We all have felt the dramatic weather change in the last two days. This morning, northern Missouri saw it’s first dusting of snow and reports of vehicle accidents and slide-offs specifically in the St. Joseph, Missouri area.
Accidents were reported at Interstate 229 and Highland Ave, Interstate 229 near Stockyards Expressway and U.S. Highway 36 from 10th to 22nd street.
St. Joseph Police said roadways are back open after the three accident locations though motorists were advised to use extreme caution especially on bridges due to road conditions. The accidents were reported around 6 a.m. and accident reports declined after the morning commute.
The Missouri Highway Patrol reported several slide-offs and minor accidents and the Missouri Department of Transportation said there were not weather-related road closings in the region.
Crash details:
A 45 year old Gower, Missouri woman and a 21 year old Agency, Missouri man suffered serious injuries after a two-vehicle crash in Buchanan County around 5:15 a.m. this morning according to the Missouri Highway Patrol. The woman was traveling south on U.S. Highway 169 in an Oldsmobile as the young man traveled north on U.S. 169 in a Honda, Accord. About four miles south of St. Joseph, the Oldsmobile crossed the center line and struck the left front portion of the Honda Accord. The Oldsmobile rotated 180 degrees and came to rest in the center of the road. The Honda traveled off the right side of the roadway. Both drivers were transported to hospitals with serious injuries. At this time, it is unknown if the motorists were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident.
Inclement Weather
Generally, in Missouri and especially in St. Louis, we see a higher number of car crashes during the first snow fall of the year. As it is mid-November, we don’t usually expect snow until later in the months or December, but remember, in Missouri, we can get snow from October to late March, easily. Therefore, it is time to prepare your car for winter travel. If you have not put on your snow tires, it may be time to think about it as well as have your car serviced to be sure all fluids are topped of, you have good tires and your car is in good working order. For some reason, the initial snow of the season usually results in car accidents. Sometimes, it is because drivers just do not drive as safely on the snow as they would mid-winter such as following too closely, operating at too fast of a speed for conditions or loss of control due to speed or inattention.
Car crashes can happen at any time of day or night during ideal conditions, but when nature throws some snow or ice on the roadways, drivers have to make a conscious effort to think Safety First when driving.
If you have been following the national weather report, you will see that the upper part of the U.S. has already seen several inches of snow which is a reminder to the greater St. Louis area that snowy commutes are not that far away. During the winter months, practice some extra safety tips that would be useful year around:
- Maintenance your automobile and prepare it for winter driving
- Be sure that always have a half tank or more of gas.
- Carry an emergency kit in your automobile
- Allow extra time in your schedule to arrive at your destination
- Increase the distance between your car and the car you are following
- Be sure your tires are safe for snow/ice travel
- Be extra attentive when road conditions are less than ideal, however, practicing being “extra attentive” is a safety measure that reduces your likeliness of a crash year round
- Be sure you have a cell phone in your car for emergencies, however, this is not to be confused with “using your cell phone while driving”
If I am in a crash?
- First, be sure that anyone involved gets the immediate medical care they need
- Call the police or local authorities to report the accident
- If immediate medical treatment is not required (ER or ambulance), seek treatment as soon as possible for evaluation
- Take pictures of your automobile after the crash if possible and if possible take pictures of the crash scene.
- Call an auto accident attorney
- Continue with your medical treatment and plan in order to recovery from injuries.
- Do not give statements to any insurance companies immediately after the crash especially if you are injured or taking medication
How do I know if I need an attorney?
Some people call me and ask me just how they are supposed to know if they need an attorney or not. The answer is pretty simple. If you are hurt, then you probably need an attorney. If you are not hurt and the other party is not asking you to assume liability for the accident, then you may not need an attorney. If the other party is saying the accident is your fault or if you were driving under the influence, then you will need an attorney. If you were operating a vehicle while under the influence and received a DUI or a DWI, then you will need a DUI/ DWI attorney. If you were hurt due to the actions of the other driver, then you need an expert car accident attorney such as the attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm.
Our attorneys represent individuals you have been injured in accidents or who have lost loved ones in accidents such as car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents. If you have been hurt, you need information and absolutely should not accept any insurance offer for settlement until you are certain that you know your future medical costs including your current costs. There are many things to consider before accepting an offer from an insurance company. Hiring a personal injury attorney right after your crash is important as witness memories are more clear in the days after opposed to months after and physical evidence still exists.
You can reach our attorneys seven days a week, and consultations are always free at (314) 276-1681 or toll free (800) 685-3302
