• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

  • Whiplash
    • What is Whiplash?
    • How Long Does Whiplash Last?
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment
    • Exercises
    • Physiotherapy
    • Surgery
  • Compensation
  • Car Accident
    • What to Do When You Get in a Car Accident
    • The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
    • Wrong Way Car Crash
    • Why Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?
    • Injuries
      • Brain Injury
      • Delayed Injuries
      • Head Injury
      • Leg Injury
    • T-Bone Accident
    • Uninsured Motorist
    • Who Pays My Medical Bills?
  • Whiplash St. Louis Blog

St. Louis Carpool Accident – Who Is Responsible?

April 5, 2022 by Christopher

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.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242
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:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Weather conditions
  • Road Rage
  • Poorly maintained vehicles

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.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Related Posts:

  • What You Should Know About St. Louis Ridesharing Accidents
    What You Should Know About St. Louis Ridesharing Accidents
  • St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
    St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
  • What To Do if an Uber or Lyft Driver Flees the Scene of an Accident in St. Louis
    What To Do if an Uber or Lyft Driver Flees the Scene of an…
  • 3 Common Myths About Uber Car Accidents
    3 Common Myths About Uber Car Accidents
  • How to Prove Mental and Emotional Distress After a St. Louis Uber Accident
    How to Prove Mental and Emotional Distress After a St. Louis…
  • St. Louis Car Accident in a Work Zone
    St. Louis Car Accident in a Work Zone

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Claims

Footer

The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.
130 S Bemiston Ave # 603
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 361-4242

Free Consultation Request

    RSS Car Accident Lawyer & Auto Accident Attorney St. Louis

    • Yellow Light Accident Lawyer St. Louis
    • How Cold Weather Can Increase Your Risk of a St. Louis Car Accident
    • Receiving Medical Care After a Car Accident
    • 3 Common Brain Injuries That Occur in Car Accidents 
    • St. Louis Pile-Up Car Accident Lawyer
    • St. Louis Car Accident Cause by Failing to Use Turn Signals
    • Can Car Safety Features Cause Accidents and Injuries?
    • 5 Face Injuries Common in Car Accidents
    • 3 Types of Evidence to Prove a Drowsy Driver Caused Your St. Louis Car Accident
    • Leg Injuries from Car Accidents

    Copyright © 2023 The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C.
    The images included on this site are not actual attorneys, events, or clients. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. Attorney Chris Hoffmann handles car and truck accident claims throughout Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois. He represents injured clients in St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Clayton, East St. Louis, Alton, Hillsboro and Belleville, and other cities in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson Country, MO, and St. Clair County and Madison County, IL.