Hundreds of thousands of people die every year in auto accidents in the United States. This is one of the most frequent causes of death and serious injury. Yet, they are also the most avoidable of traumas. The vast majority of auto accidents could be avoided by responsible behavior and cautious driving. The most frequent causes of auto accidents include drunk driving, speeding, drowsy driving, and distracted driving. People can be seriously harmed in accidents that involve ordinary passenger vehicles, SUVs, city buses and school buses, pickups, motorcycles, pedestrians, and commercial vehicles. Whatever kind of auto accident you are involved in, you need to know how to respond. Following are some of the most common types of auto accidents in Missouri that we’ll look at today:
- City Bus and School Bus Auto Accidents
- Commercial Vehicle Auto Accidents
- Motorcycle Auto Accidents
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Auto Accidents
What You Need to Know About City Bus and School Bus Auto Accidents in Missouri
City buses and school buses are large vehicles that may have 20+ passengers onboard at any given time. The passengers who are in the bus are in a far safer position than the drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles if an auto accident should occur. Many are under the mistaken impression that because there are no seat belts on buses, they are more dangerous than other vehicles. Yet, these large vehicles are designed to be safe for the passengers. Meanwhile, a much smaller vehicle that gets into an auto accident with a bus may find that their seat belts are not enough to protect them from a collision with such a large vehicle. Thus, Missouri auto accidents that involve buses are among the most dangerous for others on the road. If you are involved in a bus auto accident, you may suffer from serious or fatal injuries. Further, you will have to deal with a more complex situation in terms of insurance coverage. There may be businesses involved or the government. It is a good idea to contact the Missouri auto accident attorneys at the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm to clear up the confusion.
What You Need to Know About Commercial Vehicle Auto Accidents in Missouri
Missouri auto accidents involving commercial vehicles have many of the same issues as auto accidents involving buses. The size of the vehicle is the primary component that can result in life altering or fatal injuries to those who are in smaller vehicles. Large vehicles can easily crush small vehicles. The driver of the commercial vehicle is likely to walk away unharmed, while those in the smaller vehicle can have their lives completely changed. A common cause of commercial vehicle auto accidents is drowsy driving as the commercial drivers are often required to work long hours with little rest. There may also be a number of different responsible parties, including the driver, the business they work for, and any other entities that may be involved in the work of the commercial driver. Again, the best thing that you can do for yourself after a commercial vehicle auto accident is to contact an attorney.
What You Need to Know About Auto Accidents Involving Motorcycles in Missouri
Just as large buses and commercial vehicles create a more serious risk for smaller vehicles, any vehicle of ordinary size can create a more serious risk for the much smaller motorcycles on the road. Motorcycle riders are at further risk because they have little more than a helmet and perhaps thick clothing to protect them in a collision. They do not have the walls, air bags, or seat belts that other vehicles have. Missouri auto accidents that involve motorcycles are frequently fatal for the rider. They are often caused by the drivers of larger vehicles failing to watch out for motorcycles or failing to respect the rights and lives of motorcycle riders. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, then you need to know what your options are concerning compensation. Call the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm to discuss the details of your case with the skilled Missouri auto accident attorney.
What You Need to Know About Pedestrian and Bicycle Auto Accidents in Missouri
Much like motorcycle riders, pedestrians and bicyclists are at great risk of life altering injury or death when they are struck by a motor vehicle. They do not have the protection that the vehicle has or even the protection that a motorcycle rider has. They are unlikely to be wearing helmets or even thick and protective clothing. Such accidents can result in a pedestrian or bicyclist being thrown, dragged, or crushed. They may be caused by the pedestrian not watching before crossing the street or by a vehicle failing to give the pedestrian the right of way. If you have been injured or lost a loved one as a pedestrian or bicycle rider, then you are likely dealing with tremendous stress and trauma. You need the help and advice of a Missouri auto accident attorney to deal with the aftermath of this collision.
A Missouri Auto Accident Attorney from the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm Can Help You
After any of these types of auto accidents or any other, you will need to respond to injuries and seek medical treatment. You can also gather evidence in the form of photographs and witness statements. Then, you need to contact an attorney for advice, guidance, and representation when it comes to seeking the full amount of compensation that you need to recover and get back on your feet. You can recover compensation for injuries, medical treatment, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. You should be wary of communicating with the insurance company, though they are likely to contact you, and wary of discussing fault until an investigation can be conducted. Call the skilled Kansas City, MO car accident lawyers at Krause & Kinsman Law Firm to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
