Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Injured in a Car Accident

What Are the Most Common Internal Injuries After a Car Accident?

by

This article will discuss the most common internal injuries after a car accident and what you can do to protect yourself.

Internal injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. Unfortunately, many people die from internal injuries sustained in a car accident, even if they don’t die from the initial impact. This article will discuss the most common internal injuries after a car accident and what you can do to protect yourself.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242
man with internal injury after a car accident

7 Common Internal Injuries from Car Accidents

Aortic Rupture

This is a tear in the aorta caused by a direct blow to the chest, and it’s often fatal.

Blunt Abdominal Trauma

This is an injury to the abdomen, mostly the stomach area, that can occur when a hard object hits the stomach. It can cause internal bleeding and organ damage, which can be fatal.

Spinal Cord Injury

This is an injury to the spinal cord that can occur when a hard object hits the spine. It can cause paralysis and death.

Pulmonary Contusion

This is an injury to the lungs that occurs when a hard object hits the chest. It can cause difficulty breathing and death.

Brain Injury

This is an injury to the brain that can occur when a hard object hits the head. It can cause paralysis, coma, and death.

Ruptured Spleen

The spleen is a small organ in the abdomen that helps to filter blood. It can be ruptured (torn) by a direct blow to the abdomen, causing internal bleeding and death.

Liver Damage

This is an injury to the liver that can occur when a hard object hits the abdomen. It can cause internal bleeding and death.

Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries

Unlike external injuries, which are usually visible, internal injuries can be difficult to detect. The signs and symptoms of internal injuries may include:

  • Pain in the area of the injury
  • Bruising in the area of the injury
  • Swelling in the area of the injury
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

If you think you or someone else may have an internal injury, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. A physician will be able to order tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to diagnose an internal injury. Treatment for internal injuries will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Internal injuries from car accidents are serious and can be fatal. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from these types of injuries:

Wear a Seatbelt

Seat belts help keep the body in the car during a crash and prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle. Ensure that everyone in the car wears a seatbelt, including all passengers and children.

Drive Safely

One of the best ways to prevent being involved in a car accident is to drive safely. Obey all traffic laws and use caution when driving in adverse weather conditions. Also, be aware of your surroundings and other drivers on the road and avoid tailgating, speeding, and other risky behaviors.

Avoid Driving Under the Influence

 Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of being involved in a car accident. So, if you are going to drink, don’t drive. And if you are going to drive, don’t drink.

Injured in a St. Louis Car Accident?

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm can help. We have a proven track record and over 20 years of experience protecting the rights of injured car accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

6 Ways to Prevent Auto Accidents When Driving Early in the Morning

by

This article will discuss six ways to stay safe on the road and prevent car accidents when driving early in the morning.

Auto accidents during the early morning hours are common. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent these accidents from happening. This article will discuss six ways to stay safe on the road when driving early in the morning.

st. louis man driving in the early morning

Early Morning Car Accidents

First, let’s take a look at some of the statistics associated with morning accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than one-third of all car accident fatalities occur between the hours of midnight and six in the morning. Furthermore, drivers are about four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident during these early hours than they are during the afternoon or evening. There are several reasons for this disparity. For one, many people are driving on tired legs after a long night of sleep. Additionally, there tends to be more traffic on the road during the morning hours, and visibility is often reduced due to darkness and foggy conditions. Finally, many drivers aren’t paying attention to the road because they’re distracted by their morning routines.

How to Stay Safe

So, what can you do to stay safe when driving early in the morning? Here are six tips:

1. Ensure You Get a Good Night’s Sleep Before Getting Behind the Wheel. It’s important to be well-rested when driving, and this is especially true during the early morning hours.

2. Start Your Car and Let It Warm Up for a Few Minutes Before Driving. This will help you see better and avoid being blinded by oncoming headlights.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings and Watch for Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Other Vehicles.

4. Avoid Distractions. Keep your windows rolled up and the radio turned off so you can focus on the road.

5. Avoid Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol. It’s never safe to drive while impaired, and the risks are even greater during the early morning hours.

6. Leave Extra Space Between Your Car and the One in Front of You. This will give you more time to react if someone cuts you off or slams on their brakes.

Though driving early in the morning can be challenging, following these tips can help you stay safe on the road.

What if You’re Hit by Another Driver and Sustain an Injury?

Sadly, despite your best efforts, you may still be involved in an accident. If this happens, it’s important to know what to do.

First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries aren’t visible right away, so it’s important to be evaluated by a professional.

Next, speak with an experienced car accident attorney. They can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you legally deserve.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

Have you been involved in an early morning accident in St. Louis, Missouri? The experienced car accident attorneys at The Hoffman Law Firm are here for you. We have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve and can help you too. Call us today for a free consultation!

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

How Long Should You Be Sore After a Car Accident?

by

Several factors will generally determine how long you will feel sore after a car accident.

Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of time it takes to heal will vary from person to person. For some, the soreness may drag on for days or even weeks after the accident occurs. This article discusses several factors that determine how long you can generally expect to feel pain and discomfort after an accident. We’ve also provided some tips on managing the pain and speeding up the healing process.

st. louis man with back pain after a car accident

Factors That Determine How Long You Will Feel the Effects

Several factors can influence how long you will feel pain after an accident. These include:

The Severity of Your Injuries: Generally, the more severe your injuries are, the longer you can expect to feel pain. If you’ve suffered a broken bone or a concussion, you’ll likely experience pain and discomfort for some time after the accident.

The Location of Your Injuries: Injuries in certain body parts can be more painful than others. For example, a broken bone in the leg can cause more pain than a broken toe.

Your Age: Our bodies tend to heal more slowly as we age. This means that older adults may take longer to recover from an accident than younger people.

Your Health Before the Accident: If you’re already in poor health, you’ll likely take longer to heal from an injury sustained in an accident.

How Can You Manage Pain After an Accident?

The answer to this question should be discussed with a doctor. They often recommend several things to help manage pain after a car accident. These may include:

  • Rest: It’s important to rest after you’ve been injured. This will give your body time to heal.
  • Ice: Applying ice to the area of your pain may help reduce inflammation and swelling.
  • Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication may help to ease the pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your injuries, which can help reduce pain.
  • Massage: Massaging the injured area may help relieve some of the tension and discomfort.
  • Hot Packs: Heating pads or hot packs may be recommended to help soothe sore muscles and joints.

It’s important to remember that everyone heals differently, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel better right away.

When Should You See a Doctor?

It is generally best to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you feel ok at the time. You should also seek medical attention immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe pain that does not improve with medication
  • Sudden swelling or bruising in an area near your injury
  • Numbness or tingling in an arm or leg
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Bleeding that will not stop

A doctor will assess your injuries, prescribe the appropriate treatment and guide you on the road to recovery.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Hoffman Law firm, our St. Louis car accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims get the money they deserve and can evaluate your case for free.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

When Is It Too Late to Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney?

by

If you have been in a St. Louis car accident, you may be considering hiring a car accident attorney. This is a wise decision because an experienced attorney can help you protect your legal rights and get the compensation you are legally entitled to.  However, many people wonder, “Is it too late to hire a car accident attorney?” Let’s explore the answer to that question and discuss the benefits of retaining legal representation after a car accident.

FREE CONSULTATION (314) 361-4242
car accident lawyer free consultation

Is It Too Late to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

There’s generally no such thing as “too late” when it comes to retaining legal representation after a car accident. However, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better. An experienced car accident attorney can help file your claim within the stipulated timeline and work to get you the compensation you are legally entitled to. 

Here are more reasons why you generally should contact an attorney as soon as possible:

An Attorney Can Help You Gather Evidence

An experienced car accident attorney will know what evidence to collect. This evidence can be used to support your case and help you get the compensation you legally deserve.

An Attorney Can Help Protect Your Rights

 If you are injured in a car accident, you may need time off work to recover. An attorney can fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your lost wages.

An Attorney Can Deal with the Insurance Company

Dealing with an insurance company can be difficult, especially if you are trying to recover from a car accident. An attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company and deal with all the paperwork as you focus on your recovery. They can also negotiate on your behalf to get you compensation.

An Attorney Can Help You Prove Liability

In many cases, the other driver’s insurance company may argue that the victim was at fault for the accident. However, an experienced car accident attorney can gather evidence and build a case to prove that the other driver was at fault.

What Factors Should I Consider When Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?

Hiring an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney is one of the best decisions you can make after a car accident. However, there are important two factors you should consider when choosing an attorney:

Experience – Make sure the attorney you choose has experience handling car accident cases.

Reputation – Make sure the attorney you choose has a good reputation and is highly recommended by past clients.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a St. Louis car accident, our experienced and reputable St. Louis injury lawyers are here to help. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

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

by

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.

FREE CONSULTATION (314) 361-4242
  • 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.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

What Happens if I Am Involved in a Staged Car Accident in St. Louis?

by

Proving you did not cause a staged car accident can be an uphill task. However, there are things you can do to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the collision.

Car accidents are a daily occurrence on major highways and roads in the U.S. In fact, it’s estimated that 18,510 car crashes happen every day in the U.S. alone.

Due to the large number of car crashes, property-casualty insurances pay billions of dollars in accident claims. However, some individuals with bad intentions are deliberately staging auto collisions and submitting insurance claims for fake injuries and auto damages. At the same time, they are putting innocent drivers at risk and making them unsuspecting participants in a fraud scheme. Let’s discuss staged car accidents and what you can do if you are involved in one.

st. louis staged car accident

Staged Car Crash Explained

A staged car crash happens when a fraudulent driver intentionally sets up a car crash and makes it appear as another unsuspecting driver caused it. As a result, everything about the accident, such as the witnesses, injuries, and the vehicle damage, is fake. The goal of the dishonest driver is to blame you for the collision and file a fraudulent insurance claim against you or your insurer. Here are different types of staged accidents you should be on the lookout for:

1. T- Bone Accident

This occurs when a fraudulent driver waits for you to pull out of an intersection and then intentionally drives into the side of your car, causing a T-bone collision. You may not know that the driver may have fake eyewitnesses who may claim you were driving aggressively, or you ran a stop sign or a red light.

2. Wave In Accidents

This happens when a driver waves you to merge into a lane. Unsuspectingly, you’ll proceed thinking they have yielded the right of the way, only for them to accelerate and cause an accident. Then, when questioned about the accident, they will claim you made a dangerous lane change and injured them.

3. Swoop and Stop Accidents

In most cases, the rear driver is at fault in a rear-end collision. However, the fraudulent driver may take advantage of this by getting in front of you and deliberately slamming on their brakes to cause a rear-end collision.

4. Start and Stop Collisions

This usually happens on congested roads. The dishonest driver in front of you will accelerate and lure you into doing the same and then abruptly slam on their brake, causing a rear-end collision.

How Do You Prove the Other Driver Is Trying to Scam You?

Proving you did not cause a staged car accident can be an uphill task. However, there are things you can do to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the collision. First, you need to inform the police and identify any camera that might have recorded the crash as it happened. Second, collect information from any eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen and can testify it was staged. Most importantly, speak with an experienced St Louis car accident attorney to help you hold the fraudsters liable.

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a staged car accident, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. 24/7. We’ve been helping accident victims for over 20 years and can help you understand your legal rights after a car accident. Contact us today for a free case review.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242