Blog Topic

Construction Zone Safety
Posted by: Christopher Hoffmann
August 21, 2008

With the Missouri Department of Transportation at work on 5,600 miles of road, there's a good chance that motorists will encounter highway construction. And in St. Louis, I-64/US40 construction isn't scheduled to be done until Dec. 31, 2009.

To raise safety awareness and reduce the number of accidents, injuries and deaths, MoDot recommends the following:

• Buckle Up! - Every trip, every time - safety belts save lives.
• Stay Alert! - Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
• Follow Signs! - They'll guide you through work zones safely.
• Expect the Unexpected! - Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment.
• Pay Attention! - Turn the radio down and don't use your cellular phone.
• Be Patient! - Remember workers are improving the road for future travels.
• Don't Speed!- Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions.
• Don't Drink and Drive! - Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.
• Be Nice! - Merge as directed, don't tailgate and don't change lanes in a work zone.

It is hoped that the advice will keep motorists and highway workers safe. But if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident in a construction zone, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm. To schedule a free consultation, call 314.480.3378 or fill out a personal injury intake form today. Attorney Chris Hoffmann will personally call you back. If you have a motor vehicle injury claim, our experience can make a difference.

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Inattentive Motorists Pose Dangers to Motorcyclists and Scooter Owners
Posted by: Christopher Hoffmann
August 14, 2008

With the price of gasoline climbing, the popularity of motorcycles and scooters is also on the rise. In 1998, only about 15,000 scooters were sold. Last year, the number rose to 131,000, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration reports that between 1995 and 2003, the number of new motorcycles sold in the United States grew by almost 130 percent.

Unfortunately, motorcycle-related injuries and deaths have also increased. Since 1997, the number of deaths involving motorcyclists has increased by 89 percent. And an important study released in 1981,the "Hurt Report," concluded that in two-thirds of multiple-vehicle accidents a motorist violated a motorcycle's right-of-way. Motorists often do not notice motorcyclists until it is too late to avoid a crash.

If the carelessness of another causes or contributes to an accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Whether the claim involves a herniated disc or nerve injury, a broken bone or a brain or spinal cord injury, or even a death, we are prepared to provide you with the answers you seek and the representation designed to get you maximum compensation.

To schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your car accident injury claim, please call us at 314.480.3378 or fill out our personal injury intake form.

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Missouri's Drunk Driving Statistics
Posted by: Christopher Hoffmann
August 05, 2008

Although it is widely known that drinking and driving don't mix, alcohol-related accidents continue to pose a serious danger to Missourians.

The latest figures compiled by the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Statistical Analysis Center offer a sobering look at the problem. According to the 2007 Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium, 243 persons were killed and 4,889 were injured in drinking-related crashes.

A closer look at the statistics also reveals:

• Drinking-related crashes accounted for 4.8 percent of all 2007 Missouri crashes.
• Of all the deadly crashes in 2007, 25.3 percent were drinking related.
• One person was killed or injured in drinking-related traffic crashes every 1.7 hours in Missouri during 2007.
• Of all drinking-related crashes, nearly 60 percent occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and just over 64 percent occurred between 7 pm and 3 am.

If you, or a family member, were unfortunate enough to be involved in a drunk driving accident, please retain an experienced lawyer immediately. The sooner an experienced attorney gets involved, the better.

An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney can work with a toxicology expert to gather evidence from police reports, the scene of the accident and from witnesses. At the Hoffmann Law Firm in St. Louis, our car and truck accident lawyer Chris Hoffmann can assist you in obtaining the compensation you need for present and future needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call 314.480.3378 or fill out our personal injury intake form today, and attorney Chris Hoffmann will personally call you back. The amount of compensation you receive from an injury claim is important for you future - choose your lawyer carefully.

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