Missouri Accident Lawyer Blog

Laura Fisher, 31, died Sunday from serious injuries suffered as a result of a three-vehicle crash that occurred on Friday night. The Missouri car accident took place around 8:30 p.m. near the south entrance of the Wal-mart store. Laura’s was traveling westbound in her 1996 Corolla, when Frederick Thornton, 31, also of Cameron, Missouri, hit Fisher’s car, then hit a Kia Optima driven by Karen Sleeth, 58. Mr. Thornton was traveling northbound on US 69 approaching a red light when he failed to yield, striking Ms. Fisher’s car in the driver’s side door. Thornton’s car then struck Ms. Sleeth’s car which was stopped, facing southbound on US 69. The damage to Ms. Sleeth’s car was minor, and she sustained no injuries from the accident. Ms. Fisher was wearing a seat belt, however Mr. Thornton was not.

Unbelievably, Thornton fled the scene on foot, but was later apprehended by a police officer following a short chase. According to a Missouri Highway Patrol report, Ms. Fisher was taken to Cameron Regional Medical Center and later transported to North Kansas City Hospital. Mr. Thornton refused medical treatment at the scene of the accident.

An simple background check revealed Thornton has at least two convictions for drunk driving. In 2006, after he pled guilty to DUI charges, Thornton was sentenced to 15 days in jail and two years of probation. Less than a year later, in 2007, Thornton received a four year sentence for a second DUI, but was paroled early. Thornton is being charged with DWI as well as leaving the scene of an accident. Police stated they will be talking to Cameron prosecutors this morning to discuss the possibility of adding more charges.

When a fatality occurs in an accident such as this, additional investigations will be conducted, and you may find you need the services of a Missouri personal injury lawyer. While criminal charges often follow in a situation such as the one above, the victims and family members who have lost loved ones can seek civil damages by filing a wrongful death claim. It is often said the criminal charges make one pay his debt to society whereas a civil lawsuit makes the offender pay his debt to the victim.

Oftentimes, in cases like this, insurance companies will look for ways to reduce their liability, and the amount owed to the victim's family. Insurance companies rarely offer assistance to victims making it essential families at the very least obtain a free consultation with a Missouri wrongful death attorney to ensure their rights are protected.

In cases where the insurance company has made a "policy limits offer," it is necessary to ensure all insurance is exhausted. Many times, insurance companies will take advantage of families and hide additional or supplemental insurance. Bottom line: never trust an opposing insurance carrier. Have a competent Missouri wrongful death attorney review your case for free.

Ronald Chayer, 56, a resident of Rogersville, Missouri was killed after being struck by a 1997 Ford pickup truck driven by Jerry Vanness, 40. Mr. Vanness, also a resident of Rogersville, was traveling eastbound on Farm Road 194, four miles southwest of Rogersville, on Sunday evening when he struck Mr. Chayer who was out walking with his wife, Brenda Chayer, 52. The accident occurred around 6:10 p.m. and Missouri Highway Patrol was on the scene soon after. Greene County Coroner, David Black, pronounced Mr. Chayer dead at the scene. Brenda Chayer suffered minor injuries when the Mr. Chayer was pushed into her after being hit by the truck. Mrs. Chayer refused treatment at the scene. Police are investigating this tragic accident to determine the cause, and the fault, if any. Our sympathies are with Mrs. Chayer during this time of loss.

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to substantial injury and death when hit by a moving vehicle. Nearly 6,000 pedestrians lose their lives every year after being struck by a car. While certainly not all of these accidents involved negligence, it is a safe bet to say that a large portion of them were likely caused from inattention, excessive speed or at least some degree of negligent behavior. Although pedestrians are certainly allowed to travel on the shoulder of the highways or roads, an inattentive motorist can turn a daily stroll into a tragedy. Many times, drivers simply fail to yield to traffic signage or signals, or simply abandon safe driving practices. Occasionally, an accident involving a pedestrian is not the fault of the driver behind the wheel. Traffic signage could have become overgrown or obscured or other unsafe road conditions might exist, leading a driver to strike a pedestrian. If the lack of traffic signage causes a pedestrian accident, then the municipality responsible for maintaining the traffic signage and roads could be held partially responsible.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important the details surrounding the accident are carefully examined by a Missouri pedestrian accident injury lawyer in order to accurately determine the cause of the accident and the legal issues surrounding the matter. Once the details are determined, liability can assessed. If a life was lost due to such an accident a Missouri wrongful death attorney should be contacted as soon as possible in order to pursue compensatory damages on behalf of the victim. A Greene County, Mo personal injury attorney can work hard to ensure your rights or the rights of a loved one are not brushed aside by a negligent motorist.

The Missouri State Highway patrol reported recent wintery weather caused several car accidents in Missouri, one of them a fatal. Monday afternoon, Jarrett C. Rudisill, 33, of Ozark was driving his Suzuki Grand Vitara Northbound on U.S. 160 when he apparently lost control of the vehicle, possibly due to the snow-covered roads. Rudisill’s vehicle crossed the center line, sliding out of control directly into the path of Joshua Flora’s 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Mr. Flora, 28, and his wife, 28-year old Stacy Flora, both suffered moderate injuries as a result of this serious car wreck, and were transported to Cox Medical Center-South in Springfield, MO.

Unfortunately, Jarrett Rudisill was pronounced dead at the scene by John Cunningham, Stone County Coroner. Michael L. Shull, 43, of Nixa, was a passenger in Rudisill's car. Shull suffered serious injuries and was taken to St. John’s Regional Medical Center for treatment. Sadly, Shull died later Monday night as a result of those injuries. Jarrett Rudisill was a Computer Programmer at Richmond Monroe, and left behind a wife, two young children and other grieving family members.

Unfortunately, many drivers can neglect the basic rules of driving in snowy weather, resulting in accidents that range from minor bump-ins to serious and fatal Missouri car accidents. If you have a choice, when snowy weather strikes, don’t drive. A tragic car wreck can happen in an instant should a driver fail to stay a safe distance from other vehicles or underestimate his or her stopping distance. During snowy weather, it is extremely important to drive defensively. Be alert for other drivers who may be traveling too fast for the weather conditions, or are too close to other vehicles.

Continue reading " Snowy U.S. 160 Causes Troop D’s Fourth Fatality of 2011 " »

Sunday evening, a 45-year old man was walking in the 4100 block of Penrose Street, when he was struck by a car at Goodfellow Boulevard and Natural Bridge Avenue. The man, identified as Lazarus Britton, died at approximately 8:00 p.m. after the 2004 Chevrolet Impala struck him as he walked south on the sidewalk near the intersection. The Impala was driven by a nineteen-year old man, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The police are withholding the identity of the driver at this point. There were three other passengers in the car, ranging from 16 to 19 years in age. Police presented the case to prosecutors on Sunday, who then took the matter under advisement. Blood and toxicology reports as well as a full accident reconstruction report can take up to three or four months to complete. Initial reports state the car struck a metal fence, a wooden fence, and a metal pole before hitting Lazarus Britton.

When struck by a moving vehicle, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to injury and death. There are a variety of reasons why a driver may inadvertently strike a pedestrian, including reckless or inattentive driving, texting while driving, driving at excessive speeds, failure to yield to traffic signs and signals, or driving under the influence. In Missouri car accidents involving pedestrians, it is extremely important that the facts of the accident come to light so the responsible party can be held accountable for their actions. Injured pedestrians, or the families of pedestrians, who have tragically lost their lives due to the negligence of a driver should seek the services of an experienced Missouri wrongful death lawyer. Of course drunk driving is not only unsafe, it is illegal as well. If it turns out this particular case involved drinking and driving, the driver may be held liable for this fatality. If you were involved in a pedestrian accident you are likely very aware of the damages arising from the accident including mounting medical bills, physical therapy fees, and lost wages. The Bradley Law Firm will fight to make sure a negligent motorist is not allowed to deny your legal rights.

Efforts are currently being renewed in Missouri to make texting while driving illegal—for all ages. While the majority of the states surrounding Missouri have already made texting while driving illegal, adults in Missouri can still texts to their heart’s content while driving down the highway. Drivers up to the age of 22 cannot legally text while driving. Crystal City’s Ryan McKenna introduced a bill to the Senate, for the third year running, which would ban texting while driving for any age driver. McKenna believes it is at least three times more dangerous to text while driving than to drive drunk, which is why at least thirty other states have enacted full texting bans. Two years ago, despite the senate’s approval of a full ban, the House amended the bill so it would remain legal for adults to text while driving. Last year the House offered to eliminate the age provision, but to continue to allow texting on gravel roads. McKenna found this idea so ridiculous that he abandoned the issue entirely.

Highway Patrol Superintendent, Ron Replogle stated during the Senate hearing he believes it is 23 times more likely for a Missouri traffic accident to occur when people drive and text—no matter what their age. Even cell phone companies are taking a stand regarding Missouri’s limited texting ban! Both Verizon and AT & T representatives were on hand at the senate hearing to testify in favor of a full text ban. While it is likely the Senate will approve the full text ban one more time, McKenna can only hope the House doesn’t mess with it this time around.

Unfortunately, even though the laws are getting tougher on texting, statistics are not showing the hoped-for improvements in those states with bans. Although studies have shown cell phone use while driving greatly increases the probability of an accident, few positive results are being seen as a result of laws prohibiting such behavior. Perhaps people are simply ignoring the laws, and continuing to text and drive. Missouri Highway Patrol officials state that distracted driving is at least partially responsible for 25% of all Missouri car accidents. Distractions while driving are often unavoidable, however talking or texting on your phone is a one-hundred percent avoidable distraction. We will continue to watch as the Senate bill to ban texting for all ages goes to the House. While it is hoped you or a loved one is never involved in an accident caused by distracted driving behavior, if it does happen, a Missouri car accident attorney can be an advocate for your rights.

Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers subpoena cellular telephone records in every case we handle that results in serious injury or death. If we determine the at-fault motorist was indeed texting or talking while driving, we include a demand for punitive damages 100% of the time, no questions asked. Our tactic has been universally applauded by judges in the City of St. Louis as we just won a motion to keep our prayer for punitive damages in the personal injury case filed against a motorist talking on the cellular telephone. That case is heading to trial in March.

Along with the snowy weather, Hollister, Missouri saw an auto accident on Tuesday, which left two with minor injuries. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the accident took place around 7:55 a.m. on Tuesday morning, January 18th. Apparently, Blain R. Gunter, 18, a resident of Hollister, made a left turn in his 2007 Saturn Aura. Gunter failed to stop at the stop sign during his turn, and pulled straight into the path of a southbound 2003 Dodge Dakota. According to state trooper Kevin Waters, the Dakota was driven by John R. Diebel, 47, of Kimberling City. Both Waters and Diebel suffered minor injuries and were subsequently taken to Skaggs Regional Medical Center in Branson by ambulance. This Missouri car accident occurred at the intersection of Fruit Farm Road and Wild Flowers Lane, some five miles south of Hollister.

Although the injuries in this particular case were relatively minor, all accidents have the potential to be serious. Fatal Missouri car accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. If you have been involved in a serious car wreck, it is imperative you receive the best legal advice possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills as lost wages. Handling the complex issues following an automobile accident can be stressful and frustrating. It is definitely in your best interest to retain a qualified St. Louis personal injury lawyer who will do everything within their power to handle the details and obtain you just compensation. Missouri auto accident law can be complicated, so don’t try to wade through it without the help of a knowledgeable Missouri attorney.

Tony C. Long, 45, a resident of Blue Springs, Missouri, died Sunday following a car accident in Kansas City. In an odd twist, the victim’s nineteen-year old son was also driving westbound on 63rd Street at the same time. It appears from preliminary investigation that one vehicle tapped the back of the other, causing both drivers to lose control of their vehicles. The older son suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Long’s younger nine-year old son was traveling in one of the vehicles, although the details are not yet completely clear. The younger son’s injuries were not considered severe, which came as a surprise considering the Nissan Mr. Long was driving flipped over, coming to an abrupt halt against a large tree. The nineteen-year old son’s car spun around following the contact, coming to a stop on the roadway. Although the incident is still under investigation, a police officer at the scene stated speed and impairment may have been the cause of this Kansas City wrongful death fatality. The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on January 16th.

While any contact between vehicles can result in a serious car wreck, this particular collision appears to have other factors involved. It is not clear which car initially hit the other, although it’s speculated that the car in the rear was attempting to pass the car in front. Because this accident resulted in a fatality, it is likely there will be an accident reconstruction in order to fill in the details of the collision as well as determine the speeds the vehicles were traveling when the crash occurred. Should you or a loved one be a victim of a serious car wreck, you may feel overwhelmed by the events following the wreck. The most advantageous course of action for those involved in serious injury accidents is to hire a Missouri personal injury attorney who possesses up-to-date knowledge and information regarding such accidents. Driving defensively, safely and unimpaired is always the wisest course when driving, especially in heavy traffic areas.

The New Year is not beginning well for Derek Brinkmeyer, 21, and Kimberly Crowell, 42, who were involved in a two-car Missouri car accident on Missouri Route 30. Mr. Brinkmeyer, driving a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, attempted a U-turn while traveling eastbound. Ms. Crowell was also driving her 1994 Chevrolet Camaro eastbound, and was unable to avoid striking the front of Mr. Brinkmeyer’s vehicle as he attempted the illegal U-turn. This Franklin County, Missouri car accident occurred on January 2nd at 2:43 in the afternoon, and perhaps because both drivers were wearing seatbelts, there were only minor injuries suffered. Both parties were taken by St. Clair ambulance to St. John’s Hospital in Washington, MO to be checked out by emergency room doctors. Both the Alero and the Camaro are considered totaled as a result of the crash

Accidents such as this can require the services of a Franklin County, Missouri personal injury attorney. Missouri statute, County code or municipal ordinance prohibits making a U-turn in the middle of the road. Although there are certain defenses to this prohibition, such a U-turn in the middle of a road is generally considered an illegal act. Because this particular illegal act caused damage to property and injury to person, Mr. Brinkmeyer may be held legally liable under the theory of law known as negligence per se. While it appears that there were no serious injuries sustained in this accident, further complications are always possible further down the road. Many times injuries to the neck are caused by the sudden movement of the head which results from the sudden impact of a car crash. In some cases, symptoms can take days, months, and even years to develop, and often victims of a serious car crash will not seek treatment until they experience more severe complications. Research has found that even after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, some 45% report serious symptoms up to two years later. If you have been involved in a Missouri car accident, it is imperative that you seek medical attention, even if you believe you are fine.

A St. Louis metrolink train struck a vehicle on Saturday night, January 15, around 8 p.m, sending five people to the hospital and leaving the car heavily damaged. Metro officials stated there were 25 people on board the train at the time of this St. Louis train accident. Police believe the unidentified driver of the sedan got lost after crossing the southbound tracks. The driver then turned around in a rail yard and then crossed the tracks in the direct path of the Metrolink train. The St. Louis train accident occurred west of Jefferson, where the train tracks cross South Ewing. Three passengers aboard the train, as well as the driver and passenger in the sedan, were transported to the hospital, where their injuries were assessed and deemed to be non-life threatening.

Employees and others inside a Burlington-Northern trailer located near the crossing said they did not see the crash, but did hear it. They also stated they heard the warning sounds generally heard when the crossing arms come down immediately before they heard the actual crash. Because of these accounts, police believe at this time the crossing arms were operating properly. The Metrolink train accident is still under investigation to determine exactly why the car drove directly in front of the train. Although the Metrolink was shut down for a short amount of time while passengers were transferred to a bus, the accident did not cause closure of service between the Civic Center Station and West End station as was reported earlier.

Over 2,500 train versus automobile accidents occur annually, causing extensive damage to property, severe personal injury and even death. Almost half of these train accidents occur at railroad crossings where the flashing lights and arms are functioning properly, however many others occur at crossings with inadequate safety devices. While most people mistakenly believe they will hear an oncoming train and have plenty of time to avoid a crash, a freight train traveling fifty miles per hour can take well over a mile to come to a complete stop. Generally speaking, a 3000-pound car doesn’t stand much of a chance up against a train weighing several hundred tons. When a train is involved in an accident with an automobile, calling a Missouri personal injury attorney as soon as possible is imperative. Following such an accident the corporate lawyers and CEO’s of the train company generally close ranks. Make sure your rights are safeguarded with an experienced St. Louis Missouri personal injury attorney.

I recently learned my former boss, defense lawyer Daniel Rabbitt, recently left Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass, an insurance defense law firm in downtown St. Louis along with a few associate attorneys to open his own law firm in the west St. Louis County area. I worked under Mr. Rabbitt as a young associate lawyer and learned in the ins and outs of defending personal injury cases from 2002 until 2004. I wish Mr. Rabbitt the best of luck with his new firm and look forward to working with those lawyers in the near future.

Missouri lawmakers are taking aim, again, at Missouri's workers compensation laws to once again shield employers from injury claims by injured workers. In 2005, the Republicans spearheaded and passed sweeping reform to Missouri' s work comp laws. Since that time, Missouri courts have interpreted sections of this law and made a number of decisions that apparently do not sit well with Republicans. In an effort to further limit injured worker's rights, the legislature is preparing to modify the bill, which now allows co-workers to sue each other for workplace negligence. Another decision Republicans aim to change is a decision that allowed claims for occupational diseases to be brought outside the workers compensation system. As always, feel free to contact your state representative or senator to voice your opinion as to these changes.