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Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

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Injured in a Car Accident

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

September 8, 2021 by Christopher

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

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Claims, Injured in a Car Accident

What to Do if You Are Injured in an Accident Involving a Rental Car

August 4, 2021 by Christopher

The aftermath of any car accident can certainly be stressful and confusing. Accidents involving a rental car can significantly add to that stress and confusion.

Accidents involving rental cars can be much more complex because it’s hard to establish who was at fault and who will pay for any injuries or property damages.

If you’re ever on the receiving end of an accident involving a rental, it’s only natural to wonder what to do next. Remember, you not only have to deal with the other driver, but you also have to settle matters with the rental company.

aftermath of st. louis car accident

Step 1: Collect Contact and Insurance Information

Note that although you had a car crash with a rental, your accident will still be treated like any other car accident in Missouri. So the first thing you should do is collect contact and insurance information. Because you’re dealing with a rental car, you’ll also have to get information about the car rental company.

Make sure that you get the driver’s insurance information, but if they don’t have it at hand, their name and contact info will suffice for now. The driver should also provide their rental insurance paperwork.

Step 2: Contact a Law Enforcement Officer

After collecting information, your next step should be to contact the authorities. The responding officer should arrive at the scene in good time to control the situation. The officer will document the accident in a police report.

Step 3: Assess the Rental Agreement Between the Driver and the Rental Company

You need to establish what kind of agreement the driver had with the rental company. It’s worth noting that no law requires rental companies to have rental insurance. As such, most rental companies provide the minimum liability insurance coverage required by the state as part of their agreement.

If the driver in the rental car had comprehensive insurance coverage, then their insurance policy is likely to cover any damages or injuries on your part. However, if the driver is underinsured, you can generally file a claim against the rental company.

Step 4: Call the Car Rental Company

Contact the car rental company and inform them of the accident. Avoid apologizing or saying anything that may be considered as admitting fault. Doing so may ruin your chances of getting fair compensation.

Step 4: Call a Reputable Personal Injury Lawyer

Next,  it is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer to initiate your injury claim process. Navigating the complex field of insurance law can be difficult on your own. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and help you combat the tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny your claim.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

Have you been injured in an accident involving a rental car? Contact The Hoffman Law Firm today to ensure your legal rights are protected.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Claims, Injured in a Car Accident

Dental Injuries After a St. Louis Car Accident

July 16, 2021 by Christopher

Dental injuries resulting from a car accident can be very costly to treat, and their impact may be felt for years.

When you think of car accident injuries, dental injuries probably aren’t the first thing that pops into your mind. However, dental injuries rank among the most common injuries that one can suffer after a car crash. These injuries can be incredibly costly to treat, and their impact can be felt for years.

st. louis woman with dental injuries

Common Dental Injuries: Direct and Indirect Injuries

Dental injuries can be categorized into two types: direct and indirect injuries. For example, if you were speeding and an object hits your mouth during the accident, you might suffer a direct dental injury. On the other hand, if your mouth was open, and the impact of the accident caused it to close, your lower teeth may be knocked by your upper teeth, causing an indirect dental injury. 

Common Types of Dental Injuries

Here are common dental injuries you might suffer after an auto collision.

  • Fractured teeth: This is one of the most common dental injuries. It can take the form of fractured teeth’ enamel, pulp, or dentin. This injury often results in sensitivity or tenderness to the fractured part.
  • Tooth luxation: Were you in an accident, and now your tooth is displaced in a manner that, when touched, moves in all directions? You could have suffered tooth luxation. This occurs when the ligaments that hold your tooth in place are disrupted. Immediate dental care will help place your tooth back to its initial position and fix other hidden injuries.
  • Avulsed tooth: This occurs when your tooth is knocked out of its socket. You need to seek dental care immediately to re-implant the affected tooth before it dies.

Dental injuries can be mild or severe. The severity of a dental injury typically depends on the amount of force present during an accident. 

How to Get Compensation for Dental Injury After a Car Accident

The insurance company will not compensate you for your dental injuries unless you provide concrete proof of the injuries. One of the best ways to do this is through an x-ray. An X-ray will go a long way in showing the extent of the injury and treatment required. Also, ensure you safely keep all the dental care records, including surgery and implant documents.

Some of the damages you may be entitled to in your dental injury case include medical bills and lost wages. You could also get compensation for pain and suffering if your dental injury alters your look or eating habits. 

If you have been injured in a car accident it is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced attorney. They can help you gather relevant evidence, interpret the laws for you, protect your rights and interests and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Any injury suffered after an auto crash can have a lasting impact on the victim’s health, finances, and life. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you are generally entitled to compensation for your losses. Our St. Louis car accident attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims in and around St. Louis, Missouri. 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

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Claims, Injured in a Car Accident

Concussion From a Car Accident – What You Should Know

July 6, 2021 by Christopher

Here’s how concussions occur, what their symptoms are, and what your legal rights are if you get concussed in a car accident.

Did you know that 16,500 people seek medical care for traumatic brain injury in Missouri annually? Did you also know that car accidents rank among the top causes of brain injury? This article will shed some light on one of the most common brain injuries after a car accident: Concussions. We’ll take a look at how they occur, their symptoms, and your legal rights if you get a concussion after a car accident.

doctors reviewing brain scans

How Do Concussions Occur?

If you are involved in a car accident, you may hit your head on hard static objects like the back of your seat, steering wheel, dashboard, or your windshield. This impact may cause the soft tissues of your brain to bruise, tear, swell or bleed, causing concussions. That’s why it’s important to seek a medical checkup after an auto accident, whether you think you are physically injured or not.

Symptoms of Concussions

Signs and symptoms of a concussion can be difficult to identify. That said, some symptoms could indicate you have a concussion. Here are just a few common symptoms:

  • Physical symptoms: Some of the physical symptoms of a concussion include seeing blurry images, experiencing difficulties in speech, nausea, light and noise sensitivity, and dizziness.
  • Cognitive symptoms: Cognitive concussion symptoms may range from impaired judgment, confusion, loss of memory, and difficulty concentrating.
  •  Behavioral symptoms: These symptoms may include poor impulse control, mood swings, anger, or restlessness after a car accident.

Concussion and Loss of Consciousness

There is a belief that you always lose consciousness when you have a concussion. This is not true. Sometimes, a minor concussion can take days before the symptoms start to show. Below are three grades of concussions based on consciousness.

  • Grade 1: You don’t lose consciousness. However, you may lose your memory for 30 minutes.
  • Grade 2: You lose consciousness and memory for about 30 minutes to 24 hours.
  • Grade 3: You lose consciousness for at least 5 minutes and memory for more than two days.

Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident

Concussions can be expensive to treat. And with all the medical bills and lost wages, your quality of life may be affected, and you’ll need time to recover. Who should pay for all this? If another party caused your accident, their insurance company would generally be responsible for compensating you. A fair settlement should include benefits for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, emotional distress, disfigurement, reduced earning capacity, lower quality of life, and disability.

However, keep in mind the insurance company may deny your claim or try to push you to accept their offer before your concussion symptoms start to show. That’s why it’s recommended to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can guide and help you avoid accepting less than you are legally entitled to.

Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve suffered a concussion after a car accident,  our experienced car accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve! Call us today for a FREE case evaluation.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Injured in a Car Accident

When a Bruise May Be a Sign That Something Is Wrong After a Car Accident

June 14, 2021 by Christopher

Car crashes can leave behind various injuries, and one of the most common things people can experience is bruising.

Most people get bruises in their every day life and they are usually not a cause for worry. Most of the time, they go unnoticed and don’t bother a person. However, if you have noticed bruising after a car accident you may be wondering if it is something more serious.

missouri woman with bruise after a car accident

What a Normal Bruise Is Like

A bruise occurs when the blood vessels beneath a person’s skin crush and break open. This causes some leakage right below the surface, which often appears dark red or purple. Some bruises can even feel a bit tender to the touch. Others can be completely harmless.

Normal bruising will usually completely fade away in about two weeks, without needing any treatment. However, severe bruising can take months to fade. In some cases, such bruising could be a signsof bigger health issues, like as internal bleeding.

When a Bruise May Be a Sign That Something Is Wrong

People may experience some bruising after even minor car accidents. But how can you tell if your bruises are harmless or may be a sign that something is wrong?

If the bruised area remains swollen, or the bruise doesn’t begin to fade in a few days, these may be signs that you need to speak with your doctor.

In general, it is a good idea to seek medical attention after a car accident, regardless of the severity of the collision. People often don’t feel the full repercussions of the car accident immediately after it occurs, and some injuries, including bruises, may only appear the next day, or even later. A qualified doctor can check to see if your bruising is normal or a sign of something more serious.

Seeking medical attention is essential if you need to file a car injury claim with the at-fault driver or even your own insurance company. If, for instance, the bruising turns out to be more serious, and you require more medical treatment, you may have some problems getting the insurance company to cover the costs. They may argue that your condition getting worse is partially your fault for not seeing a doctor right after the accident, to avoid having to cover your medical costs.

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a car crash and are experiencing some bruising, it’s very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if the areas are swollen and tender. Then, it’s highly recommended that you get in touch with a St. Louis car accident attorney to ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the car accident claims process.

At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience protecting the rights of those who have been injured in St. Louis car accidents. If you have been injured, you shouldn’t have to settle for less than you deserve. Give us a call today for a free case evaluation.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Injured in a Car Accident

3 Possible Causes of Hip Pain After a Car Accident

June 1, 2021 by Christopher

Some of the most common car accident injuries to the hip include dislocation, bursitis, and bone fractures. Here’s what to do if you experience hip pain after a car accident.

Your hip is the joint bearing the most weight in your body, so anything affecting it will influence your comfort, quality of life, and mobility. For example, being in a car accident can cause unexpected injuries and aggravate pre-existing ones. So if you start noticing hip pain after being in one, it’s important that you seek medical attention.

As a side note, since not all injuries show signs immediately, you should see a doctor even if you are experiencing minor bruises or cuts or no symptoms at all. It’s also essential to get in touch with a St. Louis auto accident lawyer as soon as possible as they can give you legal advice, help you build your case, and fight to get you fair compensation. 

st. louis woman with hip pain after car accident

Possible Causes of Hip Pain after Auto Crash

Some of the most common car accident injuries to the hip include the following:

  1. Dislocation: the forces involved in a car accident and the position of your body when in a vehicle can lead to unlikely injuries, such as hip dislocation. This can be very painful, but it might take less time than expected and may not require surgery to recover completely from it. 
  1. Bursitis: blunt trauma or unnatural stretching of the hip can cause inflammation and irritation in the hip joint, a condition called bursitis. Treatment may involve injections with corticosteroid injections, aspirations to drain the liquid in the bursa, topical medication, resting, etc. 
  1. Fractures: some of the most serious injuries in a car accident are bone fractures, and they are often an emergency, so call 911 if you suspect you have one. Fractures in the hip joint can be extremely painful and might take a long time to heal. Many causes require surgery to realign the bones and keep them together with the help of screws, metal rods, etc. 

These three possible scenarios are some of the most common ones, but you can also feel pain because of soft tissue injuries, injuries to the back that make the pain radiate through your main nerves, etc. Because the hip pain is such a big joint and is relatively hard to access for treatment or to immobilize, any injuries or pain in the area should be treated as a potentially serious injury. 

Getting the Treatment You Need & The Compensation You Deserve

To prevent long-term complications to your hips, see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice pain in the hip following a car accident. You might need surgery, chiropractor sessions, physiotherapy, medication, and time off work.

To cover all these expenses and lost wages, we recommend speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help protect your legal right to compensation and provide you with peace of mind as you recover from your injuries.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Injured in a Car Accident

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    The images included on this site are not actual attorneys, events, or clients. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. Attorney Chris Hoffmann handles car and truck accident claims throughout Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois. He represents injured clients in St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Clayton, East St. Louis, Alton, Hillsboro and Belleville, and other cities in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson Country, MO, and St. Clair County and Madison County, IL.