Category: Blog

While riding a motorcycle can be fun, it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. Motorcycle accidents account for 14% of vehicle fatalities each year, meaning safety should always come first when on the road. Here are some tips to prevent an accident the next time you go for a motorcycle ride.

How to Stay Safe on a Motorcycle

1. Wear a Helmet

   The most important thing you can do to prevent an injury is wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet. Make sure it covers your face, and opt for a lighter color to increase your visibility. Replace your helmet every five years or after an accident.

2. Dress for Success

   The rest of your outfit is just as important as your helmet. Leather jackets don’t just look cool — they also double as protective gear. Long leather pants and boots will also protect your legs and ankles.

3. Stay Visible

   It’s important to make sure motorists can see you. Wear bright colors, and add reflective accessories to your clothing and your bike. Make sure you always drive with your headlight on. If you don’t know whether or not a driver can see you, honk at them or move out of their blind spot to a place where you know they can.

4. Stay Aware

   Always be on the lookout for distracted drivers who swerve or suddenly change lanes. Intersections can also be dangerous, as 35% of accidents take place there. If you have to drive in bad weather, bring along extra safety gear to keep yourself protected. Never drive distracted, including driving while texting or under the influence. These impairments slow down your judgment and reaction time, putting you at risk.

5. Take a Course

   If you’ve never been on a bike before, it might be a good idea to first take a safety course. Many of these classes are available online and can save you money in the form of insurance discounts.

No matter how safe you are, accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. That’s why it’s a good idea for motorcyclists to know a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in their area.

Hire an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, the legal experts at Lanzotti and Rau are here to help. Our team of experienced lawyers can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your motorcycle accident injury. If you want to learn more about our legal services or how we handle our cases, schedule a free consultation by calling us at 573-335-9300.

Getting injured on the job is an unexpected and unfortunate situation. Fortunately, you may be eligible for workers compensation to help pay for medical bills and lost income while you’re out of work. However, it’s important to know how to report your work-related injury so you can begin the claims process right away.

Who Do I Report My Workplace Injury to?

As soon as you receive a workplace injury, report it to your employer or supervisor. You should file a written notice that includes details like when, where, and how it occurred. It’s important to keep your own copy of the report, including when you notified your employer, for your personal records. This will help you keep track of your claim.

When Should I Report My Workplace Injury?

It’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible, but you have a total of 30 days from the time of the injury to provide written notice. From there, your employer will file an injury report. The sooner you report your on-the-job injury, the sooner you can start the workers’ compensation claims process.

Should I Contact a Workers Compensation Lawyer?

Between compiling documentation and gathering medical records, workers compensation claims can take time. Navigating a claim on your own can be a daunting and complicated process that can be sidelined by your employer’s insurance company, one that does not have your best interests in mind. Furthermore, the administrative law judge cannot advocate for you and is also under no obligation to help you receive full benefits. That’s why it’s usually a good idea to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer to fight on your behalf.

Your lawyer will help collect evidence and build the strongest claim possible. They are also familiar with the legal loopholes and maneuvers that insurance companies often pull to prevent a settlement from happening. With a legal expert on your side, you’ll be able to focus on your recovery.

Missouri Workers Compensation Attorneys

If you’ve been injured on the job in Missouri, you’ll want the best legal representation possible. That’s why you should contact the lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau immediately after reporting a workplace injury. The legal team at Lanzotti & Rau can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your on-the-job injury. To learn more about our legal services or how we handle our workers compensation cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 and schedule a free consultation.

Missouri is home to more than 180,000 motorcycle owners. Its picture-perfect highways make it a great place to ride. However, if you’re considering owning a motorcycle in Missouri, you will need to have insurance. Here’s a breakdown of the state’s policy on motorcycle insurance.

Why Motorcycle Insurance Is Required in Missouri

In Missouri, all motor vehicles require insurance. In fact, you must show proof of insurance before registering your motorcycle. Missouri is an “at-fault” state, which means you need coverage. If you don’t have insurance and are found at fault in an accident, you could face consequences such as fines, a suspended license, or even jail time. Even if you aren’t at fault, your insurance exists to protect you.

Missouri Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Missouri insurance law requires your motorcycle policy to meet basic limits. These limits include:

1. $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person
2. $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more people
3. $10,000 for damage or destruction of property

Missouri requires a higher policy than most states, but it ensures you’re covered. There are additional policies you can include on your insurance plan, including collision coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. It’s important to remember that you’re responsible for any additional costs past what your insurance covers.

The Importance of Motorcycle Insurance and Legal Services

While riding a motorcycle can be fun, there are inherent risks. Motorcycle accidents can be more severe than car accidents, causing serious injury. Even with your insurance policy, you should contact a lawyer following a motorcycle accident. An experienced attorney will be able to help you navigate your claim and win you the benefits you deserve.

Expert Legal Help for Missouri Motorcycle Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, contact the legal experts at Lanzotti & Rau. Our team of knowledgeable lawyers can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your motorcycle accident. We handle our cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you get paid. To learn more about our services or schedule your free consultation, call Lanzotti & Rau today at 573-335-9300.

Lane splitting is a motorcycle maneuver that’s highly contested. As it becomes a more common practice, some states are adopting lane splitting policies. Here’s where Missouri stands on lane splitting.

What Is Lane Splitting?

Also known as lane filtering, lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of same-direction traffic. Instead of staying in one lane behind other cars, they split the lane and filter through other vehicles. Most motorcyclists lane split to avoid traffic and save time on their commute. It can also help drivers because the motorcycle isn’t in their blind spot.

Lane Splitting in Missouri

Missouri doesn’t have any traffic laws regarding lane splitting, meaning it’s technically legal. It’s a gray area that’s under constant revision. While it’s not illegal, lane splitting isn’t the best practice for motorcyclists. If the driver lane splits in a dangerous or reckless manner, they can cause accidents and face traffic citations or fines.

Lane Splitting Accidents

The main reason lane splitting is controversial is because it can lead to a wreck. Since it requires motorcyclists to get close to other vehicles, it removes space for drivers to get out of the way of hazards. This could result in severe injuries or even fatalities. Liability becomes complicated in Missouri because lane splitting doesn’t automatically place liability with the motorcyclist. It depends on the results of the investigation and if the cyclist was acting dangerously.

Trusted Missouri Car and Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Lane splitting is a dangerous practice that can lead to serious injury for motorists. If you’ve been injured in a lane splitting accident, you’ll want to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They’ll be able to help you navigate the claims process and get the compensation you deserve. For car or motorcycle accidents in Missouri, contact the legal professionals at Lanzotti & Rau at 573-335-9300.

If you’re filing an appeal for your Social Security disability claim, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will bring in a vocational expert to testify at your hearing. While it may sound confusing, this expert provides critical information that could make or break your case. Here’s a breakdown of what the role of a vocational expert involves and how they affect your Social Security disability claim.

What Is a Vocational Expert?

Vocational experts are witnesses hired by the SSA. They are knowledgeable about the employment trends, the labor market, and the skills required for most jobs. It is important to remember that while vocational experts are paid by the SSA, they’re supposed to remain impartial. Instead of favoring one side over another, they must provide an objective viewpoint.

What Will a Vocational Expert Testify About at My Hearing?

The vocational expert will meet with you and your lawyer before your hearing to discuss your case’s evidence. They’ll also want to know your prior work history. At the hearing, the administrative law judge will question the vocational expert, and your attorney will be able to cross-examine for further information.

The vocational expert will likely discuss your work history and whether you can still perform your duties. If they decide you can’t, the vocational expert will then discuss what job skills are transferable and what jobs you could perform pending your disability.

The Importance of a Social Security Disability Claim Lawyer

During cross-examination, a Social Security disability lawyer will fight on your behalf. If the vocational expert supports your claim, your lawyer will provide evidence and ask further affirmative questions to solidify your claim. If the vocational expert does not support your claim or state that you can perform other jobs, an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can challenge this opinion by arguing that you cannot perform any of the other suggested jobs.

Expert Legal Assistance for Your Social Security Disability Claim

Most Social Security disability claims are denied at initial filing, and appealing a claim in front of a judge can be an intimidating process that often requires expert legal counsel to be successful. If your Missouri Social Security disability claim is denied, you’ll want a legal expert on your side. Fortunately, the lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau are ready to help.

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your disability. To learn more about our Social Security disability legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free consultation.

Nearly half of car and motorcycle accidents every year result in injury, some of which are serious. If you’ve been in a car accident, you may walk away thinking you’re uninjured. However, there’s a chance that you simply haven’t felt your injury yet. Here is why it is always a good idea to see your doctor after experiencing a car accident.

Why Should I See a Doctor for My Car Accident Injury?

In the aftermath of a car accident, your body produces an excess amount of adrenaline that can mask pain. However, once the rush of adrenaline subsides, pain can quickly appear from an injury you didn’t know you suffered. Most delayed injuries don’t immediately have symptoms but still require treatment. Not addressing such injuries could worsen your health and cause additional issues over time. While you may be experiencing what seems like minor injuries like bruises or a headache, they may actually be symptoms of more serious injuries like internal damage or whiplash.

Can I File a Claim if I Don’t Go to the Hospital?

Missouri’s statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is five years, but you should begin keeping record of any injuries as soon as you notice them. Just because you have a long time to file a claim for your car accident injury, doesn’t mean you should. Seeing a doctor soon after an accident or as soon as you feel pain helps you gather x-rays and documentation to build your case.

Can Not Seeing a Doctor Hurt My Claim?

If you’re filing a claim for your car accident injury, you’ll need to show your proof of injury as well as any treatment that took place. The longer you delay seeking medical treatment, the weaker your case will be. The negligent party will be able to claim your injuries weren’t from the car accident but from something else that occurred afterward. This means you will receive less money for your pain and suffering than you deserve.

Contact Your Missouri Car Accident Lawyers

After seeking treatment, the first thing you’ll want to do is contact a legal professional to begin building your case. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Missouri, rely on the professionals at Lanzotti & Rau. To learn more about our legal services or how we handle our car accident injury cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule your free consultation.

The Social Security disability program helps those who have experienced injuries that leave them unable to work. Unfortunately, scammers know how to take advantage of this program and have tricks up their sleeves to prey on people at their lowest. If you’re a Social Security disability applicant, keep an eye out for these common Social Security scams.

Common Social Security Scams

• Phone fraud

One of the most common Social Security scams, phone fraud involves a scammer impersonating someone from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to obtain your private information and sell you a service the SSA provides for free. Scammers will use names of real employees or disguise their phone number to show up as the SSA on caller ID. To avoid this scam, listen to the caller’s tone of voice and be wary if they sound threatening or urgent. Keep in mind which services the SSA provides, so you don’t get duped.

• Mail fraud

With mail fraud, scammers will replicate official correspondence from the SSA and send it to you via mail. Older individuals are usually victims of this scheme. The letters will be sent on official-looking letterhead and usually contain forms that explain how targets are entitled to “extra benefits.” However, if the letter is asking for a check or bank account number, it’s a scam.

• Phishing

Phishing is one of the newer forms of Social Security scams. Instead of sending physical mail, the scammer can send an email from an address that looks official. They often use email signatures or attachments that have the SSA seal. To identify a phishing scam, look at the sender’s email address. It will usually have typos or alternate spellings, such as “b3n3fits@ssa.gov” instead of “benefits@ssa.gov.” Also look out for grammar or spelling issues within the email’s message.

Protect Your SSD Claim with Experienced Legal Services

Navigating a Social Security disability claim by yourself can be overwhelming. With scammers lurking at every corner, it’s important to have someone on your side. If you’re filing a Social Security disability claim, you’ll want an experienced lawyer to help you avoid being scammed. Fortunately, the team at Lanzotti & Rau is here to help. Our legal experts are ready to help you gain compensation for your disability. Schedule your free consultation today by calling us at 573-335-9300.

Driving a car is an everyday necessity for a large majority of Missouri residents. While accidents happen all the time, most motorists pay attention while behind the wheel with the hope of avoiding a wreck. Unfortunately, there are others out there who are intent on causing an auto accident in an attempt to scam their way to a payday. Here are a few instances of auto accident fraud and some ways you can avoid becoming a victim out of such dangerously staged incidents.

3 Common Signs of Auto Accident Fraud

The goal of an auto accident scammer is to stage a non-fatal car accident, so they can sue you for potential damages or minor injuries. Here are three common signals that your car accident might be a staged event.

1. Slamming on the brakes.

   While this may occur for a legitimate reason, individuals that stage accidents like to pull in front of you and slam on their brakes, causing you to hit them. This scam may even involve multiple vehicles blocking you on all sides, ensuring there is no way for you to avoid hitting the car in front of you.

2. Waving you through a left turn.

   Staged with multiple cars, this is usually done at a 3- or 4-way stop. A driver on the opposite side will wave to you through to make your turn, then proceed to pull out in front of you, all while a third car crashes into your right side while you are looking the other way. This scenario puts you at fault.

3. Sideswiped by another car while merging.

   This type of fraud usually occurs out of the blue when you attempt to pull into traffic from a parked position on the side of a road. Suddenly, another car appears out of nowhere and slams into you, turning it into a case of your word against theirs.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer to Combat Auto Accident Fraud

After being involved in a car accident, you will likely be dazed and confused and experience a range of swirling emotions that often cloud exactly what happened. Unfortunately, auto accident scammers are prepared to take advantage of such chaos and escalate the situation by angrily yelling, finger-pointing, feigning injury. They also like to bring false witnesses to the scene to help back their story and blur reality. Having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side can help expose the truth about a staged auto accident and gain your due compensation.

Trustworthy Missouri Car Accident Lawyers

If you suspect you were involved in auto accident fraud in the Missouri area or suffered an injury in a staged car accident, rely on the professional auto accident lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau to fight on your behalf. Our team of experienced lawyers can help you compile evidence to submit a car accident insurance claim and pursue legal action to win you compensation for your personal injury.

To learn more about our car accident legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free consultation.

Applying for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits requires careful attention to detail. The majority of SSD claims are denied at initial filing, so avoiding any mistakes is essential for your approval. Additionally, compiling relevant medical evidence to back up your case can make all the difference when the time comes to approve or reject your claim.

Why Medical Evidence Is Important

Verifiable medical evidence serves as the backbone of every Social Security disability claim. Since you are claiming that you are unable to work for a living, you must provide medical evidence to back up that claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will thoroughly review all of your records to verify their legitimacy and accuracy, and that they are sourced from acceptable medical professionals.

SSA-approved medical record sources include:

1. Licensed physicians
2. Licensed psychologists
3. Licensed optometrists
4. Licenses/certified speech therapists
5. Licensed podiatrists
6. Documents/records from hospitals and professional health facilities

It will take more than a single statement from your primary care physician for the SSA to approve your claim. Usually, a combination of medical records, evidence, and statements will be ideal for your claim to go through. You must also ensure that your medical records are up=to-date, so they align with your current health status.

The Importance of a Social Security Disability Lawyer

The process of filing for SSD benefits can be a long, energy draining process, especially if you must file multiple times. Although it is possible to successfully file an application on your own, first time approval is much more likely with an experienced attorney helping you throughout the process. Trust the lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau to help you expedite the Social Security disability claims process and pursue legal action to receive compensation for your disability.

Experienced Social Security Disability Lawyers

If you are filing for SSD benefits in the Missouri area, turn to the professionals at Lanzotti & Rau for help. Our team can assist you in gathering the necessary medical evidence so you can quickly file your claim and receive your temporary or permanent social security disability benefits.

To learn more about our Social Security disability legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 and schedule a free consultation.