Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Car Accident Claims

The Impact a St. Louis Car Accident Can Have on Your Career and Future Earning Capacity

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A St. Louis car accident can significantly impact your career and future earning capacity. Call (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.

Your career is not just a job, it’s a vital part of your life. It provides for you and your loved ones, allows you to achieve your goals and aspirations, and enables you to live comfortably. Unfortunately, a St. Louis car accident, even a seemingly minor one, can upend all these plans.

 Here are some of the ways a car accident can impact your career and future earning capacity.

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Loss of Income

After a car accident, you may need to lighten your duties, which could lead to fewer working hours. This means you’ll be earning less than you were making originally.  It also means missing out on opportunities for promotion and stability at work. You may even have to find a different job which will put you at a huge disadvantage in terms of pay rate since your previous experience may no longer be applicable or relevant.

Long-term Disabilities

Depending on the severity of the car accident, you may find yourself dealing with long-term disabilities. This could include a permanent injury or even a cognitive impairment preventing you from functioning normally. Unfortunately, this can keep you from working and leave you with no means to support yourself. On top of that, you may be considered ineligible to apply for certain jobs due to physical limitations further restricting your employment capabilities and earning power going forward.

Psychological After-Effects

In addition to physical injury and trauma, you may experience emotional consequences, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Such psychological effects can prevent you from undertaking challenging career opportunities or even leave you incapable of consistently performing at your ordinary high level. What’s more, the fear or panic of driving, which is common after a car accident, can prevent you from securing employment involving traveling or any other job requiring the use of a vehicle.

Missed Professional Opportunities

After a car accident, your priority will likely be on therapy and recovery, leaving little or no time to focus on work opportunities. As a result, you may miss out on promotions or other paths that could have resulted in better jobs and higher wages. Furthermore, your absence from work due to injury could allow the company to replace you with someone else; thus creating a long-term setback in your career prospects.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

As you can see, a car accident can have far-reaching effects on just about every area of your life – and your career is no exception. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer in silence – you can file an injury claim and recover some of the lost wages associated with the accident.

The experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers at The Hoffmann Law Firm are here to help. WE can work diligently to get you the compensation you’re entitled to so you can move forward with your life and focus on putting this unfortunate incident behind you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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When to Get a Lawyer in a St. Louis Car Accident

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If you’ve been injured, another driver caused your accident, or you are unsure of your legal rights, it’s highly recommended that you speak with a car accident lawyer.

Being involved in a St. Louis car accident can be extremely overwhelming. From dealing with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages to dealing with insurance companies on top of it all, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. You may understandably feel overwhelmed by the amount of decisions you need to make. One of the most important is deciding when to get in touch with a car accident lawyer.

The benefits of getting in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, before speaking with any insurance adjusters, cannot be overstated. An attorney can ensure your legal rights are protected, and your injuries and expenses are well-documented.

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a woman involved in a car accident calls a car accident lawyer

Steps to Take After a St. Louis Car Accident

The first thing you should do after being involved in a car accident is to prioritize the health and safety of yourself and others involved in the accident. If you or anyone else has been severely injured, it is important to contact emergency medical services. Even if you feel okay after an accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Because some symptoms may take time to appear, it is important to have a qualified medical professional to ensure you do not have any hidden injuries.

You should also call the police to report the car accident and exchange information with the other drivers involved, including their names, contact information, insurance information and license plate number.

If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including pictures of any skid marks on the road, damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Collect the information of any eyewitnesses to the accident.

FInally, before speaking with any insurance adjusters, contact an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney to discuss the specifics of your accident and ensure your legal rights are protected.

What to Avoid After a Car Accident

Don’t leave the scene of the accident: This can result in criminal charges.

Don’t say anything to imply that you are at-fault for the accident: Words can be misinterpreted. Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you coming.”

Don’t sign anything: Insurance companies will likely try contacting you soon after the accident to offer a quick settlement. It is best to avoid speaking with them until you have spoken with an experienced car accident lawyer for legal guidance.

When Should You Call a Car Accident Attorney?

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is generally best to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options, regardless of whether you think the accident was severe or not. However, you should especially speak with a car accident lawyer in the follow scenarios:

  • You’ve been injured in a car accident
  • Another driver was at-fault for the accident
  • You are unsure about your legal rights after an accident

What Information Should You Provide to Your Accident Lawyer

You should be prepared to provide your car accident attorney with any evidence you were able to collect from the accident scene, including photos of the accident scene, the insurance and contact information of the other driver, the contact information of any eyewitnesses, and any medical bills or records.

Benefits of Working With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

The benefits of working with a car accident lawyer after an accident are numerous. Accident lawyers can provide you with the knowledge, experience, and representation you need to successfully navigate your accident claim and obtain the compensation you need to move forward after an accident. One of the greatest benefits of working with a car accident lawyer is peace of mind. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by paperwork and decisions, you can focus on recovering and moving forward and allow your car accident lawyer to handle your claim.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a St. Louis car accident, The Hoffmann Law Firm is ready to help. We have been protecting the rights of injured car accident victims in and around St. Louis, MO for over 20 years and can put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights and options after an accident.

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How Airbags Can Cause Injuries in Car Accidents

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While the benefits of airbags far outweigh the risks, airbags can sometimes cause injuries in a car accident.

Airbags are designed to protect both drivers and passengers in the event of a car accident. However, airbags can sometimes cause injuries when they deploy in an accident.

The benefits of airbags, including a reduction in the number of deaths and injuries in car accidents, is well documented. However, it is important to remember that airbags are not foolproof and can, at times, cause injuries in an accident.

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airbags deployed in a car accident

How Airbags Work

In a nutshell, airbags are designed to deploy in the event of a collision, providing a cushion that protects passengers from being injured by the impact. Here’s a more detailed look at how airbags work.

Airbags are most commonly triggered by sensors that are mounted on the front and sides of the vehicle. These sensors detect when the vehicle has come to a sudden stop, and they send a signal to the airbag control module. This module then determines whether or not to deploy the airbags.

In some cases, the decision to deploy the airbags is based on the severity of the impact. For example, if the sensor detects a minor collision, the airbags may not deploy. However, if the sensor detects a more severe collision, such as one that results in a significant deceleration, the airbags will deploy.

Airbags are typically filled with nitrogen. When an airbag deploys, this gas is released into the bag, causing it to inflate rapidly. The inflation process is carefully controlled so that the bag doesn’t deploy too early or too late. In addition, the amount of inflation is also carefully regulated. If an airbag is deployed with too much force, it could cause injuries itself. Therefore, manufacturers have to strike a delicate balance between protecting passengers from being injured by an impact and protecting them from being injured by an airbag.

It’s also worth noting that airbags are designed to deploy only once, so after they have deployed, they need to be replaced.

Types of Airbags:

1. Driver’s Front Airbag

This is the airbag people generally think of when they picture an airbag. The driver’s front airbag is usually located in the center of the steering wheel and is typically designed to deploy in a frontal collision. The airbag helps protect the driver by providing a cushion between the driver and the steering wheel or dashboard.

2. Passenger’s Front Airbag

This is similar to the driver’s airbag but is located on the passenger side of the vehicle. The purpose of this airbag is to protect the passenger from being thrust forward and hitting the dashboard or windshield in a frontal collision.

3. Side Airbags

These are located in the door panels or seats and deploy during a side impact collision. They help protect the occupants from being hit by debris or hurled against the side of the vehicle.

4. Curtain Airbags

These are located along the sides of the vehicle’s roof and deploy during a rollover accident. They help protect the occupants from being ejected from the vehicle or hitting their heads on the roof or windows.

How Airbags Can Cause Car Accident Injuries

Airbags deploy at high speeds and reach high temperatures in the process. This can cause injuries such as burns and fractures. In some situations, it can lead to blunt force trauma to the chest, head, and neck, leading to severe injuries such as broken bones, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries.

Two groups of people are especially at risk of airbag injuries in a car accident: young children and the elderly. Due to their size and position in the vehicle, they may be extremely close to the airbag when it deploys, leading to severe injuries.

While airbags can be beneficial in protecting drivers and passengers, it is important to understand that they can also result in serious injuries such as burns, broken bones, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries. To minimize your risk, it is important to follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner manual and ensure that all in the vehicle are seated properly and wearing their seatbelts correctly.

St. Louis Car Accident Injury Lawyer

While airbags can be lifesavers, they are never fool-proof, and there is always a risk of injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident, speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your legal right to compensation is protected.

At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have been protecting the rights of injured car accident victims in St. Louis, MO. If you have been injured, call us 24/7 for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights after a car accident.

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Carpal Tunnel From a Car Accident

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A car accident can cause carpal tunnel by traumatizing the median nerve in several ways.

Can carpal tunnel be caused by a car accident? The answer is yes – carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be caused by a car accident. Here’s a detailed explanation of how this happens and what you can do if you develop this condition after an accident.

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car accident victim with carpal tunnel

How a Car Accident Can Cause Carpal Tunnel

To understand how a car accident can cause carpal tunnel, we must first understand what carpal tunnel is. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that develops when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed. 

 A car accident can cause carpal tunnel by traumatizing the median nerve in several ways. First, the force of the impact can compress the nerve against the bones of the wrist. Second, the victim may grip the steering wheel tightly during the accident, which can compress the nerve. The victim may also place their hands in a dangerous position during the accident, which can stretch or tear the median nerve. 

These injuries can be tough on victims, negatively affecting their ability to carry on with their day-to-day activities. Even the simplest tasks, such as buttoning a shirt, opening a jar, or holding a cup, become difficult. And when it comes to working, carpal tunnel can make it difficult for people to type, use a computer, or do any sort of manual labor. As a result, carpal tunnel can lead to lost wages and even job loss. 

Proving That a Car Accident Caused Your Carpal Tunnel

Given the adverse consequences carpal tunnel can have on a person’s life, accident victims must take steps to ensure that they can recover full and fair compensation for their injuries. Here are key pieces of evidence that can be used to prove that a car accident caused carpal tunnel: 

Medical Evidence

Specifically, you’ll need a diagnosis from a doctor linking your carpal tunnel to the car accident. This can be in the form of a report or letter from your treating physician. Ideally, this document will specifically state that the car accident was the cause of your carpal tunnel.

However, even if the connection is not explicitly stated, medical records documenting your symptoms and treatment can still be used to support your claim. For example, if you develop carpal tunnel soon after the accident and your doctor prescribes physical therapy or surgery to treat the condition, these records can be used to show that there is a causal link between the accident and your injuries. 

Injury Diary/ Personal Notes

Keeping a diary of your symptoms and how they have affected your daily life can be very helpful in building your case. Make sure to include details such as when the symptoms started, how often they occur, and what activities make them worse. This type of evidence can be very persuasive to a judge or jury, as it provides a firsthand account of the pain and suffering you have experienced. If you have any photos or videos documenting your symptoms, be sure to include those as well. 

St. Louis Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Generally, these types of cases are tough to maneuver. If you have been injured in a car accident, you will benefit greatly from working closely with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer. At The Hoffman Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience protecting the rights of injured car accident victims, as well as the knowledge and resources necessary to help you get the best possible outcome. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

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Driving in Wind – 6 Common Hazards That Could Cause an Auto Accident

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One of the most dangerous weather conditions for driving is high winds. Here are six common hazards that result from driving in windy conditions.

st. louis driver driving in the wind

Although around 90% of all car crashes are caused fully or in part by human error, harsh weather conditions can also lead to accidents. One of the most dangerous weather conditions for driving is high winds. Below, we’ll discuss six ways high winds can make driving more dangerous. 

Lowered Visibility

The first way in which high winds can make driving more dangerous is lowered visibility. When wind speeds are high, debris can be picked up and tossed into the air. This debris can blind drivers and block their view of the road ahead, making it difficult to see obstacles or oncoming traffic. In some cases, drivers may have to pull over until the winds die down and it’s safe to continue driving. 

Reduced Vehicle Control and Performance 

Another danger of high winds is that they can reduce your vehicle’s performance and control. For example, if you’re driving a smaller car, high winds can push it around on the road and make it difficult to steer in a straight line. In addition, strong gusts of wind can cause larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, to tip over if they are not driven carefully.

Tossed Objects 

High winds can also cause objects to be tossed into the road, posing a serious danger to drivers. These objects can include tree branches, garbage cans, loose gravel, and even other vehicles. If you are driving and see an object in the road, do not abruptly swerve around it, as this could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Instead, slow down and drive around the object if possible.

Power Outages 

Another danger associated with high winds is power outages. While not directly related to driving, power outages can nonetheless create difficulties for drivers. For example, if a traffic light is out, drivers may not know who has the right of way. This can lead to confusion and accidents. In addition, power outages can also make it difficult to see at night, as streetlights will be out. This can be particularly dangerous for drivers who are already tired.  

Fatigue

Driving in high winds can be taxing both mentally and physically, as drivers must pay close attention to the road and use more effort to keep their vehicles under control. As a result, windy conditions can lead to driver fatigue, which increases the risk of accidents. 

Poor Road Conditions 

High winds can also damage pavements, making them uneven and potentially treacherous for drivers.

As you can see, windy conditions can make driving more dangerous than usual. Be sure to use extra caution when driving in high winds, and if possible, wait until the weather conditions improve before getting back on the road. 

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a St. Louis car accident, do not try to go it alone. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, our St. Louis car accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience and can work with you to gather evidence, file paperwork, and negotiate with insurance companies. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.

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Pre Existing Injury Aggravated in Car Accident

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Not all St. Louis car accident claims are simple and straightforward. Here’s what you need to know if a pre-existing injury was aggravated in your car accident.

St. Louis car accident claim lawyer

Anyone who gets injured in a St. Louis car accident caused by the fault of another person or party is generally entitled to receive compensation for both economic and non-economic losses from the at-fault party. However, not all claims are simple because the circumstances surrounding every case differ. When making an injury claim following a car accident, some people wonder if their pre-existing medical condition or prior surgeries would influence their financial recovery.

For example, the victim who wants to make a claim had undergone a wrist fusion before the accident, and the fuse was not completely healed. The accident caused a fresh injury to the wrist, and the victim’s condition gets aggravated. In such cases, the victim would likely still be able to make a claim.

What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?

You may have heard the term “pre-existing condition” in the context of health insurance, and it means pretty much the same thing in the field of law. 

A pre-existing condition is any kind of health issue or injury that you experienced in the past, and has affected your health before your car accident. About 50% of all non-senior adults have a condition or injury that may count as a “pre-existing condition.” 

Medical History and Insurance Companies

When a person files a claim for a car accident injury that resembles any other injury in your medical history, the insurer will likely argue that the fresh injury is a mere aggravation of the pre-existing injuries. The victim does not have to accept this argument as they are legally entitled to fair compensation for their injuries whether they are new injuries or an aggravation of previous injuries.

Proving New vs. Pre-existing Injuries

No matter you have suffered a completely new injury or aggravated any previous injury, you need to prove it, and the best proof is your medical records. If the prior injuries have got aggravated then there would become overlap in the medical treatment. The victim would need the doctor’s help to prove whether the injuries are new and separate or pre-existing.

Doctor’s Statement

Make sure you tell your doctor everything about the car accident right from the start. Tell your doctor about all your symptoms no matter how minor they seem. Let the doctor know of the pain, soreness, numbness, tingling or any discomfort you felt on impact. The doctor’s opinion would be binding on you, and his/her diagnosis and prognosis of your car accident injuries in relation to the pre-existing injuries would be the best evidence in support of your claim.

Remember, insurance adjusters are trained and experienced and when you file a claim they would ask for your medical records. Although they do not have a legal right to check out your records, if you do not provide them, the adjuster can deny your claim. It is important to be honest about any pre-existing conditions or it can affect your credibility and of course, your injury claim too.

Do Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Compensation After a St. Louis Car Accident?

If you or a loved one had a pre-existing condition and then was seriously injured in a car accident in St. Louis that made the condition worse, you may be worried that this will affect their ability to get compensation. Let’s discuss the basics of pre-existing conditions and why it’s a good idea to discuss your pre-existing conditions with an experienced attorney.

car accident doctor

Can You Seek Damages For Pre-Existing Injuries & Conditions?

It’s not possible to seek damages for pre-existing injuries and conditions, as a general rule of thumb.

For example, if you have experienced back pain in the past and you’re taking prescription medication for the pain, then you are involved in a car accident that results in a broken leg or arm, you can only seek compensation for the broken leg or arm. If the accident did not affect your back, you can’t seek damages for this issue since it was a known and pre-existing condition. 

You May Be Able To Recover Compensation if Pre-Existing Injuries or Conditions Are Aggravated

Worried that a pre-existing condition will stop you from getting compensation for an injury caused by a car accident in St. Louis? In most cases, this won’t happen – because even though you can’t seek damages for pre-existing injuries, you may be able to get compensation if an auto accident makes the condition worse.

Using the above example again, let’s say that you have experienced back pain in the past, and are on pain medication for this issue. Then, you get in a serious accident that results in fractured back vertebrae.

In this case, you may still seek compensation for the injury, even though you have experienced back issues in the past. The injury to your vertebrae could aggravate or accelerate your previous back pain – which would not have happened if you were not involved in a St. Louis car accident.

Auto Accident Claims Attorney St. Louis

If you have a pre-existing condition and you suffer a fresh injury in an automobile accident, it would be in your best interests to get in touch with an automobile accident attorney to help you deal with the insurance company and obtain rightful compensation. Call (314) 361-4242 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242