Missouri Accident Statistics

MO Police Launch Spring Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign

Statewide (March 6, 2024) – According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety (MCRS), Missouri law enforcement is stepping up DUI and DWI enforcement efforts from March 17 through April 19, in an attempt to curb incidents of impaired driving, a statistically significant accident cause in the state of Missouri.

The Missouri car wreck lawyers at Patterson Legal Group applaud this campaign and remind drivers to reach out for a free case evaluation and consultation if they’ve been injured in a wreck caused by an impaired driver. Source: MCRS

Record Number of Motorcyclists Killed in Missouri in 2023

Statewide (February 5, 2024) – According to preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), 175 motorcyclists were killed in 2023, a 14 percent increase compared to 2022. These record numbers are almost 50 percent higher than the average number killed before Missouri repealed its mandated all-rider helmet law back in 2020.

In a statement, MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna said, “The importance of choosing to wear a helmet when riding can’t be overstated. Without it, the likelihood of a crash causing a fatal injury jumps up significantly.” The Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group remind bikers to ride safely and wear their helmet. If you were struck by a reckless driver while riding, get in touch to review your legal options. Source: KFVS12

Routine Maintenance Can Prevent Crashes

Statewide (April 11, 2023) – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reminds drivers to perform regular maintenance on their vehicles. Failure to do so can result in an avoidable breakdown or car crash. For example, waiting too long to change your oil can result in engine failure, while neglecting to monitor tire condition can result in you being unable to control your car.

Patterson Legal Group echoes MoDOT’s advice. It’s especially important to make sure that your car is ready for extreme weather conditions. Please follow our guides on preparing your car for summer and preparing your car for winter for additional safety measures. Should you get into an accident caused by a driver that failed to maintain their vehicle, call us to explore your legal options. Source: MoDOT

El Nino Potentially Bringing More Summer Rain

Statewide (June 1, 2023) – Missouri had an unusually dry Spring in 2023, which has led to drought conditions. That could change dramatically this summer due to the El Nino weather system that has formed over the Pacific Ocean. While Missouri could certainly use the rain, the additional precipitation can also lead to more car accidents.

Summer typically has more car accidents than the other three seasons and additional rainfall could increase the chances of an accident further. Should you get into a weather-related car accident this summer then contact Patterson Legal Group for immediate help. Source: FOX2

El Niño to Bring Weather-Related Accidents

Statewide (May 3, 2023) – According to NPR, numerous U.S. and international meteorologists have forecasted El Niño weather conditions between May and July. An El Niño occurs when the temperature of the Pacific Ocean rises, causing weather harsh conditions that are amplified by the jet stream. In practical terms, this brings heavy rain and storms, which can increase weather-related accidents.

Missouri is one of the states forecasted to receive heavier-than-normal rainfall for the next three months. Patterson Legal Group urges you to drive carefully in the event of an El Niño in order to avoid a car accident caused by inclement weather. Source: NPR

How to Avoid Distracted Driving

Statewide (April 3, 2023) – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the team at Patterson Legal Group wants to do our part to help make Missouri safer. With that in mind, please check out these five tips to avoid distracted driving accidents. The more people that understand the causes of distracted driving and how to avoid them, the safer everyone will be.

Distracted driving is one of the fastest-growing causes of car accidents and car crash fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 3,521 distracted driving deaths in 2021. Should you get into a car accident caused by a distracted driver and suffer injuries, please know that our Missouri injury lawyers are available 24/7 to assist you. Source: NHTSA

Floods Expected This Weekend

Statewide (March 23, 2023) – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) warns travelers to expect flooded roads throughout the weekend. The state has been hit by heavy rain, with more storms in the forecast. Many roads are already flooded and conditions are expected to get worse, increasing the likelihood of car accidents.

Patterson Legal Group urges you to stay home, if possible, during heavy rains. Many people underestimate how dangerous weather-related accidents can be. Should you get into a car wreck caused by another party during the storms, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: MoDOT

Prepare for Winter Driving

Statewide (November 14, 2022) – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reminds residents and visitors that winter is coming. Winter typically brings road conditions that increase your chances of a car accident due to inclement weather. Many drivers are unaware of how fatal weather-related accidents can be.

\In addition to following MODOT’s advice of slowing down during inclement weather, keeping your car’s glass clear, and giving snow plows adequate room to operate, Patterson Legal Group reminds you to prepare for the season. There are many simple things you can do to get your car ready for winter and decrease your chances of an accident. Source: MoDOT

St. Joseph Schools Open August 22

St. Joseph (August 8, 2022) – The 2022-2023 St. Joseph School District (SJSD) year starts on August 22, 2022. There are 24 SJSD schools that serve more than 10,000 students. As motorists get used to sharing the road with buses and students once again, the chances of bicycle accidents, car accidents, and pedestrian accidents are temporarily higher.

Patterson Legal Group reminds you to be vigilant while driving near and in school zones. Don’t be afraid to slow down as you get acclimated to school traffic. If you’re a parent and your child has gotten into a school zone accident caused by negligence then contact us immediately. Source: SJSD

Flash Floods Lead to Car Accidents

Statewide (July 27, 2022) – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) urges motorists to “turn around don’t drown” in the event of heavy rain. July precipitation has left many major streets flooded, which has increased the number of Missouri car accidents. Sudden rain can lead to difficult driving conditions and several inches of flooding can be enough to carry a car away.

Patterson Legal Group echoes MoDOT’s advice. If a sudden storm hits then postpone your trip or return home if possible. Driving during flash floods is an unnecessary risk that greatly increases your chances of a weather-related accident. Should you get injured in a flood-related accident contact our Missouri personal injury lawyers immediately. Source: MoDOT

Kansas City Traffic Fatalities up from Last Year

Kansas City (March 13, 2024) – According to the latest data from the Missouri Statewide Traffic Accident Records System (STARS), traffic fatalities in Kansas City have gone up by a total of four. While traffic fatalities sat at 83 in 2022, they reached 87 in 2023 within the same timeframe.

The Missouri car wreck lawyers at Patterson Legal Group request that all drivers exercise caution while driving, especially around Kansas City. If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck because of someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, reach out today for a free case evaluation. Source: STARS

MO Fatal Crashes Down By 66

Statewide (February 14, 2024) – According to the latest data from the Missouri Statewide Traffic Accident Records System (STARS), the total number of traffic fatalities in the state of Missouri dropped by 66 from 2022 to 2023. From January to December of 2023, total traffic fatalities sat at 896, while fatalities the previous year to date were 962.

These numbers are encouraging, and the Missouri car accident attorneys at Patterson Legal Group hope to see them far lower at the end of this year. If you or a family member got hurt in a car wreck, we’d like to remind you that you have legal options. Reach out today for your free consultation. Source: STARS

125 Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents Since 2023

Statewide (1/18/24) – According to data from the Missouri Statewide Traffic Accident Records System (STARS), there have been a total of 125 fatal drunk driving accidents throughout Missouri since January 2023. This is down from 160 deaths reported during the same timeframe the previous year.

The Missouri injury attorneys here at Patterson Legal Group know from experience just how dangerous and even deadly drunk drivers in Missouri can be. If you’ve been hurt in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver, contact our legal team today for a free consultation. Source: STARS

Seat Belt Use Helps Prevent Traffic Deaths

Statewide (October 17, 2023) – As part of Buckle Up Day on October 25, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reminds drivers and passengers to use seat belts while in an active automobile. The agency claims that 60% of people that died in roadway fatalities were not using seat belts. The simple act of wearing a seat belt greatly prevents that chance of you or your passengers suffering a wrongful death.

The Missouri injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group echoes MoDOT’s advice. After 25 years of successfully representing car crash victims, our lawyers have seen first-hand how seat belt use helps save lives and prevent serious injury. Please use Buckle Up Day to remind your family of the importance of seat belt use. Source: MoDOT

91 Work Zone Accident Injuries in April

Statewide (May 11, 2023) – The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported 91 injuries and 2 wrongful deaths in April 2023 work zone accidents. With the weather warming up in Missouri, construction activity will increase and peak during the summer months. The increased number of work zones also means a higher chance of a car accident.

The Missouri injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group encourage you to be mindful while driving through construction areas. This is important for your safety, the safety of other motorists, and the safety of construction workers. Should you get into an accident caused by another party’s negligence, call us for immediate help. Source: MSHP

Pedestrian Deaths Up 28%

Statewide (March 29, 2023) – Pedestrian accident deaths in Missouri are up 28% according to preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). The agency has projected 53 pedestrian fatalities in 2022, compared to 41 in 2021. However, the 2022 figures are similar to 2019 and 2020, which could indicate that 2021’s lower numbers were a result of decreased pedestrian activity due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Whatever the cause of the increase in pedestrian deaths, the Missouri injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group hope that motorists are more mindful of walkers, runners, and bicyclists. By respecting each other’s rights and space, we can make Missouri safer for everyone. Source: GHSA

Backover Accidents on the Rise

Statewide (February 16, 2023) – Backover car accidents are on the rise in the United States. According to KidsAndCars.org, more than 50 children are backed over by a vehicle in the U.S. every week. These accidents typically result in at least 48 emergency room visits and 2 deaths.

One reason for the increase in backover accidents is the increase in average car size. Sedans, once the dominant vehicle style in America, have dwindled in popularity, with consumers preferring larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks. KidsAndCars.org claims that more than 60% of backover accidents involve a larger vehicle. Source: KidsAndCars.org

August Drinking Involvement Stats

Statewide (September 16, 2022) – Data from the Missouri Statewide Traffic Accident Records System (STARS) showed that 104 people suffered personal injuries and 8 people died due to car accidents involving alcohol consumption in August 2022. Summer car accidents often involve crashes caused by drinking under the influence, with August ending the 100 deadliest days of driving.

Patterson Legal Group urges you and the drivers in your family to seek alternative transportation if you plan on drinking. Impaired driving is a serious issue and one of the leading causes of fatal car crashes. Using a designated driver, rideshare service, or taxi increases your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. Source: STARS

Missouri Traffic Fatalities Up in Q1

Statewide (August 17, 2022) – Missouri traffic deaths were up 10.3% in Q1 2022 compared to the same time period in 2021, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is above the national increase of 7% and below the regional increase of 12%. Missouri is part of NHTSA Region 7, which also includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Patterson Legal Group is concerned about the increase in car accident deaths and encourages you to do everything possible to drive safely. Please be especially cautious when the chances of an accident are higher, such as during holidays and inclement weather. Contact us for immediate assistance should you get into an accident. Source: NHTSA

Unrestrained Passenger Deaths Up Sharply

Statewide (July 14, 2022) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported a sharp increase in car accident deaths involving unrestrained passengers. The agency has projected 399 unrestrained passenger deaths for 2021, up sharply from 312 in 2014.

Deaths and catastrophic injuries from car crashes are highly preventable through proper seat belt use. The NHTSA claims that nearly half the people that die in car accidents did not use seat belts. Patterson Legal Group encourages you and your family to always wear a seat belt while driving or riding in an automobile. Source: NHTSA

MoDOT Announces Contractor Selection for I-70 Project

Statewide (February 14, 2024) – According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Millstone Weber has been selected to be the contractor for the upcoming Improve I-70 Project. This initiative aims to build a third lane in each direction and improve the 20-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between U.S. 63 in Columbia and U.S. 54 in Kingdom City.

The Missouri car wreck lawyers at Patterson Legal Group welcome this project and its goal of increasing safety on I-70. If you’ve been in a wreck because of unsafe highway conditions, reach out today for a free case evaluation. Source: MoDOT

Old Highway 63 South Briefly Closed

Columbia (February 21, 2024) – Old Highway 63 South was briefly closed to all traffic on Wednesday morning due to a single vehicle crash. Columbia Fire Department and Columbia Police Department responded to Old Highway 63 South near Hominy Branch Ct. around 5:00 a.m. and found a damaged vehicle.

Officers have not yet determined if those in the vehicle were injured or not. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence, the Missouri injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group urge you to reach out for a free case review. Source: NPNOW

Icy Conditions Cause Rise in Service Calls

Statewide (January 23, 2024) – Despite temperatures steadily rising throughout the state, bouts of ice and snow as well as freezing rain have led to dangerous commutes in Missouri. With this weather has come an increase in service calls throughout January as drivers report crashes, spinouts, and other related incidents.

Drops in temperature and recurring rain have caused a spike in car accidents, slip and falls, and other injuries throughout Missouri. The personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help those injured in such accidents. We urge you to reach out for a free case evaluation if you’ve been hurt because of someone’s negligence or recklessness. Source: NPNOW

Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Statewide (September 25, 2023) – The United States government has released a new round of COVID-19 tests. The information has been posted on Covid.gov, which will redirect people to a USPS website when they are ready to order tests. Each U.S. household is eligible to receive one order, which contains four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. The test will begin shipping on October 2, 2023.

Although COVID-19 is no longer classified as a federal emergency, hospitalizations have been rising due to new variants and may rise further as colder weather hits America. The Missouri injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group encourage you to consider signing up for these free tests to help you and your family better monitor your health and know what steps to take next for treatment. Source: Covid.gov

Reduced Construction This Holiday Weekend

Statewide (June 29, 2023) – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced that road work will be reduced from June 30th to the morning of July 5th. However, permanent lane closures will stay in effect and work zones will remain. Keep an eye out for construction zone debris in order to avoid a car accident.

Patterson Legal Group wishes you and your family a wonderful Fourth of July holiday weekend. Should you get into a work zone accident or any other type of accident then do not hesitate to call us for assistance. Source: MoDOT

MoDOT Reminds You to Avoid the Texts

Statewide (April 17, 2023) – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reminds motorists to “avoid the texts, reduce the wrecks” as part of Distracted Driving Awareness month. The message will be displayed on digital signs throughout the state. Additionally, distraction contributes to work zone accidents, so the message also applies to Work Zone Awareness Week (April 17-21).

Patterson Legal Group encourages you to stay off of your phone while driving. Doing so will greatly reduce your chances of a car accident or work zone accident caused by distracted driving. Should you get into a car accident caused by a distracted driver, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: MoDOT

Two Dead in St. Joseph Car Crash

St. Joseph (March 20, 2023) – Two people died in a car accident on March 18, 2023. Police reported that a car was traveling southbound on 36th Street when the driver lost control and hit the U-Haul Moving & Storage building located at 903 North 36th Street. The victims were identified as 36-year-old Gabriel Hgauk and 35-year-old Francy Santiago.

Patterson Legal Group sends condolences to the family and friends of the car accident victims. Source: NPNOW

Dadeville Superintendent Matthew Bushey Killed in Crash

Bolivar (August 26, 2022) – Dadeville School District Superintendent Matthew Bushey was killed in a car crash on Polk County’s first day of classes near Bolivar on State Highway T. Bushey was driving his Volkswagen Jetta when a Ford F-150 crossed the center line and struck him head-on.

Bushey was pronounced dead at the scene, while the unidentified teen driver was airlifted to a Springfield hospital and the unidentified teen passenger was brought to a Springfield hospital by ambulance. The Missouri State Highway Report listed that the teen driver was not using a seat belt at the time of the accident. Patterson Legal Group sends condolences to everyone involved in the accident. Source: MSHP

Man Falls Off Bridge After Car Crash

Kansas City (July 29, 2022) – One man died and two people were injured after a four-vehicle car accident on I-435 on Wednesday morning. The man was able to exit his car after the crash, but fell off a median and landed in a railroad yard where he was pronounced dead. Two people in the accident were taken to a local hospital for non-life threatening personal injuries.

According to the Kansas City Police Department, the accident happened due to two cars trying to change lanes at the same time. The two cars that were changing lanes collided and hit a pair of other vehicles traveling on I-435.

Source: KSNT

Amtrak Train Derails in Mendon

Mendon (June 27, 2022) – An Amtrak passenger train collided with a dump truck, which caused it to derail in Mendon, MO. The train was running on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line, which travels between Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA. It was holding roughly 243 passengers when it got into a train accident. The Missouri Highway Patrol said that seven cars derailed.

Three passengers were taken to a local hospital after suffering personal injuries. Their names and conditions have not been released at this time. Patterson Legal Group hopes that everyone involved in the Mendon Amtrak derailment does not suffer any catastrophic injuries and that everyone recovers quickly. Source: AP