Hoffmann Law Firm Is Here to Help!

Have you been injured in a St. Louis auto accident and would like to speak with an attorney about filing an injury claim? The Hoffmann Law Firm can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

3 Dangerous Car Accidents Involving Bikes You Should Be Aware Of

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Let’s examine the top three most common types of car accidents involving bicycles in St Louis and what you can do to prevent them.

What are the common types of car vs. bicycle accidents? It’s the kind of question you’ve probably not given much thought to before, but actually, the answers could help you and other bicycle enthusiasts stay safe on the road. Let’s examine the top three most common types of car accidents involving bicycles in St Louis.

bike on the street involved in an accident

1. The Right Hook

Right hook accidents are extremely dangerous and can lead to life-altering injuries and, in extreme cases, death.

How does a right hook accident happen? Generally, a right hook accident occurs when a motor vehicle makes a right turn at an intersection and hits a cyclist riding on its right side. That said, most right hook accidents happen when:

  • A driver passes a bicyclist moving in the same direction and makes a right turn.
  • A bicyclist passes a car on the right, only for the driver to forget to check their blind spot and hit the rider when turning right.
  • Both the bicycle and car are waiting at a traffic right, then the driver runs right into the bicycle when the light changes to green.
  • When a bicyclist is hit by the back wheel of a commercial truck making a right turn.

These accidents are preventable if drivers avoid distractions and yield the right of the way to cyclists.

2. Screened Left Cross

This is another common accident affecting bicyclists in St Louis. It usually occurs when a cyclist is hit by a vehicle entering the intersection from the opposite direction. To keep safe from these accidents, move a little bit to the left to allow the waiting driver to see you. Additionally, never make the mistake of thinking you’re safe because you have the right of way. Most importantly, always be ready to make an evasive maneuver if the situation calls for one.

3. Dooring 

Dooring bicycle accident happens when a motorist opens their vehicle door into the path of an unsuspecting bicyclist, causing them to run into the open door or swerve into the path of another car.

Dooring accidents can lead to serious injuries, including face damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent spinal damage. To avoid dooring accidents, it’s advisable to ride your bike outside of the door zone. Another possible solution to the problem is for drivers to ensure they check their surroundings thoroughly before opening a car door.

Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys

Have you been injured in a car vs. bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence? Give us a call 24/7 for a FREE case evaluation with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer!

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

4 Reasons Lane Splitting Often Leads to Catastrophic Auto Accidents

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Lane splitting is a dangerous maneuver and can lead to catastrophic auto accidents and injuries.

If you’re a motorcyclist, you may have heard people say that lane splitting is safe and is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of rear-end collisions and beat stop-and-go- traffic.

In reality, lane splitting is a dangerous maneuver and can lead to catastrophic accidents and injuries. Here’s why.

st. louis motorcyclist on the road

What Is Lane Splitting?

According to the National Highway and Transport Safety Authority (NHTSA), lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles. You may also hear people call it lane sharing or white lining. In most cases, motorcyclists do this to avoid traffic congestion. 

The Dangers of Lane Splitting

1. Vehicles Become Too Close

When you are riding in between two lanes of standstill or slowly moving traffic, the space between you and the other vehicles is significantly reduced. As a result, you’ll generally have no room for error, and even the slightest mistake is enough to cause a severe car accident, which could leave you with catastrophic injuries.

2. Drivers May Not See Your Bike

A driver will likely be focused on other bigger vehicles when driving through stop-and-go- traffic. This means there’s a good chance they won’t see you and your motorcycle. Lane splitting increases your chances of getting into an accident with an unsuspecting driver.

3. Vehicles Can Stop Unexpectedly

When you are weaving through moving traffic, you expect the vehicles to keep moving. Sadly, this does not always happen. Traffic may stop abruptly and catch you unaware. If a vehicle you predicted would be moving makes an abrupt stop, there is a risk you will end up rear-ending them.

4. You May Not Have Enough Time to Avoid an Accident 

When you lane split, you travel at a higher speed than the rest of the traffic. Speed reduces your reaction time and increases the likelihood of getting in a collision. 

Proving Negligence in a Lane Splitting Accident

Proving the other driver was negligent in a lane splitting accident is not as easy as it may seem. The insurance company may dispute your claim and blame you for the accident, especially if the other driver sustained injuries. The best way to keep safe is to avoid lane splitting.

However, if the unexpected happens and you find yourself in an automobile accident, get in touch with an experienced attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected.

St. Louis Auto Accident Lawyers

Have you been injured in an auto accident in St. Louis, Missouri? Our attorneys have helped thousands of car accident victims get their deserved compensation and can help you understand your rights after an accident. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Can Technology Help Prevent St. Louis Car Accidents?

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Recent technological advancements have helped contribute to safer driving and prevent car accidents.

The drastic advancements in the world of auto technology have undoubtedly made driving safer in many ways. This has helped minimize the rate of car accidents and the severity of car injuries.

Let’s consider some of the auto technological advancements that help make vehicles safer and reduce the odds of being involved in a traffic accident in Missouri.

car backup camera

1. Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB)

This safety feature can generally detect stopped or slow traffic and instantly apply brakes to prevent a collision. Research has shown that an automatic emergency braking system can minimize rear-end collisions by up to 27-50%.

However, it’s worth noting that not every car has this safety feature standard. Also, this feature is not foolproof and can sometimes fail to work as intended. To be safe, always stay alert when driving and ensure there’s a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.  

2. Backup Cameras

Also known as the rear video system, the backup cameras help drivers see other vehicles and people when parking and backing up their cars. This, in turn, helps reduce the odds of backup-related accidents.  

3. Blind Spot Detection

With the high rate of blind spot accidents, vehicle manufacturers have invented a blind spot detection system to prevent these types of collisions. The blind-spot detection feature offers you an additional set of eyes and notifies you when another vehicle enters your blind spot.

4. Forward Collision Systems (FCS)

A sudden deceleration by the vehicle in front of you or an unexpected lane change can lead to tragic rear-end collisions. This is where a forward collision system comes in handy. It notifies you of an impending collision with an indicator or audible alert to keep you safe.

Again, while this feature does a great job of helping prevent terrible rear-end accidents, it’s not foolproof. Therefore, it’s best to stay alert and keep a safe distance while on the road.

5. Autonomous Emergency Steering System

When driving, an obstacle may appear out of nowhere. In most cases, you may not have enough time to make up your mind on the best way to proceed, and a tragic accident may happen. An autonomous emergency steering system can automatically brake or steer your car to help prevent an accident.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

Although technological advancements have significantly improved vehicles’ safety, car accidents are still common in St Louis. If you’ve been in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, get in touch with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm. We have been fighting for the rights of car accidents victims for over 20 years.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242