Car Accidents
The Number of Missouri Car Accident Deaths On The Rise
Traffic accident deaths have been decreasing nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were 32,719 people killed in traffic accidents in the year 2013, a 3.1 percent decrease from 2012 and a nearly 25 percent decrease from 2004. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for traffic deaths in Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has reported a significant increase in car accident deaths in 2014.
The Deadliest Days for Teenage Drivers
Every day on the road is potentially dangerous for teenage drivers. In fact, teens have the highest crash rate of any group. They are less experienced and more prone to making a poor decision while driving. Some days are more dangerous than others. Make sure to remind your son or daughter about the safe driving tips they learned when they first got their license.
The Dangers of Summer Driving
It is a common misconception that the only dangerous time to drive is during the winter months when Missouri is covered in snow and ice. There are many dangers present during the summer months as well. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports August and September are the most dangerous months of the year with regard to fatal car accidents.
- Vacation driving: The highways are often more congested during the summer because of drivers on vacation. Some drivers are simply unfamiliar with local roadways while others are fatigued and distracted.
What You Should Know About Traumatic Brain Injuries
A brain injury is one of the most devastating injuries that can occur in a car accident. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Even minor crashes can cause a wide range of injuries if a victim strikes their head against a hard surface or experiences a sudden unexpected jolt. The force of impact or the sudden shaking motion can cause internal trauma to the brain, such as contusions (bruising) or hemorrhages (bleeding).
Travel Tips for the Holidays
There’s an incredible rise in traffic throughout the state of Missouri during the holiday season. According to AAA, roughly 94.5 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this time of year. At least 91 percent of those travelers (about 85.8 million) will be on the road.
With so many people on the highway rushing around, road travel can be dangerous. Here are some tips to make your holiday journey safer.
- Never drive distracted. Hand your cell phone to a passenger and let someone else do the navigating. Keep your eyes and attention on the road.
- Drive sober. Drunk driving accidents increase during the holidays. Avoid becoming a statistic by staying away from the steering wheel if you’ve been drinking.
AARP Addresses Safety for Older Drivers
Even with decades of experience behind the wheel, it’s important for drivers to understand the many changes that occur over time that may impact their ability to stay safe on the road. In order to help drivers over the age of 50, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has developed the Smart Driver Course. These classes can be taken online or in person at a local classroom. The classes provide the following benefits:
Cars have changed dramatically in the past 50 years.
The car you are driving is most likely very different from the first vehicle you learned to operate. Modern cars offer a wide range of safety features, including on-board technology and other devices that can become distracting and dangerous.
Documenting Your Losses after a Missouri Car Accident
What you do after being in a Missouri car accident can affect your ability to receive compensation for your injuries. Once you have called the police, collected evidence, and obtained prompt medical attention, you must document your losses. Keeping track of your losses will help determine the value of your claim.
Victims of negligent drivers have the right to seek financial compensation for all their losses. You can document your losses by keeping every medical bill you have received since the crash. Track days of work you missed due to injuries. Keep a daily journal documenting your level of pain, the activities you have missed, and jobs around the house you can’t complete. If you cannot mow the lawn and had to hire a gardener for the job, document that.
Five Tips to Drive Safely in Icy Conditions
Missouri is in the midst of Winter Storm Maximus. According to a recent report on The Weather Channel, we can expect “multiple waves of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.” Many of our roadways will be covered with ice hidden by layers of snow. Make sure to use extra care when driving in these treacherous conditions.
When the roads are icy, it is best to stay indoors. However, if you must drive in these conditions, follow these five tips to increase your chances of making it home safely:
Keeping Your Child Safe in the Car: An Overview
A child’s safety is the first priority of nearly every parent and caregiver. However, while parents and caregivers want the kids in their care to stay safe, they often lack the information needed to make the safest possible decisions for their children. Some of the greatest dangers to children are found in cars, but many don’t know it until an accident has happened.
When working to keep your kids safe in the car, consider the following tips from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- Kids are safest in the back seat. Although older children can be safely restrained in the front seat of a vehicle, kids should stay in the back until they are large enough to ride without a booster seat.
Understanding Common Car Accident Injuries
Even a relatively “minor” accident can cause lingering injuries that impair your ability to function for days, weeks, or even months. While a car accident can cause a wide range of injuries, some car accident injuries are more common than others. An aggressive Missouri car accident attorney like John Page can help you determine exactly what factors in a crash caused your injuries.
Brain and Head Injuries
A brain or head injury can result if the head strikes the seat, the frame of the car, or another part of the vehicle in an accident. Even if no blow to the head occurs, a concussion or other traumatic brain injury might result from the shaking or jostling of the brain inside the skull.
Have you or a loved one been involved in an
accident? Contact Page Law 24/7
1-800-CAR-CRASH
1(800) 227-2727 or (314) 322-8515