Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Car Accident Claims

5 Common Causes of St. Louis Car Accidents

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Here are a few of Missouri’s most common traffic citations and what they could indicate about the other driver’s carelessness and the cause of your accident.

If you have been injured in a car accident and are planning to pursue a claim, you’ll need to provide strong evidence of the other driver’s negligence to have a shot at receiving compensation. Traffic citations can serve as this type of evidence. But what do different types of traffic citations mean, and how can they help your case? Below is a rundown of Missouri’s most common traffic citations and what they could indicate about the other driver’s carelessness and the cause of your accident.

driver on the phone after a car accident

Speeding

Speeding is, by far, the most common traffic violation. It’s also one of the easiest violations to spot on a police report. If the other driver was speeding at the time of the accident, that is solid evidence that they were not driving safely and that their negligence contributed to the accident. 

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is another serious traffic offense that can be used as evidence of negligence. This includes offenses such as running red lights, making illegal U-turns, or tailgating. Any time a driver breaks the law or drives in a way that endangers others, they can be cited for reckless driving.

Failing to Yield

Failing to yield means failing to give the right of way to another driver who has the right of way. This can happen when turning, merging onto highways, or pulling out from side streets. Failing to yield is often considered a more minor offense than speeding or reckless driving. However, it can still be used as evidence of negligence if it played a role in causing an accident. 

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

DUI refers to operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. DUIs are one of the most serious types of traffic offenses and can lead to major accidents. If the other driver was driving under the influence at the time of your accident, it’s highly likely that their negligence caused the collision.  

Careless Driving

Careless driving is generally a catch-all category for less serious offenses that still demonstrate negligence on a driver’s part. This can include things like failing to signal when changing lanes or not yielding the right of way. Careless driving offenses are often subjective, which means they can be open to interpretation by adjusters and judges. However, if there is a citation detailing the other driver’s careless actions, it can still be used as evidence of negligence. 

While traffic citations don’t always indicate that the other driver was negligent, they can be helpful pieces of evidence in building your injury claim. So if you’ve been injured in an accident, be sure to check whether any traffic citations were issued as part of your investigation into whether you have grounds for a claim. 

St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact The Hoffman Law Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced St. Louis car injury attorney. We have over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of fighting for and recovering the compensation injury victims need to move forward.

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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 Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know After a Car Accident

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Ensure your rights are protected by speaking with an experienced car accident attorney before speaking with any insurance adjusters.

If you have been involved in a St. Louis car accident, your first instinct may be to call up the insurance company and get your claim sorted as quickly as possible. You may reason that they have your best interests at heart, and you simply do not want the headache of dragging out your claim. However, it is vital that you speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Simply put, there are things the insurance company DOES NOT want you to be aware of.

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insurance adjuster examining car

Top 5 Things Your Insurance Company Doesn’t Want Your to Know

  1. They are NOT on your side. The claims adjusters and insurance attorneys are working for their shareholders, not for you. Keep in mind that they are paid to minimize the money that is paid out to claimants.
  2. If you’ve been in an accident, a claims adjuster or attorney working for the insurance company will be gathering evidence to minimize the amount of compensation you receive or deny your claim altogether. It is, therefore, important to contact a car accident attorney ASAP, so they can begin gathering evidence and witness testimony to support your compensation claim.
  3. Insurance companies often ask confusing questions to pressure you into admitting to something you do not fully understand, and that can be used against you in court at a later date. Do not give any statements to the insurance company without the representation of an experienced attorney on your side.
  4. If the person who caused your auto accident does not have sufficient coverage to cover your claim, and you have underinsured motorists coverage that exceeds their coverage, you may be entitled to compensation from your own insurance company. An experienced attorney can help you make this determination.
  5. While insurance companies will do anything they can to discourage you from speaking with an attorney, it is important to realize that they have attorneys protecting their interests. This is why it is so important to have an experienced attorney on your side, protecting your interests.

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a St Louis car accident, it is very important that you speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to gain a more than even footing with the insurance company and ensure your interests are protected. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., our attorneys are here to help. We have over 20 years of experience and work on a contingency basis. This means we only get paid if you do.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

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.

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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.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242