Springfield Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Our Springfield, Missouri car accident attorneys believe that the vast majority of crashes are preventable: they don't have to happen. To help avoid car accidents, we've put together this list of 15 common causes: sometimes we all need a gentle reminder to help us drive more safely.

1. Distracted Driving. We never cease to be amazed at the number of accidents that happen simply because drivers aren't paying attention to the road. These accidents are among the easiest to prevent: jus put away your cell phone, your make up kit, and your lunch. Don't fiddle with the radio, or turn around to talk to backseat passengers. When you drive, just drive.

2. Speeding. When an accident involves a speeding driver, the impact of the collision is increased - and it follows that resulting damages and injuries will be considerably more severe.

3. Drunk Driving. It's old news that drinking and driving is dangerous, and yet Missourians are charged with DWI every day. So, we'll say it again: never drink and drive. Never. (No drugs either.)

4. Reckless Driving. Don't speed, tailgate, or change lanes too quickly. There are a number of driver excuses for this behavior ("I was running late"; or "She was going 25 in a 45"; or "There was only a small gap and I had to change lanes"): none of them are worth having an accident over.

5. Rain, Snow & Ice. If roads are hazardous, slow down. You will need extra time to stop, and to turn safely, and to change lane, and, frankly, to perform nearly all driving maneuvers. If you can't see - or if you don't feel safe - find a good place to pull over.

6. Running Red Lights & Stop Signs. If the light is yellow and you haven't reached the "point of no return," stop. (Even if you have the green light, it never hurts to keep your eyes open.)

7. Teenage Drivers. Teens are inexperienced, easily distracted, and, often, careless. Share this list with your teenage drivers.

8. Night Driving. Slow down at night. Don't overdrive your headlights.

9. Design Defects. Be sure you keep track of safety recall information for your family's vehicles. You can use www.recalls.gov as a resource.

10. Unsafe Lane Changes. Take your time and wait until you have sufficient space. Plan ahead, but if you miss a turn or exit, continue forth and turn around in a safe place.

Continue reading "15 Reasons Why Car Accidents Happen In Springfield, Missouri " »

From failed airbags to steering problems to floor mats, there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year. Branson Missouri car accident lawyers urge you to utilize vehicle resource information sites to stay on top of safety recalls for your vehicle and motor vehicle equipment. Many of these recalls can lead to serious injuries or even death from the traffic accidents that result from defective vehicles and vehicle components.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, provides recall information on all types of consumer products including motor vehicles and related equipment. On the NHTSA website, Recalls.gov, you can search for recalls for vehicles, motor vehicle equipment, tires, school buses, and child safety seats. You can also set up an e-mail notification through a subscription option. This website allows you to search recall information from 1966 to the present.

A recall is based on motor vehicle or motor vehicle products that have experienced safety related defects or that did not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. After a safety investigation by NHTSA investigators a recall is initiated.

Since 1966 more than 390 million cars, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds as well as 46 million tires, 66 million pieces of motor vehicle equipment and 432 million child safety seats have been recalled. Many manufacturers do voluntary recalls, but some require influence from NHTSA investigators or must be ordered through the court system.

Continue reading "Automobile Owners are Urged to Pay Close Attention to Vehicle Recall Notices" »