Missouri Injury Lawyers Blog

The Moberly Police Department responded to an accident yesterday morning around 11 a.m. on the southbound lanes of Highway 63 near Route EE exit in Moberly. Eli Borntrager, 29 of Madison, Missouri was driving a horse-drawn buggy in the outside lane when we was struck from behind by a 2007 Chevrolet driven by Jeffrey Fleming, 34 of Staunton, Illinois.

Borntrager, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. His horse was also severely injured and was euthanized on scene by a local veterinarian. Fleming was not injured.

The crash is pending further investigation.

On December 9, 2009 three people were killed in a car vs. train accident in Trenton, Missouri. As reported by Kansas City news station, KMBC-TV 9, Nancy Groves, 24 of Trenton, Missouri was driving from a nearby mobile home park to go cash a check when she crossed the train tracks in front of an oncoming Burlington Northern freight train. There is no crossbar installed at that crossing. Groves and her two passengers, Adam Romesburg, 30 and Nina Spencer, 28 were all three killed in the crash.

The holidays are upon us and it is likely that you or your family members will be traveling on Missouri highways. While holiday celebrations with family and friends are often anticipated with much excitement and joy, many families unfortunately experience tragedy during this time of year when loved ones are killed or injured in traffic accidents during the holiday season.

This season often ushers in inclement weather along with increased traffic. Drivers need to be especially mindful of actions that will make their holiday travel safer.

• Make sure your vehicle is in proper working order before your trip. This includes checking fluid levels, making sure windshield wipers are working well and tires are properly inflated. Make sure you have plenty of gas.


• Always use seat belts and make sure young children are properly restrained in car safety seats. Remember, the back seat is usually the safest place for children of any age to ride.


• Be flexible in your travel plans and be aware of changing weather conditions and peak traffic hours. Don't hesitate to change your travel plans if conditions warrant it--The safety of your family is of utmost importance!


• Stay alert and take plenty of breaks. Many accidents are caused by fatigue and inattention.


• Keep your speed down and make sure there is plenty of space between you and other vehicles around you to allow adequate reaction time. Try to let impatient and aggressive drivers around you.


• If your holiday event will involve alcohol, choose a designated driver who will remain alcohol free. If you are the host, please make sure your guests have safe and alcohol free travel arrangements.


• Make sure to carry an emergency kit in your car. Some recommended items include a flashlight, blankets, and a small shovel.


• If you must use your cell phone, pull off the road and be aware of traffic around you.

Continue reading "Drive Safely This Holiday Season!" »

On September 27, 2009 around 6 p.m. a 1998 Chevrolet driven by Eric Wilbanks, 18 of Stover, Missouri crashed into a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by James Bauer, also of Stover. Wilbanks and Bauer were both traveling eastbound on Highway 52 in Morgan County, Missouri when Wilbanks struck Bauer from behind.

Bauer was transported by Staff For Life helicopter to University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia, Missouri where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Wilbanks was not injured in the crash.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F reported that this was fatality number 62 for Troop F in 2009.

As we look back at the terrible events of September 11, 2001, we are painfully aware of how quickly our circumstances can change. Even in Mid-Missouri, our peaceful, secure lives can be turned upside down through events and actions over which we have little or no control. Unfortunately, it doesn't take an act of terrorism for this to occur.

Accidents occur without warning. A driver is inattentive and causes serious injury or death. Safety measures are ignored at work, and the breadwinner of the family is no longer able to work.

Are you and your family protected financially if disaster occurs? It is imperative that you carry the right types of insurance and adequate amounts of coverage to protect your loved ones in the event you are seriously injured or killed. Remember, the person who causes your injury may not have adequate insurance to pay for your damages. It is equally important to carry sufficient liability coverage to protect your assets in the event you cause injury to another person.

Many people are confused about the types of insurance coverage needed or how much insurance they might need. In future posts, I will attempt to shed some light on the various insurance coverages available.

Continue reading "Adequate Insurance for Financial Catastrophe" »

Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C reports that John Stamelos, 60 of Kirkwood, Missouri was injured when a 2004 Honda Civic, driven by Bertie Campbell, 75 of Sullivan, Missouri struck his 1988 Harley Davidson motorcycle when she drove the wrong way down Interstate 44 in Franklin County, Missouri at 9:30 this morning.

Stamelos was ejected from his vehicle and sustained minor injuries. He was transported by Missouri Baptist Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Missouri for treatment.

The Missouri Highway Patrol Troop F reported a two vehicle collision which occurred on September 5, 2009 at 3:20pm. The crash happened in Miller County, Missouri on MO Route 42 just west of Blackmore Road.

Jeffrey Harris of Lebanon, Missouri was traveling eastbound when he crossed the center line and struck a westbound vehicle driven by Bradley Arndt of Iberia, Missouri. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.

These two fatalities are the 59th and 60th for Troop F in 2009.

Wrongful deaths are always unexpected, leaving families unprepared for the overwhelming grief and complex issues that arise. The pain of losing a loved one is often immobilizing and the pressing concerns of loss and burial are overwhelming. Survivors face many important legal decisions that could have a significant impact on their family's financial future. These types of decisions are difficult enough without the mental and emotional strain of grief added to the mix. It is important that survivors know they are not alone during this extremely painful time and that there are laws that allow at least some measure of justice and compensation for this permanent loss.

Most people seek an attorney because they : have a need to know what really happened, they want to hold the wrongdoer accountable, they need help seeking compensation for the harm the wrongdoer caused, and they want to prevent the same harm from being done to others.

In Missouri, a wrongful death lawsuit claims that the victim was killed as a result of the fault of a person or business being sued, and that the victim's family is entitled to monetary damages as a result of the improper conduct. If the wrongdoer's conduct was done with a conscious disregard for safety, then additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.

A successful suit allows the family to recover the financial loss, force the wrong doer to pay some compensation for the loss of a loved one, and can often bring to light a dangerous act, situation or product. These lawsuits can over time force changes that protect the lives of others so that the tragedy does not happen or is far less likely to happen again. To learn more, visit our Wrongful Death Claims FAQ page.