Beware of Inclement Weather

Generally, in Missouri and especially in St. Louis, we see a higher number of car crashes during the first snowfall of the year. Remember, in Missouri, we can get snow from October to late March, easily. Therefore, it is time to prepare your car for winter travel. If you have not put on your snow tires, it may be time to think about it as well as have your car serviced to be sure all fluids are topped off, you have good tires and your car is in good working order. For some reason, the initial snow of the season usually results in car accidents. Sometimes, it is because drivers just do not drive as safely on the snow as they would mid-winter such as following too closely, operating at too fast of a speed for conditions, or loss of control due to speed or inattention.

Car crashes can happen at any time of day or night during ideal conditions, but when nature throws some snow or ice on the roadways, drivers have to make a conscious effort to think Safety First when driving.

During the winter months, practice some extra safety tips that would be useful year around:

• Maintain your automobile and prepare it for winter driving.
• Be sure to always have a half tank or more of gas.
• Carry an emergency kit in your automobile.
• Allow extra time in your schedule to arrive at your destination.
• Increase the distance between your car and the car you are following.
• Be sure your tires are safe for snow/ice travel.
• Be extra attentive when road conditions are less than ideal, however, practicing being “extra attentive” is a safety measure that reduces your likeliness of a crash year-round.
• Be sure you have a cell phone in your car for emergencies, however, this is not to be confused with “using your cell phone while driving.”

If I am in a crash?

• First, be sure that anyone involved gets the immediate medical care they need.
• Call the police or local authorities to report the accident.
• If immediate medical treatment is not required (ER or ambulance), seek treatment as soon as possible for evaluation.
• Take pictures of your automobile after the crash if possible and if possible take pictures of the crash scene.
• Call an auto accident attorney.
• Continue with your medical treatment and plan in order to recover from injuries.
• Do not give statements to any insurance companies immediately after the crash especially if you are injured or taking medication.

How do I know if I need an attorney?

Some people call me and ask me just how they are supposed to know if they need an attorney or not. The answer is pretty simple. If you are hurt, then you probably need an attorney. If you are not hurt and the other party is not asking you to assume liability for the accident, then you may not need an attorney. If the other party is saying the accident is your fault or if you were driving under the influence, then you will need an attorney. If you were operating a vehicle while under the influence and received a DUI or a DWI, then you will need a DUI/ DWI attorney. If you were hurt due to the actions of the other driver, then you need an expert car accident attorney such as the attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm.

Our attorneys represent individuals who have been injured in accidents or who have lost loved ones in accidents such as car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bicycle accidents. If you have been hurt, you need information and absolutely should not accept any insurance offer for settlement until you are certain that you know your future medical costs including your current costs. There are many things to consider before accepting an offer from an insurance company. Hiring a personal injury attorney right after your crash is important as witness memories are more clear in the days after opposed to months after and physical evidence still exists.

You can reach our attorneys seven days a week, and consultations are always free at (314) 276-1681.