Mayer Law Office Mayer Law Office2026-05-27T15:49:22Zhttps://www.mayerlawoffice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1102988/2019/05/cropped-fab-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[3 reasons young drivers cause so many car accidents]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=516102026-05-27T15:49:22Z2026-05-27T15:49:22ZNo age group has a higher fatal car accident rate than teenage drivers. This is especially true for young teens who are 16 or 17 years old and have only recently received their licenses. Even by ages 18 and 19, fatal accident rates begin to decline, and there is another substantial drop for drivers in their 20s.In this sense, age is certainly correlated with serious car accidents. But what are some of the reasons why young drivers are more susceptible to these crashes?
Engaging in risky behaviors
For one thing, young people are often more likely to make risky or dangerous decisions. They may not fully think through the long-term consequences of their actions. Examples can include speeding, aggressive driving or failing to wear a seatbelt.
Driving with friends
Teens are also more likely to drive with friends in the vehicle, especially when they are the first person in their friend group to get a driver’s license. However, crash risks increase when there are other teenagers in the car. A group of high school students driving together is statistically more likely to be involved in an accident than a single teen driving alone.
Inexperience
The main reason for many of these crashes, however, is simply inexperience. Young drivers are more likely to overlook hazards, make poor decisions or react incorrectly in dangerous situations because they have spent less time behind the wheel.Driving safely takes practice and experience, and young drivers are still developing those skills.
Seeking compensation
Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident caused by another driver? If so, it is important to understand what legal options may be available to seek financial compensation.
]]>On Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[Truck drivers are prohibited from using handheld devices]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=516082026-05-13T10:33:55Z2026-05-13T10:33:55ZTruck drivers cannot use handheld devices on the road. This is a clear rule laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. There are some situations in which they can push one button to use a hands-free device when communication is necessary, but a truck driver should never be using their personal cellphone or holding it in their hand to text, call, operate the GPS or do anything else.The problem is that a handheld device is a significant safety issue and it distracts the driver from the traffic conditions around them. Even if they are glancing back and forth from the phone to the road, they are not paying as much attention as they should be. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and pose significant risks to motorists around them, so drivers are required to be more attentive.
Long stopping distances
A related issue is that trucks have long stopping distances of around 525 feet. This is much longer than the comparable stopping distance for a passenger car, which is slightly over 300 feet.What this means is that, if traffic conditions change or traffic starts to slow ahead of the truck, that truck driver needs to react much sooner than the drivers around them. In order to react appropriately, they have to be paying attention to the road. A driver who is looking at their cellphone may not start braking in time, and the extended stopping distance—due to the weight of their vehicle—could make it impossible for them to avoid causing a rear-end accident.
Financial compensation after a crash
Have you been involved in an accident caused by a commercial driver? If you have suffered serious injuries, you need to know what legal steps to take to seek financial compensation for medical bills and more.
]]>On Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[Can you get a DWI the next morning?]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=516062026-04-30T22:49:53Z2026-04-30T22:49:53Zget a DWI the next morning. There are many factors to consider, such as how high a person’s blood alcohol concentration got the night before and how long they waited to get behind the wheel.
How fast does your BAC decline?
A big thing to consider is simply that your BAC drops at a rate of about 0.015% per hour. So it may take you significantly longer to get back down to zero than you assume.
For instance, it would take six hours to get to zero if your BAC was at 0.09%, and that is just barely over the legal limit of 0.08%. If you had a BAC that was significantly elevated over that limit, it could take much longer. There is nothing you can do to speed up alcohol metabolism, so you simply need to give your body time.
For those who stay out late into the night or get up early in the morning for work or school the next day, they simply may not have slept long enough to get back to zero. If so, it is certainly possible to fail a breath test the next morning.
Your DWI defense options
If you do find yourself facing DWI charges, it may come as a surprise. It can put your driver’s license at risk, and you could face ramifications like significant fines and even the potential for jail time. It is very important to understand exactly what legal defense options you have at this time. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to start.]]>On Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[What happens if I discover my injuries weeks after the car crash?]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=516042026-04-29T13:32:27Z2026-04-29T13:32:27ZIf you were in a car crash in Missouri and symptoms have only recently begun to emerge, you are not too late. Fortunately, Missouri offers one of the longest filing windows in the country for personal injury claims. But before you act, it helps to understand why your injuries may have taken so long to appear.
What are latent injuries?
A latent injury is a medical condition that exists but shows no immediate symptoms. After a crash, your body enters fight or flight mode. As a result, adrenaline and endorphins flood your system and mask pain. This is why you may feel fine right after the collision, when your body has already sustained the damage. Days or weeks later, the symptoms may begin to surface. Thus, understanding this physiological delay is the first step in recognizing what may be happening to your body.
Common crash injuries that show up later
This delayed response makes certain injuries difficult to detect in the hours after a crash. Hence, being aware of early warning signs can make a significant difference in protecting your health and your claim. Here are the three most common latent injuries crash victims should watch out for:
Soft tissue damage: Whiplash or ligament tears often stiffen and worsen within 48 to 72 hours after impact.
Internal bleeding: Slow internal leaks cause no pain until pressure builds up inside the body.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Once you have taken that step, the next important thing to understand is how Missouri's legal deadlines apply to your situation.
Important deadlines to keep in mind
Missouri law sets firm deadlines for crash-related legal action.If law enforcement did not investigate your accident, you must file a police report with the Missouri State Highway Patrol within 30 days. This applies if the crash involved injury, death or property damage over $500. Meanwhile, if you plan to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you generally have five years from the crash date. Thus, keeping these deadlines in mind is just as important as treating your injuries.
Watch the clock on your injuries
Discovering an injury weeks after a crash can be disorienting, but Missouri's five-year filing window means you still have time to understand your options. The key is not to let that time slip by. Knowing your deadlines, documenting your symptoms and understanding what your injuries may be worth are all important steps in protecting yourself. The right guidance can help you navigate that process and make sure no deadline catches you off guard.]]>On Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[How pain and suffering is calculated in personal injury cases]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=516002026-04-24T09:40:34Z2026-04-24T07:53:07ZWhat counts as pain and suffering
When quantifying pain and suffering, your provider considers the following factors when reviewing your case:
Recovery duration: The total time needed for your treatment and healing
Medical care: The intensity and duration of the ongoing treatment and required rehabilitation
Permanence: The state of your mobility and mental health after your injury
Quality of life: The degree to which the injury limits your ability to enjoy life
Insurance companies consider how these physical and mental consequences can affect you and for how long. Since no two incidents are the same, every claim is assessed individually.
Evidence checklist to build your case
Following an injury, the losses can be subjective and hard to prove. Fortunately, there are concrete ways to substantiate your physical discomfort and mental anguish, including:
Medical records of your diagnosis and treatment
Photos of your injuries
Statements from specialists
Documentation of mental health treatment
Your personal logs detailing your current life struggles
Testimonials from your loved ones
Constructing a clear paper trail helps paint a picture of the full impact of the injury on your finances, daily comfort and quality of life. A legal professional can help you compile this evidence while meeting strict deadlines.
Going beyond financial recovery
Pain and suffering often represent a large part of a claim's total value. Properly documenting them is key to seeking compensation that truly reflects the entirety of your ordeal. You deserve full support as you work toward holistic stability.]]>On Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[Who’s liable in a farm equipment accident on Missouri roads?]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=515982026-03-31T15:26:23Z2026-03-31T15:26:23ZUnderstanding Missouri’s duty of care
In Missouri, drivers are held to a strict standard. Under Missouri law, all motorists must exercise the “highest degree of care,” meaning the level of care a very careful person would use in similar situations.
As of August 28, 2025, Missouri law prohibits "stunt driving" under this section, making violations that involve an accident a Class A misdemeanor.
This mandate requires vigilance regarding road conditions and slower vehicles; a driver’s failure to meet this heightened standard constitutes negligence.
Legal visibility requirements for slow-moving farm equipment
Missouri law requires specific safety measures to improve the visibility of farm equipment. Qualifying slow-moving vehicles on public highways must display a reflective triangular SMV emblem from sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. The emblem must be mounted at least four feet high and visible from 500 feet.
While exceptions exist for dirt/gravel roads or specific towed equipment under 12 feet long, operators must generally provide front white and rear red lighting during low-light hours.
Failure to meet these standards is evidence of negligence but does not create an automatic presumption of total liability.
How fault is determined
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, which often applies in motor vehicle accident cases involving shared responsibility. You can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but the law reduces your compensation by your percentage of responsibility. In many farm equipment accidents, more than one party may share blame.
Liability may go beyond the driver
Depending on what happened, responsibility may not stop with the person operating the equipment. An employer may be liable if the operator was working at the time. A maintenance issue or equipment defect could also bring in other responsible parties, such as a service provider or manufacturer.
What this means for you
Farm equipment accidents often result in complex claims involving medical bills and lost income. Because Missouri strictly enforces a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury, prompt evidence preservation is critical.
Since liability hinges on specific variables like visibility standards and the "highest degree of care," understanding these rules ensures you protect your right to seek compensation.]]>On Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[What you need to know after your first DWI arrest]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=515962026-03-12T09:19:56Z2026-03-12T09:19:56ZWhat happens to your driver’s license?
A failed chemical test generally results in an immediate administrative suspension of your license. If you refuse testing, the officer will file a notice of revocation declaring the license invalid.
After serving your suspension or revocation period, you may qualify for restricted driving privileges. The state may require you to install an ignition interlock device as a condition of reinstatement.
How the court process works
A DWI case often begins with an arraignment. Here, the judge will explain the charges against you and ask for your plea. Consider your options carefully rather than rushing into a plea. Afterwards, your case moves into the pre-trial phase.
It is during this stage that you evaluate evidence related to your case, such as police reports, dash camera footage and chemical test results. Depending on the incident, the resolution of a first-time DWI may involve probationary terms and fines.
With legal guidance, you can better understand the circumstances of your case and determine the best course of action.
Penalties for a first-time DWI
Under Missouri law, a first-time DWI qualifies as a Class B misdemeanor. While penalties may vary based on the case, potential consequences may include:
Up to six months in jail
Fines of up to $1,000
Completion of a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
First-offense cases, particularly those without an accident or injury, may have lesser penalties. However, aggravating factors such as high blood alcohol concentration or the presence of a minor passenger can also influence the outcome of your case.
Protecting your future
A first-time DWI can be overwhelming, but your response throughout the case can shape the outcome. With legal counsel, you can work toward minimizing the impact of a first-time DWI and seek the best possible resolution.]]>On Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[How many points before license suspension in Missouri]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=515942026-02-20T09:31:51Z2026-02-20T09:31:51ZA single traffic ticket in Dexter might seem minor at first. Still, Missouri’s point system can quietly build toward a much bigger problem. Every conviction adds points to your driving record. As those points grow, the risk to your license grows with them.
For many people in Stoddard County, driving is part of daily life. You may rely on your car to get to work, pick up your children or attend appointments. Because of that, knowing when points turn into a suspension can help you see how quickly a few tickets can affect your routine.
The tipping point for suspension
To prevent repeat violations, Missouri uses a statewide point system. The Department of Revenue tracks convictions and reviews your record over specific time frames. Once your total crosses certain limits, suspension can follow.You may face suspension when you accumulate:
8 points within 18 months
12 points within 12 months
18 points within 24 months
24 points within 36 months
Reaching one of these levels can trigger a suspension ranging from 30 days to 1 year. For example, receiving two speeding tickets and one careless driving conviction within a year can push you past 12 points. As a result, what felt like routine traffic stops can suddenly lead to losing your driving privileges.
How small tickets turn serious
Because different violations carry different point values, totals can rise faster than you expect. Speeding often adds 2 to 3 points. Careless and imprudent driving adds 4 points. More serious offenses such as driving while intoxicated add even more and may extend the suspension period.In addition, timing matters. Points remain relevant within the review window, so older tickets can still count if they fall within that period. Paying a ticket usually counts as admitting guilt, which means points get added automatically. Working with a traffic defense attorney may help by reviewing the citation, identifying weaknesses in the case and exploring options that could reduce or prevent points from being assessed.
Staying on the road
When points begin to stack up, each new traffic violation ticket carries more weight than the last. Monitoring your record and addressing issues early can make the difference between keeping your license and facing a suspension that disrupts your job and daily life.]]>On Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[What if a government-owned vehicle caused the accident?]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=515912026-02-16T15:27:44Z2026-02-20T06:00:12ZHow sovereign immunity affects your accident claim
Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that shields government entities from most lawsuits. The concept has deep historical roots and rests on the idea that citizens cannot sue the state without its consent.
Missouri law waives this protection in two situations. First, when a public employee negligently drives a vehicle within the course of their employment and causes injury. Second, when a hazard on government property directly harms someone and officials knew or should have known about it in time to fix it.
These exceptions grant you the legal right to pursue a claim if a government employee's vehicle struck you during their work duties. However, you must establish that the driver acted negligently when the collision occurred and was operating within the scope of their employment.
How the shortened deadlines could cause issues
Filing a claim against a private driver in Missouri generally comes with a five-year deadline. However, when the liable party is a government entity, particularly a city or municipality, that timeline shrinks significantly.
State law requires you to submit written notice to the mayor or city clerk within 90 days of your accident when suing a municipal government. Missing this deadline can lead to dismissal of your claim, regardless of the strength of your evidence.
Each public agency has its own procedural rules. So, you will need to identify the responsible agency promptly to meet the correct deadlines and protect your right to compensation.
How damage caps may limit what you recover
Even when you successfully pursue a claim against a government entity, Missouri law limits how much compensation you can receive. State statutes cap compensatory damages against public entities and adjust that maximum each year to account for inflation.
These limits apply to the total amount awarded for your losses. Missouri law also bars punitive or exemplary damages in claims against government entities. If a jury awards an amount that exceeds the legal cap or includes prohibited damages, the court will reduce the award to comply with state law.]]>On Behalf of Mayer Law Office<![CDATA[What deadlines apply if your injury involves a defective product?]]>https://www.mayerlawoffice.com/?p=515892026-02-09T17:50:20Z2026-02-09T17:50:20ZIf a defective product causes an injury, deadlines can shape what options remain available to you. Missouri law sets firm time limits for bringing product-related injury claims, and missing them can end a claim before it begins. Knowing how these deadlines work helps you make informed decisions early.
Missouri’s statute of limitations for product injuries
Missouri generally allows five years to file a defective product injury claim. This deadline comes from the state’s general personal injury statute of limitations and applies to claims involving design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn. The five-year period usually begins when the injury becomes reasonably ascertainable rather than strictly on the date of purchase or first use of the product.
How discovery rules can affect filing deadlines
Some injuries linked to defective products do not become obvious right away. Missouri law recognizes this possibility by allowing the filing deadline to begin when you knew or should have known about the injury and its connection to the product. Courts examine these situations carefully, so delays after discovering the cause of harm can still affect the outcome.
Special deadlines for product claims involving children
When a defective product injures a child, Missouri law may pause the statute of limitations. In many situations, the filing period does not begin until the child reaches the age of 21. This extension gives families additional time, but evidence such as the product, receipts, and medical records still matters from the start.
Why product recalls and repairs matter
A product recall does not usually change the filing deadline under Missouri law. The same five-year time limit often applies even if a recall occurs after the injury. Repairs, replacements, or manufacturer communications also do not restart the clock, although they may help support a claim.You can protect a potential claim by preserving the defective product in its post-injury condition and keeping related records. Medical documentation, photographs, and witness information can help show how the defect caused harm. Understanding Missouri’s filing deadlines allows you to act within the required time frame and avoid losing the opportunity to seek compensation.]]>