When you are driving, you expect others on the road to pay attention. Unfortunately, distracted driving has become a serious epidemic in St. Louis and across Missouri. In a split second, a driver looking at a text message or adjusting a GPS can cause a devastating crash. If you or a loved one has been injured because someone else wasn’t watching the road, you shouldn’t have to pay for their mistake.

At The Super Lawyer, we connect you with experienced legal representation to fight for your rights. A skilled St. Louis distracted driving accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process, prove the other driver was at fault, and pursue the compensation you need to recover.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. While texting while driving is the most alarming distraction, it is not the only one. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) categorizes distractions into three main types:

• Visual: Taking your eyes off the road.
• Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel.
• Cognitive: Taking your mind off of driving.

Texting is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction. However, everyday actions like eating, grooming, or turning around to check on children are also forms of negligence that can lead to serious accidents.

Missouri Distracted Driving Laws

Understanding Missouri distracted driving laws is vital for your case. Missouri has taken steps to crack down on dangerous driving behaviors. Under the “Siddens Bening Hands Free Law,” drivers in Missouri are generally prohibited from physically holding a mobile device while driving. This includes:

• Physically holding a phone to make a call.
• Reading or sending text messages.
• Recording video or watching videos.

If a driver violates these laws and causes a crash, it can be considered “negligence per se.” This means the violation itself helps prove they failed in their duty of care to keep you safe. An experienced attorney knows how to use these local statutes to build a strong case against the at-fault driver.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving Crashes

In St. Louis traffic, a moment of inattention can lead to rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, or head-on collisions. Common causes we see in claims include:

• Cell phone use: Texting, checking social media, or browsing the web.
• In-car technology: Adjusting the radio, climate controls, or programming a GPS navigation system while moving.
• Passengers: Talking to friends or dealing with loud children in the backseat.
• Eating and drinking: Trying to unwrap food or hold a hot coffee while steering.
• External distractions: Looking at billboards, accident scenes (rubbernecking), or pedestrians.

Injuries Caused by Distracted Drivers

Because distracted drivers often do not brake before impact, the resulting injuries can be severe. Victims often face a long road to recovery involving surgery, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and concussions.
• Spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs and paralysis.
• Whiplash and severe soft tissue injuries.
• Broken bones and fractures.
• Internal organ damage.
• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD.

How We Prove Distracted Driving

One of the biggest challenges in these cases is proving that the other driver was actually distracted. They might deny it, claiming they were paying attention. This is where a St. Louis distracted driving accident lawyer becomes essential. We know how to gather the evidence needed to prove liability:

• Cell Phone Records: We can subpoena records to see if texts or data were being used at the exact moment of the crash.
• Police Reports: Officers often note if a driver admitted to looking away or if a phone was found in their hand.
• Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses may have seen the driver looking down or holding a device.
• Video Footage: Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcam footage can provide irrefutable proof.
• Vehicle Data Recorders: Modern cars have “black boxes” that record speed, braking, and other data leading up to a crash.

Compensation You Can Recover

A personal injury claim is designed to make you “whole” again after an accident. While money cannot undo the trauma, it pays for the necessary care and financial losses caused by the crash. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency room visits, surgeries, doctor appointments, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for paychecks missed while you were recovering.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed, families can seek compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

The moments after a crash are confusing, but the steps you take can impact your future claim. If you are involved in an accident in St. Louis:

1. Call 911: Ensure police arrive to document the scene and create an official report.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injuries. See a doctor immediately.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get names and numbers of witnesses.
4. Do Not Admit Fault: Be honest with the police, but do not apologize or say “I didn’t see them.” Let the investigation determine fault.
5. Contact a Lawyer: Speak to a St. Louis attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters are trained to save their company money, not to pay you what you deserve. They may try to offer a quick, lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. They might also try to blame you for the accident.

Having a lawyer handle the insurance claim levels the playing field. We handle all communication with the insurers, protect you from bad-faith tactics, and fight for a settlement that covers all your future needs.

Why Choose a St. Louis Distracted Driving Lawyer?

Local experience matters. A lawyer familiar with St. Louis courts, local judges, and Missouri state laws can navigate your case more effectively. Whether the accident happened on I-64, I-270, or a city street, we understand the local traffic patterns and hazards.

Most importantly, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows you to get top-tier legal representation without worrying about expensive legal fees.