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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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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

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.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Eating While Driving – Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving Car Accidents

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Eating and drinking while driving is a dangerous distraction that often results in a car accident.

Distracted driving kills around 8 people daily in the U.S. While eating and drinking while driving might not be the main cause of these accidents, it can certainly be a contributing factor. Like many people, perhaps you have been guilty of eating or drinking while driving at some point in your life. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of eating and drinking while driving and provide some tips on avoiding them.

st. louis driver eating and driving

Why is it so dangerous to eat or drink while driving?

  • When you’re eating or drinking, you’re not paying attention to the road. Unfortunately, this can lead to you missing something important, like a stop sign or a child crossing the street, resulting in serious accidents.
  • When you’re eating, your hands are occupied, and you can’t use them to control the wheel. This makes it difficult to keep the car in its lane and increases your chances of getting into an accident.
  • The act of eating or drinking is a distraction itself. It gets worse if you spill your food or drink. You might reach for a napkin to clean it up, which takes your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. Sadly, when trying to clean up a spill while driving, you could lose control of the car and cause an accident.

Tips to Avoid Accidents Caused by Eating or Drinking While Driving

Now that we know why eating or drinking while driving is so dangerous, let’s discuss some d avoid these distractions and keep safe while on the road.

Plan Ahead: If you know you’re going to be driving for a long time, pack a healthy snack or meal that you can eat without having to look at it.

Keep Your Food and Drinks Within Arm’s Reach: This will keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Use a Travel Mug: If you’re drinking coffee or tea, use a travel mug, so you don’t have to hold the cup in your hand.

Keep Your Food and Drinks in a Place Where They Won’t Spill: This will prevent you from having to reach for them while driving.

Pull Over if You Need to Eat: If you need to eat, pull over to a rest stop or gas station. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Speak with an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

Despite being cautious, accidents can still happen. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to a distracted driver, the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm can evaluate your case free of charge and help you determine what compensation you may be entitled to.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Can Following the 3-Second Rule While Driving Help Prevent Car Accidents?

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Here’s why following the 3-second rule while driving is important and can help prevent automobile accidents.

What is the 3-Second Rule?

The three-second rule is a guideline that states you should give yourself at least three seconds of distance between your car and the car in front of you when driving. This generally gives you sufficient time to react if the driver in front of you slams on their brakes or makes a sudden stop.

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driving in traffic

Why is It Important to Follow the Rule?

Following the three-second rule is important for a few reasons. First of all, it can help you avoid accidents. If you’re too close to the car in front of you, you might not have time to stop if they brake suddenly.

Secondly, it can help reduce stress while driving. For example, when you’re following too closely, you’re more likely to get frustrated if the driver in front of you is going slowly or making stops. However, if you give yourself some extra space, you may be less likely to get angry and more likely to enjoy your drive.

How Can You Follow the Rule?

There are a few different ways you can make sure you’re following the three-second rule while driving.

One way is to measure your distance by using objects on the side of the road as markers. When the car in front of you passes a mailbox, for example, start counting how many seconds it takes you to reach the mailbox. If you can’t make it there before finishing the count, you’re likely following too closely.

Some apps and devices can help measure your distance from the car in front of you. These tools usually use sensors to calculate the distance and can be mounted on your windshield or dashboard.

When Should You Leave a Greater Following Distance?

While the three-second rule is a general guideline, there are times when you should consider leaving a greater following distance. For example:

  • If the car in front of you is a large truck. These vehicles need more space to stop, so it’s important to give them more room than you would a smaller car.
  • If the car in front of you backs up or has stopped for no apparent reason.
  • You should always leave a greater following distance when driving in bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow. Leave a greater following distance to allow yourself more time to react if the driver in front of you makes a sudden stop.
  • You should also give yourself more space when driving on unfamiliar roads or in areas with a lot of traffic.

By following the three-second rule, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

While you may do your part to keep the roads safe, accidents can still happen due to the negligence of another driver. If you have been injured in a car accident, our St. Louis car accident lawyers are here to help. We can review your case for free and help you understand your legal options.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

What Happens if You Leave Whiplash Untreated?

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Treatment for whiplash can help prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.

Did you know that whiplash is one of the most common injuries in America? According to recent statistics, it’s responsible for over 2.5 million visits to the doctor each year. And that’s just the people who seek medical attention. Unfortunately, many more suffer from whiplash injuries and do not seek medical attention.

This leads to two important questions: What is whiplash? And what would happen if you left it untreated?

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st. louis woman with whiplash

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of injury caused by the sudden movement of the head, either forward, backward, or sideways. This can occur in car accidents, sporting events, or any other situation with a sudden impact.

Whiplash can cause various symptoms, including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, irritability, and sleep disturbance. In some cases, the victim may not experience any symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident.

What Happens if Left Untreated?

If whiplash is left untreated, it can lead to the following long-term problems:

Chronic Neck Pain

If left untreated, chronic neck pain can occur. This pain persists for more than three months after the initial injury. Symptoms may include aching, stiffness, and tenderness in the neck. In some cases, chronic neck pain can lead to limitations in movement and decreased quality of life.

Loss of Mobility

Whiplash can also lead to loss of mobility, as the neck muscles may become so stiff and sore that they cannot support the head. This can cause the victim to lose balance and experience difficulty walking or performing everyday tasks. In some cases, the victim may not be able to return to work or resume their normal activities.

Persistent Headaches

Whiplash can also cause persistent headaches, which may last for weeks or even months after the initial injury. These headaches can be debilitating and interfere with your ability to function normally.

Ringing in the Ears

Whiplash can also cause ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. This condition causes a person to hear a ringing, buzzing, or humming noise that is not actually there. Tinnitus can be very disruptive and may interfere with your ability to sleep, work, or enjoy life.

Seeking Treatment

If you are involved in a car accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment for whiplash can help prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.

 Some treatment options for whiplash include chiropractic care, physical therapy, and medications, including painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the damage caused by whiplash.

St. Louis Whiplash Attorneys

Compensation for whiplash can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To increase your chances of fair compensation, it is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced car accident attorney.

At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have decades of experience helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve and can help you too. Contact us today for a free consultation.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

When Is It Too Late to Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney?

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If you have been in a St. Louis car accident, you may be considering hiring a car accident attorney. This is a wise decision because an experienced attorney can help you protect your legal rights and get the compensation you are legally entitled to.  However, many people wonder, “Is it too late to hire a car accident attorney?” Let’s explore the answer to that question and discuss the benefits of retaining legal representation after a car accident.

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Is It Too Late to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

There’s generally no such thing as “too late” when it comes to retaining legal representation after a car accident. However, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better. An experienced car accident attorney can help file your claim within the stipulated timeline and work to get you the compensation you are legally entitled to. 

Here are more reasons why you generally should contact an attorney as soon as possible:

An Attorney Can Help You Gather Evidence

An experienced car accident attorney will know what evidence to collect. This evidence can be used to support your case and help you get the compensation you legally deserve.

An Attorney Can Help Protect Your Rights

 If you are injured in a car accident, you may need time off work to recover. An attorney can fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your lost wages.

An Attorney Can Deal with the Insurance Company

Dealing with an insurance company can be difficult, especially if you are trying to recover from a car accident. An attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company and deal with all the paperwork as you focus on your recovery. They can also negotiate on your behalf to get you compensation.

An Attorney Can Help You Prove Liability

In many cases, the other driver’s insurance company may argue that the victim was at fault for the accident. However, an experienced car accident attorney can gather evidence and build a case to prove that the other driver was at fault.

What Factors Should I Consider When Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?

Hiring an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney is one of the best decisions you can make after a car accident. However, there are important two factors you should consider when choosing an attorney:

Experience – Make sure the attorney you choose has experience handling car accident cases.

Reputation – Make sure the attorney you choose has a good reputation and is highly recommended by past clients.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a St. Louis car accident, our experienced and reputable St. Louis injury lawyers are here to help. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242