Steelman Gaunt Crowley2026-05-06T15:11:28Zhttps://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103975/2024/08/cropped-ID-image-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[Motorcycle accidents in Missouri: Common causes and rider safety]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465632026-05-06T15:11:28Z2026-05-06T15:11:28Z5 reasons behind most motorcycle crashes
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reported a slight decline in vulnerable roadway user deaths in 2025. Their data shows a 5% drop in motorcycle fatalities. Even with that decrease, motorcycle crashes still cause severe injuries. Riders have less physical protection during an impact.
Most collisions begin when another driver fails to notice a rider until it is too late. Common causes include:
Left-turn collisions: Drivers often misjudge the speed or distance of an approaching motorcycle at intersections.
Blind-spot lane changes: A vehicle drifts into another lane without seeing a nearby rider.
Distracted driving: Phone use or divided attention reduces reaction time in traffic.
Following too closely: Riders have less protection during sudden stops or chain-reaction impacts.
Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use affects judgment, coordination and awareness.
These common crash factors also show why riders often make different safety choices based on personal risk. In Missouri, the law allows riders age 26 or older to operate a motorcycle without protective headgear if they meet certain insurance requirements. Nonetheless, helmet rules still apply in other situations.
Habits that often improve rider safety
Your position in traffic affects what other drivers see. Creating more space around your motorcycle can improve reaction time. Avoiding blind spots and slowing before intersections can also reduce danger.
If you ride often, regular inspections of brakes, tires and signals can help you spot mechanical problems early. Practice sessions in low-traffic areas can also sharpen braking and cornering skills.
Protecting your future after a collision
After a wreck, you may face medical bills and insurance disputes. Medical care and organized records can shape what happens next. Early action may also make it easier to gather witness statements, crash reports and medical records before critical details disappear.
When motorcycle accidents cause lasting harm, legal guidance can help you understand liability concerns and review possible next steps. A focused response may protect your claim while you work toward physical and financial recovery.]]>On Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[Drug charges and Missouri jobs: Your rights and risks]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465602026-03-02T14:03:31Z2026-03-02T14:03:31ZAt-will employment and company policies
Most workers in the state fall under at-will guidelines. Consequently, an employer can fire you for an arrest if they believe it violates company standards. Many local businesses maintain strict handbooks that outline expectations for conduct outside of the workplace.
Therefore, a pending charge often serves as a basis for suspension or termination. You should review your specific employment contract to see if it requires you to report an arrest within a certain timeframe.
Background checks and professional licenses
A criminal record can create significant hurdles when you apply for new positions. Most companies in the private sector perform thorough background checks on all finalists.
If you work in healthcare or education, the risks are even higher. Professional boards often conduct their own investigations into drug-related allegations. These inquiries can lead to the temporary or permanent loss of your professional credentials.
Impact on commercial driving and security clearances
For those who drive for a living, a drug conviction or a refusal to submit to chemical testing often results in the loss of a commercial driver's license. While an arrest does not trigger an immediate legal disqualification, it starts a strict timeline for administrative hearings.
Furthermore, if your job requires a security clearance, a criminal charge may lead to a revocation of your access. Maintaining a clean record is often a nonnegotiable requirement for these specialized roles. Legal complications can jeopardize your standing in the following ways:
Loss of trust with supervisors and clients
Ineligibility for certain federally funded roles
Difficulty passing future screening processes
A proactive approach is often the best way to mitigate these professional risks.
Protect your professional reputation
The long-term effects of a criminal charge extend far beyond the courtroom. While the legal process moves slowly, your employer may take action quickly. Taking steps to address the situation immediately can help you navigate the delicate balance between your legal defense and your career.
Local professionals often find that early intervention is key to preserving their livelihood. A knowledgeable advocate can help you understand the specific local pressures facing workers in Phelps County. You may find it helpful to consult with a lawyer to determine the best path forward for your unique career goals.
]]>On Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[Estate planning for young adults: Why you should not wait until it is too late]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465582026-01-02T22:37:07Z2026-01-02T22:37:07ZEstate planning may sound like something you can put off until later in life. If you live in Missouri and feel healthy and financially stable, it may not feel urgent. Creating a basic estate plan now gives you clarity and helps you stay in control as life changes
Why estate planning matters early
Life can change without warning, even when everything feels steady. An accident or sudden illness can leave others making decisions for you without knowing your wishes. Estate planning gives you written direction so your preferences guide those decisions.
What Missouri law decides if you do nothing
If you pass away without an estate plan, Missouri intestacy laws control where your property goes under a fixed formula. Those rules may not reflect your personal relationships or priorities, and unmarried partners or close friends may receive nothing. Court involvement can also increase delays and stress for loved ones.
Documents that form a basic estate plan
Many young adults start with a will, a financial power of attorney, and a health care directive. A will addresses property distribution, a power of attorney allows a trusted person to manage finances if you cannot, and a health care directive outlines medical decision-making authority. Together, these documents help keep control in your hands.
Steps you can take to get started
Start by listing your assets, accounts, and personal property, then identify people you trust to handle financial and medical matters. Writing these choices down helps clarify priorities and makes updates easier as your life changes. Review the plan after major events like marriage or a career change.Estate planning gives you a clear voice when you cannot speak for yourself. Taking action early reduces uncertainty and helps protect the people and causes you care about. A simple plan today can prevent confusion and added stress later.]]>On Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[The financial burden of back injuries]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465562025-10-29T14:03:54Z2025-10-29T14:03:54ZA back injury can change your life in an instant. Beyond the pain and physical limitations, the financial effects can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care can add up quickly, creating stress that makes recovery even harder. Understanding these costs can help you see why seeking compensation matters when your injury wasn’t your fault.
The immediate medical costs
Back injuries often lead to expensive medical treatment. Emergency care, diagnostic tests like MRIs, and physical therapy can quickly drain your savings. Some people may need surgery or long-term medication, which can cost thousands of dollars each year. These expenses add up fast, especially when you’re unable to work and your income suddenly stops.
Lost income and reduced earning ability
Missing work due to a back injury can lead to serious financial strain. Even if you receive short-term disability benefits, they rarely cover your full income. If your injury causes permanent limitations, your ability to return to your previous job may be affected. This loss of earning power can impact your future financial stability and make it harder to support your family.
Long-term and hidden costs
Beyond the obvious bills, back injuries often create hidden expenses. You may need home modifications, such as special chairs or mobility aids. Travel to and from medical appointments adds up, as do costs for childcare or help with household tasks you can no longer do. These hidden costs can make recovery even more stressful.
Why compensation matters
If your back injury happened in a workplace accident or because of someone else’s negligence, compensation can ease the financial pressure. It can help cover medical costs, replace lost wages, and support your recovery. Fair compensation allows you to focus on healing rather than worrying about bills or lost income.]]>On Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[How can dashcam footage impact Missouri car accident cases?]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465542025-09-05T13:17:14Z2025-09-05T13:17:14ZDashcam footage can play a key role in Missouri car accident cases by providing clear and reliable evidence of the events leading up to and following a crash. This footage can confirm the facts, help establish fault, and improve the chances of a fair settlement or court decision. Understanding how dashcam footage works and how to obtain it is important for anyone involved in a car accident.
How dashcam footage can be used as evidence
Dashcam footage offers an objective view of the accident, which can be more convincing than witness testimony or conflicting reports. Drivers can use this footage in court to demonstrate how the accident occurred. It can show important details such as the speed of vehicles, traffic signals, weather conditions, and the actions of other drivers just before the crash. In some cases, footage can even reveal if a driver was distracted, ran a red light, or failed to yield the right of way. This evidence can help clarify who is at fault and ensure fair compensation for damages.
How to obtain dashcam footage
To use dashcam footage as evidence, the footage must be preserved and accessible. If a dashcam was recording at the time of the accident, the owner should save and secure the footage immediately, as it may be automatically overwritten after a certain period. It’s important to keep the footage in its original form, as tampering with it could make it inadmissible in court. If the footage was not initially saved, check if there are any nearby traffic cameras or surveillance cameras that might have captured the incident.
Dashcam footage as a game-changer
In many Missouri car accident cases, dashcam footage serves as a game-changer by providing undeniable proof of what happened. It reduces the likelihood of misinterpretation or false claims, leading to a more accurate outcome for all parties involved. Whether the case settles before going to trial or proceeds to court, dashcam footage can support a fair resolution.]]>On Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[Proving your pain: Why medical records are crucial to your claim]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465522025-06-25T08:31:20Z2025-06-25T08:31:20ZAfter a serious injury from an accident, the last thing you need is to struggle to prove how severe it was or how much you have endured. But in reality, personal injury claims require more than just your word. They require proof, and that starts with your medical records.
Tell the story insurance companies want to see
Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys rely on clear, documented proof. Your medical records provide a detailed account of your injuries, treatment and recovery. They help show a direct connection between the accident and your condition, and show that you got the care you needed. Without this documentation, insurers may question the severity of your injuries or whether the accident caused them at all. The sooner and more consistently you get medical care, the stronger your claim, as it shows your pain is real and ongoing.
What to track in your medical records
The right details can make a significant difference in your case. Be sure your records include:
Your initial diagnosis and its connection to the accident: This establishes causation that your injury was a direct result of the incident.
Progress notes from follow-up visits: These show the ongoing nature of your condition and whether you are improving or facing setbacks.
Referrals to specialists: These demonstrate that your injury requires more than basic care, helping to justify continued treatment and higher compensation.
Imaging or lab results (like MRIs or X-rays): These tests are objective and provide visual or measurable proof of internal injuries, which are harder to dispute.
Documentation of physical limitations: This helps show how the injury affects your ability to work, drive or care for yourself. These are key factors in calculating damages.
Thorough, well-documented medical records can be one of the strongest tools in your injury claim. The more clearly you can show how the accident affected your health and daily life, the harder it becomes for insurers to dispute what you have been through.
Documentation is the first step towards healing
While no record can fully capture the pain and disruption an injury brings, strong medical documentation gives your claim the support it needs. It shows insurers the full impact of your condition and reinforces that your experience is real and serious. But even with solid records, navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming. Legal guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls, understand your rights and make informed choices at every stage of your claim. ]]>On Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[Distributing trust assets in Missouri? What you need to know]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465502025-05-09T06:59:00Z2025-05-09T06:59:00ZStart with the document, not assumptions
It doesn't matter what you think they meant or what seems fair to you — the trust decides, and it's not your call. Some trusts lay everything out clearly and expect you to distribute it all at once, while others spread things out over time, tied to milestones like birthdays, graduations or other major life events.
You might also find detailed instructions about how to divide the assets, when to sell certain property or which debts to pay off first. These are not suggestions — they are terms the trust requires you to follow.
The trust speaks, and your job is to listen. If something feels unclear, do not guess your way through it; you need to slow down, ask questions and make sure you understand what's required before making any moves.
Understand what Missouri law expects from you
Being a trustee is not just about doing what feels fair — Missouri law puts specific duties on your plate and expects you to act in everyone's best interest, not just the person calling you the most or the one with the strongest opinions. That means staying neutral, sharing the right information at the right time and keeping track of everything that goes in and out of the trust account.
If you skip over something, even by mistake, it can come back on you, so don't wing it and make sure you understand what is required before you start distributing trust assets.
Factor in the people, not just the paperwork
Trusts don't cause tension; it’s the people involved who do. Even families who usually get along just fine can hit a nerve when it is time to divide what's left behind, especially if old resentment or long-standing questions about "what's fair" start bubbling up again.
If you're the one managing the distribution, expect emotions to show up. The best thing you can do is stay clear, steady and consistent — and make sure you keep detailed records of what you did, when you did it, and why.
You are not just moving assets around; you are holding the process together in a moment that often carries more emotional weight than people expect.
When it's your job to distribute, take your time
This is not just paperwork; it is also someone's legacy. And when you're the one making sure everything ends up where it should, it is completely normal to have questions along the way.
If something feels off or you are unsure about a step, don't rush it. Slowing down now can help you avoid problems that are harder and more expensive to fix later on.
Sometimes, bringing in another set of eyes — especially someone who’s done this before — can make all the difference in keeping things on track.]]>On Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[Understanding Missouri’s statute of limitations for civil cases]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465462025-03-08T04:31:26Z2025-03-08T04:31:26ZMissouri courts enforce strict time limits for filing civil lawsuits. You must know these deadlines—called statutes of limitations—because they control how long you can wait before taking legal action. Once these deadlines pass, you lose your right to seek compensation for injuries or damages forever. Knowing the specific timeframes for different case types gives you the power to protect your legal rights.
Know your deadlines
Your lawsuit clock starts ticking from specific moments, typically when something bad happens or when you realize you'vebeen harmed. Here are some timeframes to keep in mind:
Medical malpractice: You face a two-year deadline from the doctor's mistake or from when you discovered the problem, but never more than ten years total.
Wrongful death: Your family has three years after a death to take legal action.
Property damage: You receive five years to file claims for damaged personal belongings in Missouri.
Oral contracts: You hold five years to bring action on verbal promises, the same timeframe Missouri allows for standard written agreements.
Do not get comfortable with these timeframes—building strong cases requires gathering evidence quickly while memories stay fresh.
Exceptions that might apply to you
Some special situations can pause or extend standard deadlines when you need more time. Missouri recognizes several circumstances that adjust the normal filing windows:
Young people under 21 years old
People with mental disabilities
When defendants flee Missouri after causing harm
Cases where someone hid important facts through fraud
The discovery rule protects you if problems were not apparent right away, sometimes extending your filing time.Government claims work differently—you often face much shorter deadlines, sometimes only 90 days, with special notification requirements.Missing your deadline almost always hurts your chance for compensation. Talk to a Missouri attorney right away to understand your specific timeline and keep your rights intact.]]>On Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[How Missouri’s comparative fault rule affects your car accident]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465402025-02-19T21:39:23Z2025-02-19T21:22:49ZComparative fault
This legal doctrine assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident. In Missouri, this means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Comparative fault in action
While it may sound confusing, the legal doctrine of pure comparative fault requires that a percentage of fault be established and after that, the compensation is calculated. In a typical car accident case, the insurance companies involved will investigate the circumstances of the incident.
They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review police reports to determine each party's degree of fault.
What happens next?
After the insurance companies do their due diligence, you can move along in your claim and recover damages even if you were partly at fault. In Missouri specifically, even if you were more than 50% at fault, which is not the case in many other states.
Other states use a modified comparative fault rule, which bars recovery if you are found to be more than half responsible.
Burden of proof
However, it is essential to understand that the burden of proof lies with you. This means that you must provide evidence that backs up your claim and demonstrates the other party’s negligence. Here, a personal injury attorney is usually where they do most of the work.
It is not easy to put together a case, but an experienced attorney knows how. If you live in Missouri and drive, you should understand how pure comparative fault works. By understanding these basic principles, you are one step ahead of those who do not.]]>On Behalf of Steelman Gaunt Crowley<![CDATA[Could your employer fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim?]]>https://www.sgclawfirmblog.com/?p=465382024-11-14T21:14:00Z2024-11-14T21:14:00ZWhat is retaliation?
Retaliation can take many forms, including outright dismissal. It can also include demotions, cutting hours, lowering pay, transferring them to a less desirable job, unfairly scrutinizing their work and other negative actions. What makes these varied issues retaliation is that the employer uses them to punish an employee for their decision to file a workers' compensation claim.
Does the law protect you from retaliation?
Missouri law specifically forbids employers from firing or otherwise discriminating against their employees for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This means that if an employee gets hurt at work and seeks workers' compensation benefits, their employer cannot legally punish them for doing so.
While the law protects employees from retaliation, it does not make them immune from termination or other employment actions that are unrelated to the workers' compensation claim. For example, an employer may lawfully terminate an employee for reasons such as poor job performance or economic necessity, as long as these reasons are not just excuses for retaliation.
What can you do if your employer retaliates against you?
If an employer retaliates against their employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim, that employee has the right to bring a case against their employer. If the court finds that the employer unlawfully retaliated against the employee, it may order the employer to re-hire the employee, compensate them for the wages they lost and other damages.
If you suspect that you have suffered as a result of retaliation, an attorney’s guidance can be helpful. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights, guide you through the claims process and help you protect your rights.
In Missouri, the law is clear that employers cannot fire their workers for filing a workers' compensation claim. Understanding your right to file a claim is an important first step toward protecting both your health and your job.]]>