Why crash statistics matter after a St. Louis car accident
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- Local St. Louis car accident experience with crash reports, liability facts, injury proof, and insurer disputes
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Crash statistics can show how often serious wrecks happen, where risks appear, and what factors may matter in an injury claim. Our lawyers can help connect the data to the evidence in your case—police reports, medical records, witness statements, and insurance issues—without making promises about the outcome.
After a St. Louis crash, protect the evidence behind your claim
- Get medical care and keep records of symptoms, diagnoses, bills, and follow-up instructions.
- Report the crash and get the police report so the location, vehicles, driver information, and witness details are preserved.
- Save photos, videos, and vehicle damage evidence before repairs, weather, or cleanup erase important details.
- Avoid broad insurer statements until you understand your injuries and legal options.
- Talk with a St. Louis car accident attorney if another driver’s choices caused your injuries.
Injured in a St. Louis car accident?
Talk with a local attorney. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Public crash reports show that serious auto accidents continue to affect people throughout St. Louis and the surrounding areas. St. Louis car accident statistics can provide useful safety context, but the facts of an individual injury claim depend on the specific crash evidence.
Because crash totals, reporting periods, and geographic boundaries can vary by source, this page uses public Missouri and St. Louis-area crash data as background context rather than as proof of fault or a promise about any individual case.
If you suffered an injury in a St. Louis car accident resulting from someone else’s reckless actions, you can seek compensation. Contact a St. Louis car accident attorney near you for a free consultation.
Table of Contents
- How Many Car Accidents Occur in St. Louis Each Year?
- What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Louis?
- Where Do Car Accidents Occur in St. Louis?
- The Types of Crashes that Occur on St. Louis Roadways
- The Types of Injuries Experienced in St. Louis Car Accidents
- Injured in a Car Accident in St. Louis? We Can Help
- Our Practice Areas
How Many Car Accidents Occur in St. Louis Each Year?
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol traffic crash statistics report, more than 134,000 crashes occurred throughout Missouri during the report year.
These crashes included:
The linked MSHP report includes fatal crashes, injury crashes, and property-damage-only crashes. Those statewide figures provide context, while the facts of any individual St. Louis crash still depend on the specific police report, injuries, vehicles, roadway conditions, and available insurance.
Trailnet’s published St. Louis crash reporting also shows that serious crashes, injuries, and traffic deaths remain a major regional safety concern. Because annual totals can change by source, geography, and reporting period, this page uses public crash reports as context rather than as a promise about any individual case.
The public reports cited below provide safety context for St. Louis drivers, while liability in any individual crash depends on evidence such as the police report, witness accounts, roadway conditions, vehicle damage, and medical records.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Louis?
Missouri and national safety agencies consistently identify choices such as speeding, distraction, impairment, and seat-belt use as important factors in serious crash prevention. In an individual St. Louis injury claim, those same issues may need to be evaluated through the crash report, citations, witness statements, phone records, video, and vehicle data.
Here is a look at crash factors that are commonly investigated after St. Louis car accidents.
Speeding
Speeding remains one of the risk factors public safety agencies track in serious crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that speeding is a factor in about a quarter of fatal traffic crashes nationwide, which is why speed, braking distance, and roadway conditions can matter when reviewing a St. Louis crash.
Some of the dangers include:
- A reduction in the time the driver needs to perceive a hazard on the roadway and respond to it by braking.
- An increase in the distance the vehicle will travel before the brakes can stop the vehicle.
- An increase in the severity of an accident due to the greater force caused by the higher speed.
- An increase in the likelihood that the driver cannot control the vehicle.
- The difficulty other road users face in gauging a safe gap in traffic due to the unexpected speed of the approaching vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another major cause of accidents both in St. Louis and throughout the U.S.
Driving distractions include anything that:
- Causes the driver to take their hands from the wheel;
- Causes the driver to avert their eyes from watching the roadway; and
- Causes the driver’s thoughts to wander from the task of driving safely.
Traffic analysts are concerned with texting and other cell phone use while driving, as this activity results in all three types of driving distractions. When traveling at highway speeds, in the time it takes a driver to read or reply to a text, they will have traveled the length of a football field without watching the road, correctly positioning both hands on the steering wheel, and paying attention to what is going on around them.
Driving While Impaired
Alcohol impairment remains a major safety factor in serious and fatal crashes. When a St. Louis crash may involve an impaired driver, the police report, toxicology evidence, witness statements, video, and bar or restaurant records can all become important liability evidence.
Missouri crash reports and national safety agencies continue to identify impaired driving as a serious crash factor. Alcohol and drugs can impair the body’s central nervous system, creating deficits in a driver’s judgment, reaction time, coordination, and ability to control a vehicle.
Unfortunately, while the legal impairment limit in St. Louis for adults over 21 is 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood, the deficits caused by alcohol begin long before the driver has reached the legal impairment limit. Instead, these deficits start to occur after the first drink.
Some of the impacts of alcohol on a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle include:
- Difficulty tracking moving targets
- The inability to focus on more than one activity at a time
- Difficulty maintaining a single lane of travel
- Difficulty braking and steering appropriately
- The inability to control speed
- Difficulty making good decisions
Other Causes of St. Louis Accidents
Speeding, distracted driving, alcohol impairment, and other risky driving behaviors are commonly investigated factors after St. Louis crashes.
These include:
- Tailgating. This occurs when one vehicle following another vehicle too closely. Tailgating is the leading cause of rear-end accidents, which are some of the most common intersection accidents.
- Failure to yield. You must yield the right-of-way at red lights, stop signs, or when pulling onto or merging. Failure to yield often results from distracted driving, alcohol impairment, or even the inability to stop due to the vehicle traveling at too high a speed.
- Young drivers. Young drivers, whose inexperience behind the wheel, can lead to motor vehicle accidents. Common mistakes that teen drivers make include driving too fast, without the experience to control the vehicle; distracted driving, with texting and friends in the vehicle posing extreme hazards to others on the roadway; taking unnecessary risks and being overconfident in their ability to drive safely.
- Older drivers. Some older drivers can experience age-related changes in vision, reaction time, or cognitive function that may increase crash risk, especially in heavy traffic, poor weather, or complex intersections.
- Vehicle problems. Car accidents are often caused by serious issues with the automobile, such as tire blowouts, resulting from lack of maintenance or defective parts.
Where Do Car Accidents Occur in St. Louis?
Car accidents in St. Louis, Missouri, occur in various locations throughout the city and its surrounding areas, including:
- I-64 (US Highway 40) and I-270 interchange
- I-70, particularly near the downtown area and the interchange with I-170
- I-55, especially near the Poplar Street Bridge and the interchange with I-44
- I-44, notably near the Jefferson Avenue and Hampton Avenue exits
- Downtown St. Louis streets:
- Market Street
- Broadway
- 4th Street
- Memorial Drive
- Manchester Road, particularly in the Ballwin and Ellisville areas
- Gravois Avenue, especially near the River Des Peres Boulevard intersection
- Kingshighway Boulevard, notably near the intersections with Delmar Boulevard and Chippewa Street
- Grand Boulevard, particularly near the Saint Louis University campus and the intersection with Arsenal Street
- Lindbergh Boulevard (US Highway 67), especially near the intersections with Olive Boulevard and Page Avenue
- Delmar Boulevard, particularly in the University City and Delmar Loop areas
- Chippewa Street (MO Route 366), notably near the intersections with Kingshighway Boulevard and Hampton Avenue
- North and South Florissant Roads, especially near the intersection with I-70
- Natural Bridge Avenue, particularly near the intersection with Kingshighway Boulevard
- Olive Boulevard, notably near the intersections with I-270 and Lindbergh Boulevard
- Page Avenue, especially near the intersection with I-170
- Hampton Avenue, particularly near the intersections with I-44 and Chippewa Street
- Hanley Road, notably near the intersection with I-64 (US Highway 40)
These streets and areas represent some of the most accident-prone locations in St. Louis, MO, but it’s essential to remember that accidents can happen anywhere.
The Types of Crashes that Occur on St. Louis Roadways
The roadways of St. Louis feature every type of motor vehicle accident that can occur, including:
- Rear-end accidents, which occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the rear of another. These crashes are often described as fender-benders, but they can still cause serious neck, back, head, and soft-tissue injuries depending on speed, vehicle size, and impact angle.
- Head-on collisions, which occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the front of another vehicle. These crashes can be especially severe because both vehicles may transfer force directly into the occupant compartments.
- Broadside (T-bone) collisions, which occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another. Along with rear-ending accidents, broadside collisions most often occur in the intersection. They are generally the result of one driver failing to yield the right-of-way to another. Broadside accidents are overrepresented in state traffic fatality totals, as there is not much protection afforded to people sitting on the side of the vehicle that the other car struck. This is especially true when there is a large discrepancy between the vehicles involved in the collision. For example, an accident in which a pickup truck broadsides a small passenger vehicle will often produce severe or fatal injuries to the occupants sitting on the side of the vehicle that was hit.
- Sideswipe accidents, which occur when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. Improper merging, when a driver attempts to move into a travel lane without first clearing it, causes many sideswipe accidents.
- Rollover accidents, which occur when the vehicle either rolls due to a high center of gravity or imbalanced cargo or because an obstacle, such as a median or even another car, tripped the wheels. Rollovers are common in accidents involving semi-trucks, as they have a high center of gravity.
- Single-vehicle accidents, which may involve a driver losing control, leaving the roadway, striking a fixed object, or hitting a pedestrian or cyclist.
- Multi-car pileups. These are most common on the interstate, where speeds are high enough that drivers have a difficult time stopping when an accident occurs in front of them before colliding with the wreckage.
The Types of Injuries Experienced in St. Louis Car Accidents
Car accidents produce some of the most traumatic injuries possible, including injuries to the organs that make up the body’s central nervous system—the spinal cord and the brain. Each of these organs plays an important role in the body’s ability to function but has only a limited ability to heal from injury. This leaves a high likelihood of permanent disabilities that will prevent a victim from earning an income or living independently. Because of this, brain and spinal cord injuries are considered catastrophic.
Other types of injuries that can occur in St. Louis car accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Damage to the spinal vertebrae and discs
- Internal damage, such as injuries to bodily organs or bleeding
- Lacerations, which can result in scarring
- Burns due to flames or contact with caustic chemicals used to make the vehicle run
- Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash in the neck as a result of a rear-end accident
What You Should Do After a Car Accident in St. Louis
A car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, but knowing what steps to take immediately after can help protect your health, legal rights, and financial future. Whether you are still at the scene or recovering at home or in the hospital, taking the right actions can strengthen your potential claim and help protect the evidence needed to evaluate your claim.
At the Scene of the Accident
If you are physically able, follow these steps while still at the accident scene:
- Call 911 – Report the accident to the police so they can create an official accident report. This document is crucial for proving fault and liability.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent. Let paramedics evaluate you.
- Gather Evidence – If possible, take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Exchange Information – Obtain the other driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle description. However, avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.
- Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement – Insurance companies may try to offer a low settlement early on. Avoid signing anything or providing recorded statements without speaking to an attorney.
After the Accident: Recovering at Home or in the Hospital
Once you have left the scene, it’s important to continue protecting your rights:
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment plans. Skipping treatment can give insurance companies a reason to dispute your injuries.
- Keep Records – Maintain documentation of medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. This information is key in calculating the full value of your claim.
- Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media – Insurance adjusters may monitor your online activity and use your posts to downplay your injuries or shift blame.
- Consult a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer – An experienced attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, gather crucial evidence (such as surveillance footage and accident reports), and prepare a documented claim for the compensation supported by the facts, injuries, and available insurance.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
A St. Louis car accident lawyer plays a vital role in helping you evaluate available compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages based on the evidence and applicable coverage. Your attorney will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation and collect evidence to establish fault
- Work with medical and accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case
- Negotiate with insurance companies to pursue the compensation supported by the evidence and available coverage
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Taking the right steps after an accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. If you or a loved one has been injured in a St. Louis car accident, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and protect your options for a financial recovery.
FAQs About St. Louis Car Accident Statistics
Why are St. Louis car accident statistics important?
St. Louis car accident statistics can provide context about traffic safety trends, crash factors, and high-risk roadway patterns. In an injury claim, the specific police report, medical records, witness evidence, and insurance facts matter more than general statistics.
How many car accidents happen in St. Louis each year?
The number changes by year, geography, and reporting source. This page cites public sources such as the Missouri State Highway Patrol and regional crash-safety reports where available, and it avoids treating general crash totals as proof of any individual case.
What are common causes of car accidents in St. Louis?
Commonly discussed crash factors include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, poor weather, road design, and vehicle problems. The cause of a specific crash should be investigated through the police report, scene evidence, vehicle damage, witness statements, and available video.
Which areas in St. Louis see more car accidents?
Major highways, busy intersections, commercial corridors, and areas with congestion can see elevated crash risk. The exact location evidence in your crash matters because it may show sight-line issues, signal timing, construction, speeding patterns, or other facts relevant to liability.
How can crash statistics support a legal claim?
Statistics can provide background context, but they do not prove fault by themselves. A lawyer can use crash data alongside case-specific evidence to identify liability issues, preserve records, and explain why a collision happened.
What should I do if I’ve been in a car accident in St. Louis?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene if you can do so safely, exchange information, avoid admitting fault, and speak with an attorney before accepting a quick insurance settlement.
Where can I find updated St. Louis car accident statistics?
Public sources include the Missouri State Highway Patrol, MoDOT, NHTSA, CDC, Trailnet, and local traffic-safety reports. Check the date and geography of each report before comparing numbers.
Injured in a Car Accident in St. Louis? We Can Help
Being injured in a car accident in St. Louis can affect every part of your life, including your ability to earn a living and accomplish daily tasks. As noted by Captain Hotz of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, drivers can prevent most car accidents, as they result from risky driving.
If you fell victim to a car crash due to someone else’s careless behavior, a St. Louis car accident attorney from The Bruning Law Firm can help you understand your rights. If we take on your case, we will fight for your right to compensation and set you up with a contingent fee billing method that will allow us to start working on your case right away.
For your free case evaluation, contact us online or call (618) 278-5186.
The Bruning Law Firm
Address: 555 Washington Ave Ste 600A,St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: (618) 278-5186
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February 2020
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