Snow in St. Louis– Prepare with Our App

So, if you’ve looked out your window and seen it snowing in the last couple of hours, you have experienced that same feeling of dread that I have…..unless you are four and a half, the possibility of building a snowman is on your mind. The commute home from work may be a little longer and more dangerous than usual today. While they predict an inch to two inches, the small accumulation can make a normal, busy commute a little more “spicy”-spicy in a not-so-good way. I suggest doing the following to reduce the likelihood of a crash followed by a long, drawn-out argument with your insurance company:

• Allow extra time to get to your destination.

• Be sure to clear all of the snow from your vehicle so that visibility will be better.

• Turn on your lights even before dark.

• Have an emergency kit in your car…..I have blogged about this previously regarding suggestions of things to put in your emergency kit.

• Be patient…..everyone is a little more excited and jumpy when bad weather hits.
• Be sure you have plenty of gas in your car before heading out. Stalling or waiting in traffic can burn up gas and on an icy highway is the last place you want to run out of gas.
• Keep a bag of kitty litter in your trunk to help if your tires become stuck.
• Have a cell phone so that you can easily call for assistance.

If you are in an auto accident, be sure to do the following, including downloading our helpful application for iPhone or Droid:

1. Assess if anyone needs medical treatment.
2. Call 911 and other emergency personnel.
3. Be sure an accident report is completed.
4. Get the name and contact information from the officer who works the accident.
5. Get the names and insurance information of all other drivers in the accident.
6. Take pictures of the vehicles involved and preferably before the cars have been moved. Officers frequently do not take pictures of the accident unless a fatality is involved. The pictures may be crucial later when you file a claim with your insurance company.
7. If you do not go to the hospital by ambulance, you will still want to follow up immediately with a health care provider to fully assess that you are okay. Adrenaline following an accident can mask injuries, and soreness will develop in the hours following. Pay close attention to any numbness or tingling that develops, as that could be an indicator of something more serious.
8. Contact a St. Louis personal injury attorney if any of the following occurs:
   1. You are injured, or another passenger in your car is injured.
   2. The other party claims the accident is your fault.

At The Cagle Law Firm, we have developed a phone application that is handy to have on your phone. It has a list of items you need to gather at the car accident scene and gives local tow companies and hospital listings. I use it frequently to call a cab! It is based on your current location, so I have called a cab from my iPhone app whether I was in Chicago, St. Louis, or Springfield (IL, or MO).

Statistically, we will all be in an auto accident an average of once every eight years if you live in a metropolitan area—grim statistics, eh? The only person you can be responsible for is yourself, so prepare yourself as much as possible. Allow plenty of time and get there safely.

If you have been in an auto accident and think you may need legal advice, we are available seven days a week. Information is power, so put information on your side when making decisions that impact your future. At The Cagle Law Firm, consultations are always free, so call (314) 276-1681 today.