Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Car Accident Claims

3 Dangerous Car Accidents Involving Bikes You Should Be Aware Of

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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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4 Reasons Lane Splitting Often Leads to Catastrophic Auto Accidents

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Lane splitting is a dangerous maneuver and can lead to catastrophic auto accidents and injuries.

If you’re a motorcyclist, you may have heard people say that lane splitting is safe and is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of rear-end collisions and beat stop-and-go- traffic.

In reality, lane splitting is a dangerous maneuver and can lead to catastrophic accidents and injuries. Here’s why.

st. louis motorcyclist on the road

What Is Lane Splitting?

According to the National Highway and Transport Safety Authority (NHTSA), lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles. You may also hear people call it lane sharing or white lining. In most cases, motorcyclists do this to avoid traffic congestion. 

The Dangers of Lane Splitting

1. Vehicles Become Too Close

When you are riding in between two lanes of standstill or slowly moving traffic, the space between you and the other vehicles is significantly reduced. As a result, you’ll generally have no room for error, and even the slightest mistake is enough to cause a severe car accident, which could leave you with catastrophic injuries.

2. Drivers May Not See Your Bike

A driver will likely be focused on other bigger vehicles when driving through stop-and-go- traffic. This means there’s a good chance they won’t see you and your motorcycle. Lane splitting increases your chances of getting into an accident with an unsuspecting driver.

3. Vehicles Can Stop Unexpectedly

When you are weaving through moving traffic, you expect the vehicles to keep moving. Sadly, this does not always happen. Traffic may stop abruptly and catch you unaware. If a vehicle you predicted would be moving makes an abrupt stop, there is a risk you will end up rear-ending them.

4. You May Not Have Enough Time to Avoid an Accident 

When you lane split, you travel at a higher speed than the rest of the traffic. Speed reduces your reaction time and increases the likelihood of getting in a collision. 

Proving Negligence in a Lane Splitting Accident

Proving the other driver was negligent in a lane splitting accident is not as easy as it may seem. The insurance company may dispute your claim and blame you for the accident, especially if the other driver sustained injuries. The best way to keep safe is to avoid lane splitting.

However, if the unexpected happens and you find yourself in an automobile accident, get in touch with an experienced attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected.

St. Louis Auto Accident Lawyers

Have you been injured in an auto accident in St. Louis, Missouri? Our attorneys have helped thousands of car accident victims get their deserved compensation and can help you understand your rights after an accident. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Can Technology Help Prevent St. Louis Car Accidents?

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Recent technological advancements have helped contribute to safer driving and prevent car accidents.

The drastic advancements in the world of auto technology have undoubtedly made driving safer in many ways. This has helped minimize the rate of car accidents and the severity of car injuries.

Let’s consider some of the auto technological advancements that help make vehicles safer and reduce the odds of being involved in a traffic accident in Missouri.

car backup camera

1. Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB)

This safety feature can generally detect stopped or slow traffic and instantly apply brakes to prevent a collision. Research has shown that an automatic emergency braking system can minimize rear-end collisions by up to 27-50%.

However, it’s worth noting that not every car has this safety feature standard. Also, this feature is not foolproof and can sometimes fail to work as intended. To be safe, always stay alert when driving and ensure there’s a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.  

2. Backup Cameras

Also known as the rear video system, the backup cameras help drivers see other vehicles and people when parking and backing up their cars. This, in turn, helps reduce the odds of backup-related accidents.  

3. Blind Spot Detection

With the high rate of blind spot accidents, vehicle manufacturers have invented a blind spot detection system to prevent these types of collisions. The blind-spot detection feature offers you an additional set of eyes and notifies you when another vehicle enters your blind spot.

4. Forward Collision Systems (FCS)

A sudden deceleration by the vehicle in front of you or an unexpected lane change can lead to tragic rear-end collisions. This is where a forward collision system comes in handy. It notifies you of an impending collision with an indicator or audible alert to keep you safe.

Again, while this feature does a great job of helping prevent terrible rear-end accidents, it’s not foolproof. Therefore, it’s best to stay alert and keep a safe distance while on the road.

5. Autonomous Emergency Steering System

When driving, an obstacle may appear out of nowhere. In most cases, you may not have enough time to make up your mind on the best way to proceed, and a tragic accident may happen. An autonomous emergency steering system can automatically brake or steer your car to help prevent an accident.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

Although technological advancements have significantly improved vehicles’ safety, car accidents are still common in St Louis. If you’ve been in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, get in touch with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm. We have been fighting for the rights of car accidents victims for over 20 years.

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Simple Steps to Take After a Rental Car Accident in St. Louis, MO

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Handling a rental car accident in St. Louis is not as complicated as it might seem. Here are the simple steps you should take to get fair compensation.

Though every car accident case is unique, the following steps represent a typical personal injury claim’s progression.

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  • Obtain Emergency Treatment – If you are bleeding or severely injured in any other way, you should call emergency response. Your health comes first.
  • Call the Police – Calling an officer will allow you to obtain a police report later on in the process, which can help in your case.
  • Collect Evidence at the Scene – You cannot rely entirely on the police though. If possible, snap photos of the surrounding scene so you can use them in your case.
  • Hire a Lawyer – Hiring a lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make, as doing so will esnure your legal rights are protected and give you a better shot at receiving the compensation you are entitled to.
  • File a Claim – Once you hire your attorney, you will talk about your priorities and pursue compensation based on them.

Even if a rental car is involved, you will most likely follow the same steps as a typical car accident. The reason is that the system is based on fault. In all likelihood, the vehicle itself will not be the cause of the crash. Instead, one or both of the drivers acted in a negligent manner, and the collision will be a direct result of those actions.

How the Rental Company Could Be Liable

Though the rental company being liable is rare, it does happen. As we mentioned above, this occurrence requires fault on their part to take place. So how can that happen? The most common way is a vehicle malfunction due to a lack of maintenance. To further your understanding, let’s go through a plausible scenario.

  • You are driving down the road in your rental car when somebody in front of you brakes suddenly.
  • When you realize that you need to stop, you hit your brakes.
  • Because the brakes are far too old on your rental car, your stopping distance is longer than it should be, and you collide with the car in front of you.
  • Rather than you being liable, you may be able to argue that the rental company was at fault because they did not properly maintain the vehicle.

As you might imagine, this scenario is relatively unlikely. Still, it is possible.

Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve!

If you have been involved in a rental car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you deserve the compensation you are legally entitled to. Ensure you do not settle for less by speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

What You Should Know if You Have Been Injured by a Stolen Vehicle in Missouri

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If you are injured in a collision involving a stolen vehicle, you’ll probably have a lot of questions that need answers.

Did you know Missouri ranks number seven among the states with the highest number of motor vehicle thefts? 

If you are injured in a collision involving a stolen vehicle, you’ll probably have a lot of questions that need answers. For example, who’ll pay for the injuries and damages? Can you still pursue a car injury claim? Is the vehicle’s owner liable for the accident? Here are a few things you need to know.

a car accident with a stolen vehicle

Who Will Pay for Your Injuries and Damages?

The vehicle owner can generally only be held responsible for the accident if they “knowingly” allowed the at-fault driver to drive their vehicle. However, if the car was stolen, the car owner’s liability for the accident may be waived because no permission was granted. 

The thief, on the other hand, will be held liable for their negligent actions. However, the thief may not be insured, which means you may have to file an injury claim against your insurer under your uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

What if the Theft Was Foreseeable? 

Car owners are expected to leave their vehicles in a safe and secured area from a societal standpoint. However, that doesn’t mean the car owner will be found liable if evidence shows they left their car unsecured. If anything, the court will generally view the theft as an unpredictable act for a law-abiding car owner who forgot to secure their vehicle.   

That being said, the owner may be held responsible if they did not report their vehicle as stolen or lost. However, there must be strong evidence showing that the car owner had enough time to report the car theft but deliberately failed to do so. 

What Should You Do After a Stole Vechile Accident?

After an accident, the first thing you should generally do is to ensure everyone involved is out of harm’s way, get medical attention, and immediately inform the police. 

Next, document everything: jot down notes detailing how the accident happened, model of the stolen vehicle, vehicle license plate, and witness contacts. Also, don’t forget to ask for a copy of the police report, and be sure to take clear and detailed pictures of the collision scene and damages. This information will come in handy in tracking and finding the thief. Most importantly, you’ll use the information to back your claim and convince the insurance company or court you’re entitled to compensation.  

Speak With an Experienced Attorney

No matter how strong you think your evidence is, it’s usually a bad idea to pursue a car injury claim without an experienced car accident attorney by your side. Your lawyer can help you file your claim correctly, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you get fair compensation.  

Free Consultation – 24/7

If you are injured in an accident involving a stolen car, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm. Our experienced team can help you navigate the legal complexities and help you determine what you are entitled to. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

How Unrestrained Pets Can Lead to St. Louis Car Accidents

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Let’s discuss a few ways unrestrained pets can cause car accidents. We’ll also discuss how you can pursue compensation if involved in such an accident.

Taking your pet with you on a road trip or camping may seem like a lot of fun. However, drivers should be aware that pets can cause dangerous distractions and lead to debilitating car accidents, especially when they are unrestrained in the car.

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dog in backseat of a car

Let’s discuss a few ways unrestrained pets can cause car accidents. We’ll also discuss how you can pursue compensation if involved in such an accident.

Dangers of Driving with an Unrestrained Pet

Anything loose in the car is potentially hazardous, including your pet. Here are ways your pet, even well-behaved ones, can cause a deadly distraction:

  • They may block you from seeing the road
  • They may try to jump from a moving car
  • They may get under your feet and tamper with the brake or accelerator pedal
  • They may be frightened and jump on your lap for protection without warning
  • They may unexpectedly shifts the car gear
  • They may bump into the steering wheel

Is It Legal to Drive with a Loose Pet in Missouri?

While it’s currently legal to drive with a pet in your car in Missouri, you’re required to exercise utmost care every time you hit the road. Any driver who fails to exercise the duty of care and puts other road users in harm’s way may be held liable in the event of a car accident.

Driving with Your Pet in the Car

You may not realize the danger a loose pet poses when driving until it’s too late. Your best chance of safety is to restrain your pet, even if you’re making a short trip.  Also, it is generally best to put them in the back seat to minimize distractions or temptation to pet them.

If your pet doesn’t like to be restrained, be sure to leave it at home. Below are examples of restraints you can use to make your driving experience safe for you and your pet:

  • A harness seat belt. This will generally work well for pets that are okay with staying at one spot throughout the entire drive. You can easily attach a harness seat belt to your car’s seat belt, thereby allowing you to securely and safely travel with your dog.
  • A spacious pet crate. A crate is not only a comfortable place for your dog but also useful for training.
  • A hammock. If you have a large pet and are taking a long trip, a hammock will allow your pet to roam in the back seat without causing distraction. Additionally, a hammock will help keep dirt, mud, and hair off your car seat.

Seek Legal Help From a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

Have you been injured in an auto crash caused by a loose pet? Get in touch with our experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers 24/7. We have over 20 years of helping accident victims and can evaluate your case for free.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242