Blog Topic

Pregnant Motorists and Seatbelt Safety
Posted by: Christopher Hoffmann
February 24, 2009

One of the most common questions pregnant motorists ask is whether it is safe to wear a seatbelt. The answer is most definitely yes.

According to a University of Michigan study, the deaths of approximately 200 unborn children could have been avoided if the mother had been wearing a seatbelt. The study's researchers reviewed data from 57 crashes and concluded that seatbelts could have prevents serious or deadly fetal injuries in 84 percent of the crashes.

The study also estimated that approximately 170,000 car crashes each year in the United States involve pregnant women and as many as 370 unborn babies die.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommends the following for pregnant motorists:

• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Adjust the lap belt across the pelvis and below the belly.
• Place the shoulder strap across the chest.
• Leave the airbag turned on.
• Move the front seat as far back as possible so that the breastbone is at least 10 inches from the steering wheel or dashboard.

The NHTSA warns expectant mothers that they should never place the lap belt across or above the belly and they should never put the shoulder strap behind the back or under the arm.

A serious or catastrophic injury can alter the lives of the family as well as the immediate victim. The whole family is affected by the additional time and expenses required to care for an injured victim, as well as lost income and other contributions.

At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we are sympathetic to your needs and want to help. We understand what you are going through, and we will fight to get you the compensation you need and you deserve for injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident.

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Car accidents may spark fires
Posted by: Christopher Hoffmann
February 20, 2009

When a car crashes, there is always a concern that a spark will ignite leaking gasoline or that a rear-end collision may cause an improperly designed or placed fuel tank to explode. Motorists who are trapped in the burning wreckage may suffer severe, permanent or even fatal burns.

If you have suffered injuries in a car crash fire caused by the carelessness or negligence of another, The Hoffmann Law Firm may be able to help. Our law firm focuses its practice on car and truck accidents which allows us to better provide you with important information related to your potential case.

In addition to legal advice, burn survivors and their families may need other support services.

The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors "connects burn survivors, their loved ones and burn care professionals with valuable resources and a support network." For over 30 years, the organization has helped young burn survivors cope with school reentry, adults return to their community and workplaces after a burn accident and has sponsored the World Burn Congress.

In the St. Louis area, survivors and their families may find support and assistance through the Burns Recovered Support Group. Formed in 1983 by burn survivors with the help of St. John's Mercy Medical Center's burn care team, the group assists survivors with their recovery, supports medical facilities and promotes burn prevention and treatment awareness. In addition, the Burns Recovered Support Group provides assistance to children who wish to attend Burn Camp, a summer camp where children can enjoy outdoor activities in a supportive environment.

A motor vehicle accident can have a long-lasting impact on you and your family. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our firm to schedule a free consultation by filling out our online intake form or calling 866.763.6433.

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Dizziness and Driving
Posted by: Christopher Hoffmann
February 11, 2009

For people who suffer from dizziness caused by inner ear or vestibular disorders, driving can be difficult.

According to the Vestibular Disorder Association, inner ear disorders can cause dizziness, hearing changes, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and vertigo - the sensation that you're moving, spinning or falling even though you're not. Specific inner ear disorders include Meniere's Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops, Labrynthitis and Vestibular Neuritis.

As researchers noted in the Journal of Safety Research, some patients with a vestibular disorder have been advised by their doctors not to drive. The article, "Driving disability and dizziness" states:

"People with vestibular disorders rely heavily on visual information for spatial orientation, to reduce vertigo, to tell them when they are steering straight ahead, and to tell them when they are upright. They become disoriented more easily than normal people by extraneous visual stimuli, or visual noise. These problems are reflected in their significant difficulty driving in reduced visual conditions at night or in the rain. Their difficulty making left turns, driving on freeways and other high traffic roads, changing lanes while driving, and driving during rush hour may be partly attributed to increased sensitivity to motion of other objects that they see."

Many of the patients interviewed for the study lived in the Houston and Birmingham areas. Though many indicated they would take public transportation, it was not convenient or accessible.

Fortunately, the patients who participated in the study reported fewer instances of being stopped by the police. The crash rates for people suffering from a vestibular disorder were no different than from those of the general population.

The researchers opined: "This finding probably reflects the caution with which most patients drive."

At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we hope you can avoid an auto accident. However, if you are involved in a car crash, help is available. Please schedule a free consultation with motor vehicle accident attorney Chris Hoffmann by calling us at 314.361.4242 or filling out our personal injury intake form.

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Brain Injuries and Motor Vehicle Accidents
Posted by: Christopher Hoffmann
February 05, 2009

Brain injuries can be one of the most devastating consequences of a motor vehicle accident or truck crash. According to the Brain Injury Association of Missouri, motor vehicle crashes cause 49 percent all traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Of the head injuries that require a hospital visit, almost half were connected to an auto accident.

In a collision, the motorist may suffer a blow to the head or even a penetrating head injury. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, the brain injury can be mild -- only a brief change in mental status or consciousness - or severe. A severe brain injury can leave a person unconscious for an extended period or with amnesia.

Living with the long-term effects of a brain injury can be difficult. The survivor may need help with managing stress, controlling his or her temper and problem solving. When a TBI survivor is unable to return to work, the financial stress on the family may be enormous. Coping with the effects of a severe brain injury can be stressful not only for the survivor but the spouse, children and parents of a TBI survivor.

Fortunately, there are several support groups located across Missouri for TBI survivors and their families. A listing of meeting locations and times is contained on The Brain Injury Association of Missouri Web site.

If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident and suffered a brain injury, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm. For over a decade, we have handled auto and truck accident cases, including claims involving brain injuries.

For a free initial consultation, fill out our online contact form or call 866-763-6433.

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