Category: Blog

 

Who Are The Highest Risk Drivers?

There’s no shortage of thoughts about who the riskiest, most unsafe, or highest risk drivers are on the road. While there are stereotypes about who these people are, government statistics have found that certain groups of people are disproportionately more likely to get into a car accident than others.

Missouri Car Accident Statistics

The Missouri State Highway Patrol provides detailed information on car accidents each year in Missouri. These reports examine various contributing factors including age, sex, socioeconomic demographic, and other influences like driver intoxication.

Recent data for the state of Missouri found:

• Total Accidents, Statewide: 142,966
• Total Fatalities, Statewide: 786
• Total Injuries, Statewide: 51,060

Of all the accidents each year in Missouri, which group of people is most responsible for them?

Young Drivers

Statistics have proven that young drivers are among the most likely to be involved in a car accident. In fact:

• Traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for people 15-20 years old
• In 2013, three out of four teenage vehicle occupants who were killed in traffic accidents were not wearing a seatbelt
• A survey on seat belt usage revealed that 67% of Missouri teenagers wear their seat belt, but 70% of those who were involved in an accident and did not, were killed.
• In 2013, 20% of all traffic crashes involved a driver under the age of 21

While car accident statistics have been steadily declining for years, there is still much room for improvement. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in the Southeast Missouri area, let the Lanzotti & Rau team help recover the compensation you deserve. To begin discussing your situation, schedule a consultation with us today at 573.335.9300.

 

With the rapid advancement of technology each year, distracted driving has become one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States. Whether it be from handheld electronics, eating while driving, or even in-car entertainment systems, the number of drivers not paying enough attention to the road is on the rise, and it’s putting everybody around them in danger.

What is distracted driving?

When you think of distracted driving, the chances are good that you’re thinking of somebody texting while driving. While this is a form of distracted driving, the term covers a wide range of actions that prevent a driver from keeping their eyes on the road or maintaining complete control over their vehicle. Many types of distracted driving have always existed, but with handheld technology always evolving, the issue has gathered more attention than ever.

Some common sources of distractions include:

• Smartphones – talking, texting, music streaming,
• GPS navigation systems
• Radio/in-car entertainment
• Other passengers
• Eating while driving
• Grooming/putting on makeup

Injured by a distracted driver?

Texting and driving is perhaps the most common form of distracted driving, but even reaching down to pick something up off the floor of the car can cause an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the actions of a distracted driver, don’t hesitate in calling the offices of Lanzotti & Rau. We will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve. If you’ve fallen victim to a distracted driver, let the team at Lanzotti & Rau help. Call us today at 573.335.9300 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

 

When you’re involved in a car accident, the minutes immediately following the incident can be very emotional. It is critical to keep your cool though, as there are important things you need to do at the scene of the accident, and shortly afterward. We know that in the post-accident chaos it can be difficult to think straight, which is why we recommend printing out  the following list of items, and storing them in your car just in case.

Do Not Leave the Scene

Never leave the scene of an accident before it is safe to do so, or before being cleared by any police on the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident, especially one where somebody has been injured or killed, can have very serious repercussions and criminal penalties.

Check on the Vehicle’s Occupants

The first step after a car accident should always be checking on the condition of all occupants within the vehicle. Call for medical attention for anybody who needs it, and do not move a person who is unconscious or has neck and back pain unless there is an imminent safety hazard.

Call the Police

If there is injury or significant property damage, you need to make sure the police are called. As that a police report be filed, and record the names and badge numbers of the responding officers for your records.

Exchange Information

In the event of a multi-car accident, get the names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information of the other party involved. If there are passengers in the other vehicle, obtain their names, phone numbers, and addresses as well. Always try and keep your cool when talking to other drivers.

Take Photographs

Photograph any damage to your vehicle or property as soon as possible after an accident. This sort of evidence helps your insurance company determine the proper compensation for the damage to your vehicle, and can help in court. Having pictures available of your vehicle before it was damaged can help create a helpful contrast to show the extent of the damage sustained.

Hire an Attorney

If any injuries were sustained, or your vehicle was badly damaged, it’s best to consult with an experienced law firm like Lanzotti & Rau. An experienced attorney can help recover the maximum amount possible if you are injured or better defend you if you are found to be at fault. We understand how stressful and traumatic a car accident can be, and we would be honored if you would allow us to help you in your time of need. Contact us today at 573-335-9300 today!