Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Car Accident Claims

Risk of Car Accident While Towing a Trailer

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Missouri roads can be crowded and congested, and even the most experienced driver can find themselves in a car accident.

Maybe you’re preparing to embark on a family trip with a small trailer. Or perhaps you need to transport a large piece of construction equipment from one job site to another. Whatever your reason for towing a trailer, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers and take steps to ensure your safety. Missouri roads can be crowded and congested, and even the most experienced driver can find themselves in a car accident. This article will consider some tips to help you avoid an accident when towing a trailer.

trailer hooked up to the back of a truck

Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Properly Equipped for Towing

First, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for towing. This means having the right hitch and wiring harness, as well as adequate brakes, tires, and suspension. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is up to the task, consult your owner’s manual or seek out a professional opinion.

Practice Common Maneuvers

Most people think towing is easy and pretty straightforward. After all, all you need to do is hook up the trailer, and away you go, right? Not exactly. Towing a trailer requires a bit more finesse than that. If you’re new to towing, it may be a good idea to practice common maneuvers in an empty parking lot or another safe area before taking your rig out on the road. This will help you feel your vehicle’s handling when it’s hitched up to a trailer. Pay special attention to how braking and turning feel – these things will be different than when you’re driving without a trailer. Once you feel confident with how your vehicle handles, you may decide to take it on the road.

Inspect Your Equipment Before Every Trip

Before heading out on any journey, take some time to inspect your vehicle and your hitch setup carefully. Ensure everything is properly secured and there are no loose wires or other potential hazards that could cause an accident. It’s also a good idea to test your lights (brake lights, turn signals, etc.) before hitting the road to ensure they’re working properly. By taking the time for these simple safety checks, you can help prevent accidents before they happen.

Drive Slowly and Carefully

Take your time when driving – there’s no need to hurry. Remember that it takes longer to brake when you’re hauling a trailer, so give yourself plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Also, be mindful of sharp turns and sudden stop signs or traffic lights – again, because it takes longer to brake when you have a trailer attached, you want to give yourself plenty of time and space to slow down or stop completely if necessary.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a St. Louis towing accident and need help pursuing compensation, the experienced car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm can help you file your claim on time and collect the evidence you need to get the compensation you are legally entitled to. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation.

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5 Things To Avoid Giving the Insurance After a Car Crash

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Here are five things you shouldn’t give your insurer after a St. Louis car accident and what you should do instead.

two car involved in an accident

Dealing with car insurance companies after a car accident is generally difficult. Not only will you have to provide evidence that proves the other driver was at fault and their negligence led to your injuries, but you also must avoid giving the insurer information they can use against you.

Here are five things you shouldn’t give your insurer after a St. Louis car accident. Instead, you should speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Your Medical Records

After a car accident, the insurance company may contact you and ask for access to your medical records. They may tell you they need to see your records to process your claim. Or try to convince you they can get you a better settlement if they have more information about your injuries. However, it’s important to remember that the insurer is not your friend. Their ultimate goal is to pay out as little as possible on your claim and will use any information they can find in your medical records to try to achieve this goal. As a result, it’s always best to consult with an experienced attorney before giving the insurer access to your medical records.

Pictures and Evidence from the Scene

The insurance company may also request pictures or evidence from the accident scene. However, you should be careful about what you provide. Discuss your case with your attorney before deciding to provide the insurance company with pictures you took at the accident scene.

Your Social Media

In today’s world, social media is a part of most people’s lives. But after an accident, you should avoid posting anything on social media that could be used against you by the insurance company. This includes posts about your injuries or recovery, as well as photos or videos that show you engaging in activities that contradict your claim.

A Recorded Statement

The insurance company will likely try to get you to give a recorded statement about the accident and your injuries. However, it’s important to remember that anything you say in this statement can be used against you later on. It’s generally best to politely decline to give a statement until you speak with your attorney.

A Signed Release

Once the insurance company has paid out a settlement, they will likely ask you to sign a release that absolves them of any further liability in the case. However, this release may also prevent you from pursuing additional compensation if it turns out that your injuries are more serious than initially thought. So before signing any release, make sure you understand what it says and how it could affect your ability to get full and fair compensation for your car accident injuries.

By being aware of these traps, you can be sure to protect yourself and your interests after an accident. 

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been involve in a car accident in St. Louis, our experienced attorneys can help! At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have been protecting the rights of injured car accident victims for over 20 years and can evaluate your case free of charge.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Car Accident Face Injuries

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Facial injuries resulting from car accidents can be expensive to treat and may require long-term care.

According to recent research, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of facial injuries in the US. In fact, nearly half of all accident-related facial injuries are the result of car crashes. This high rate of facial injuries is due, in part, to the fact that the face is one of the most exposed parts of the body during a collision. Additionally, the major blood vessels and nerves in the face are located close to the surface, making them more susceptible to damage. 

This article will discuss some of the most common facial injuries that occur in car accidents.

man with face injury after a car accident

Facial Fractures

One of the most serious types of car accident face injuries is a fracture. The force of a collision can cause bones in the face to break or shatter. The most common type of fracture is a nose fracture, which can occur when the nose is hit by a steering wheel, dashboard, or another object. A broken nose is usually fairly easy to spot, as it’ll often be swollen and misshapen. However, other types of fractures, such as those involving the cheekbones or jaw, may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms of these fractures can include pain, numbness, and difficulty moving the affected facial feature. 

Treatment: Treatment for fractures typically requires surgery and often includes placing metal plates or screws to hold the bones in place while they heal.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Accident victims can also suffer from soft tissue injuries to the face. These types of injuries occur when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments are damaged. Soft tissue injuries can range from mild strains and bruises to more severe injuries such as whiplash or torn ligaments. In some cases, soft tissue injuries can lead to long-term pain and disability. These injuries typically occur when the face comes into contact with a hard object, such as a steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag. 

Treatment: Treatment for soft tissue injuries often includes rest, ice therapy, compression, and elevation. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues.

Facial Contusions

Otherwise known as bruises, contusions occur when small blood vessels are damaged, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. Facial contusions are common in motor vehicle accidents and can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage. Mild contusions may cause only minor swelling and bruising, while more severe contusions can lead to extensive swelling, bruising, and even broken bones. In some cases, facial contusions can also cause internal bleeding and damage to nerves or other tissues.

Treatment: Treatment for contusions typically involves ice therapy and pain medication. In severe cases, however, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged blood vessels.

If you have sustained any type of facial injury in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to ensure a successful outcome.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Facial injuries resulting from car accidents can be expensive to treat and may require long-term care. If you’ve been in a car accident, the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffmann Law Firm are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Car Accident Caused by a Driver on Perscription Medication

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Many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, contain substances that can impair driving ability.

Prescription medications undoubtedly help many people live a more comfortable life. However, they can also have a downside, especially when it comes to driving. Many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, contain substances that can impair driving ability. These may include opioids, sedatives, anticholinergics, and even some cold medicines. 

drowsy driver on perscription medication

Possible Side Effects of Prescription Drugs That May Impair Driving

It’s important to know that everyone reacts differently to medication, so this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of possible side effects. With that in mind, here are three possible side effects of medication that may impair driving: 

Blurred Vision

One of the most common side effects of prescription drugs is blurred vision. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including the drug itself, the dose, and the way it interacts with other medications. Blurred vision can make it difficult to read street signs, recognize faces, or even see the road in front of you. As a result, it can be extremely dangerous to drive while on certain prescription drugs. 

If you experience blurred vision while taking medication, it’s important to speak with your doctor about alternative treatment options. In some cases, simply adjusting the dose or taking the drug at a different time of day may help to improve your vision. However, if your blurred vision persists, you should avoid driving until it clears.

Dizziness

Driving requires full mental and physical alertness. Unfortunately, some prescription drugs can cause dizziness, which takes away from a driver’s ability to stay alert. Dizziness can make it difficult to concentrate, and can also cause a person to feel off-balance and unsteady. As a result, people who are taking medications that cause dizziness may be at an increased risk for car accidents. 

Impaired Cognitive Function

Another common side effect of prescription drugs is impaired cognitive function. This can manifest as difficulties with memory, decision-making, and other executive functions. For example, a motorist taking a sedative for anxiety may have trouble remembering the route they just drove. Someone on pain medication may have slowed reaction times and impaired judgment. The dangers of driving while impaired by prescription drugs are evident; even brief lapses in attention can result in serious accidents.

More side effects:

What to Do if Your Car Accident Was Caused by an Impaired Driver

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and the other driver was impaired by prescription medication, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, it generally isn’t as simple as filing a claim with the other driver’s insurer. You’ll need to table evidence that proves the other driver was impaired to get the compensation you deserve.

The experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm are here to help you collect strong evidence and build a convincing case. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Car Accident Caused by Sun Glare

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For many drivers, the increased sunlight during summer can lead to problems with glare and an increased risk of being involved in a car accident.

Summertime means sunny days and longer hours of daylight. For many people, this is a great time of year. However, for many drivers, the increased sunlight can lead to problems with glare. Sun glare can make it difficult to see the road, which can lead to accidents. In fact, studies have shown that glare is a factor in more than 9,000 accidents each year. So what can be done to reduce the risk of accidents caused by glare? Here are five tips:

dri

5 Tips For Reducing Glare When Driving On Sunny Days

Keep Your Windshield Clean and Free of Dust, Fingerprints, and Grime

One of the best ways to reduce glare when driving on sunny days is to keep your windshield clean and free of dust, fingerprints, and grime. A dirty windshield will amplify the sun’s glare, making it more difficult to see. In addition, a build-up of dust and dirt can create a mirror-like effect, further exacerbating the problem. By keeping your windshield clean, you can help reduce the amount of glare you experience while behind the wheel. It’ll also give you a better view of the world around you.

Adjust Your Rearview Mirror to Point Slightly Downward

By pointing the mirror slightly downward, you’ll be able to see the road ahead without being blinded by the sun. And as an added bonus, you’ll also get a better view of any cars that might be tailgating you.

Wear Polarized Sunglasses

Another way to reduce glare is to wear polarized sunglasses. Polarized lenses are specially treated to reduce glare from the sun’s reflections off of surfaces like water and pavement. They work by filtering out horizontal light waves, which are the main cause of glare. This means that they can help you see more clearly on bright days. And while they may not completely eliminate all glare, they can certainly help reduce it.

Polarized sunglasses can also help reduce eye fatigue and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Use Sun Visors and Install Additional Ones if Necessary

Sun visors are also great for reducing glare because they block out the sun’s rays before they hit your eyes. Most cars come equipped with visors that can be adjusted to block out the sun. However, if you find that the visors aren’t doing enough to reduce the glare, you can always install additional ones.

Avoid Driving During the Peak Hours of Sunlight

Though the tips highlighted above can help reduce glare, the best way to avoid it altogether is to avoid driving during the peak hours of sunlight. If possible, plan your errands for early morning or late afternoon, when the sun isn’t quite as strong. You’ll not only avoid the sun’s harshest rays but also enjoy a more pleasant drive. Your eyes will also thank you for it.

There you have it. Following these tips will help reduce the glare you experience when driving in bright sunlight. Remember to take breaks often, and never hesitate to pull over if you feel overwhelmed.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a St. Louis auto crash caused by a negligent motorist, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm have over 25 years of experience handling auto accident cases and can help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

5 Ways Overloaded Trucks Can Cause an Auto Accident

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Given the dangerous nature of overloaded trucks, it’s essential that truck drivers and companies take the necessary precautions to avoid overloading their vehicles.

We’ve likely all seen them. Trucks barreling down the highway, overloaded with cargo. While many may view these overloaded trucks as a normal part of daily life, few stop to think about the dangers they pose. Here are five dangers of overloaded trucks that everyone should be aware of.

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overloaded truck on the highway

They’re More Likely to Experience Brake, Tire Failure

One of the dangers of overloaded trucks is the increased risk of brake failure. When a truck is carrying too much weight, the brakes have to work harder to slow down the vehicle. This puts extra stress on the braking system, which can eventually lead to component failure. In addition, overloaded trucks are more difficult to stop in an emergency situation. If a driver needs to make a sudden stop, the extra weight can cause the truck to skid or jackknife. 

The extra weight also makes it more difficult for the tires to grip the road, which can cause them to burst or detach from the truck entirely. 

They’re More Likely to Roll Over

Ever wondered why trucks don’t roll over in normal circumstances despite their large size and heavy loads? The answer has to do with weight distribution. When a truck is fully loaded, the weight is generally evenly distributed across the axle. This gives the truck a low center of gravity, which makes it more stable. However, if a truck is overloaded or carrying an unbalanced load, this can throw off its center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. When a truck tips over, it can cause serious damage to property and potentially injure or kill people nearby. 

They’re More Likely to Lose Their Load

If the driver overloads their truck, there is a high chance that they used substandard methods and materials to secure the cargo. This is dangerous because it increases the likelihood of the load shifting or falling off the truck, which can pose a serious hazard to other motorists. 

They’re a Fire Hazard

When a truck is overloaded, it’s at risk of catching fire. The engine and tires are under immense strain, which can cause them to overheat and ignite. In addition, the extra weight makes it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle, increasing the chances of an accident. And if an accident does occur, the likelihood of a fire breaking out is much higher. 

They Can Damage the Road

The extra weight of overloaded trucks can cause the pavement to crack and break, leading to potholes and other hazards for other drivers.

Given the dangerous nature of overloaded trucks, it’s essential that truck drivers and companies take the necessary precautions to avoid overloading their vehicles. Drivers should always check their load before setting out on a trip and make sure it’s properly secured. And companies should ensure their trucks are not overloaded beyond the maximum weight limit. 

St. Louis Auto Accident Lawyers

Were you injured in an accident caused by an overloaded truck? The experienced St. Louis auto accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm can help ensure your legal rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242