Personal Injury Law

Franklin County Car Accident Injures Both Drivers and Totals Vehicles

By Ryan Bradley, Esq.

The New Year is not beginning well for Derek Brinkmeyer, 21, and Kimberly Crowell, 42, who were involved in a two-car Missouri car accident on Missouri Route 30. Mr. Brinkmeyer, driving a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, attempted a U-turn while traveling eastbound. Ms. Crowell was also driving her 1994 Chevrolet Camaro eastbound, and was unable to avoid striking the front of Mr. Brinkmeyer?s vehicle as he attempted the illegal U-turn. The accident occurred on January 2nd at 2:43 in the afternoon, and perhaps because both drivers were wearing seatbelts, there were only minor injuries suffered. Both parties were taken by St. Clair ambulance to St. John?s Hospital in Washington, MO to be checked out by emergency room doctors. Both the Alero and the Camaro are considered totaled as a result of the crash

Accidents such as this can require the services of a Franklin County, Missouri personal injury attorney. Missouri statute, County code or municipal ordinance prohibits making a U-turn in the middle of the road. Although there are certain defenses to this prohibition, such a U-turn in the middle of a road is generally considered an illegal act. Because this particular illegal act caused damage to property and injury to person, Mr. Brinkmeyer may be held legally liable under the theory of law known as negligence per se. While it appears that there were no serious injuries sustained in this accident, further complications are always possible further down the road. Many times injuries to the neck are caused by the sudden movement of the head which results from the sudden impact of a car crash. In some cases, symptoms can take days, months, and even years to develop, and often victims of a serious car crash will not seek treatment until they experience more severe complications. Research has found that even after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, some 45% report serious symptoms up to two years later. If you have been involved in a Missouri car accident, it is imperative that you seek medical attention, even if you believe you are fine.

Full post as published by Missouri Accident Lawyer Blog on January 17, 2011 (boomark / email).