When you’re on a road trip, the last thing you want is for an accident to occur. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and there are many different reasons they happen.
Here are 10 of the most common reasons for accidents on road trips, as well as some tips on how to avoid them.
"Of all the lawyers I have met, this one is a true professional. This attorney goes against the biggest law firms and wins!"
Response from the owner:The compliment is much appreciated. Like every profession, it all starts with training our lawyers to be the best at every aspect of car accident cases. But the foundation of a great case is a great client. Thanks!
I'd say this lawyer is in the top three of the best you'll ever see. Add this attorney to the interview list if you ever get in an automobile accident. This Law Firm is on another level.
Response from the owner:Much appreciated. Techniques that an attorney or any professional uses are paramount for success. This is part of our lawyers training and preparation. It leads to success. Thank you!
People say this is the best car accident lawyer in St.Louis. Yep! Seeing this attorney in action is incredible.
Response from the owner:Great compliment. We work hard to be the best. Our lawyers also work very hard to help other lawyers in our profession. Not matter what, a cases is only as good as the client is. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thanks! Referrals and recommendations from prior car accident clients is our #1 source of cases. People who grew to trust us send family and friends.
The Hoffman law firm is truly professional. After hiring them I was truly relieved and knew I was in good hands. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
The lawyers on tv just dont compare for auto accident injury cases. Mr.Hoffmann is as good as they get.
Response from the owner:Thank you. The TV attorneys are just settlement mills. People are hiring a paralegal, not a lawyer. Our law firm is different. You are represented by an attorney and we do not have settlement quotas.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner:TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner:Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner:Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner:Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner:Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner:Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Major car accident injury in St Louis area for a family member. Four different lawyers we know said the same thing - call Chris Hoffmann. On another level.
Response from the owner:This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner:Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner:We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer.
At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner:Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner:Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner:Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner:Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner:Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner:Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner:Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
1. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, and it’s prevalent on road trips. When driving for long periods, it’s easy to get distracted by your passengers, music, or even the scenery outside.
2. Fatigue is another common cause of accidents, especially among long-distance drivers. When you’re tired, it’s harder to pay attention to the road, and you’re more likely to make mistakes.
3. Speeding is another major cause of accidents. When you’re on a road trip, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and start driving too fast. However, speeding is dangerous, and it increases your chances of getting into an accident.
4. Driving under the influence is another major cause of accidents. Not only is it illegal, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had one drink or ten; if you’re under the influence, your reflexes are slowed, and you’re more likely to make mistakes.
5. Road rage is another common cause of accidents. It can be really easy to get angry behind the wheel, especially if you’re stuck in traffic or someone cuts you off. However, it’s important to remember that road rage doesn’t just put yourself at risk but everyone else on the road.
6. Weather conditions are another factor that can contribute to accidents. For example, bad weather such as rain, sleet, or snow can make roads slick and challenging to navigate. To make matters worse, many people don’t know how to drive in these conditions, increasing the chance of an accident.
7. Construction zones are another hazard to watch out for. These areas are often unmarked, and it can be easy to miss a turn or an exit. And even if the construction zone is well-marked, the traffic patterns can be confusing and hard to navigate, increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.
8. Animals on the road are also a common cause of accidents. Whether it’s a deer crossing the road or a squirrel darting out from the side, animals can easily startle you and cause you to swerve or lose control of your car.
9. Poorly maintained vehicles are another common cause of accidents. From bald tires to broken headlights, if your car isn’t in good condition, it’s more likely to cause an accident.
10. Accidents can also be caused by driver error. This can include making sudden lane changes, not using turn signals, or following too closely.
How Can You Avoid These Accidents?
While you can’t always avoid accidents, there are some things you can do to decrease your chances of being involved in one.
First and foremost, drive safely. This means obeying the speed limit, not driving under the influence, and staying focused on the road.
Secondly, be prepared for anything. This means having a well-maintained vehicle, preparing for bad weather conditions, and carefully navigating construction zones.
Thirdly, be alert and aware of your surroundings. This means being on the lookout for animals on the road and paying attention to other drivers. Also, if you’re feeling tired, take a break. Don’t try to push yourself to keep driving.
Lastly, stay calm. If you start to feel angry or frustrated, take a deep breath and try to relax.
3 Things to Check Before Your Next Road Trip
Every year, thousands of car accidents occur due to preventable mechanical failures. In many cases, these failures could be avoided if drivers took the time to perform a few simple inspections before starting on a road trip. Here are three important things to check before your next road trip.
Brakes
One of the most important things to check before starting your car is the brakes. To inspect the brakes, start by looking at the brake pads. If they are worn down, they will need to be replaced. Next, check the brake fluid level. If it’s low, add more fluid. Finally, test the brakes by pressing down on the pedal. If they are not working properly, do not drive the car.
Driving with faulty brakes is very dangerous. For example, you may not be able to stop in time if another vehicle cuts you off or if you need to brake suddenly to avoid an obstacle on the road. In the worst-case scenario, your brakes could fail entirely, leading to a potentially fatal crash.
Battery
Before starting your car, it’s also important to check the battery to make sure that it’s in good working condition. You should look for cracks, leaks, or any other damage that could prevent the battery from starting the car. It’s also important to check the battery’s terminals to make sure that they are clean and free of corrosion. If there is any corrosion on the terminals, it can prevent the battery from starting the car.
Driving with a faulty battery is dangerous because it can cause the engine to stall, which can lead to an accident. A dead battery can also prevent the airbags from deploying in a crash. So, if you’re unsure about your battery, it’s best to have it checked by a professional.
Tires
Another thing you should check on your car before driving is the tires. Look for any visible damage, such as cuts or cracks in the rubber, and make sure that the tread is not excessively worn. It’s also important to check the air pressure in all four tires. If a tire is significantly under-inflated, it can overheat and fail while you’re driving. Conversely, an overinflated tire is more likely to burst if it hits a pothole or other object in the road. Either way, driving with faulty tires is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
How to Stay Awake on Long Road Trips
1.Get a Good Night’s Sleep Before You Start Your Journey
This may seem obvious, but it’s crucial to be well-rested before setting off. When you’re well-rested, your body and mind are better equipped to handle the demands of a long journey. There is no substitute for getting enough sleep.
2.Start Your Journey Early
If possible, try to start your drive during the morning hours. At this time, your body’s natural circadian rhythms are more alert and energized, so you’ll be less likely to feel sleepy later on in the day.
Avoid driving too late into the night, especially around the hours of midnight to six in the morning when your body’s natural inclination is generally to sleep, not drive.
3.Take Regular Breaks
If you’re driving for more than a couple of hours at a time, make sure to take regular breaks. Get out of the car, stretch your legs and get some fresh air to help keep your energy levels up. Even if you stop for a few minutes every hour or so, it can make a big difference.
4.Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make you feel tired and sleepy, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids when you’re on a long car journey.
However, avoid sugary drinks like soda, as they will only give you a temporary energy boost followed by an inevitable crash. Instead, consider sticking to water, unsweetened tea, or coffee.
5.Chew Gum
Chewing gum can help keep you awake and alert, especially if you’re starting to feel drowsy. The act of chewing itself is enough to keep your mind active and focused, while the flavor can also help to perk you up.
While gum can help you stay alert, it is important to understand that it is not a replacement for getting enough sleep and taking breaks.
6.Snack up With Healthy Foods
Unhealthy foods will generally make you feel sluggish, so it’s best to avoid them on long road trips. Instead, stock up on healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables, yogurt, whole grain bread, or nuts and seeds. These foods will help provide you with sustained energy without making you feel weighed down.
These simple suggestions can help you stay awake and alert on a long road trip.
What Happens if You Get in a Car Accident on a Road Trip?
Car accidents can often be very costly. If you’ve been in an accident on a road trip due to another driver’s negligence, you are likely entitled to compensation. Get in touch with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm 24/7 for a free case evaluation to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
