A semi-truck wreck can change your life in a split second. Semi-trucks carry 80,000-pound payloads, and when they hit a car, the destruction is catastrophic. If you were injured in Missouri, you could have astronomical medical bills, lost income, and pain for the rest of your life. You might also be dazed and don’t know what to do. The insurance companies and trucking companies will act quickly to defend themselves. You must have someone on your side who will fight for you.In Missouri, experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyers who understand the law and will fight to protect your rights. They can guide you through it, gather evidence, and fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.
Why Semi-Truck Collisions Are More Complicated
Semi-truck collisions are unique compared to car collisions. The size and weight of the truck amplify the injuries exponentially. The legal process is also complex with several individuals and safety laws involved. Some of the biggest reasons for semi-truck wrecks are:
- Fatigue driving from excessive road time due to new working conditions
- Distracted driving from cell phone or on-board equipment use
- Racing or reckless lane changing
- Poorly maintained trucks or defective brakes
- Overloading or cargo shift
- Drinking and driving or drug and driving
Federal and state laws restrict driving time, cargo, and truck maintenance. The driver and business are responsible when these laws are broken.
Types of Semi-Truck Accident Injuries
Severe injury is inflicted by the force of a semi-truck accident. Victims recover in months or years, or never recover.
Some of the injuries are:
- Broken bones and shattered bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis
- Severe laceration or serious burns
- Internal organ damage
- Amputation or loss of limbs
These injuries may result in surgeries, long hospitalization, physical therapy, and long-term medical care. Medical expenses pile up, and most victims cannot work.
What to Do After a Truck Wreck
Understanding in advance what to do after the accident will have a great effect on your case.
- Call 911 immediately. The police will take a formal statement from you, and the paramedics will attend to your injuries.
- Go to a doctor immediately. Some wounds may appear superficial at first but worsen with the passage of time.
- Gather evidence, if possible. Take photographs of the scene, cars, and visible injuries.
- Obtain contact information. Obtain the witness statement, driver’s information, and truck company details.
- Do not speak with insurance adjusters. They will offer you less than you are entitled to.
- Hire a Kansas City truck accident lawyer. A lawyer can do all of the negotiating and watch out for your best interests.
Why You Need to Employ a Kansas City Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident claims are never straightforward. You will have to negotiate with the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, and many other different insurance companies. Without the help of a lawyer, it is simple to become confused.
A skilled truck accident attorney can:
- Investigate the crash and determine what occurred
- Preserve driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data
- Interview witnesses prior to memories becoming lost
- Consult with accident reconstruction specialists
- Negotiate all settlements with insurance companies
- Sue for damages claim if company will not pay reasonable damages
The goal is to get money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
What Compensation Can Cover
Compensation is so that you can get your life back after a crash. How much you are entitled to will depend on the severity of your injuries, how the crash affects your future, and how much at fault.
You can recover for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation care
- Income lost due to time missed from work
- Future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Home accommodations if disabled
An attorney will be able to calculate the value of your case overall and work to recover it.
Missouri Statutes of Limitations to Sue on a Claim
There are strict Missouri statutes of limitation for bringing truck accident lawsuits. You have five years from the date of the accident to sue in most cases of personal injury. If the accident was a fatal accident, the family usually has three years in which to sue for wrongful death. If you let these time frames pass, you may forfeit your right to receive your damages. This is part of why it is so crucial to have an attorney on board as soon as possible.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
Another reason to hurry is that valuable evidence does get lost. Trucking companies have repair teams on standby to rush to wrecks in a rush. They can fix the truck, destroy driver logs, or lose video camera tapes within days. A lawyer can issue court orders to keep this evidence from being lost. The sooner you obtain an attorney, the better your chances of winning your case.
Your Legal Rights After a Semi-Truck Accident
You have the right to receive compensation if another party was at fault and caused you an injury. You have the right to choose your attorney and to refuse low offers of settlement. The insurance companies will attempt to have you sign papers immediately, but that will cost you more in the long run.
Free Case Evaluation and No Fee Unless a Recovery is Obtained
All of our Kansas City truck accident lawyers provide free case evaluations. They are also a contingency fee, meaning they don’t get paid unless they win. This allows you to focus on recovery without lawyers’ fees being a concern.
Missouri Semi-Truck Accident FAQs
1. What is the absolute first thing I should do after a semi-truck accident?
Call 911, see a doctor, take photos, and call an attorney prior to speaking with insurers.
2. Do I have to pay for a KC truck wreck lawyer’s services?
Most of them do not charge out of pocket and operate on contingency. You only pay if they win.
3. Can both the driver and the trucking company be sued?
Yes. The company can be held responsible for negligent hiring or improper maintenance.
4. How long will my case be heard?
A few months in a few cases. Serious injury cases take years.
5. What if I was partly to blame for the collision?
Missouri comparative fault law allows you to recover damages even if partly to blame. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Final Word
A Missouri truck accident leaves you with huge medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain.
Kansas City semi truck accident lawyers understand the law and can fight to get full compensation. Don’t fight the trucking company and their insurance company alone. With experienced legal representation, you can heal while your lawyer handles fighting for justice.
