Car Accident Claims

Why November and December Witness Higher Rate of Car Accidents

December 15, 2015 by Christopher

Car accidents can occur anytime, anywhere. However, higher rates of car accidents are reported in the months of November and December compared to other times of the year.

This higher volume of car accidents in November and December can be attributed to several reasons:

Day Light Savings Time

Some studies have shown that time changes that happen with Day Light Saving Time increase the risk of accidents as people adjust to new sleep cycles.

Shorter Days

With days becoming shorter, many of us have to drive or walk back home in the dark, and this can be a little difficult to adjust to. Drivers tend to feel more fatigued driving in the dark and this combined with poor visibility increase the risk of accidents.

Holiday Season

The holiday season often means more parties and more alcohol, and this directly translates into a higher risk of car accidents. In Missouri, drunk driving increases during this period and many accidents are reported as a result. So, it is important to avoid drinking and driving. If you plan on drinking make sure you have someone else drive you home. Apart from drunk driving, the general mood of the people and increased activity on the roads increase the risk of an accident.

Increased Stress

With the holiday season around the corner, many Missourians are busier than ever. With all the holiday plans, social events, and shopping to attend to, the additional tasks increase stress. All this and stress can mean distraction, leading to an automobile accident. When the driver is thinking about shopping and party plans, it takes attention away from the task at hand. This often leads to intersection accidents and right of way collisions. When the drivers are tempted to multitask or check their cell phones while driving, it can lead to an accident.

It is not easy to escape all the stress and excitement of the holiday season, but it is extremely important to put safety first and be stress and distraction free while driving. Don’t push yourself too hard, and take off the non-essential tasks from your to-do list. Plan your day well and keep adequate time for rest. By doing so, you will not only reduce the risk of an accident occurring but will also allow you to enjoy your holidays in a stress-free manner.

Taking some extra precaution during the holiday season can save lives and prevent many injuries. Small things like putting your cell phone away and following all traffic rules can go a long way in making our roads safer. So, enjoy your holiday season to the fullest and keep roads safer by being extra cautious!

Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone dear to you gets injured in a car accident this holiday season, contact an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and to get help with the claim process. Call (314) 361-4242 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.

Pre Existing Injury Auto Accident

October 22, 2015 by Christopher

Not all St. Louis car accident claims are simple and straightforward. An experienced auto accident attorney can help you determine what compensation you are entitled to.

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 and straightforward, because circumstances surrounding every case are different. 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 more than likely still be able to make a claim.

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.

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.