St. Louis Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys 

Distracted driving is a problem on St. Louis roadways. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, distracted driving was responsible for 9,593 accidents in 2016. That's more than 26 accidents every day.

And those are just the accidents that were reported. The real number is likely much higher.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is usually related to activities like talking on the phone, texting, eating, or changing the car radio or GPS. When a driver is distracted, they are less likely to see potential hazards on the road and more likely to get into an accident.

If you or someone you love was injured in an accident with a distracted driver, the St. Louis car crash attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse can guide you through the process of seeking damages. 

Common Causes of Distracted Driving in Missouri

Three types of distractions can occur when someone is driving: 

• Manual distractions are things that take the driver's hands off the wheel. This can include things like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or drinking.
• Visual distractions are things that take the driver's eyes off the road. This can include things like looking at your phone, looking at a map or GPS, or looking at another car.
• Cognitive distractions are things that take the driver's attention off the road. This can include things like daydreaming, talking to passengers, or being distracted by something in the car.

As one of the leading causes of distracted driving in St. Louis, cell phone use is a combination of three types of distractions: manual, visual, and cognitive.

This means that when someone uses their cell phone in the car, they are taking their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, and their mind off the task at hand. This can lead to disastrous consequences.

Your Rights After a Distracted Driving Accident

After experiencing a car accident caused by distracted driving, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and the potential avenues for compensation. Many victims are unaware of the full extent of their rights, which can lead to missed opportunities for recovery. At NGK Law Firm, we prioritize empowering our clients with knowledge about their legal options.

Here are key points to consider:

• Right to Compensation: If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Evidence Collection: Gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and photographs from the accident scene, is crucial in building a strong case.
• Insurance Negotiation: Navigating insurance claims can be complex. Our experienced attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Legal Representation: Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case. We are committed to advocating for your rights and ensuring your voice is heard.

We invite you to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your situation. Our dedicated team is here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

We can help you obtain the compensation you need to pay medical bills, repair your car, and move on with your life. Call (314) 350-1900 for a free case review.

The Danger of Texting and Driving

Our phones are designed to be enticing and gratifying to use. When you hear your phone chime, a Pavlovian response is set off in your brain. This means that your brain automatically associates the sound of the chime with the satisfaction of getting a new text, direct message, or update.

The sound of the chime can be so tempting that it's hard to resist looking at your phone to see who sent you a message. This is one reason why texting and driving is so dangerous–it's very easy to get distracted by your phone when you're behind the wheel.

Is Texting and Driving Illegal in Missouri?

Yes, texting and driving is illegal in Missouri. A new law, the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, went into effect on August 28, 2023, making it illegal for drivers to use a handheld electronic communication device while driving. This includes texting, making calls, and using apps.

While the law is in effect, law enforcement will not issue citations until January 1, 2025. However, it's important to be aware of the law and avoid distractions while driving to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

What Evidence Can Support a Distracted Driving Claim in St. Louis?

Proving distracted driving in St. Louis involves a strategic approach to gathering and presenting convincing evidence.

Here’s how we can help:

• Evidence Collection: We review accident reports, photographs, and any available surveillance footage that may indicate distracted behavior.
• Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses can provide crucial testimony regarding the driver's actions leading up to the incident. We work to secure and document these accounts promptly.
• Technology Use: Cell phone records can reveal whether the driver was texting or calling at the time of the accident. We can subpoena these records to support your case.
• Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze vehicle damage and road conditions to provide insights into driver inattention.
• Police Reports: Officers may note signs of distraction in their reports, which can be pivotal.

NGK Law Firm is dedicated to meticulously building your case to establish that distracted driving was a factor in your car accident. Reach out for a consultation to discuss your situation.

Talk with an experienced distracted driving lawyer in St. Louis at NGK Law Firm. Contact us online or call (314) 350-1900.

What Happens If I'm in a Crash and the Other Driver Was Texting?

When you're involved in a car accident, it's important to know your rights. If the other driver was texting while driving and caused the crash, they may be liable for your damages.

If you decide to file a claim against the other driver, you will likely need to prove that they were texting while driving at the time of the crash. This can be difficult to do, but with the help of our team, it may be possible.

If you are successful in proving that the other driver was texting while driving, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. These damages can help cover medical bills, car repairs, and other costs related to the accident. 

How Much Can I Recover From My Car Accident Claim?

Missouri does not restrict the amount of compensation that someone can recover from a car accident claim. These compensation amounts could range from the low five figures for accidents with minimal injuries and property damage to well over $1 million if the victim suffered longer-lasting injuries.

In Missouri, drivers have the right to recover both economic and non-economic damages in car accident claims.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are losses that can be specifically calculated and often include things such as medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages.

Economic damages can help cover the costs of your injuries and help you get back on your feet financially. Medical bills can be very expensive, especially if you require long-term care. Car repairs can be costly, and if you're unable to work while you're recovering, you may lose out on wages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are losses that can't be specifically calculated and often include things such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.

These damages are very important, especially if you have been seriously injured in a car accident. They can help compensate you for the emotional, psychological, and physical suffering you have endured and help you get back on your feet after the fallout.

Statute of Limitations for Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawsuits in Missouri

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Missouri is five years. This means that you have five years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit.

Because a critical part of winning a lawsuit is gathering ample evidence and reliable witness testimony, if you are planning to file a lawsuit, it's important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to begin building your case. 

Secure a consultation with a St. Louis distracted driving accident attorney from NGK Law Firm. Call (314) 350-1900 or complete our online form.

How St. Louis Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident

When you're injured in a car accident, finances are often the last thing on your mind. However, the reality is that car accidents can be costly, involving medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. 

Adding to this financial burden is the stress of dealing with injuries and the frustration that the accident and its subsequent consequences could have been avoided if the other driver had been paying attention. This combination can make an already difficult situation feel overwhelming.

Ideally, this should be a time for rest and recovery. This is where your St. Louis car crash attorney can provide invaluable assistance.

If you're involved in a car accident with a distracted driver, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. This process can be complex and challenging to navigate alone. However, an experienced personal injury attorney at NGK Law Firm can manage every step for you. 

When you work with the attorneys at NGK Law Firm we can:

• Consult with you to understand the specifics and goals of your case.
• Investigate thoroughly and gather compelling evidence to support your claim. We can meticulously review police reports, highway cameras, dashcam footage, medical records, cell phone activity, social media records, and more. For instance, if we can demonstrate that the other driver was distracted by Facebook during the accident, it bolsters our argument of their liability.
• Pursue the maximum compensation for your case. With decades of experience in handling car accident claims, we are adept at securing favorable settlements.
• Manage all communications with insurance companies and opposing attorneys on your behalf.

When you partner with the attorneys at NGK Law Firm, you can be confident that a dedicated team of legal professionals is handling your case. 

Experienced Representation for Your Distracted Driving Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, car damage, insurance claims, and potentially uncooperative parties can leave you feeling stressed and uncertain about the future. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make a significant difference in navigating this complex and often stressful process.

When interviewing personal injury attorneys, it is important to select an attorney who has experience handling cases like yours. This is because you will need someone who understands how to navigate the complexities of your case and how to get you the best possible compensation. Can the attorney cite recent examples of not only handling cases like yours but also winning them?

At NGK Law Firm, we have decades of experience handling car accident cases, and we get results. With more than $700 million recovered for our clients and a 98% success rate, our team includes two of the 2022 list of Best Lawyers as well as a Top 50 and Top 100 lawyer in the area of plaintiff's personal injury by Super Lawyers Magazine. 

Call the St. Louis distracted driving accident lawyers at NGK Law Firm at (314) 350-1900 or contact us online for a free, no-risk review of your case.