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Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

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  • Whiplash St. Louis Blog

Whiplash St. Louis Blog

Common Medical Tests That Help Detect Brain Injury after a Car Accident

December 9, 2021 by Christopher

Traumatic brain injuries claim over 166 lives daily and are usually characterized by nausea, headache, drowsiness, mood swings, clumsiness, and lack of coordination.

It may be tempting to brush off mild headaches after a car accident, especially if one looks outwardly fine. However, did you know headaches can result from a traumatic brain injury suffered during a car accident?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) claim over 166 lives every day and are usually characterized by nausea, headache, drowsiness, mood swings, clumsiness, and lack of coordination. Let’s consider some common medical tests used in TBI diagnosis. 

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The Tests 

Glasgow Coma Scale

The GCS rapidly assesses mental operations using pupil measurements, eye movements, touch response, physical reflexes, speech ability, and obedience to verbal commands. 

After the assessment, the doctor will allocate a GCS reading. Generally, a 3-rating usually indicates a comma, and a 15-rating indicates normal function. Anything in between may indicate mild or moderate brain injuries.

CT or CAT

Computerized Tomography uses powerful X-rays to capture clear brain images in many thin sheets and then combines them to form a whole-brain image. They are very effective in diagnosing intracranial hemorrhages, bruised brain tissues, skull fractures, and other forms of brain damage. Sometimes, the technician may inject you with a radioactive dye to enhance the diagnosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

You’ve probably seen those tunnel-like machines in movies where the automatic bed moves the patient’s head inside the equipment. That is an MRI. The machine operates similarly to a CT scan, only that it uses powerful magnets in place of X-rays. Doctors generally conduct MRIs for emergency diagnosis when the patient shows no improvement or during follow-up examination.

Electroencephalogram

EEG tests supplement MRI when testing for brain activity and injuries. 

Brain activity produces electric currents, which the equipment detects using small electrical conductors attached to your scalp. Abnormal electrical signals may indicate the presence of a TBI.

Positron Emission Tomography Scan

A PET scan allows doctors to observe tissue and organ operation. The doctor typically injects the patient with a small amount of a radioactive substance called a tracer. And then use special equipment to trace its path inside the body. High chemical activity around specific organs or tissues is usually an indication of damage or disease.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) 

This is an advanced form of MRI because it uses magnetic resonance to create brain images. The only difference between the two is that it can also track the diffusion of water molecules within the white matter fibers that run between different brain sections. Abnormal water diffusion in those pathways could signify TBIs within the brain’s microscopic structure.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

Have you or a loved one recently been involved in a car accident that resulted in severe brain injuries? The experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm can help evaluate your claim for free and help you determine what compensation you may be entitled to for your medical costs, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses. Give us a call 24/7 for a free consultation.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: brain injury

Types of Evidence That Can Prove Fault in an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver

December 1, 2021 by Christopher

Below is an overview of the types of evidence your attorney may use to prove the drunk driver was responsible for the accident and your injuries.

If you get injured in an accident caused by a visibly intoxicated truck driver, you may assume their insurer will automatically compensate you for your injuries and damages. However, that’s generally not how accident injury claims work.

The truth is that even if the accident left you with severe injuries, you generally won’t receive compensation until you prove beyond reasonable doubt that the other driver caused your injuries. Below is an overview of the types of evidence your attorney may use to prove the drunk driver was responsible for the accident and your injuries.

alcohol next to car keys
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Police Report

One of the critical and obvious pieces of evidence your attorney can use to build a strong case against the drunk driver is the police report.

When the police arrive after an accident, they generally write down everything they observe at the accident scene.  So if the truck driver showed any signs of intoxication, chances are the police officer included observations of impairment in the police report. Your attorney may use this as evidence to prove the truck driver was driving while drunk, and their negligence caused your injuries.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Test Results

If the police officer suspects a driver is drunk, the first thing they will do is administer a BAC test. If the BAC results are 0.08% or more, the driver is considered legally intoxicated. Your attorney can use the BAC results to convince the insurance company your claim has merit.

Field Sobriety Tests

This is another test the truck driver may be required to take if they exhibit signs of intoxication. If the driver fails this test, your attorney can use the test results to strengthen your case.

Previous DUI Citations

If the truck driver has previous DUI citations, your attorney can use these citations to prove the other driver has a habit of getting behind the wheel while drunk.

Medical Evidence

If the truck driver sought medical treatment, chances are their treating doctor noted in their medical report they were drunk. Again, your attorney can use this as evidence.

Eyewitnesses

Statement from eyewitnesses can also serve as compelling evidence to pin down the at-fault driver. Eyewitnesses can share crucial information about the trucker’s behavior after the accident. Your attorney can also go out of their way to track down the bar or restaurant that served the driver to support your claim further.

In addition, if the trucker admitted they were drunk after the accident, their incriminating statement can be used as another piece of irrefutable evidence.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured by a drunk driver in St. Louis? Call the experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers at The Hoffmann Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights after a car accident.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: drunk driving

Traumatic Amnesia After a St. Louis Auto Accident

November 15, 2021 by Christopher

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.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

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

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

November 11, 2021 by Christopher

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.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

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

How Car Accidents Claims Involving Trucks Are Different

November 10, 2021 by Christopher

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!

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

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

3 Dangerous Car Accidents Involving Bikes You Should Be Aware Of

November 5, 2021 by Christopher

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

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

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    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.