The Bradley Law Firm Blog

Four Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

2011-01-27T16:34:00.000-08:00

Motorcycle accidents are more often fatal than car accidents. Motorcycles do not provide the same amount of protection in a collision as do normal cars, which keep the driver and passengers safer within a glass and metal cage. For this reason, motorcycle riders need to be more cautious when getting out on the roads. Motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons, but these four are most common.

Over-correcting

Inexperienced riders will sometimes over-correct or inappropriately steer their bike. This can send the bike out of control or toppling over.

Following Too Closely

Despite its lower weight and smaller size, a motorcycle actually needs more stopping distance than a normal vehicle. Motorcycle riders need to make sure they leave enough distance between them and other vehicles to allow themselves enough space to stop safely.

Not Being Seen

The small size of motorcycles can sometimes make them hard for other drivers to see. A motorcycle rider must ride defensively and make sure he or she is visible to other drivers at all times.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is dangerous in any vehicle, especially a motorcycle. Due to the balance and coordination that operating a motorcycle requires, even one or two drinks can severely affect your ability to ride.

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis or Jefferson City, please contact the Bradley Law Firm today to speak with an experienced Missouri accident lawyer.

Reconstructing Car Accidents

2011-01-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

Car accident injuries can be devastating, leaving victims with medical bills, unable to work, and without personal transportation. Things can be made worse when the police are having hard time figuring out which driver was at fault for causing the accident.

The police can help determine who is at fault by reconstructing the auto accident. They will go over the events before, during, and after the car accident, which allow them to see where the error was made that caused the collision.

Police use a few different methods to reconstruct car accidents. One thing they can do after a car accident that involves newer cars is to examine the data stored in the event data recorder. Most cars made after 2005 have event data recorders within them, which allow police to accurately reconstruct the events leading up to a car crash.

Police can also use surveillance video tapes if they are available. Car accidents that happen near businesses with surveillance cameras installed can provide the police with important data. The videos give police the ability to witness the car accident without actually having been present at the time.

Accident reconstruction and evidence gathering after a car accident are delicate sciences. Make sure that your rights are protected by calling an experienced car accident attorney immediately. Anywhere in Missouri, you can contact the Bradley Law Firm to speak with an auto accident lawyer at any time.

The Top Five Causes of Car Accidents

2011-01-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

Car accidents happen for many different reasons, but statistics show that certain factors are likely to cause car accidents than others.

Speeding

Speeding is the most common and frequent cause of car accidents. Many people ignore posted speed limits to help them get to their destinations more quickly. The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to the road around you.

Bad Weather

Bad weather cannot be controlled, but planning for potentially hazardous driving circumstances that come with rain, sleet, or snow is advisable. Be sure to drive with extreme caution in weather that causes slippery roads, a major cause of rear end collisions.

Drunk Driving

Even one drink can be too much to drive. Medical science has proven that a person with a blood alcohol level of just 0.01 is impaired enough to affect his or her driving. A drunk driver not only puts themselves at risk, but everyone else on the roads.

Fatigue and Sleepiness

Drivers who have not had enough sleep are at risk of drifting off and causing an accident. Sleepy drivers also have a delayed reaction time.

Distracted Drivers

Drivers who are on their cell phones, using their laptop, changing the stereo, talking with other passengers, or doing any number of other activities are not able to fully concentrate on the road. Anyone who engages in these dangerous driving distractions behind the wheel is putting himself and others at risk of a distracted driving car accident.

If you have been in a car accident in Missouri, please contact the Bradley Law Firm. Our car accident attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve for your car accident injuries.

Which Age Group Causes the Most Car Accidents?

2011-01-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

Statistics collected over the last decade show that the two most dangerous groups of drivers are teens and the elderly. There are a number of factors that increase the occurrence of accidents within those two groups, but car accidents happen every day to people of all ages.

Teen Drivers

The freedom and sense of empowerment that come with a driver’s license also come with a lot of responsibility. Young drivers are less practiced and will often take chances due to their feeling of “youthful invincibility.” Risk-taking combined with lack of experience is the perfect recipe for an accident, which is why teen drivers can be dangerous on the roads.

Elderly Drivers

On the flip side, experienced elderly drivers can be just as dangerous as inexperienced teen drivers. Despite their many years of driving experience, diminished reaction times, failing vision and hearing, and a sense of entitlement on the roads make elderly drivers just as dangerous as teens. In addition, elderly drivers’ physical condition can leave them more vulnerable to broken bones and other car accident injuries.

Ultimately, everyone on the road is responsible for being a safe driver and preventing car accidents from happening. The elderly and young are just as responsible for driving safely as everyone else.

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may need an attorney. Please contact the Bradley Law Firm today to speak with an experienced Missouri car accident attorney.

How Car Accidents Impact Insurance

2011-01-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

It is well known that being a safe driver can save you money on car insurance. It is also true that car accidents often have the nasty side effect of raising your car insurance premium, sometimes by as much as 20%.

The rise you see in your car insurance premium will depend on a few factors, including:

Whether you were at fault or not
The extent of the damage done to all vehicles
Any injuries or car accident deaths involved.

If you are not at fault and your insurance company is able to reclaim all losses from the at-fault driver’s insurance, you will likely not see an increase in your monthly insurance premium. If you are at fault, your premiums may raise as much as 20%, or, in the worst case, your insurance provider may drop your coverage altogether.

Usually, if your claim is minor and involves less than $2000 of damage and no car accident injuries, you may see a premium increase of as little as 3%. These types of claims are on a three year timeline, so if you are accident free for three years following, your record will be renewed at the end of the three year period.

If you are looking for a car accident lawyer to help you negotiate with your insurance company for compensation, please contact the Bradley Law Firm today. The Bradley Law Firm serves St. Louis, Jefferson City, and all of Missouri.

Roundabouts Can Reduce Car Accidents

2011-01-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

Cities are always trying to find solutions to their traffic problems. One solution that is becoming more common across the country is the use of roundabouts (also known as traffic circles). They are an excellent alternative to stop lights and signs, and have been found to reduce the frequency of car accidents.

In California, a college town was faced with a particularly dangerous intersection that had been the scene of a shocking number of car accident injuries throughout the years, averaging 11 per year. For years, the city has used only stop signs in this intersection. Because of its notoriety, many drivers would go miles out of their way to avoid this intersection.

City planners have struggled for years trying to come up with a viable alternative for this intersection. Stoplights were rejected because a red light would back up traffic onto a freeway and across train tracks. Finally, a double roundabout has been proposed. The city claims a roundabout will reduce the number of traffic accidents at this intersection.

Dangerous intersections mean trouble for commuters and city planners alike. If you have been involved in a car accident in a dangerous intersection, you may need a car accident lawyer to help you get compensation for your injuries.

Please contact the Bradley Law Firm today if you need a car accident lawyer in Jefferson City, St Louis, or any city in Missouri.

Car Accidents with Hybrid Vehicles

2011-01-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

Hybrid vehicles promise better fuel mileage and a reduced carbon footprint, making them a favorite among commuters and environmentally minded people alike. Driving any motor vehicle puts drivers at risk for being injured in a car accident in Missouri or in any state. However, hybrid and all-electric vehicles present an entirely new set of dangers to people who take them for granted as normal cars.

Normal cars make noise, from the engine revving to the rotating belts. Hybrid and electric cars use motors that work almost entirely on silent engines and only use electricity at slow speeds. While this is a great technological achievement, it presents dangers to pedestrians and other drivers.

Pedestrians face the most risk when they encounter a hybrid vehicle. Because these cars make little or no noise, pedestrians can step out into the street without knowing that there is a hybrid vehicle coming towards them. The blind or vision impaired are especially at risk here, because they have no way of knowing if an electric vehicle is coming at them.

If you are a driver of an electric or hybrid car, you need to pay special attention to your surroundings when travelling at slow speeds to protect yourself and those around you. The quiet motors are impressive, but can be dangerous in the right circumstances.

Have you been involved in a car accident with a hybrid vehicle? Please contact the Bradley Law Firm today to speak with an experienced Jefferson City car accident attorney.

Burns from Car Accidents

2011-01-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

We rely on our cars and trucks to take us to work, school, on vacations, and even for a quick trip to the store. Cars make our lives easier, but they can still be very dangerous. In 2008 alone, vehicle accidents claimed over 34,000 lives. While both blunt trauma and crushing force are dangers, victims of car accidents must also worry about fires and burns. Burn injuries are among the most severe types of car accident injuries.

Car fires are the second leading cause of fire-related deaths, next to residential fires. An estimated 50 fatalities and 3,000 injuries each year are incurred due to car fires.

Fires in vehicles can start as the result of several different scenarios, including:

Mechanical or electrical system failures
Car crashes
Cigarettes or other flaming objects being dropped onto upholstery

Cars are made up of many flammable materials, including upholstery, wires, and a tank full of gasoline. Other flammable liquids, such as coolant, are also key components to running a vehicle. Normally, the combustible materials are kept away from sparks or other ignition sources, but extreme heat or the impact from a car accident can corrode insulation and cause vapors or liquids to ignite. Car fires are difficult to escape, and often result in burns and smoke inhalation.

If you have been the victim of a car accident and sustained burns as a result, please contact the Bradley Law Firm today to speak with a St. Louis car accident attorney.

Car Accidents Involving Wildlife

2010-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

There are many causes for car accidents, from adverse road conditions to poor driving choices. One unexpected car accident cause is wildlife. When wild animals, such as deer, jump into the road, a car accident is often the result.

It is difficult to avoid hitting wildlife when they pop out into the middle of the road. Often times, swerving your vehicle can be more dangerous than hitting the animal head on. Either way, your car, and sometimes you, will end up hurt as a result.

A Silex, Missouri woman was injured earlier this year when she struck a deer with her vehicle while travelling on U.S. 61 in Lincoln County. She was hurt even though she was wearing a seat belt. It may seem that she was at fault for the accident, but it is possible to still recover compensation from an auto accident involving wildlife. Our experienced car accident attorneys can help determine if your case qualifies for legal compensation.

PNW

Car accidents involving wildlife are no longer limited to rural areas anymore. As cities and suburban areas have expanded further into the animals’ natural territory, accidents involving wild animals are becoming increasingly common. The St. Louis Post and Dispatch reported that Town and Country has one deer related car accident per week, according to a statement at a recent city council meeting.

If you have been involved in a vehicle accident involving wild animals, please contact the skilled car accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today to speak with a St. Louis car accident attorney.

Car Crashes During the Holidays

2010-12-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

The holidays are supposed to be a time to relax and spend time with your family. Many people travel to see their families during the later parts of December, which translates to a lot of cars on the roadways, which, coupled with the likelihood of adverse road conditions translates to an increased chance of car accidents. The high volume of cars filled with folks going from city to city can prove to be dangerous.

Many people make it to their destinations and back during the holidays without any trouble, but one Cullman County, Alabama man did not make it this Christmas. With the high volume of cars and the unusually cold weather hitting the south this year, the man did not make it to the emergency room following the accident.

Hazardous driving conditions caused by falling rain, ice, and snow compromise your ability to stop and maneuver on the roadways. It is particularly important to maintain proper defensive driving practices during the holidays to help avoid a car wreck.

You can help protect yourself from becoming the victim of a car wreck by following a few guidelines:

· Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, particularly if the roadways are icy or covered in snow

· Observe posted speed limits, and adjust your speed for extraneous conditions

· Always wear a seatbelt

· Leave early so you have plenty of time to reach your destination so you will not be tempted to rush

If you have been the victim of a car crash during the holidays, please contact the experienced Missouri car accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm today. Please remember to drive safely this holiday season!

PNW

Wrong-Way Auto Accidents

2010-12-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

Just this past week, a vehicle travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes of US 50/63 in Missouri left one person dead and two critically injured when it struck another vehicle. It is still unclear how the driver of the vehicle got started going the wrong way on the highway, but the police are investigating the crash.

Wrong-way auto accidents are often head-on accidents, which can be more damaging than other types of car accidents. Injuries in wrong-way auto accidents tend to be more severe than in typical auto accidents. It is important to have a lawyer who will fight for your rights if you have been involved in a wrong way auto accident.

Despite the fact that most people do not intentionally drive the wrong way down a street, wrong-way accidents still happen. There are many different reasons someone may drive the wrong direction on the road, including:

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Irresponsible driving
Inexperienced driver
Poor visibility – if posted signs are hidden by thick fog or behind trees, for example
Confusion

Wrong-way auto accidents also have a much higher death rate than other accidents, so choosing an auto accident attorney like those at The Bradley Law Firm who work with wrongful death cases in addition to auto accident cases can ensure that you and your family receive fair compensation.

The auto accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri, help victims of all types of car accidents, including wrong way auto accidents. Please contact them today to schedule your consultation.

Pedestrian Accidents

2010-12-21T16:04:00.001-08:00

In many ways, cars and pedestrians have to share the roads. When either party is not paying enough attention, the result can be a pedestrian accident.

Pedestrian accidents are usually more dangerous than just auto accidents. Pedestrians are more likely to experience a serious personal injury because they lack the protection that a vehicle offers. Many victims in pedestrian accidents experience:

Various types of spinal cord injuries, which are life-altering and can end in paralysis
Broken bones, which can affect your ability to work temporarily or permanently
Traumatic brain injuries, which can severely limit your ability to carry on life as normal
Head and neck injuries, which can be difficult to treat

Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys can make sure that you receive compensation to help cover any costs associated with your accident, including:

Lost wages
Medical expenses (including future expenses)
Pain and Suffering
Funeral Costs
Loss of enjoyment of life
Diminished earning capacity

Make sure you provide a written or verbal statement to the police and no one else, so that you are protected. You should speak with a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure that you receive fair compensation from the insurance company.

The Bradley Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri offers representation to victims of pedestrian accidents. Please contact them today to schedule a consultation.

Drunk Driving Accidents

2010-12-14T12:39:00.001-08:00

This past week in Jefferson City, Missouri, advocates for safety on the roads gathered to put a spotlight on drunk driving crashes. Even though fatalities due to car accidents on the highways dropped in Missouri over the last year, almost 32% involved alcohol.

A special tree was erected in the Capitol rotunda with "Missouri Remembers" ornaments for anyone who wanted one. Testimonials from drunk driving accident victims helped remind people of the toll drunk drivers take.

Even if you are careful never to drink and drive, it is possible to be in an accident with a drunk driver. If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you will need the help of an experienced car accident attorney at The Bradley Law Firm.

You may also benefit from attending a counseling session with one of the many organizations designed to help you heal the emotional wounds that come with being a victim of a drunk driver. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) offers a hotline and local chapters in many cities to help you move on after a drunk driving accident.

You can help prevent drunk driving accidents from happening, too. Make sure to always have a designated driver if you are going to a party, and offer to be one for others. Educate your children about the dangers of drunk driving, as well.

If you need an experienced car accident attorney who can help you after your accident with a drunk driver, please contact the car accident lawyers of The Bradley Law Firm in Clayton, Missouri today. We also represent clients in St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri.

School Bus Accidents

2010-12-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

When your child goes off to school, you expect them to be safe. You also expect that the ride to school will be safe, but school buses are no more immune to accidents than your average car.

The parents of the children who were injured in the school bus accident on eastbound I-44 in Villa Ridge, Missouri, know this all too well. Over 50 people were injured, and two teenagers were killed, when a semi truck tractor cab with no trailer came to a stop in the right lane causing a chain reaction on August 5, 2010. The stopped tractor cab caused a pick-up truck to rear end it, which was then rear ended by the school bus following it. A second school bus also crashed into the back of the first school bus.

School bus accidents are a parent's worst nightmare. They often leave emotional scars coupled with physical injuries. Not all injuries are sustained by the passengers in the school bus, either. Often times, pedestrians, children at a bus stop, or other drivers are hurt in school bus accidents.

Anything can cause a school bus accident. Driver fatigue is common, as are improperly maintained vehicles. Drivers who have not been thoroughly background checked may cause accidents by being under the influence of legal or illegal substances, such as drugs or alcohol, or by not following the rules of the road. Poorly maintained roads are also often to blame.

If your child or loved one has been involved in a school bus accident, please contact the Missouri accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today. We have been helping school bus accident victims in St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri for over 30 years.

Fatal Car Accidents

2010-12-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

No one ever thinks they will be involved in a car accident, but it is a possibility that should not be overlooked. Sometimes, those accidents can even result in the loss of a life. In the case of a fatal car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney.

About this time last year, a Warrenton man was not expecting to be in a car accident, but was killed when he crossed the centerline and struck an oncoming vehicle on Highway 47. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital and lived. Highway patrol reported that neither driver was wearing their seatbelts.

Wearing your seatbelt is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Seatbelts save thousands of lives each year, and protecting yourself and your loved ones could not be simpler.

Car accidents can also turn fatal when a component in the vehicle fails. Brake failure is particularly dangerous, but, as demonstrated by the Toyota recalls this year, other component failure is also dangerous.

Family members of victims of fatal car accidents can pursue a wrongful death claim. The compensation from a wrongful death claim can help cover funeral costs, lost wages, loss of companionship, and more.

If you have been involved in a fatal car crash in Missouri, please contact the experienced car accident attorneys at the Bradley Law Firm today. We will work hard to take care of your legal needs while you heal after your car accident.

SUV Rollover Accidents

2010-12-07T10:12:00.001-08:00

SUVs have become the darlings of America. They are convenient, get better gas mileage than pick-up trucks, and can still haul cargo or people. SUVs are also prone to rollover accidents due to their high center of gravity and heavy tops.

Rollover accidents account for less than 5% of all accidents, but over 30% of all car accident fatalities. Rollover car accidents usually only involve one vehicle, but can be part of a multi-vehicle accident and are most often caused by "tripping," where a vehicle's tire hits an object and the momentum forces it to roll over.

Tire failure can also cause a vehicle to rollover. This week, an SUV blew a tire on I-95 in Florida, causing the driver to lose control and roll his Ford Expedition. Five adults were killed, and four children were taken to the hospital, but only two victims were wearing seatbelts.

Poor road maintenance can sometimes be to blame for rollover accidents, as well. If potholes, soft shoulders, or loose gravel are not addressed by the local government, rollover accidents are more likely to occur.

If you have been involved in a rollover car accident in Missouri, please contact the skilled car accident attorneys at the Bradley Law Firm today to speak with a car accident lawyer experienced in rollover accidents.

Motorcycle Accidents

2010-11-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

Riding a motorcycle, whether for pleasure or as your primary mode of transportation, can be very enjoyable. Unfortunately, not having any real protection around you can be potentially disastrous should you be involved in a motorcycle accident.

Motorcycles are fast, but they can easily be overlooked by drivers of other motor vehicles—especially if those drivers are distracted by texting, making cell phone calls , or just not paying attention to the traffic around them. Car and truck drivers can easily miss motorcycles in their blind spots when changing lanes. It is estimated that nearly one-third of all motorcycle accidents are caused by passenger or commercial vehicles turning into the path of the motorcycle.

When large motor vehicles collide with motorcycles, the injuries are typically sustained primarily by the motorcycle rider, and can include:

Minor cuts and scrapes
Broken bones
Neck and back injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injury
Death

The state of Missouri does have a mandatory helmet law, and the motorcycle accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm encourage everyone who rides motorcycles to wear headgear helmet, as well as appropriate protective clothing.

However, the helmet and clothing can't completely protect you from the negligent drivers around you. As a motorcycle rider, you can ride as safely as possible to avoid being involved in an accident, but that isn't always enough. You can still be very seriously injured or killed due to the negligence of another driver.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or died as the result of a motorcycle accident in the St. Louis, Kansas City, or Jefferson City, Missouri area, please contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm to schedule your free case evaluation.

Tractor Trailer Accident Could Have Been Much Worse

2010-11-22T09:55:00.001-08:00

In September 2010, eastbound I-70 in downtown St. Louis was closed for more than 3 hours following a tractor trailer accident that also involved 3 passenger vehicles and a flatbed truck carrying large concrete sewer liners.

The accident occurred as a result of one motorist stopping to move debris out of the highway. Traffic slowed down, but reports indicate the tractor trailer was unable to stop in time and hit the flatbed truck, which tipped and spilled the concrete sewer liners on the roadway. Fortunately, there were no serious truck accident injuries and only a few people needed medical attention.

All the drivers and any passengers involved in this truck accident were fortunate, indeed. In many tractor trailer accidents, injuries can be severe or even fatal. The more severe types of truck accident injuries can include:

Broken bones
Neck and back injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Wrongful death

If you are involved in a truck accident, we recommend that you first contact police or emergency services. The sooner you get medical attention, the sooner any injuries can be diagnosed and treated.

Once you are able, we recommend you contact the truck accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle complex truck accident claims like yours. We will thoroughly investigate your accident and all details associated with it. Then, we will guide you through the entire process, dealing with all other parties involved, including your insurance company.

You will be able to rest and recuperate from your truck accident injuries knowing that our attorneys will settle for nothing less than the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or your loved one has been injured or killed due to a truck accident in the St. Louis, Kansas City, or Jefferson City, Missouri area, please contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm to schedule your free case evaluation.

Who Is at Fault and Who Should Pay When a Car Accident Occurs?

2010-11-18T11:47:00.003-08:00

All accidents are not created equal. Whether car accidents or other types of personal injury accidents, they happen everywhere people live, work and play. Some are severe causing serious injury or death, while others result in only minor injuries.

One definition of an accident is an unfortunate event resulting especially from carelessness or ignorance.

That definition emphasizes the fact that sometimes when an accident happens, someone else may have contributed to or caused it. When someone is responsible for injuring another person, they should be held responsible even if it was an accident.

Determining who is responsible for your injuries is not always easy. Often it requires an experienced accident investigator like those on the legal team at The Bradley Firm to determine the facts and identify responsibility.

Compounding the difficulty of identifying responsibility are concepts like contributory negligence and comparative negligence. Those two legal terms are used to identify the amount of responsibility that each party shares in an accident and can be used to limit or disallow compensation.

Sorting out the details of what happened and who is responsible for injuries suffered in an accident can be difficult. If it happens to you, it's not something you want to leave to chance or trust that an insurance company will adequately handle.

If you live in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri and have been injured in an accident, please contact the experienced accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm to help sort out the details and get the compensation you deserve.

Another Bicycle vs. Car Accident

2010-11-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

A Kansas City bicyclist was injured recently when hit by a passing vehicle. The bicyclist was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries.

The investigation into the cause of this bicycle and car accident continues. What authorities know is that the car was travelling in the lane closest to the curb when the bicycle was struck. The driver of the car stated at the scene that he didn't know where the bicycle came from and investigators are trying to determine if driver distraction was a factor.

A look at the incidence of Missouri bicycle accidents shows that 2008 had the lowest number of bicycle accident fatalities with only one that year. Compared with a high of 16 deaths in 2002 that's an encouraging difference but it doesn't represent a trend. The numbers in recent years aren't trending up or down but simply vary from year to year.

Statistics provide a point of reference but no comfort when it's your friend or family member who has been injured in a bicycle accident. As in this example, it can be difficult to identify what happened and who is responsible. However, it is a fact that the bicycle rider would be well advised to hire an experienced car accident attorney at The Bradley Law firm to help ensure no potential area of compensation is overlooked.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident and you live in Kansas City or anywhere in anywhere in Missouri, please contact the skilled legal team at The Bradley Law Firm today.

Losing a Loved One in an Accident: Is it a Wrongful Death Case?

2010-11-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

Losing a loved one is never easy. But when that death is due to the negligence of someone else, it can be devastating to the family and friends left behind. Sometimes, we can't help but wonder if the situation surrounding the wrongful death of our parent, spouse or child is worth filing a lawsuit.

Dealing with the details after the loss of a loved one is difficult. It is compounded by the emotions and grieving process that you're working through while still having to attend to those details. The experienced wrongful attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm will help you sort through all the unanswered questions about what happened and if someone else is responsible for the death.

In Missouri, wrongful death is a term that is used when the death of a person results from any act, conduct, occurrence, transaction or circumstance which, if death had not ensued, would have entitled such person to recover damages in respect thereof. Basically, that means that if the actions of someone else led to the death, they may be held responsible for damages incurred. Damages that you may able to receive compensation for include such things as:

Watch for traffic in all directions and be especially careful of turning traffic at intersections
Give the motorist time to react and never step out in front of a motorist unexpectedly
When no crosswalk is present, yield to motorists and cross the road by the shortest route
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to make sure they see you

If you have lost a loved one and believe that it may be through the fault or negligence of another person or company, please contact the knowledgeable Missouri wrongful death attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today.

Pedestrian Safety

2010-11-08T09:48:00.001-08:00

Missouri law contains a number of statutes that are designed to help ensure pedestrian safety. Some of the statutes govern the conduct of vehicles as they relate to pedestrian traffic while others give direction to pedestrians. There are statutes for pedestrians that tell them where to walk, how and when to cross a roadway, what is prohibited and more. Many of the provisions of the laws are intuitive or fairly well known, others are not. For instance, did you know that it is illegal to walk in the roadway if a sidewalk exists? If there isn't a sidewalk, the law indicates that you are to walk on the left side of the roadway or in the shoulder facing traffic coming from the opposite direction.

Yes, you could get a ticket for walking on the wrong side of the road. It isn't very likely, but as a pedestrian, you should be aware of the rules that have your safety in mind. Not doing so could result in serious injury or death. Being aware of your surroundings and following some basic safety tips can go a long way to helping you stay safe when you are out walking. Some good practices include:

Watch for traffic in all directions and be especially careful of turning traffic at intersections
Give the motorist time to react and never step out in front of a motorist unexpectedly
When no crosswalk is present, yield to motorists and cross the road by the shortest route
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to make sure they see you

If you live in St. Louis, Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri and have been injured in an accident as a pedestrian, please contact the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm to help sort out the details and get the compensation you deserve.

What Information You Need When You’ve Been in a Car Accident

2010-11-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

You don’t think it will happen to you. Being prepared in case you are in a car accident is always a good idea. Of course you need to be sure you have your insurance information handy, as well as your driver license. Maybe your insurance agent gave you a little pamphlet with some pointers. But does that give you what you need when an accident happens?

The information that your insurance company provides can be helpful. It’s important to remember that a key consideration for the insurance company is protecting their interests. It is true that you are one of their interests but managing their risk is a huge consideration too.
The information collected at the accident scene by police responders can also be helpful to you. You must keep in mind that protecting you after an accident isn’t the primary reason the information is collected.
Names and contact information for all of the drivers involved in the accident
Names and contact information of any witnesses
Write down the circumstances of the accident
If you have a camera or camera phone available, take pictures at the scene. Pictures that show the damage and document the circumstances of the accident direction of travel, location of accident, etc.) can be very helpful in proving liability and obtaining compensation
Keep track of all of your medical expenses
Other than to the police, do not give any statements or admit fault

Remember, taking care of people is the first priority after an accident. Call 911 to get emergency responders on the way then gather the information you need or have someone do it for you. Once you are able, contact an experienced car accident attorney to help you sort out the details.

If you’ve been injured in an accident and you live in Missouri, please contact the car accident lawyers of The Bradley Law Firm. Our attorneys will take the information you’ve gathered and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Halloween Street Racing Causes Two Deaths

2010-11-02T16:02:00.001-07:00

Early Halloween morning, a car accident in Kansas City claimed the lives of two people. Police were investigating reports of a car that was driving recklessly when the accident occurred.

Before police were able to stop the car that was travelling at speeds estimated at more than 100 mph, the crash happened. The car hit a tree and light pole before wrapping around another tree. The force of the impact threw the engine a half block away from the crash site.

Investigators at the scene found a nitrous oxide bottle. Combined with the circumstances of the crash, the find led them to believe that the car may have been racing at the time of the car accident.

Stories like this one seem to make headlines around the country all too often. Each time the topic of street racing gains public attention, it's typically because of police action to crack down on the practice or in response to a tragedy like this one in Kansas City.

Because of the illegal nature of street racing, statistics are difficult to compile so the scope of the problem isn't definitive. What is clear is that serious injury and death is an all-too-frequent outcome for drivers, spectators and sometimes even innocent bystanders.

Street racing represents an extremely bad choice by all those involved and has the potential to permanently change people's lives for the worse. Whether it's street racing, reckless driving or other unsafe driving practices, the drivers should be held accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured by the reckless decisions of another and you live anywhere in Missouri, please contact the car accident attorneys of The Bradley Law Firm for the help you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Deadly Accident Kills Couple While Traveling

2010-10-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

A couple from Leawood, Kansas died recently in a collision with a dump truck while traveling through Louisiana. Statistically, most accidents happen close to home. Accidents while traveling create additional challenges to those involved and their surviving families.

The accident that resulted in the wrongful death of this couple didn’t involve any drugs or alcohol or any other illegal behaviors. The occupants of both vehicles were wearing their seatbelts. This car accident was caused by mechanical failure. A southbound dump truck had a blow out of its left front tire. The tire failure caused the truck to veer into the northbound lane where it hit the 2008 Toyota Highlander head on.

In the midst of their grief, the survivors of the couple who died in the accident have to deal with all of the details that come with this type of devastating event, and then some. Because the accident happened while traveling away from home there are unique complications that involve everything from getting personal affects returned to receiving appropriate compensation for the loss.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while traveling in Missouri, please contact The Bradley Law Firm for the help you need.

Good News Wraps Up National Teen Driver Safety Week

2010-10-25T12:50:00.001-07:00

National Teen Driver Safety Week 2010 was observed October 17 – 23. On the last business day of the week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the most recent edition of their MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report).

The report contained good news for everyone concerned about the safety of teen drivers. The number of deaths fell significantly from nearly 2,200 in 2004 to 1,400 in 2008. The CDC evaluated fatal accidents with drivers who were 16 or 17 years old. The rate of these car accidents has been declining since 1996.

The primary reason credited with the improvement is that states have enacted laws in the last 15 years that restrict teen drivers from operating vehicles in the most dangerous circumstances. Driving conditions like driving at night or with other teens in the car have been targeted for their significant statistical impact on teen driver safety.

During the years studied, the percentage of drivers ages 16 and 17 involved in fatal accidents declined by 36%. Even though this represents an encouraging trend, motor vehicle crashes remain the number one cause of death for teens.

The safety week observance brings appropriate attention to an issue that continues to impact thousands of families every year. While the numbers are encouraging, there is still room for improvement in teen driver safety. Driver education for teens should be a priority for every parent and every new teen driver.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a teen driver, please contact The Bradley Law Firm today for the help you need.

Family Waits Nearly Two Years for Settlement

2010-10-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

A settlement was reached last week between American Family Insurance Group and the parents of a southwest Missouri girl who died in an automobile accident nearly two years ago. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the driver who was also convicted of manslaughter and vehicular assault.

The girl was one of four people in the vehicle at the time of the car accident. The driver and one passenger escaped with minor injuries and the fourth person suffered a brain injury.

Losing a loved one due to someone’s negligence seems unimaginable. Having to battle for compensation for nearly two years serves only to aggravate the suffering of the survivors. The family received $50,000 in the settlement. That doesn’t seem like much compensation for losing a daughter. When tragedy strikes, it helps to know that you have someone on your side who understands what you’re going through and has the experience to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm have helped hundreds of families struggling through circumstances just like this one and we can help you too. If you live anywhere in Missouri and have lost a loved one in an automobile accident, please contact us at The Bradley Law Firm today.

SUV Roll-Over Accidents

2010-10-18T13:10:00.001-07:00

A recent accident on I-44 at Jefferson reminds those of us who drive an SUV of the potential for being involved in a rollover accident. Three people were injured including an infant in the one vehicle accident. While the injuries were not life threatening, the occupants had to be extracted from the vehicle by fire rescue personnel and transported to a local hospital.

Fortunately for the people involved in this accident no one was seriously injured or killed. The statistics for SUV rollovers including fatalities should cause owners and operators of the vehicles to take note and be aware of their driving behaviors. Many experts agree that one contributing factor to SUV rollovers is that drivers often have a false sense of security while operating them. Due to the vehicle's size and design for off-road use, people wrongly assume that they are safer in many operating conditions.

While there are many issues relating to SUV safety, the key factors impacting roll-over accidents are the high center of gravity and short wheel base or narrow wheel track. These factors combine to create a potentially hazardous situation if the vehicle is not driven with a certain amount of caution. With the added ingredients of speed, road conditions and abrupt directional changes, the formula for a roll-over becomes one for possible calamity.

There has been much in the news in recent years about SUV safety. Vehicle design, tire problems and operator warnings have all made headlines. If you have been injured in an SUV rollover accident, there are a number of factors to be evaluated to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Please contact
The Bradley Law Firm today for the help you need.

Child Safety Seat Requirements in Missouri

2010-10-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

All 50 states have child restraint laws in effect that require children be buckled into a child restraint or booster seat, but all restraint laws are not created equal. Florida law only requires a safety seat be used for children through age 3 and doesn’t specify seat location. Tennessee and Wyoming, on the other hand, require safety seat use through age 8 and it must be secured in the back seat of the vehicle.

Missouri law aligns with 26 other states and the District of Columbia taking an approach that requires children under the age of 7 to be in a child restraint or booster seat. A few of the basic requirements in the Missouri law include:

Children 3 years and younger, weighing 40 pounds or less must be in a child restraint.
Children 4 to 7 years who weigh at between 40 and 80 pounds must be in either a child restraint or booster seat.
Children 4 years and older who weigh at least 80 pounds or who are at least 4’9” tall must be in either a booster seat or safety belt.
All children 8 to 16 years of age must be restrained in a safety belt.

It is also important to note that Missouri law does not state a preference for rear seat restraint.

There is considerable information available on types and manufacturers of child restraints and booster seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides information on seats that meet Federal safety standards and up-to-date information on product recalls.

For most people, keeping their child safe isn’t so much a matter of law as it is of parental care. Even if you do everything you can to keep your child safe, accidents and recalls can still contribute to them being injured. If you or a loved one has a child who has been injured in an accident even though restrained in a car seat, please

Unsuspecting People Involved in Accidents

2010-10-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Two recent car accidents in the St. Louis area within a 24-hour period affected the lives of several innocent, unsuspecting people.

In one case, the driver of a vehicle racing down I-70 was evading police who were attempting to stop him for speeding. After exiting the freeway, the driver lost control of his vehicle hitting another car then crashing into an abandoned gas station. The woman driving the car that was hit was transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The other auto accident occurred when a car crashed into a home in North St. Louis. After being shot multiple times, the driver hit another vehicle, crashed through a gate, and then into the kitchen of a home. None of the family members in the home at the time of the incident was injured but the damage was severe enough that the family of ten had to be relocated.

These are just two incidents that demonstrate how quickly our lives can be impacted by the decisions and actions of another. Everyday people are caught up in circumstances beyond their control that damage their property, cause serious personal injury or even death. You might expect having an automobile accident is a possibility while driving but you probably don’t think about someone driving into your home causing damage and injury.

Each of these incidents also demonstrates how complicated it can be to investigate and prove liability when you’ve been injured. If you live in St. Louis or anywhere in the state of Missouri and you or a loved one have been injured by the actions of someone else, please contact The Bradley Law Firm for the help you need today.

Construction Zones

2010-10-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

It seems like you can't drive anywhere without dealing with the delays and hazards of road construction. Driving can be challenging enough without the added ingredients of a construction zone. Uneven road surfaces, reduced lanes, construction workers, heavy equipment and added traffic controls, including flag persons, all combine to create unfamiliar and rapidly changing driving conditions that elevate the level of potential danger to drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

There are some things that each of us can do to help keep ourselves and our families safe when we are on the road. Avoiding the hazards of road construction zones is one that is a good idea but not always practical. When it's not possible to avoid the construction, knowing where it is and allowing extra time on your journey to accommodate delays can make a big difference in the outcome and your frustration level.

The Missouri Department of Transportation publishes a traveler information map to help drivers prepare for their travels around the state. The current map contains over 85 active construction projects that have the potential to impact motorists. The map has been a resource to drivers in Missouri since 2007 helping them navigate construction zones, flooded routes and snowy roads. Recent enhancements also help commercial truck drivers by providing height restrictions, commercial zone and oversize load information.

Even with resources like the traveler information map, the incidence of accidents in construction zones continues to be an issue affecting many lives in Missouri.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction zone accident, please contact The Bradley Law Firm today.

Missouri Roads the Safest in 60 Years

2010-10-05T12:31:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Department of Transportation published a report this month that contains some encouraging results for those who live in Missouri. Nationally, the rate of traffic deaths dropped to its lowest level since 1950 even though the number of miles driven in 2009 was up slightly. The number of Missouri highway deaths fell to 878 down from 960 the previous year. The 2009 number was a 60 year low for the state and the report cites several reasons for the decline including:

Increased seat-belt use
Tougher traffic law enforcement (especially DUI / DWI)
Safety improvements in auto design

While the numbers represent an encouraging trend, the 878 who died on Missouri roads in 2009 were friends and family members just like you. The tragedies that took their lives touched many others and left in their wake questions and circumstances to be dealt with.

When an auto accident or other tragedy strikes and takes the life of a loved one, it can be difficult to know what to do. At a time when you're dealing with loss and grief having, to think about dealing with insurance companies and doctors can be overwhelming. Those are the times when having someone to help you sort through the details are so important. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve so your family can move forward.

That's what we do for people like you every day at The Bradley Law Firm. If you live in Clayton or anywhere in Missouri, please contact us today.

Pedestrian Accidents

2010-09-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

When cars collide with pedestrians, there is great potential for serious injury. When pedestrians exercise due caution before entering a road, too often they assume that they are safe. Sadly, that just isn’t the case, particularly when there is a distracted or inexperienced driver at the wheel.

Common driver errors or driving misconduct that contributes to car-pedestrian accidents include:

Disregarding a traffic signal
Disregarding a crosswalk
Disregarding a pedestrian already crossing the roadway
Driving while intoxicated
Passing a school bus

When a pedestrian is struck by several thousand pounds of metal and glass, even a low-speed collision can result in serious injury or death. Parents should emphasize pedestrian safety rules with their children, and should set a good example by following those safety rules themselves.

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, we suggest the following:

First and foremost, get appropriate medical attention. Not only could this save your life, but any and all documentation will be of value to you in a legal battle.
Do not provide a written or verbal statement to anyone except the police.
If possible, get copies of witness statements or, at the very least, the names and contact information of any witnesses.
If possible, document the scene with photos or video. Include road signs, stop lights, or line of vision impediments, road hazards, etc.
As soon as you are able, consult with an experienced attorney.

If you live in the Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Kansas City, Missouri area, and you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of others, please contact the attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm, for a free evaluation of your case.

Updated Missouri DWI Laws

2010-09-28T16:21:00.001-07:00

In 2009, 280 people were killed, 1,140 seriously injured and 3,719 received minor injuries in crashes involving an impaired driver.

Not only are impaired drivers risking their lives and the lives of others when they get behind the wheel, but they are also risking their freedom and significant financial consequences. Missouri DWI (driving while intoxicated) laws have recently been revamped and the repercussions of driving impaired are extensive.

Driving while drunk in Missouri can now result in the following charges and consequences:

If you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated, you can be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years of jail time, a $5,000 fine or both.
Your license can be suspended for 90 days on your first conviction. You could be fined up to $500 and spend up to 6 months in jail.
A second conviction will result in a yearlong revocation of your license.
Increased jail time will be assigned for repeat DWI offenders and those with higher blood alcohol levels.
Any person guilty of a second or subsequent intoxication-related traffic offense will be required to install an ignition interlock device on their car before driving privileges are reinstated.
Insurance coverage will be difficult to find and your rates will be significantly higher.
Cases may be moved from municipal courts to state courts, where penalties can be tougher.

If you live in the Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Kansas City, Missouri area, and you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an auto accident involving drugs or alcohol, please contact the attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today, to schedule a free case evaluation.

Distracted Driving

2010-09-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

According to the Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers 21 years old and younger are not allowed to text while driving, and efforts are underway to extend that ban to motorists of all ages.

Distracted driving, such as texting, cell phone usage and more than one additional passenger in the car, is the leading cause of auto accidents and death for teen drivers. You can help keep you and your teen safe by teaching and practicing safe driving habits, such as pulling over before using a cell phone or to text.

Here are some startling facts about distracted driving:

In recent studies, test subjects who were asked to read an email while driving added more than 30 feet to their stopping distance when at highway speeds.
Test subjects who were texting, needed an additional 70 feet to stop.
Of those teen drivers surveyed, 60 percent have talked on a cell phone and 28 percent have sent a text message while driving.
Teen drivers who text while driving reported sending, on average, 23 text messages while driving in the past month.
More than one-third of teen drivers (36 percent) believe they have been involved in a near-crash because of their own or someone else’s distracted driving.

However, knowing about the dangers of distracted driving isn’t enough. Many legislators feel that strong, visibly enforced laws are necessary to get drivers’ eyes and attention back on the road.

If you would like to know more about what to do when injured by a distracted driver in Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Kansas City, Missouri, please contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today.

Missouri Accident Law Overview

2010-09-20T09:29:00.001-07:00

Auto accidents are among the leading causes of injury and death in the United States, causing 3 million injuries and killing over 40,000 people every year. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), there were 960 total auto fatalities in Missouri and 107 Missouri motorcyclist fatalities in 2008, alone.

Not only can an accident result in economic damages, but an accident can also result in serious injury for the people involved. Even those who survive their ordeal may suffer with permanent injury, including head trauma, spinal cord injury, burns or neck injuries.

To make things even more traumatic, auto accident litigation is not always straightforward. Sometimes, even when liability seems obvious, there are additional issues to take into consideration. For example, if a person is driving while under the influence of alcohol, the person or establishment that served him the alcohol may also be liable for injury and damage. There may also be issues if the person who caused the car accident is underinsured or if the vehicle in question has defective parts.

It is possible to file accident claims in Missouri for a wide variety of damages including:

Past and future medical bills
Compensation for damage to the vehicle
Past and future wage loss
Costs incurred as a result of the accident
Emotional distress
Permanent disability
Permanent disfigurement
Funeral costs

If you live in the Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Kansas City, Missouri area, and have sustained a serious injury in an accident due to the negligence of others, please contact the personal injury lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm, where we will aggressively pursue compensation for your injury and loss, even if it means arguing your case to a jury.

Teen Drivers Education

2010-09-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Driver's education for teens offers more benefits than simply teaching teens how to drive. Understanding traffic laws and how to follow them can keep your teen from getting tickets, provide insurance breaks and most importantly, keep them alive. The greatest benefit of driver education for teens, though, is the potential for keeping your child safe from car accidents.

Missouri carries a graduated driver's license policy requiring young adults to prove they can handle the responsibilities of being on the road, before they actually get a full driver's license. But road skills alone may not be enough to prepare your teen for an emergency on the road.

Much to the comfort of parents, many teen driver education courses offer road safety information, such as how to change a tire safely, how to use jumper cables, where to pull over safely, how to avoid dangerous drivers, and what to do if they are pulled over.

In an effort to prepare inexperienced drivers for the dangers they may face on the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has even provided a section on their website for teen drivers. In combination with driver training courses, the NHTSA information helps promote safe driving practices and prevent accidents. The website also provides links to special events and practical driving tips, such as how to say "no" to getting in a car with an impaired driver or how to avoid distracted driving scenarios.

If you or your teen has been injured or involved in an auto or truck accident in Jefferson City, St. Louis, or Kansas City, Missouri, please contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today.

Safety Issues in School Buses

2010-09-14T08:41:00.001-07:00

Surprisingly, as of late 2010, there are only six states that require seatbelts in school buses (New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas). As the seatbelt debate rages on, school bus accidents continue to result in horrible injuries, including:

Brain and spinal cord injuries
Sprains
Fractures and abrasions
Internal and soft tissue injuries
Burn injuries
Wrongful death

For the most part, safety measures in school buses are carefully regulated and maintained. But still, our children are at risk. In addition to the dangers of being on the road without proper seatbelts, school buses are difficult to drive and many school bus drivers are inexperienced or poorly trained. Driver fatigue, on-board distractions, and bus driver intoxication or drug use are also major factors in school bus accidents.

Other factors, like poor road conditions, overloaded buses and the absence of additional safety equipment on a bus can also cause or contribute to bus accident injuries. The victims of these accidents and their families can face enormous medical bills and tremendous changes in their quality of life.

Dealing with a bus company, government entity or the insurance company after a bus accident is nothing like dealing with a typical auto accident claim. It is very important that you retain an experienced bus accident lawyer who can act quickly and protect your rights.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a school bus accident, please contact the Missouri personal injury lawyers at the Bradley Law Firm today to schedule your free case evaluation.

Contributory vs. Comparative Negligence

2010-09-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

When an accident occurs, it can be vital to determine who was at fault. Knowing who was at fault in the accident helps determine where compensation for anyone injured in the accident may come from. There are two primary types of negligence with which compensation is determined. They are contributory negligence and comparative negligence.

Contributory negligence limits the amount of compensation you may receive for an accident. Under a system that uses contributory negligence, if you contributed to an accident in any way, you are not entitled to collect damages from the other party. This is true even if the other party's responsibility was far more extreme than your own.

Presently, thirteen states, including Missouri, follow a more lenient system of assessing liability called a pure comparative negligence system. In a pure comparative negligence system, a judge or jury assigns a percentage of fault to each party and then divides the damage award accordingly. Using this system, an injured person may recover his or her damages even if the injured person was at fault in the accident, but the amount of the damages awarded will be reduced by his or her portion of the fault. For example, if a motorist is found to be 30 percent at fault in an accident, the damages awarded to that person are then reduced by 30 percent.

If you live in the Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Kansas City, Missouri area and would like more information on comparative negligence and how it applies to your case, please contact The Bradley Law Firm, where we will fight hard to get you the financial compensation you need to help defray the costs of your injuries.

Breaking Missouri Traffic Laws Costs More Than a Ticket

2010-09-07T16:30:00.001-07:00

We all hate getting traffic tickets, but MoDOT statistics suggest that the consequences of violating Missouri traffic laws can be far worse than just a ticket—even if you don't get pulled over. While drunk driving accidents in Missouri cause more fatalities, on average, failing to follow Missouri traffic laws cause more injuries each year than drinking.

In 2009 alone, "following too closely" and "failing to yield the right of way" each contributed to about twice as many injury-causing auto accidents in Missouri as drunk driving. Tailgating is an especially common factor in Missouri rear-end crash injuries. By far the biggest single cause of Missouri car accidents is "inattention" or distracted driving, followed closely by driving "too fast for conditions."

Auto accident injuries in Missouri affect more than one hundred-thousand people each year. Families of Missouri car crash injury victims too often suffer heavy financial burdens as a result, including medical bills, lost time from work, and loss of employment. Too many drivers take Missouri traffic laws lightly, leading not just to annoying tickets but to painful, costly auto accident injuries.

The Bradley Law Firm is dedicated to helping Missouri car accident injury victims, from St. Louis to Kansas City, get the compensation they deserve from the party whose negligence or failure to follow traffic laws caused the accident. We will help you hold the responsible party accountable and defend your rights. You should not have to continue to pay and pay because of someone else's mistake.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Jefferson City, Kansas City, or St. Louis, Missouri, please contact the Missouri auto accident attorneys of The Bradley Law Firm today to discuss your legal options. Remember, your time to initiate a Missouri car crash lawsuit may be limited.

Causes of Car Accidents

2010-08-30T15:41:00.001-07:00

Driving a car is among the most dangerous activities we partake in each and every day. Despite how normal and natural driving can feel, you are taking a huge risk each time you sit behind the wheel. Car accidents are very common, ranging from the harmless fender bender to fatal head-on collisions and everywhere in between.

Faulty or defective vehicles account for a good number of car accidents each year. These types of accidents include brake failure, seatbelt malfunction, tire detreading, and airbag malfunction. Usually, the part or vehicle manufacturer, or the seller of the vehicle can be held responsible in these cases.

Reckless driving is a very common cause of car accidents. Drunk driving or driving under the influence while the brain is impaired is extremely dangerous, and often hurts more than just the reckless driver. Speeding is also considered reckless driving.

By far the most common cause of car accidents is driver error. Any mistake that can be made on a roadway, including miscalculating the distance necessary for braking, failing to look in a blind spot, or tailgating can cause a dangerous or even fatal accident.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a car accident, please contact the Missouri car accident lawyers at the Bradley Law Firm today to schedule your free case evaluation.

SUV Rollover Accidents

2010-08-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

Rollover accidents are some of the most deadly motor vehicle accidents. A rollover occurs when a vehicle with a high center of gravity, often an SUV or pickup truck, turns over onto its roof or side.

At The Bradley Law Firm, our philosophy is that we will do whatever is necessary to get you the compensation you deserve if you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident.

Design Defects in SUVs

Some SUVs are made with defects in their design, which can increase the chance of a crash, or even cause an SUV rollover accident. Potential design flaws include:

• Vehicle instability caused by a overly-high center of gravity
• Defective tires
• Poor roof structure resulting in a roof crush during a rollover accident
• Defective door latches causing the doors to pop open and eject occupants
• Tire tracks that are too narrow

How to Avoid an SUV Rollover Accident

Here are some tips to help you avoid a rollover accident:

• Always pay attention to the road and potentially hazardous objects/animals that might quickly enter your path
• Drive slowly and defensively
• Be aware of the road conditions and any weather change possibilities
• Avoid making sudden and jerky maneuvers
• Never overload your vehicle
• Check your tire pressure and condition before and after your trip
• Always wear your seatbelt

If you or a loved on has suffered an injury in a motor vehicle accident, please call or email the Missouri personal injury attorneys at The Bradley Firm today. We serve clients in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City and rural Missouri.

Trucking Accidents

2010-08-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Accidents involving tractor-trailers can be some of the deadliest on our nation’s highways. Too often, truck accidents cause devastating injuries or death. In addition, many trucking accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver or even the trucking companies, who sometimes enforce policies that lead to dangerous conditions for their drivers.

Since these cases can be difficult to pursue, the Missouri truck accident attorneys at The Bradley Ryan Law Firm are ready to help with a free initial consultation.

Negligent Trucking Companies

Unfortunately, trucking companies sometimes ignore trucking safety regulations and bypass common sense in order to increase their profits. Some dangerous practices that can lead to serious accidents include:

• Overloading vehicles
• Pushing drivers too hard
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Lack of driver supervision

Drivers suffering from lack of sleep due to unrealistic delivery schedules, or vehicles that have not been kept in optimal condition, can be a major factor leading to devastating accidents on the road.

Seeking Compensation for Trucking Accident Injuries

Because trucking companies are often large corporations, it can be difficult and intimidating to seek compensation for trucking accident injuries. The attorneys at The Bradley Ryan Law Firm have pursued many of these cases and can help you determine fault and what compensation to which you are entitled.

Vehicle Defects

2010-08-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

In the event of a car accident, the safety of your car can mean the difference between life and death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs extensive tests to ensure vehicle safety. A vehicle defect like defective seatbelts can be extremely dangerous during a car accident. Additionally, dangerous vehicle defects can cause car accidents.

Toyota Motor Corporation has been in the news recently for several vehicle defects that may have caused a number of car accidents. Since 1999, 2,262 Toyota and Lexus drivers have reported sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) in their cars while driving under a variety of circumstances. According to BusinessWeek.com, nearly 1 million Toyota vehicles were recalled in the U.S. for defective steering rods. And over 100 drivers have reported problems with the anti-lock brake software in their vehicles.

Whether a vehicle defect caused the accident or led to additional personal injuries in your car accident, the qualified Missouri car accident attorneys at The Bradley Ryan Law Firm can help you pursue legal action.

Typical Vehicle Defect Claims

Most motor vehicles are safely designed and tested to root out all defects. When the vehicle is improperly designed, however, the results can be catastrophic. The vehicle manufacturer, the manufacturer of the defect component, and the dealer may all be held liable in vehicle defect claims. Some of the typical vehicle defect claims include:

• Faulty brakes – unresponsive, brakes that quickly wear out
• Defective gas tanks – those susceptible to leaks or explosions
• Faulty electrical systems – fail to power vital safety features
• Defective tires – tread separation
• Airbag failure – deploying too early/late, deploying too slowly/forcefully
• Roof crush – inadequate roof strength can be especially hazardous in rollover accidents

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident as a result of a vehicle defect, you can take legal action for your personal injuries. Please contact the experienced defective product attorneys at The Bradley Ryan Law Firm today.

Distractions Behind the Wheel

2010-08-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

Most people tend to blame circumstances beyond their control in an auto collision. But in reality it is driver behavior that is the leading cause of car accidents in the United States, not mechanical failure or road conditions. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute showed that 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes stem from varied forms of driver distraction. A driver need not be speeding or tailgating to become a risk on the road.

Another driver’s negligence could possibly result in severe personal injuries and property damage. The Missouri car accident attorneys at The Bradley Ryan Law Firm have a great deal of experience with personal injury claims and are available to assist you with your case.

Categories of Driving Distractions

The kinds of driving distractions that can increase the likelihood of a car accident fall into three categories. Those include:

1. Taking your eyes off the road (visual)
2. Taking your mind off the road (cognitive)
3. Taking your hands off the wheel (manual)

Even the simplest distractions behind the wheel will often involve several types of distraction. A driver who wishes to change the radio station must pick a station (cognitive), look for the button to push (visual), and take their hand off the wheel to press it (manual). Some other potentially hazardous driver behavior includes:

• Using a cell phone – for texting or calling
• Eating
• Smoking
• Applying makeup
• Reading – maps, newspapers, magazines
• Rubbernecking

To learn more about personal injury claims and your rights after an auto accident, please contact the experienced Missouri car accident attorneys serving St. Louis and surrounding areas at The Bradley Ryan Law Firm.

Horrific Bus Crash Leaves Two Dead and Dozens Injured

2010-08-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

A chain reaction multi-vehicle bus accident happened Thursday, August 5, 2010 near Gray Summit, Missouri. The buses were carrying high school band students to an amusement park when they slammed into a freeway accident that had occurred right in front of them. One of the students was killed while dozens of others were seriously injured. Gray Summit is about 40 miles west of St. Louis. The inciting incident was a pickup truck rear-ending a semi cab that had slowed down because it was nearing a construction zone. The first bus hit the back of the pickup, launched on top of it killing its driver and then was rear-ended by the second bus according to Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. Jeff Wilson.

Forty-two students were taken to area hospitals, but, thankfully, most injuries were not life-threatening. The accident is still under investigation and there are no charges at this time. A 14-member team of investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board is looking into the collision to determine if any safety issues were involved in the horrible crash.

If you are the parent of any of the injured children or if you have lost a child or some other family member in a motor vehicle crash, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your losses. If you live in the St. Louis area and need a motor vehicle accident attorney, please contact The Bradley Law Firm to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation. If a loved one’s death is determined to be a wrongful death, then you are certainly entitled to financial compensation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

2010-08-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Large semi-trucks are involved in thousands of accidents every year. Because of their tremendous size and weight, 18-wheelers create a great deal of speed as they are traveling on major highways and freeways. This makes trucks unable to stop quickly or make sharp maneuvers. When involved in a collision, their size often causes severe injuries to those in passenger vehicles.

The lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm have decades of experience that allow us to accurately gauge the value of your case. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of motor vehicle accidents, and we can win you the money you deserve.

Causes of Trucking Accidents

There are a variety of factors that can lead to an accident, from road debris to a tire blowout. The more common reasons for truck accidents that result in injuries include:

• Overloading cargo
• Driver fatigue
• Unrealistic driver schedules
• Defective roadways
• Improper truck maintenance
• Aggressive driving
• Failure to yield
• Inclement weather (wet or icy roads, fog, snow, dust or high winds)
• Road debris or other obstructions

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, there is hope. If you live in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or rural Missouri area, please contact our Missouri truck accident lawyers at The Bradley Firm today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

How to Avoid a Truck Accident

2010-08-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

A motor vehicle accident with a large semi-truck can be a devastating event. There are, however, driving strategies and precautions that you can take to avoid these potentially-catastrophic ordeals.

At The Bradley Law Firm, our tough and experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights. We are not intimidated by trucking companies and will devote all of our resources to getting you the compensation to which you are entitled.

Tips for Avoiding a Truck Accident

• Use caution on entrance ramps: This is important because large trucks are not able to stop and slow down quickly.

• Report dangerous truck drivers: If you see a commercial truck driver who is driving unsafely, record the registration number if possible. Later, you can make a phone call, reporting the time, date, place and behavior, which may prevent a future collision.

• Exercise additional caution at night and during inclement weather: Be especially careful when visibility is poor, and make sure your wipers and lights are working correctly.

• Avoid driving in the truck's blind spots: Pass the truck quickly or stay far enough behind that you can see the side-view mirrors, so that the driver can see you.

• Routine maintenance: By maintaining the appropriate maintenance, you can help ensure that your vehicle will stop effectively and keep you safe while on the road.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or rural Missouri, please contact the St. Louis truck accident attorneys at our Missouri personal injury firm today to arrange your complimentary, confidential consultation.

Truck Accident Injuries

2010-08-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

Truck accidents are tragic events that often result in severe personal injuries, and even death. When large semi-trucks speed down the freeways, they generate a great deal of momentum. If they crash, this force often leaves victims of passenger vehicles with permanent, disabling injuries if they survive at all.

The attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm are not intimidated by large trucking companies. We have the experience, knowledge and resources necessary to take on opponents that other firms would not.
Serious Injuries

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with a large truck, the extent of your injuries will depend on the force and placement of impact. While most passenger vehicles are equipped with airbags and anti-lock brakes to keep occupants safe, an accident with a large semi-truck can still be incredibly severe.

Victims of truck accidents may sustain a number of serious injuries such as:

• Whiplash or neck injuries
• Facial trauma
• Broken and fractured bones
• Crushing injuries
• Amputation
• Brain injuries
• Damage to internal organs
• Seatbelt or airbag injuries
• Paralysis
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding/organ damage
• Road Rash
• Concussions

If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident because of another person’s negligence, please call or email the Missouri personal injury attorneys at The Bradley Firm today. We serve clients in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City and rural Missouri.

Common Automobile Accident Injuries

2010-07-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Throughout the United States, car accidents are a leading cause of severe injuries and death. From minor whiplash to catastrophic injuries like a traumatic brain injury, automobile accidents are often serious, life-altering events.

At The Bradley Law Firm, our talented and experienced attorneys will do whatever is necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.

Driving With Care

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Unfortunately, many drivers who get behind the wheel disregard this privilege and do not drive with the appropriate level of care. Drivers who ignore the rules of the road and operate their vehicles in a careless and reckless manner can cause tragic car accidents.

Common Types of Automobile Injuries

Car accident injuries can affect virtually any part of your body, and can include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Serious injuries, involving the head, neck and spinal cord
• Brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Paralysis
• Road rash
• Joint, bone, and muscle injuries
• Amputations
• Burn injuries

If you live in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or rural Missouri area and have been injured in an accident, please contact our Missouri personal injury lawyers at The Bradley Firm to set up your free consultation.

Compensation in Automobile Accident Claims

2010-07-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

If you become seriously injured in a car crash, you will probably have medical bills, physical therapy costs and be forced to take time off work. If you become unable to care for your children or complete your daily tasks, you may face additional emotional and financial hardship.

The auto accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm have decades of experience that allow us to accurately gauge your case's value. We will not stop fighting until we win you the money you deserve for your injuries.

Compensation for Your Losses

If you are hurt in a car accident because of another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages from the at-fault party. Compensable injuries can include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Pain and suffering

You may also be able to collect damages to cover your medical bills, including the bills that accumulated immediately after the crash, plus future medical bills resulting from the accident.

You may also be able to recover certain rehabilitative services or accommodations, such as physical therapy or a ramp for your wheelchair. Loss of wages and the inability to earn future wages may also be compensated, in addition to any damage to or loss of personal property.

There is justice for victims hurt in motor vehicle accidents. If you live in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or rural Missouri, please contact our Missouri personal injury firm to schedule your no-cost initial consultation.

Defective Vehicles

2010-07-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

A defective vehicle part can affect the safe operation of your vehicle, and result in a devastating accident. Many faulty parts and design flaws are often undetected by your naked eye. They may function properly for some time and then fail, or never work correctly from the beginning.

At The Bradley Law Firm, our experienced and tough attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of motor vehicle accidents, and we can win you the money you deserve.

Common Defects

Common defects that can cause a car accident include:

• Flawed brake systems
• Defective tires
• Spontaneous acceleration
• Faulty steering systems
• Inappropriate pairing of trailers with SUVs
• Incorrect or incomplete instruction manuals or safety warnings
• SUV design defects

Auto Defects Increase the Risk of Severe Injury

Sometimes, the most tragic injuries are those caused by the devices meant to protect our safety. Defective parts can also lead to injuries or accidents that would not have occurred otherwise. Poorly designed parts that can cause severe injuries include:

• Seatbelts
• Airbags
• Roofs
• Door latches
• Car seats

If you have been injured in a car accident in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or rural Missouri area, please contact the attorneys at our Missouri personal injury firm today to arrange your complimentary consultation.

Teenage Automobile Accidents

2010-07-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Teenage drivers are involved in three times more automobile accidents than all other drivers on the road. In fact, teenagers are the number one cause of death for drivers ages 15 to 22, and account for nearly 35 percent of teen deaths. Parents of teenagers under age 18 are responsible for the damage caused by their child’s car accident.

The personal injury attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm are talented, qualified lawyers who are dedicated to you, your case, and winning you the money you deserve.

Causes of Teen Accidents

The main causes of teen driver accidents are:

• Inexperience and immaturity
• Excessive speeds
• Drinking or drug use
• Driver fatigue
• Distractions while driving, such as cell phones, loud music, young passengers, eating
• Driving at night

Accidents among teenagers can be avoided when teen drivers are well-informed about the appropriate safety precautions. By wearing seatbelts, obeying the rules of the road and responding appropriately to traffic movement, teenagers can learn to drive defensively and keep other drivers safe.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or rural Missouri area, please contact our Missouri personal injury law firm today to schedule your free consultation.

Semi Truck Legislation Discussed

2010-07-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Truck Safety Coalition and U.S. senators are currently working together on several possible trucking safety law changes. The changes could improve semi truck safety for not only the truck drivers, but also those of us who must share the road with them.

Right now, legislation aimed at reducing truck accident injuries and truck accident fatalities is being tackled in a Senate subcommittee. Some of the subjects on the table include:

Truck Weight/Size: Combination trucks that haul two or three trailers at once are being scrutinized for their inherent dangers due to length and weight issues.

Hours of Service/Driver Fatigue: One of the leading causes of truck accidents in the U.S. is driver fatigue. Legislators are looking at the benefits of requiring electronic recorders to track the number of hours drivers spend on the road to ensure tired drivers are not pushing the limits and regulations.

Driver Compensation: Today, some truck drivers are paid by the hour and some are paid by the mile. Obviously, drivers paid by the mile want to log as many hours on the road as possible, potentially putting in excessive hours and leading to increased driver fatigue.

Truck accidents are serious, complicated personal injury cases. If you need advice regarding a recent Missouri truck accident, please contact our skilled team of auto accident attorneys at the Bradley Law Firm at 800-360-5072.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

2010-07-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

Driving requires concentration, coordination and skill. It is a privilege, not a right, in which too many people do not take seriously enough. More than 40,000 Americans die in car accidents every year, with someone being killed in a motor vehicle crash every 10 seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm have extensive experience in accident lawsuits and will devote all of our resources and expertise to get you the settlement you deserve.

The Leading Causes

A majority of car accidents are caused by irresponsible driving behavior. Statistics also show that about 98 percent of motor vehicle involves a single distracted driver, who may be preoccupied by:

• Rubbernecking (slowing down to watch what is going on with other vehicles)
• Cell phones
• Looking at scenery
• Driver fatigue
• Passenger distractions
• Adjusting the radio/CD player/mP3 player

While rubbernecking tops the charts as the leading cause of accidents and traffic delays, cell phones are catching up quickly. When determining if a driver was negligent, courts may analyze factors such as:

• Driving above or below the speed limit
• Ignoring weather or traffic conditions
• Failing to signal
• Disobeying traffic signs
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

If you live in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or rural Missouri area, and have been involved in an automobile accident, please contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.

What to Do After an Automobile Accident

2010-07-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

If you have been involved in a car accident, the first thing to do is to call for help if anyone is hurt. Next, gather all necessary information involving all drivers and passengers. Be sure to never make any kind of statement or sign any papers without first consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. Anything that you say at the time of the car accident can be used against you and disqualify potential personal injury claim or car accident settlement. Make sure you understand your car accident legal rights and options.

At The Bradley Law Firm, our talented, qualified attorneys are dedicated to recovering the compensation to which you are entitled.

Potential Compensation

Our lawyers have the resources to determine the liable parties in your case quickly and effectively. Even if you believe that you are partly at fault for the accident, you may still be able to collect damages for things such as:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Loss of wages due to disability (past and future)
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Compensation for loss of joy of life

Our Missouri personal injury attorneys understand the complexities that auto accidents entail, ranging from a common car accident injury to both legal and insurance matters. Determining who is at fault in an auto accident can be difficult, so be sure to consult an attorney immediately to protect your rights.

If you or someone you love has suffered a car accident in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or rural Missouri area, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Leaving Child in Car Equals Certain Death

2010-07-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

We at The Bradley Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri are here for all of your personal injury needs, but we also care about people and their safety. With the summer months, come so many fun outdoor activities, but many of these activities can be dangerous. Unfortunately, we have handled pool drownings cases, car accidents due to distracted drivers enjoying summer nighttime festivities, and pedestrian accidents. We encourage you to be careful during the summer months, as the increase in activity can lead to an increase in serious injuries and deaths.

But there is one tragedy that has nothing to do with swimming or boating but almost always results in a child’s death. It is a mistake that even good moms and dads make: leaving their children in the car unattended to the point that hyperthermia develops. Almost 40 babies die each year in the United States when they are left in car seats or get trapped in cars that heat up rapidly. Parents have actually gone out to run a quick errand and left their toddler in the car only to come back and find him or her dead, even with outside temperatures as low as 75 degrees. Some parents have left their children in the car while they went to work for a full day, simply forgetting the child was in the backseat.

Recently, an elementary school principal did this very thing. She thought she had dropped her child off at daycare but because she was distracted by getting to her own school on time, she simply forgot her child was in the car. The child was discovered several hours later by a teacher who just happened to be in the parking lot.

In just thirty minutes a car's interior (that is closed up with no air conditioning on) can heat up to 35 degrees hotter. Depending on what the child is wearing and when he last took in fluids, an infant may die of hyperthermia in as little as fifteen minutes on a 75-degree day. Babies who are wrapped in heavy clothing or blankets have been known to die of hyperthermia when the outside temps are only in the 60s or even 50s!

Please be aware of where your children are at all times. We would never want you to experience the horrific loss of a child and then blame yourself for the rest of your life.

If you have been injured by someone else, however, you may have a personal injury case on your hands. Please contact The Bradley Law Firm today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.

Top 10 Congested Zones

2010-07-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Missouri Department of Transportation has issued its "top 10" most congested traffic areas in the state (listed below as reported on MissouriNet).

These congestion zones are associated with road construction and will worsen over the summer as work continues. Congestion zones can often be the site of major auto accidents in Missouri, including fatal car accidents. Extra caution by drivers is essential.

Kansas City - I-29/35 reconstruction; expect restricted lanes and ramp closures.
St. Louis - I-270 and Dorsett/Page – interchange improvements; expect traffic rerouting and reduced lanes.
Springfield - Route 60/65 interchange reconstruction and widening project; expect lane and ramp closings mostly at night.
Cape Girardeau, Perry and Pemiscot Counties - I-55 improvements; expect ramp closures and lane shifts.
Kansas City - I-70 improvements; expect reduced lanes and road closures.
Jefferson City - U.S. 54 Eastbound/U.S. 63 Northbound Missouri River Bridge; expect narrowing lanes and closures.
Franklin County - Lane improvements on I-44 between Pacific and Route 100; expect lane closures and shifts.
Crawford County - I-44 resurfacing; expect lane and ramp closures.
Andrew County - I-29 Overpass; expect bridge closures and lane shifts.
Chillicothe - Resurfacing Route 65 from Route 36 at Chillicothe to Iowa; expect traffic reduced to one lane.

These types of construction-related changes can cause drivers to make careless mistakes. In addition, construction crews can fail to take every precaution to prevent traffic accidents.

When these things happen, a personal injury lawsuit may help the person injured in the accident receive compensation. If you would like more information about an auto accident injury lawsuit, please contact The Bradley Law Firm in Clayton, Missouri at 800-360-5072.

Cost of a Fatal Accident

2010-06-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

In a recent interview with St. Louis' local CBS television affiliate, KMOX, Missouri Department of Transportation representative Scott Jones said that one fatal accident in this state can add up to millions of dollars.

In fact, Jones said the average cost when one person is killed in an automobile accident in Missouri is $4.2 million, a number that has only increased over the years.

The price tag is the result of such factors as cost of emergency response, law enforcement investigation and response expenses, post-accident ER, hospital and surgical care, insurance claim payouts, and the cost of wrongful death lawsuits that can result in years of ongoing litigation when the parties at fault refuse to admit negligence.

The rising cost of fatalities is just one reason why Jones said MODOT is focusing more attention on Missouri area interstates and highways, actively seeking out reckless driving and those who choose to drink and drive. Interstates 70 and 270 will be two of the roadways with stepped-up patrols by law enforcement this summer.

Do you have questions relating to a Missouri fatal car accident? Our auto accident lawyers are here to help and provide you with the information you need. Residents of Kansas City, St. Louis and other cities throughout Missouri can contact The Bradley Law Firm at 800-360-5072.

Police Target Speeders

2010-06-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

Interstate 270 in St. Louis is notorious for a large number of auto accidents that occur on it each year, and local police authorities have announced that they are beginning to step up patrols on the highway.

The Missouri Highway Patrol and at least eight local police departments have joined forces as "High Enforcement Action Teams" to increase law enforcement presence and highway safety on I-270 this summer. The special teams will specifically target speeders, aggressive drivers and drivers under the influence of alcohol.

In 2009 alone, there were nearly 1,800 car accidents on I-270. And traffic accidents, including fatal accidents, tend to increase during summer months. Even the number of traffic accident injury cases that come into our office can rise in June, July and August, as well.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident on I-270, or anywhere in Missouri, including St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City, The Bradley Law Firm car accident lawyers can help you recover damages and get the compensation you deserve.

For assistance, please give our St. Louis, Missouri car accident attorneys a call today at 800-360-5072. We offer a free, no-obligation auto accident consultation at The Bradley Law Firm.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car® Admits Negligence

2010-06-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

A California jury recently awarded $15 million to the parents of two daughters who died in a crash involving a car rented from Enterprise Rent-A-Car® in 2004.
The wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Enterprise Rent-A-Car of San Francisco and its corporate parent. Enterprise fought the car accident lawsuit for five years before admitting earlier this year that the company was negligent and responsible for the girls' fatal injuries.

The girls, both in their 20s, had rented a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser on Oct. 7, 2004, which later crossed a median, hit an 18-wheeler involved in the accident and burst into flames.

The month before, Daimler Chrysler had issued safety recall notices for PT Cruisers, including year model 2004. The recall indicated that the power steering hose could leak, resulting in fire.

The Missouri car accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm understand that no amount of damages rewarded can make up for a loss of life. But with 30+ years of combined experience in a wide range of auto accident lawsuits, we can work to help loved ones get the legal representation they need to fight large corporations who are at fault.

If you need legal representation following a car accident in Missouri, please contact the St. Louis, Missouri auto accident attorneys at The Bradley Firm at 800-360-5072.

1 Dead, 5 Injured in Fatal Car Accident

2010-06-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

One woman died and five others were injured during a fatal car accident. The accident occurred late at night when a 2002 Lexus SUV traveling southbound along the highway failed to handle a curve, crashed into the median, and flipped over into the northbound lanes.

The woman driving the Lexus was ejected from the vehicle during the car accident. Rescuers pronounced her dead at the scene. Police officers indicated she was not wearing her seatbelt. One of the injured victims was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment.

State troopers identified excessive speed as the cause of the car accident.

The Missouri car accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm have more than 30 years of combined experience handling auto accident claims. If you have been injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will provide you with highly personalized representation that will aggressively protect your rights. We have the skills to battle unscrupulous insurance companies who may try to unfairly undervalue or even deny your claim.

Please contact our Missouri car accident lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Bradley Law Firm serves clients in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, and throughout Missouri.

Moving Van Chased by Police Causes Multiple Car Accidents

2010-06-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

A police chase of a moving van resulted in multiple car accidents which shut the highway down for several hours. The man driving the moving van was eventually apprehended.

Local police received a phone call about a fight between two employees of a moving company. After arguing about how to move a heavy piece of furniture from a house, one of the movers assaulted the other using brass knuckles. He then fled the scene in the moving truck.

During the ensuing police chase, the moving truck collided with several vehicles and forced one car off of the road. The chase ended when the moving truck crashed alongside the road.

The Missouri car accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm can help you receive compensation for your damages if you have been injured in an auto accident caused by the negligence of another driver. Our attorneys have more than 30 years of combined experience handling these claims, and we will fight aggressively to ensure your rights are protected.

Please contact our Missouri car accident lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Bradley Law Firm serves clients in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, and throughout Missouri.

Man Airlifted to Hospital after Rollover Accident

2010-06-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

A 25-year-old man from Ohio was airlifted to a local hospital after suffering serious injuries in a rollover car accident. The violent nature of the crash resulted in vehicle parts being strewn across the road. Witnesses to the car accident have stated that the driver is lucky to be alive.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers at the scene, the vehicle veered off the road and hit a tree, causing it to roll over. During the rollover accident, the driver was ejected from the vehicle and landed in a ditch. The engine also separated from the vehicle and flew more than 50 feet in the air.

Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident, although they believe that excessive speed played a role. The driver was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the car accident.

The experienced Missouri car accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm can help you receive the compensation you deserve if you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver. We have the skills to battle the insurance company so that your settlement adequately covers your medical expenses and property damage.

Please contact our Missouri car accident lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Bradley Law Firm protects the rights of injured car accident victims in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, and throughout Missouri.

Helmet Saved Young Man's Life during Motorcycle Accident

2010-06-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

An 18-year-old young man in Amarillo, Texas is lucky to be alive after being involved in a serious motorcycle accident. The young man laid down his motorcycle to avoid a collision with an automobile that pulled onto the road just in front of him. In the process, he became wedged underneath the vehicle. Four firefighters and three police officers lifted the car off of him.

The young man was wearing a full-face helmet at the time of the motorcycle accident. Doctors told him that if he had been wearing a cheap helmet or no helmet at all, he would not have survived the crash.

Motorcycle drivers in the state of Texas are required to wear a helmet if they are under the age of 21. After that, they are free to choose whether or not to wear the protective safety gear. There has been an ongoing debate throughout the state regarding whether to make wearing a helmet mandatory for all motorcycle riders. There are many who argue that motorcycle safety can be improved by better educating riders as to the dangers inherent in driving these vehicles. However, incidents such as this one make it clear that in many cases, helmets do in fact save lives.

Due to the lack of protection afforded by these vehicles, motorcycle accident injuries are often catastrophic, resulting in extensive medical treatment and sometimes even long term care. The expenses associated with this medical care can often be financially crippling. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another driver, the Missouri motorcycle accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Please contact our Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Bradley Law Firm serves clients in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, and throughout Missouri.

Google Sued after Map Error Caused Pedestrian Accident

2010-06-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

A Los Angeles woman has recently sued Google Inc. after an error in one of their maps caused her to sustain serious injuries in a pedestrian accident. The driver of the vehicle that hit her has also been named in the lawsuit.

The pedestrian accident occurred on January 19, 2009 while the woman was on vacation in Park City, Utah. She was walking along Deer Valley Drive in Park City while following map directions provided from Google. Unfortunately, the map did not specify that the road becomes part of Utah's State Route 24. As a result, she walked onto the state highway and was hit by a car driving along the road.

The woman incurred more than $100,000 in medical expenses as a result of the pedestrian accident.

The Missouri pedestrian accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm can help you receive the compensation you deserve if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by the negligence of the driver involved in the crash.

Please contact our Missouri pedestrian accident lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Bradley Law Firm serves clients in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, and throughout Missouri.

5 Important Rental Car Safety Tips

2010-06-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

We often take a lot for granted when driving our own vehicle. After all, we are very familiar with the location of all of the controls, making the operation of the vehicle almost second nature. However, every car is designed slightly differently, and when you drive an unfamiliar vehicle, you may find that many actions which are normally routine require considerable thought and attention.

For this reason, driving a rental car can considerably increase your risk of a car accident. If you are unsure where your headlights, turn signals, and heat/air conditioning controls are, you will have to divert your attention from the road in order to locate them. These distractions, which are not normally present in your own vehicle, may impact your ability to properly respond to adverse situations on the road.

By following these five important rental car safety tips, you will greatly reduce your risk of getting into a car accident while driving this unfamiliar vehicle:

Adjust your rear view and side view mirrors properly before driving off of the rental car lot. Adjusting them on the highway will take your attention off of the road.
Turn off the radio when you start driving so that you can listen for any strange noises. If you notice any, request a different car to ensure that you are driving a safe vehicle.
Consult a map, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area you will be driving in. If you plan out your route before you begin driving, you will be able to focus on driving instead of figuring out which intersection you must turn at.
Before leaving the rental car lot, locate the window controls, windshield wiper controls, turn signals, radio controls, heat/air conditioning controls, and any other gadgets you may need to operate while driving. Trying to find these controls while driving will divert your attention away from where it needs to be – on the road.
Locate the headlights and figure out how to turn on your high beams before driving the vehicle. Also, make sure you know how to turn on the interior lights in case you need to use them to find something in the car while driving.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, the experienced Missouri car accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers your injuries.

Please contact our Missouri car accident lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Bradley Law Firm serves clients in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, and throughout Missouri.

Medians Save 45 Lives Every Year in Missouri

2010-05-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

Median crossover accidents often result in serious injury and death, largely because they are usually head-on collisions. On highways or roads that do not have medians, this kind of accident is much more likely, as there is no physical barrier between the lanes.

However, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the addition of median guard cables to highways in Missouri has reduced overall traffic-related deaths by about 30 percent since they were originally installed in 2005. Between 1996 and 2005, before the addition of these cables, about 400 deaths occurred on major Missouri Interstates 70, 55 and 44. These Interstates, as well as other major highways in Missouri, now boast over 600 miles of median guard cables, with Interstate 70 and Interstate 44 equipped with cables for nearly their full lengths.

Median crossover accidents often occur due to:
Drunk driving
Fatigued drivers or falling asleep at the wheel
Distracted driving
If a driver crosses over the median and causes a collision, the injured parties in the other car might be entitled to compensation that can include:
Hospital and other medical fees
Long-term disability
Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
Job loss or lost wages
Wrongful death
If you have been involved in a Missouri median crossover accident and would like to find out how you can be compensated for your injuries, The Bradley Law Firm wants to help. Rex and Ryan Bradley, along with a team of experienced personal injury lawyers, can provide a free case evaluation to determine what kind of compensation you might be entitled to. Please contact the St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri offices of The Bradley Law Firm to schedule an appointment. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Red Light Cameras Help Prevent Accidents

2010-05-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

In spite of continued controversy about their legality, there is growing evidence that red light cameras reduce the number of drivers who run through red lights, at the same time reducing the number of serious traffic accidents at intersections.

How Red Light Cameras Help
Red light cameras are set up at various stoplights at intersections in the St. Louis area. When someone runs a red light, the camera snaps a picture, usually of the car's license plate. A ticket is automatically issued to the owner of the car.

Some state lawmakers say these tickets are unenforceable, as it is impossible to prove that the car owner was actually the driver at the time the violation occurred. Although some red light cameras do take pictures of those in the car’s front seats, often the pictures are not clear enough for a positive identification of the driver.

In spite of these drawbacks, red light infractions have gone down about 65 percent in St. Louis alone since the cameras were installed. If nothing else, the cameras do seem to be encouraging drivers to stop at red lights.

Accidents at Red Lights
Ignoring red lights and driving through them causes a number of car accidents, many of them serious. In these cases, the person who has ignored the red light is at fault, and could be liable for damages. These could include compensating the injured party or parties for hospital bills, long-term disability, job loss or even wrongful death.

If you have suffered severe injury due to another party running a red light, the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm can help. We know the financial and emotional devastation that can occur as a result of a severe automobile accident, and will stand behind you to help you receive compensation for your injuries. Please contact our St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri personal injury law offices for a free case evaluation.

Dangerous Driving Distractions

2010-05-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

As cell phones, text messaging, mp3 players and GPS devices become more prevalent in our day-to-day lives, more and more people use them in cases where they are more of a distraction than a help, such as while driving. Unfortunately, this all too often leads to serious accidents that could easily have been avoided. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, personal injury attorneys Rex and Ryan Bradley of The Bradley Law Firm can help.

Causes of Distracted Driving
There are many causes of distracted driving, some of which are not immediately obvious, including:

Changing stations on the radio or changing a CD
Eating or drinking
Reading
Looking at maps or a GPS
Talking on the phone or text messaging
Helping or engaging with someone in the back seat, such as helping a child

Any of these activities can divert some or all of your attention from where it should be—on the road, and could lead to a serious automobile accident.

Preventing Distracted Driving
Many families and social groups, such as church congregations, have made promises to each other to make cars a "no phone zone," meaning that they promise not to use a cell phone or engage in other distracting activities while driving. Consider making this pledge with your family to help keep them safe behind the wheel—for their sake and for the sake of others on the road.

If you have been injured as a result of another driver's distracted driving practices, The Bradley Law Firm can help. Please contact Rex and Ryan Bradley at our St. Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City, Missouri area personal injury law offices for a free case evaluation. We'll help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

Wearing a Seatbelt is the Law—Even for the Police

2010-05-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

In spite of state and county laws and strict police department guidelines, many police officers still do not wear seat belts while driving. To a large extent, this is due to a concern that, if they are belted in, they will be unable to respond quickly enough to the kind of emergency situations faced every day on the job.

However, according to a statement by Chief Daniel Isom of St. Louis, lack of seatbelts was a major cause of the deaths of two St. Louis officers this year. According to an analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, performed by the Houston Chronicle, about 40% of officers killed in car accidents between the years of 2004 and 2008 were not using their seatbelts at the time of the accident. Many of these officers might still be alive today had they simply made use of their seatbelts. By contrast, another Missouri trooper, Tommy R. Morris, escaped a serious collision during a high-speed chase with only moderate injuries because he was using a seatbelt.

Unfortunately, this scenario plays out every day in traffic accidents involving both police officers and civilians. Many people who suffer serious, traumatic injury or death in traffic accidents could have been saved, or their injuries greatly reduced, had they been buckled up. Too often, these are children whose parents or caretakers have neglected to ensure they were properly secured in the vehicle.

In cases where a caretaker has been negligent about seat belt use, The Bradley Law Firm can help you determine if you have a case to help defray costs after a serious automobile accident. We will do everything we can to help you get the compensation you need and deserve in this difficult time. Please contact our St. Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City, Missouri offices right away to schedule a free case evaluation.

Missouri Man Killed Seeking Safety After Car Crash

2010-05-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

On April 22, 2010, Jeffrey M. Dominguez, from O'Fallon, Missouri, was killed after being struck by two separate vehicles on I-70 in Wentzville, near St. Louis, Missouri.

Due to causes still unknown, Dominguez lost control of his SUV and struck the median on the Interstate. With the car facing east in the west bound lanes, he then struck out on foot toward the shoulder, presumably a safer location to wait after the accident. As he crossed the highway, he was struck by a Ford Ranger, whose driver was unable to slow down in time to avoid the collision. A second vehicle also struck Dominguez, but that driver fled the scene. Dominguez, 20, was pronounced dead by rescue workers.

A severe automobile accident like this one can leave families devastated. Though the causes of this accident remain unknown, too often such tragedies are preventable.

Some causes of accidents similar to this one include:

Drunk driving
Distracted driving
Vehicle malfunction

These accidents can result in long-term disability, hospitalization, rehabilitation, job loss and, as in the accident above, death. Financial obligations can become far too much for the average family to handle as medical bills mount and income is lost.

The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm are here to help in cases like these. We can evaluate your case to find out what compensation you might be entitled to due to another party’s negligence, whether that party is the driver of the other vehicle or the manufacturer of a vehicle that malfunctioned. If you are in the St. Louis, Jefferson City or Kansas City, Missouri area and have suffered from a serious automobile accident, please contact The Bradley Law Firm for more information on how we can help you put your life back in order.

Toyota Recalls Over Nine Thousand Lexus Vehicles

2010-05-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

In addition to recalls of over two million vehicles in January of 2010, Toyota has now issued a recall for over nine thousand Lexus SUVs. The recall of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 occurred due to issues with the model's traction control that increased likelihood of rollovers.

The increased possibility of rollover accidents occurred when the car was subjected to strong braking while driving downhill. The proposed correction will alter the software that manages the traction control. According to Toyota, this will not only correct the existing problem, but improve the vehicle's overall performance.

Recalls are fairly common in the automobile industry. When an automaker issues a recall, it means that they are acting in the best interests of their customers to correct a safety issue that has been discovered in the specific vehicle. Companies are required to report safety issues to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) within five business days after they are discovered. Recalls provide repairs or adjustments to the vehicle in order to eliminate the safety issue, usually at no charge to the vehicle owner.

In some cases, vehicles are sold with existing problems that are not discovered until the safety issue causes a serious accident. These accidents can lead to personal injury lawsuits, holding the automaker responsible for the malfunctions or design flaws in the vehicle.

At The Bradley Law Firm, we are experienced at dealing with personal injury lawsuits, even when they involve large companies. If you have suffered an accident or injury due to a malfunctioning vehicle, please contact the experienced Missouri automobile accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Our experience personal injury lawyers will do everything they can to get you the compensation you deserve.

Toyota Recall

2010-05-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

In January of 2010, Toyota issued a recall of over two million vehicles due to a problem with the accelerator sticking. This problem caused cars to accelerate unexpectedly, leading to dangerous conditions for drivers and passengers. Automobile recalls happen frequently, but sometimes not until injury or even death has resulted from the defects in the cars. In these cases, personal injury attorneys like Rex and Ryan Bradley at the Bradley Law Firm can help you get compensation for your injuries.

Other Toyota Recalls
The January Toyota recall was not the first recall Toyota has issued. In 2005, Toyota issued a recall related to a safety defect in the steering relay rod of several vehicle models. On May 10th, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into this recall to determine if Toyota reported the defect to the NHTSA in a timely fashion. On April 16th, Toyota issued another recall on Toyota Siennas, citing a problem with the spare tire cable. April 28th saw a recall of Toyota Sequoias to upgrade their stability control systems.

None of this is to say that Toyota vehicles are not safe. The willingness of an automobile company to recall vehicles as soon as a defect is detected indicates a commitment to quality and the safety of their customers. However, in some cases automakers simply do not act quickly or efficiently enough, sometimes with tragic results.

If you or a family member has suffered injury due to a defect in a vehicle, please contact the St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri area personal injury attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm. We offer a free case evaluation to tell you what we can do for you to get you the compensation you deserve.

Tips For Avoiding Truck Accidents

2010-05-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

The giant 18-wheelers that have so filled our highways in recent years are not vehicles you want to argue with. When fully loaded, they can legally weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and can be as long as 75 feet. Their great size and weight gives them matching momentum and once they are traveling at highway speeds, they cannot stop abruptly to help you avoid a truck accident.

So part of the responsibility for preventing truck accidents is on the shoulders of other drivers. It is not an onerous weight however, because most of the things we can do to avoid being in any truck accident are things we should be doing anyway for the sake of safe and courteous driving.

Stay out of the truck driver's large blind spots. A big rig has four blind spots much bigger than those of a small vehicle, one on each side of the truck. Because the trucker is seated so high relative to other drivers, he needs you to be further away from him to be visible. The general rule is that if you cannot see the trucker directly or in one of his mirrors, he cannot see you, and though you can obviously see his vehicle, he cannot see yours.
Never dart in front of a big rig. You may suddenly realize your exit is coming right up, but if there is an 18-wheeler blocking your access to the exit lane, slow down and let it pass rather than speeding up and darting in front of it to make the exit. If you misjudge the time you have in that maneuver, the truck may well be unable to slow down for you to cross in front of it. In such a collision, the smaller vehicle always fares worst and truck accident injuries tend to be more severe than those of other accidents
Change lanes if you see a big rig speeding down the hill behind you. Never assume that it will slow down before hitting your vehicle. Sometimes, on a downhill grade, the truck's massive weight overpowers the driver's ability to stay within the speed limit. Or in some cases there is a mechanical failure that prevents the driver from braking effectively. You might also want to use your horn to alert other drivers further down the hill. In mountainous areas there are always extra truck lanes running uphill next to the downhill highway and a good trucker can always steer into one of these lanes to stop his vehicle. In the flatter areas such as are found in mid-western states like Missouri and Kansas, visibility and safety can be greater.
Always allow a trucker to change lanes if you see him signaling. Again, because of the truck's size and weight, the driver needs extra time and distance to change lanes and cannot do it impulsively, as so many small vehicles do. It is good driving courtesy to stay out of the trucker's way and allow him to get his behemoth to where he needs it to be. He may be preparing to exit and needs to start early so as to be ready when the exit comes up. Or he may be behind schedule and wanting to get into the fast lane and be off to his next drop-off point. There is no benefit to getting in his way.

Truck accidents are increasing as the number of 18-wheelers increases. As a passenger car, SUV, or light truck driver, you will almost certainly sustain severe injury should you be involved in a truck accident. Typically, a person injured in a truck accident needs an attorney to fight for their full and fair compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Truck accident personal injury cases can be complex and time-consuming. There may be a lot of discovery required, to examine the trucker's log book, ascertain facts about his driving qualifications, delivery schedule and job history, about the truck's load and maintenance, about your emergency medical care and injury complexities, and many other factors.

If you are in the area of Kansas City, St. Louis, or Jefferson City in Missouri and have indeed been injured in a truck accident, you will be well-served by the Bradley Law Firm, where attorneys are highly experienced in litigating truck accidents and can fight to obtain fair compensation for you.

Dangerous Curves as a Cause of Truck Accidents

2010-04-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Truck drivers must navigate all types of road conditions. There are some conditions that can be especially hazardous like dangerous curves. Even professional drivers are susceptible to the challenges associated with curves.
Road signs warn of the direction and severity of upcoming curves but inattention and speeding are factors that compound the danger and can have devastating results. If you've ever been driving and seen a vehicle lose control on a curve it's scary. If you’ve been impacted by a truck losing control on a curve you need the help of a truck accident attorney at The Bradley Law Firm.

Dangerous curves are marked with signs and directional arrows designed to prepare drivers for the potential danger ahead. The number one objective of those signs is to get drivers to slow to a safe speed to navigate the curve. At times it seems that these signs are used inappropriately by designating a lower speed than seems to be required to navigate a curve. That may create a lack of confidence in the signs and contribute to this type of accidents. Speed is a key factor in accidents on curves and whether it's an over confidence or disregard of the warning signs lives are affected.

In 2008 there were 4,066 trucks involved in fatal crashes and 51,680 involved in crashes that resulted in injuries. When you think about the number of trucks you encounter in the course of normal driving, those numbers can scare you. Take the size and weight of those trucks, speed of travel and other factors then throw in something like navigating dangerous curves and you have a formula for disaster.

If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a truck accident Missouri, please contact The Bradley Law Firm, serving Jefferson City and surrounding areas today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.

Loose Cargo (Damage caused by 18 wheelers)

2010-04-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Debris on the roadway is something that you expect to encounter as a driver. Usually it's something small and although scary to encounter, not damaging to you vehicle if you hit it. At other times it's something large or clearly dangerous that you have to avoid. But what if the roadway is suddenly littered with cargo lost from a transport truck? Depending on speed, road conditions, and the number of vehicles on the road, the outcome can be devastating. When the dust settles, contact a Missouri truck accident attorney at the Bradley Law Firm to make sure those responsible for the injury caused by the cargo pay for the damage.

There are safety regulations that govern the loading, securing and inspecting of cargo transported on commercial vehicles. Factors like load height and weight and the even distribution of the load are requirements that must be considered when loading a truck. Because losing all or part of a load in transit can be so devastating there are also regulations for securing loads and how often they must be inspected in transit. In spite of these requirements loose cargo accidents happen.

In those frightening moments when you encounter cargo on the roadway or perhaps experience it falling from a truck all you can do is react. Then you focus on what's most important, taking care of people who are injured some of whom may be your loved ones. Whether there is only damage to property or someone has been injured, those who are responsible should be held accountable. An experienced truck accident attorney will help demonstrate negligence and recover the compensation you deserve.

If you've been in an accident due to a truck losing its cargo please contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation. We serve Jefferson City, Kansas City, St. Louis and surrounding areas.

School Bus Accidents

2010-04-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

School busses provide approximately nine million student trips per year. That makes them the largest type of mass transit in the U.S.

It's reasonable for parents to expect that their children will leave for and return from school safely. School system's emphasis on safety, government regulations and vehicles that are designed to safely deliver children to and from school all serve to support those expectations. But what if they don't, what if your child gets on the bus in the morning but doesn't come home when they're supposed to because of an accident and a trip to the hospital or worse. If this has happened to your child you may be eligible for compensation. To make sure that you get the compensation you deserve, you should contact a personal injury lawyer at The Bradley Law Firm.

Approximately 27 children die in school bus accidents every year. Half of those are killed as a pedestrian by a bus. The incidence of school bus accidents is low compared to all types of accidents but if it's your child who is injured statistics aren't what's important. But what is important? Taking care of your injured child is important. Taking care of the rest of your family is important. Let The Bradley Law Firm take care of the legal aspects of your injury.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a bus accident in Jefferson City or anywhere in Missouri, please contact the experienced bus accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today.

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2010-04-13T12:53:00.001-07:00

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Pain and Suffering Compensation After a Car Accident

2010-04-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Placing value on pain and suffering after a car accident can be the most difficult determination in an injury case. There are no guidelines, charts or formulas that you can apply to determine fair and appropriate compensation. Because of this lack of clarity, if you are injured in an accident it's essential that you get legal help from an experienced auto accident attorney.

There are many factors that are considered when determining the amount of money that someone will receive for their pain and suffering. Insurance companies and juries look at factors like your credibility. Were your actions consistent with someone injured and in pain? Are there any pre-existing injuries? Are you able to perform the functions of everyday life as before the accident? Your tolerance for pain, what you do for a living, marital and family status and other considerations can also impact the amount of money awarded to you.

Because there are not any specific guidelines for determining compensation for pain and suffering the most important factor is your choice of a personal injury lawyer. Factors like job and income should not impact a pain and suffering award but this and other points of data are provided that can possibly influence the outcome. Considerations like age, where you live, lifestyle, and where the case is filed can all affect the outcome. There are too many things to consider for you to navigate without the help of a lawyer with a proven personal injury track record.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Missouri please contact the proven auto accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm, serving residents of Jefferson City, Kansas City, and surrounding areas of Missouri.

Driver Fatigue and Truck Accidents

2010-04-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Many of us have done it, kept driving when we were too tired and should have pulled over. For a professional truck driver there is a different motivation to keep going; miles and delivery deadlines are how they make their living. There are regulations that govern time behind the wheel and rest periods but the record keeping of driving activity is kept by the person who has the most to gain from staying behind the wheel, the truck driver. You see it in the news all too often, a passenger vehicle and eighteen-wheeler are involved in an accident. The outcome for the passenger car is never favorable and when it's because of something like driver fatigue you know that it shouldn't have happened. Those are the times that you need the help of a qualified truck accident lawyer at The Bradley Law Firm.

The details of what caused an accident can be difficult to sort out. A truck driver who is on the road without adequate rest isn't likely to admit it to those involved or to the authorities. To understand what happened usually requires the efforts of someone experienced. That kind of experience is essential to help identify who is at fault, if there was negligence, and to make sure that those who are responsible are held accountable.

For the kind or experience that you need if you've been the victim of a truck accident, please contact the experienced Missouri truck accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm.

Whiplash Injuries Following a Car Accident

2010-04-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Whiplash is a term that describes neck pain following an injury to the soft tissue of the neck (ligaments, tendons and muscles). It is caused by motion or force to the neck that extends the neck beyond its normal range of motion. A common cause of whiplash is a rear end collision. Collision speeds as low as 15 mph can cause whiplash whether or not you are wearing a seatbelt. If you've been involved in a rear end collision you may have sustained a whiplash and not even have symptoms for several days. Symptoms of a whiplash can include Pain turning your head, muscle spasms, tender - swollen neck, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, hoarseness, and ringing or buzzing in your ears.

You've had an accident and it seems like nothings hurt. Then a few days later you begin having some of these symptoms, so what do you do? Get medical attention because whiplash can have serious and lasting consequences. You will also need to seek legal attention from a qualified auto injury attorney to help ensure that your rights are protected and that the responsible party pays for the medical treatment and other related costs.

The Attorneys who specialize in auto accidents at The Bradley Law Firm have been obtaining compensation for victims of car accidents including whiplash victims for over thirty years. The pain or other symptoms might not seem like much when you first experience them. You think they're not serious and will go away but don't risk it.

If you've been involved in an auto accident in or around Kansas City, Missouri and have any of the symptoms listed above, please contact the experienced auto accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm.

Car Accidents in Parking Lots

2010-03-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Parking lots provide an increased opportunity for vehicle accidents. There are often a lot of cars, in a confined space moving in different directions (including backing up) which makes for many opportunities for mishaps. These realities can make it difficult to determine who is at fault. If the parties involved can't agree on who is at fault, it even gets more complicated when the insurance companies get involved. To help sort out all of the details you need an advocate who can make sure that your interests are safeguarded. That's what the auto accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm do every day.

One thing that makes it especially difficult is that most law enforcement agencies won't come onto private property including a parking lot to investigate an accident. The burden of documenting and reporting the incident rests with those involved. The laws governing the requirements for reporting are not consistent across jurisdictions and not reporting something that you are required to can make a bad situation worse.

If you are involved in an accident in a parking lot make sure that you get all of the information you can from the other party (name, address, phone, insurance info). Also get the name and contact info for anyone who witnessed the accident. There will be calls to insurance companies and maybe police departments but to understand your rights and what to do, start by contacting an auto accident attorney.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Jefferson City, Kansas City, or a surrounding area of Missouri, please contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today.

Dealing with Insurance Companies Following a Car Accident

2010-03-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

An insurance policy is a "contract of indemnity." That means it provides security against hurt, loss or damage. You pay insurance premiums to protect you and your family. When you get into a car accident no matter whose fault it is you will have to deal with at least one and probably two insurance companies. Each of the companies has one thing in common; they want to pay out as little money to settle a claim as possible. That's why no matter who is at fault it makes sense to get help from a qualified auto accident law firm like The Bradley Law Firm.

Notifying your insurance company after an accident is important and is probably a provision of your contract with them. The insurance company will initiate a claim so that they can fulfill their obligations to you. The other party in the accident will likely do the same thing for the same reason. Each company will want to gather facts from everyone involved so that they can assign fault which helps them to manage their monetary exposure.

People don't always agree on whose fault something is, that can happen with insurance companies too. Because of that, if you are in an auto accident you will probably need more protection than your insurance company can provide. That's the kind of help you can only get from an attorney who specializes in protecting the rights of someone involved in an accident.

If you've been in an accident in Clayton or anywhere in Missouri, please contact the auto accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm.

Accidents in Rental Cars

2010-03-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Any time you get into auto accident it's unsettling. For most people, wrecking a rental car is even worse. If you're in an accident in your car and don't know what to do or about your insurance coverage the company is a phone call away. The details of an accident in a rental car are much less clear and make it essential that you get help from someone who can help protect your rights like The Bradley Law Firm.

When you rent a vehicle, the rental company tries to get you to sign up for their insurance coverage. The types of coverage available are presented as a protection for you, when in reality they make it easy for the rental company in the event of an accident. It's hard to know if you should buy their coverage if you don't know the provisions of your auto insurance that might protect you.

So what is important to know? First, before you rent a car know what your auto insurance will cover in the event of an accident in a rented vehicle. Second, if you decide not to buy the coverage that the rental company offers know that if you are in accident they WILL charge your credit card for at least the amount of your insurance deductible. Third, get help. If you get into an accident in a rental vehicle you are going to need help sorting out the details; the kind of help you only get from an attorney that specializes in car accidents.

If you get into an accident in a rental car anywhere in the state of Missouri, please contact the Missouri car accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation today. We serve St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City and surrounding areas.

Unrealistic Schedules for Truck Drivers

2010-03-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Truck drivers are professionals who take pride in being some of the best, most experienced drivers on the road, even though there are some careless and inexperienced truckers making errors that cost injuries and lives every day.

The truck driver's ability to make a living depends on safe driving, obeying the laws, rules and regulations of the road and the trucking industry and avoiding accidents. A truck accident or rule violation means a truck driver can lose his or her commercial driver's license (CDL). However, trucking companies are notorious for expecting their truck drivers to meet unrealistic scheduling goals to increase profits.

Truck drivers who complain about unrealistic scheduling or refuse a load often lose their jobs, so they go along to get along. Instead of losing their jobs, they just may lose their lives or cause an innocent person to lose their life, because truck driver fatigue due to unrealistic scheduling accounts for over 40% of all truck accidents.

Unrealistic scheduling forces fatigued drivers to drive at unsafe speeds in overloaded trucks to deliver bigger cargoes faster; this is a formula for disaster.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, or have lost someone you love due to injuries sustained in an accident with a truck, please contact The Bradley Law Firm today, serving St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Missouri and the surrounding areas for a free case evaluation with our experienced Missouri truck accident lawyers.

Substance Use and Truck Drivers

2010-03-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Trucking companies are quick to say they have a zero tolerance policy for truck drivers' drug or alcohol abuse, yet catastrophic and fatal truck accidents involving alcohol and drugs still happen every day on the nations' highways.

Driving drunk or drug impaired, whether illegal drugs, over-the-counter stimulants or prescribed medications, while behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound truck puts you and your loved ones at risk of a deadly accident because of the negligent actions of an indifferent truck driver.

The experienced Missouri truck accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm will hold the trucker and trucking company accountable for the pain and suffering they caused when they failed to adhere to a zero tolerance policy of alcohol and drug abuse.

Contact us immediately if you suspect alcohol or drugs were responsible for your accident with a truck so our experienced truck accident attorneys can obtain police reports, medical records and field sobriety test results or blood evidence collected at the crash site and gather evidence such as prescription bottles, or illegal drug paraphernalia.

If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, please contact The Bradley Law Firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Missouri and the surrounding areas without delay, for legal representation that will fight aggressively to protect your legal rights and get you the financial compensation to which you are entitled.

Truck Driver Fatigue

2010-03-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Truck driver fatigue is one of the most insidious issues in the trucking industry that needs to be addressed and eliminated.

Truck accidents caused by driver fatigue are a nationwide problem and are becoming more and more numerous each year. Sleep deprivation or sleep interruption is the number one cause of truck driver fatigue-related accidents, and driving long hours due to economic necessity is also a cause of driver fatigue-related accidents.

There are federal regulations governing how many hours a truck driver can drive before they are required to rest that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is supposed to enforce, but these regulations are routinely ignored or disregarded. It is not in truck drivers financial best interests to stop for needed rest breaks. The quicker they get to their destination, the more money they can make for themselves and the trucking company.

Hold a negligent truck driver and trucking company accountable for the damage they may have caused in a truck accident resulting from driver fatigue by contacting the St. Louis, Missouri truck accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm.

Residents of St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Missouri and the surrounding areas that have been injured in an accident with a truck, please contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today to protect your legal rights and get the best legal representation available in order to secure the financial compensation you deserve.

Causes of Driver Distractions in Car Accidents

2010-03-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

It is estimated that 25% to 50% of all car accidents are caused by driver distractions. Driver distractions may include cell phone use, either talking or texting, accessing the Internet, driver fatigue, passenger behaviors that interfere with safe driving practices, reading, eating, drinking, smoking, shaving, applying make-up and allowing pets to roam around the interior of the car unrestrained by a leash or carrier.

Everyone at one time or another has gone through a fast food drive-through and balanced food or a drink in one hand while driving with the other, looked at a map, answered the phone, or changed CDs, but these actions are unsafe and distracting and increase your chances of being involved in a car accident.

Driving a car is a complicated task involving physical and mental coordination and reflexes, quick assessment skills and good judgment. Drivers who create distractions which have nothing to do with safe driving techniques and everything to do with risky and dangerous behaviors endanger us all.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that driver distractions are the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes and can be just as deadly as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you have been injured in a car accident, please contact the St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today, serving St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri and the surrounding areas.

Texting While Driving Laws in Missouri

2010-03-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

It is against the law for drivers 21 years of age and under to send, read or write text messages while driving in Missouri. The texting while driving ban went into effect in August of 2009. Efforts are under way to extend the texting ban to all drivers.

The dangers of texting while driving are well documented and can be observed daily on the nation's roadways. Texting drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a car accident than someone not distracted by texting and texting has greatly increased the incidence of rear-end collisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies reveal that over 85% of drivers admit to texting or talking on cell phones when behind the wheel and overestimate their ability to multi-task at a time when their full attention should be on the road ahead.

The act of texting forces the driver of a car to take their eyes and attention off the road for at least five second intervals. During that five second interval a car traveling at highway speeds will cover the length of a football field.

If you live in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Missouri or the surrounding areas and you have been injured in a car accident with a texting driver, please contact the experienced Missouri car accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm today for a confidential consultation at no cost to you to learn how you can get the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.

Teens and Car Accidents

2010-02-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

A grim statistic reveals car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America; they are four times more likely to die in a car crash than any other age group. Over 50% of teen driver related crashes involve alcohol or drugs and over 80% of teen driver related crashes can be attributed to driver error. Teenagers ignore posted speed limits and do not wear their seatbelts at a higher rate than other drivers, which also contributes to the higher incidence of injuries and fatalities in that age group.

Five fatal behaviors that can be attributed to teen drivers are speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, tailgating, failure to yield and ignoring hazardous road or weather conditions. The presence of other teens in the car increases the chances of an accident occurring due to driver distraction.

Risk taking and inexperience are contributing factors in many car accidents involving teenaged drivers; typical teenage behaviors become lethal when they are behind the wheel of a car. The first six months after obtaining their license are the deadliest for teenagers.

If you live in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or surrounding areas of Missouri and your teenager has been involved in a car accident, or you have been involved in car accident with a young driver, please contact an experienced Missouri car accident attorney at The Bradley Law Firm today to learn all about your legal rights and how you should proceed.

Safest Cars in an Accident

2010-02-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

Though all cars on the road today are safer than in the past, the safest car is the one that never leaves the garage because the biggest safety factor is, and always will be, the individual behind the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs full frontal collision and side-impact crash tests, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests vehicles in offset-frontal crashes. The results of these tests reveal that in the large sedan category the Lexus ES300, the AudiA4 and the BMW 330 were at the top of the list of safest cars in a car accident. Family sedans like the Volkswagen Passat GLX (V6) and the Toyota Camry XLE (V6) were close behind. In the small car category, the Volkswagen Golf TDI came in at number one with the Honda Civic EX and the Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI next in line.

Ultimately, the driver is responsible for just how safe a car is even though cars today are much safer than they were 20 years ago.

If you have been involved in a car accident in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or surrounding areas, a Missouri car accident attorney can help. Please contact The Bradley Law Firm today for a free case evaluation and get the legal representation you deserve from attorneys who will work aggressively for you.

Causes of Truck Accidents

2010-02-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

Truck accidents often cause catastrophic, life-threatening injuries and fatalities to the occupants of the other vehicle involved in a collision. A study revealed over 94% of the occupants of a vehicle involved in an accident with a truck are either seriously injured or killed. Many truck accidents are the fault of truck driver error.

Some common causes of truck accidents are speeding to meet demanding deadlines, alcohol or drug use, reckless and aggressive driving behaviors, fatigue, mechanical failure or poor equipment maintenance, cargo overloading or shifting loads, tire failures and hazardous road conditions.

If you have been in an accident with a truck in the St Louis area, you will need the services of an experienced truck accident attorney at The Bradley Law Firm because the trucking company attorneys will be working feverishly to minimize their fault and minimize any financial compensation to which you may be entitled.

You should be fully compensated for your medical expenses, your pain and suffering, lost income and lost future earning potential and any other expenses you were forced to incur due to the accident.

If you or someone you love was injured or died as a result of an accident with a truck, please contact The Bradley Law Firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri and the surrounding areas to protect your legal rights and to obtain the financial compensation you deserve for the injuries you have suffered.

Left-Hand Turn Accidents

2010-02-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

Making a left turn appears to be a dangerous maneuver that can have serious consequences if traffic laws are ignored or not obeyed.

A motor vehicle accident involving a vehicle making a left turn almost always places the blame on the car making the left turn, except when the other car involved was speeding, going through a red light or stop sign, or the car turning left began to turn when it was safe to do so, but something unexpected and unavoidable occurred to either slow down or interrupt the turn.

The car making a left turn must wait until it is safe to complete their turn before moving out into oncoming traffic, so if you were involved in a car accident in which a left turning driver was involved, the other driver is almost always liable.

The St. Louis car accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm have a great deal of experience in handling all types of car accidents and are aggressive and work diligently to offer the highest levels of personal service and case preparation to their clients.

If you live in St. Louis, Kansas City or Jefferson City, Missouri and the surrounding areas and have been involved in a car accident, please contact The Bradley Law Firm today for quality professional legal advice and service.

Do's and Don'ts After a Car Accident

2010-02-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

The moments right after a car accident can only be described as overwhelming, confusing, frightening and chaotic. The first concern you must have is for your safety and the safety of the others involved in the accident.

After calling for medical help and the police, there are other steps you can take to protect your legal rights following a car accident and ensure you are treated fairly in any future determinations regarding the accident.

You should exchange information with all participants involved in the car accident including any witnesses, and attempt to make a photographic record of the site of the accident and the vehicles involved. Write down or record your observances of the weather or road conditions at the time of the accident, notify your insurance company and your attorney. Our Missouri car accident attorneys have been helping car accident victims for years, and would be happy to help you.

Remember to remain as calm as possible, accept what medical care is offered at the scene, do not discuss the accident with anyone, do not sign anything or make apologies or accept blame. Failure to accept medical treatment at the scene may result in difficulty proving your injuries were caused by the accident and accepting blame may result in diminished chances of financial compensation you deserve.

If you live in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City or surrounding areas of Missouri and have been involved in a car accident, please contact The Bradley Law Firm today for a free case evaluation or just to learn more about what you should do after a car accident.

Intersection Car Accidents

2010-02-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

Over one-third of all car accidents occur at intersections causing serious injuries and fatalities. Collisions at intersections can involve cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians and are caused by a variety of circumstances including speeding, drunk driving, distractions like cell phone use and texting, failure to obey stop signs and traffic lights and poor road maintenance.

Most accidents at intersections involve left-turning vehicles that are attempting to cross on-coming traffic. Ignoring stop signs and the failure to yield are also responsible for many car accidents at intersections. Over 40% of fatal car accidents are caused by failure to stop at a stop sign or traffic light at an intersection.

Road signage that is faded, missing or obscured is also responsible for many accidents at intersections. The experienced Missouri car accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm engage design engineers, accident investigators and experts in the field of the dynamics of car accidents to determine if negligence on the part of municipalities is responsible for a dangerous intersection that may have caused your accident.

Injuries sustained in a car accident at an intersection can be catastrophic and often involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and severe burns that result in fatalities.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident at an intersection in the St. Louis or surrounding area, please contact The Bradley Law Firm today that serves St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri to protect your legal rights and get the legal representation necessary to secure the financial compensation you deserve.

Drivers Education for Teens

2010-02-20T15:51:00.000-08:00

Giving your teen the keys to a car without proper drivers education has been compared to handing your teen a loaded gun with the safety off. Many teens see driving as a status symbol or as symbolic freedom; they are now able to go where they want, when they want, with whom they want. But the inexperience of a new driver coupled with the distraction of having others in the car can lead to detrimental circumstances and outcomes.

Dating a Killer

Rather than considering whether or not to send your teen to a drivers education course, consider instead whether you would allow him or her to unknowingly date a known felon. While that may seem like a rather extreme comparison, the end results may be very similar. Auto accidents cause more teen deaths every year than any other single type of injury, illness, or accident.

Does this mean you should never allow your teen to drive? No, but it does mean that your job is to help your teen become as educated as possible about a potentially dangerous situation. If he or she is able to respond intelligently and quickly in a dangerous driving situation, the risk of being injured or killed in a car accident decreases substantially.

To learn more about drivers education for teens, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today, serving Jefferson City, Kansas City, and St. Louis, Missouri.

Highway Safety

2010-02-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

When discussing the differences between highway safety and safety driving in town, the first difference that generally comes to mind is the greatly increased posted speed on highways. But you may not also be aware that injuries are typically more severe in highway accidents.

In any type of traffic you should be alert and aware of where other cars are around you. You should take for granted that others are not paying attention, and be prepared to respond more quickly to others' dangerous driving on the highway.

Road Rage
Because road rage is now a recognized highway safety issue, many organizations are working to classify it. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, road rage may actually be a mental disorder. Whether it is caused by a chemical imbalance, letting emotions take over, or simply an individual's unwillingness to drive safely, you should respond by:

Putting as much distance between yourself and the aggressive driver as possible
Avoiding eye contact
Refraining from honking or gesticulating
Pulling into the right lane to allow drivers who tailgate pass
Call *55 to report aggressive driving if you are on the highway

By being alert and avoiding confrontations, you can help keep yourself and others out of accidents.

To learn more about highway safety in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City, Missouri, please contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today.

Defense Driving Apologetics

2010-01-28T13:06:00.000-08:00

If you are considering taking a defensive driving course, the best question you can ask yourself is, "Do I want to lower my risk of being involved in a car accident when I am driving?" A defensive driving course cannot force those driving around you to drive more safely, but it can help you recognize signs of poor driving and learn how to respond.

Confusion While Driving

Many car accidents are caused when individuals fail to respond quickly or do not know how to respond to an unexpected situation. Whether it is sudden stops in traffic, debris in the road, or poor driving conditions, knowing how to respond may be even more important than responding quickly.

In addition, many crimes and injuries happen every year because of unsafe activities, like changing a tire inappropriately or pulling over when signaled in a dangerous area. A defensive driving course can prepare you for each of these eventualities and lower your risk and the risk to those in the car with you.

To learn more about defensive driving course benefits in the St. Louis, Kansas City, or Jefferson City areas of Missouri, please contact the experienced attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today.

Dealing with Drunk Driving Accidents

2010-01-25T13:03:00.000-08:00

Drunk driving is never excusable. Yet it happens every day, causing more drunk driving accidents every year. In 2008 there were 3,559 crashes caused by drunk driving, many of which resulted in injury or death.

If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident, you are probably confused, lost, and angry. At The Bradley Law Firm, it is our job to help lead you out of your confusion and anger and help you get started on the road that leads back to your normal life.

Looking for Answers

If you are struggling with understanding the reasons that people drive drunk, you should first understand that alcohol is an addictive substance and can lead to the same kind of reckless behavior that drug abuse causes. Several non-profit organizations like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) are available to help you understand how and why you were involved in a drunk driving accident, and how to prevent your family from being involved in them.

Chances are that you suffered more than emotional trauma when involved in the accident. You may have been injured, lost valuable possessions, or even lost a family member through wrongful death. If this is the case, you should look for the help of an experienced drunk driving accident attorney who can help you deal with the paper work and difficult decisions associated with drunk driving accidents.

If you have suffered from a drunk driver's poor choices in Kansas City, St. Louis, or Jefferson City, Missouri, please contact the experienced attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm today and start finding answers.