• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

  • Whiplash
    • What is Whiplash?
    • How Long Does Whiplash Last?
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment
    • Exercises
    • Physiotherapy
    • Surgery
  • Compensation
  • Car Accident
    • What to Do When You Get in a Car Accident
    • The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
    • Wrong Way Car Crash
    • Why Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?
    • Injuries
      • Brain Injury
      • Delayed Injuries
      • Head Injury
      • Leg Injury
    • T-Bone Accident
    • Uninsured Motorist
    • Who Pays My Medical Bills?
  • Whiplash St. Louis Blog

motorcycle accident

Common Mistakes Motorcyclists Make That Lead to St. Louis Auto Accidents

January 17, 2022 by Christopher

Many St. Louis motorcycle accidents are avoidable if motorcycle riders take the proper precautions while riding their bikes.

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you may feel there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on two wheels. Unfortunately, however, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with motorcycles. In fact, motorcycle riders are 29 times more likely to die in a vehicle crash than people inside other vehicles.

Many motorcycle accidents are avoidable if motorcycle riders take the proper precautions while riding their bikes. Let’s discuss a few common mistakes motorcyclists make that often lead to accidents.

FREE CONSULTATION (314) 361-4242

st. louis motorcyclist on the road

Approaching Corners Too Fast

This is a mistake that almost always leads to an accident. The faster a motorcyclist rides their motorcycle, the harder it is for them to control it. This is especially true for hard corners where the motorcycle can skid out of control and cause an accident.

Motorcyclists must ensure they slow down appropriately when making sharp turns. They should also avoid hitting the brakes too hard, or the bike will skid off even further away from the road.

Failing to Turn Off Your Turn Signal

Forgetting to cancel your turn signal seems like a simple mistake, but it’s an accident waiting to happen. Keeping your turn signal on can mislead the vehicle trailing behind you. Thinking you’re turning in the other direction, the driver might turn in the direction you’re heading and collide with your motorcycle.

Trying to Ride Their Motorcycles Everywhere

This is another mistake that’s dangerous and detrimental to the motorcycle. Most motorcycles are designed to ride on smooth pavements like asphalt roads. As such, they tend to struggle on rocky terrains and even sandy areas.

Riding your motorcycle on rough terrain may prove disastrous, especially if you’re on the wrong type of motorcycle. Certain motorcycles are made to handle rugged and slippery terrain, while others are not.

Regardless of what you saw on TV or social media, it’s generally best to stick to normal paved roads.

St. Louis Auto Accident Lawyer

Regardless of how careful you are, there’s always the possibility that you may be involved in an auto accident. If you have been involved in an auto accident in St. Louis get in touch with our St. Louis auto accident lawyer 24/7 for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: motorcycle accident

Traumatic Amnesia After a St. Louis Auto Accident

November 15, 2021 by Christopher

Let’s discuss what you need to know about this condition and how to pursue fair compensation if you suffer traumatic amnesia after an accident.

As a motorcycle rider, you are at a high risk of suffering traumatic amnesia. Sadly, if left untreated, this condition can have lifelong effects. So, what is traumatic amnesia, and how does it happen?  Let’s discuss what you need to know about this condition and how to pursue fair compensation if you suffer traumatic amnesia after an accident.

FREE CONSULTATION (314) 361-4242

two doctors reviewing an mri scan

What Is Traumatic Amnesia?

According to Mayo Clinic, amnesia refers to the loss of memories, facts, information, and experiences. Sadly, when you hit your head in a motorcycle accident, the part responsible for keeping memories, the hippocampus, may be damaged, leading to traumatic amnesia.

There are generally two types of amnesia:

1. Anterograde Amnesia

Anterograde amnesia is a complete or partial inability to retain new information or memories. You may remember events that took place before the crash but have absolutely no idea about what happened afterward. This type of amnesia mostly affects your short memory making it very frustrating.

2. Retrograde Amnesia

Conversely, retrograde amnesia affects your ability to remember existing memories. For example, you may not remember events before the accident but may recall things that happened after the accident.

While retrograde amnesia may never affect your skills, it will certainly affect some of the facts in your life.

Seeking Compensation

Losing your memory is no easy feat. You will likely need the services of a neurologist or therapist to get your memory in good shape. Unfortunately, the services of these specialists are costly and can drain your pockets. In addition, severe amnesia is not always curable and can leave you with side effects that you have to manage for the rest of your life.

To get compensated, you generally must prove that the other party was liable for your injuries which is not always easy.

An experienced St. Louis auto accident attorney can help you avoid common mistakes motorcycle accident victims make, such as not collecting enough evidence, delaying making a report, accepting the blame, or settling for the first compensation offer. In addition, they’ll advocate for you, guide you on how to navigate the case, and help negotiate a fair settlement for you.

St. Louis Auto Accident Attorneys

The effects of amnesia after a motorcycle accident are immense. And getting compensation for your physical and emotional trauma can be tough and complex. However, the experienced attorneys at The Hoffmann Law Firm are here for you during this trying time. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights after an accident.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Claims, motorcycle accident

4 Reasons Lane Splitting Often Leads to Catastrophic Auto Accidents

November 2, 2021 by Christopher

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.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: Car Accident Claims, motorcycle accident

4 Common Leg Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident and How You Can Protect Yourself

October 11, 2021 by Christopher

Leg injuries rank among the most common injuries after a motorcycle accident. Here are the four most common and what you can do to protect yourself.

Motorcycles can be an exciting way to travel. However, they generally offer less protection than other types of vehicles, and accidents often result in serious injuries. Leg injuries rank among the most common motorcycle accident injuries. Let’s consider four common leg injuries that result from motorcycle accidents and what you can do to protect yourself.

leg injuries in a motorcycle accident

1. Hip Injuries

These are alarmingly common injuries following a motorcycle accident. For example, the hip may be dislocated, bruised, or the hip bursa may be inflamed. Hip injury may leave you with excruciating pain, weakness, or swelling. It would help to see a doctor immediately to kick start your recovery journey in such a case.

2. Thigh Injuries

A femur fracture is the most common thigh injury in a motorcycle accident. This occurs when a rider lands on their thighs, causing the femur neck or head to break. Typically, these injuries cause severe pain and, in extreme cases, catastrophic damage to your thigh arteries and nerves.

3. Knee Injuries

You may land with your knees bent during a motorcycle accident or hit them on the hard road surface. This may cause kneecap fracture, meniscal tear, or dislocation. If left unattended, knee injuries may lead to tragic complications or permanent impairment.

4. Ankle Injuries

The ankle joint has three bones, tibia, fibula, and talus. During a motorcycle accident, your ankle may be dragged along the road, or the bike may fall on it, thereby shattering or misaligning any of the three bones. The broken bone may pierce your skin, leading to a severe wound and intolerable pain.

How to Protect Yourself from Motorcycle Leg Injuries

The best way to protect your legs when riding a motorcycle is to use motorcycle leg protection, including Kevlar liners, knee brace, hip pads, or riding boots. These protective measures will not only protect your legs from tragic impacts but also debilitating road rash.

Pursuing Compensation

The recovery journey after a motorcycle leg injury can be rocky and treacherous. It often involves extensive surgeries, physical therapy, piling medical bills, and lost wages which can take a toll on you.

Fortunately, you can generally recover your damages if another party is responsible for your motorcycle accident. However, it’s advisable to have an experienced attorney by your side. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will have a good understanding of the laws and procedures around motorcycle accidents and can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you are legally entitled to.

St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Have you been injured in a St. Louis motorcycle accident? At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have been helping auto accident victims for over 20 years and can help you determine how best to proceed with your case. 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: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: motorcycle accident

Is It Safe to Lay Down Your Motorcycle When About to Crash?

September 10, 2021 by Christopher

While these suggestions can help you avoid a motorcycle crash and injuries, it is always best to be alert and adhere to all safety measures.

As a motorcycle rider, chances are you’ve heard countless myths on how to avoid motorcycle injuries. One of the common notions is that laying down your bike when you are about to crash could prevent a severe collision. You may be wondering: how true is this? Is it really a helpful safety tip?

st. louis motorcyclist on the open road

The Truth 

Stories of motorcyclists who escaped death by laying down their bikes may be very exciting. However, in most cases, these stories are exaggerated, and the rider won’t talk of the serious injuries they sustained. 

In truth, when a crashing motorcycle is laid down, its plastic parts or metal are in contact with the ground, making it extremely hard to stop. As a result, you could suffer severe brain injuries, spine fractures, road rash, broken limbs, or lacerations. 

Situations When Laying Down Your Motorcycle Was a Safety Tactic 

When motorcycle technology was not developed, laying down a motorcycle was recommended as a safety tactic to avoid injuries. In those days, motorcycles had poor brakes that made it difficult to stop in time before a collision. Additionally, the poor maneuverability of old motorcycles made it challenging to swerve and avoid collisions. 

Now technology has advanced, and laying down may not be the safest alternative. Modern motorcycles are easy to steer, slow down, and control. In addition, they have improved maneuverability, enhanced brake capabilities, and ultra-high-performance tires, unlike in the early days. 

Instead of laying your motorcycle down, consider doing the following: 

  • Stay upright: The improved traction on the tires will provide friction and slow you down. Also, try to shift your body weight away from the handlebars to help move your bike’s center of gravity as you slow down. 
  • Brake quickly: Your reaction time might make the difference between life and death. You need to squeeze both brakes quickly. This will allow you to stop in the shortest time and could be enough to save you from a serious crash. 
  • Swerve: If you are swerving to avoid a potential crash, you need to do it right. Always ensure you’re not swerving into the path of another vehicle. And if the emergency requires both swerving and braking, apply one at a time. 

Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents 

While the above tactics can help you avoid a motorcycle crash and injuries, it would always help to be alert and adhere to all riding safety measures. Here are tips to help you stay safe on the road and avoid the risk of motorcycle accidents: 

  • Wear thick protective material such as gloves, long leather pants, boots, and eye protection. Gearing up can help reduce the severity of your injuries in case of a motorcycle crash.
  • Add reflective elements to your bike and clothing. Wear bright colors and always use your headlight when riding at night to enhance your visibility and allow other motorists to see you. 
  • Always put on your helmet, as it will go a long way in preventing traumatic brain injuries in case of a crash. 
  • Ride carefully. Check for blind spots, avoid distractions, and look out for other motorists. 

Speak With a St. Louis Auto Injury Lawyer

Have you been hurt in a motorcycle accident due to some else’s negligence? Give us a call 24/7 to learn more about protecting your legal rights. Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience and can evaluate your case for free.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: motorcycle accident

4 Reasons “I Didn’t See You” Motorcycle Accidents Happen

August 2, 2021 by Christopher

Whenever motorcycle accidents occur, it is common to hear the driver of the other vehicle say, “I didn’t see you.” Here are some common reasons for this.

Motorcycles are involved in accidents for many reasons, including speeding and alcohol use. However, motorcycle accidents can also happen because a driver failed to see a motorcycle on the road. And when such an accident happens, you’ll likely hear the negligent driver say something in the lines of, “Sorry, I didn’t see you.” So why don’t drivers always see motorcyclists? Let’s discuss why these motorcycle accidents happen and how you can avoid them.

scene of a st. louis motorcycle accident

What Are the Common Causes of ‘I didn’t see you’ Accidents?

While all motorists are expected to use the road correctly and follow all traffic laws, it hardly happens. This explains the rising daily number of accidents. Here are common causes of these motorcycle wrecks:

1. A Driver May Look at You but Not See You

Most drivers are looking for other cars and trucks at intersections and junctions but forget about motorcycles. Unfortunately, such discriminatory attention is likely to result in an accident.

2. A Driver May Never Look at All

When a driver fails to look, they miss seeing you approaching and will likely drive into your way, resulting in a collision or a fall off.

3. A Driver Might Look, See You, but Ignore You

Some reckless drivers will turn in front of you (a motorcyclist) despite having seen you. They may assume that most motorcyclists speed, make loud noises, and recklessly changing lanes. And as a result, fail to drive safely around you.

4. A Driver Might Look, See You, but Forget

Considering how busy St Louis intersections are, a driver might see you but forget they had seen you seconds later. As a result, they may pull out of an intersection with no recollection of having seen you approaching, causing an accident.

How Do You Avoid These Accidents?

Preventing these accidents is no easy task. While you can control your actions, you cannot control the actions of car drivers. However, there are things you can do to minimize the risks of these accidents:

Never assume a driver has seen you. Instead, keep your distance and navigate the intersection or junction carefully.

  • Use your horn if you suspect a driver has not seen you. This will draw their attention.
  • Stay in your lane to increase your chances of being spotted.
  • Identify drivers’ blind spots and keep off them.
  • Wear reflective clothing that stands out. This will improve the visibility of drivers.

Pursuing Compensation

Being in a motorcycle accident can be devastating. The consequences can be anything from minor bruises to more serious injuries requiring extensive medical care. Fortunately, you can generally pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. However, compensation won’t be automatic; you’ll need to prove that the at-fault driver was negligent and is to blame for the accident and resulting damages.

Speak With a St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision, The Hoffman Law Firm can evaluate your claim for free and help you understand what you are entitled to. We have a proven record of helping motorcycle accident victims get justice, and we can help you too.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: motorcycle accident

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.
130 S Bemiston Ave # 603
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 361-4242

Free Consultation Request

    RSS St. Louis Car Accident Attorney – Car Accident Lawyer St. Louis

    • 5 Common Types of Accidents Caused By Drunk Drivers
    • Daylight Savings Time Car Accidents – St. Louis Accident Lawyer
    • The 5 Steps of the Mediation Process for a St. Louis Car Accident
    • Step to Appeal a Denied St. Louis Car Accident Claim
    • 4 Unique Driver Distractions St. Louis Uber and Lyft Drivers Face
    • 5 Tips to Prevent Texting and Driving Car Accidents in St. Louis
    • Soft Tissue Injuries From St. Louis Car Accident – Common Misconceptions
    • Foot and Ankle Pain From a St. Louis Car Accident
    • Spinal Cord Injury Pain After a St. Louis Car Accident
    • Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in St. Louis? Know Your Options for Compensation

    Copyright © 2023 The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C.
    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.