St. Louis Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

Distracted driving—any activity that diverts attention from driving, encompassing a range of actions from texting to eating—can significantly increase the risk of a crash. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 across the U.S. alone. For those involved, these accidents can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial stress.

At Cofman Townsley, our St. Louis distracted driving accident lawyers understand the devastating impact of these accidents and are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

Understanding Distracted Driving in St. Louis

Distracted driving includes any activities that can take the driver’s focus away from the road. Common distractions include:

Texting and Mobile Phone Use: Engaging with a phone for texting, calling, or app use is one of the most hazardous distractions.
Eating and Drinking: These activities require drivers to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road.
Using Navigation Systems: Adjusting GPS devices distracts visually and mentally.
Interacting With Passengers: Conversations with others or attending to children or pets can significantly divert attention.

Missouri’s Distracted Driving Laws

Missouri law is strict about mobile phone use while driving. The state now enforces a hands-free law to prevent accidents caused by mobile distractions, prohibiting “physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of [the] body; manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages; recording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; and watching a video or movie.”

Violations of these laws can result in fines from $150 to $500 and points on the driver’s license, highlighting the seriousness with which Missouri tackles distracted driving.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving encompasses a variety of behaviors that can lead to serious accidents. Key distractions include:

Texting or Using Mobile Devices: Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
Eating or Drinking While Driving: This activity takes your hands off the wheel and your focus away from driving, increasing the risk of collisions.
Adjusting In-Vehicle Controls: Activities such as changing the radio station, adjusting the GPS, or setting climate controls can momentarily distract a driver.
Talking to Passengers or Handling Pets: Interactions within the car can significantly shift attention from the road.
Fatigue or Daydreaming: Mental distractions or fatigue can delay reaction times as much as or more than alcohol consumption.

Each of these behaviors can endanger the driver, passengers, and others on the road. After an accident caused by a distracted driver, it’s vital to identify the specific cause to establish liability and pursue compensation. If you’ve been involved in a distracted driving accident in St. Louis, Cofman Townsley is here to help you assess your situation and take legal action.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Distracted Driving Accidents

The injuries resulting from distracted driving accidents can be severe and life-altering, including:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries: These are common in rear-end collisions caused by distracted driving.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can occur from the head hitting a surface or sudden jolts that cause the brain to collide with the skull.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: These injuries can lead to significant long-term disability and require extensive medical treatment.
Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a distracted driving accident can break bones or cause fractures that might need surgical intervention.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD: Beyond physical injuries, serious accidents can lead to psychological distress or post-traumatic stress disorder.

These injuries not only cause immediate pain and suffering but can also lead to prolonged medical treatment, rehabilitation, and financial strain due to medical bills and lost wages. At Cofman Townsley, we understand the profound impact these injuries can have on your life and are committed to helping you receive the compensation you need to facilitate your recovery.

Seeking Compensation for Distracted Driving Injuries

Victims of distracted driving accidents in St. Louis can seek compensation for various damages, such as:

Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs: Covering everything from emergency room visits to surgeries, medications, assistive devices, and long-term physical therapy
Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earnings: Compensation for missed income while you heal as well as lost future income if your ability to work has been compromised
Pain and Suffering Damages: Compensation to address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
Property Damage Claims: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident

Steps to Take After a Distracted Driving Accident

If you’re involved in a distracted driving accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial for your health and any potential legal claims:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you are seriously injured, some symptoms may take time to appear. Documentation of all injuries is vital for your well-being and any insurance claims.
Report the Accident to Law Enforcement: A police report provides an official account of the accident, which is invaluable when filing insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Gather Evidence at the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, traffic signs, road conditions, and any visible damage. Collect contact information from witnesses.
Notify Your Insurance Provider: Informing your own insurer about the accident as soon as possible is important, but be cautious about the details you provide before consulting with a lawyer.
Contact a Distracted Driving Lawyer in St. Louis: A specialized attorney can guide you through the legal process, from dealing with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit if necessary.

These steps set the foundation for a potential distracted driving claim to recover damages caused by the accident.

Proving Liability in Distracted Driving Cases

Establishing fault in distracted driving cases involves several strategies, which a St. Louis distracted driving attorney can help you navigate:

Obtaining Police Reports and Witness Testimonies: These documents and accounts can provide details that support your version of the events.
Using Phone Records to Establish Distraction: Phone logs can be subpoenaed to prove that the other driver was texting or calling at the time of the accident.
Analyzing Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage: Video from dashcams or nearby cameras can confirm the distracted behavior of the other driver.
Working With Accident Reconstruction Experts: Specialists can use physical evidence to recreate the scenario to show how the distraction led to the accident.

Proving liability requires a comprehensive understanding of the above legal strategies and the meticulous evidence-gathering, areas where our St. Louis lawyers excel.

How Our St. Louis Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Cofman Townsley, we’re dedicated to supporting clients through every step of the legal process after a distracted driving accident. We start by negotiating assertively with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement—but we’re prepared to take your case to court if necessary.

By building strong cases backed by solid evidence and expert testimonies, we fight to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact Our St. Louis Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Today

Don’t navigate the complex aftermath of a distracted driving accident alone. Contact Cofman Townsley today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

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