St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys

Pursuing compensation after a big rig accident can be difficult, especially if more than one party was at fault. Working with commercial insurers takes a lot of time—which you may not have if you’re still recovering. Our team can investigate to find evidence and liability in your case. Although trucking companies may fight these claims aggressively, we have the resources and experience to stand up to them on your behalf.

Backed by a proven record of success, our St. Louis truck accident attorneys have the experience and resources to handle even the toughest cases. As part of every case we handle, we focus our efforts on determining the underlying cause and ensuring the at-fault party is held responsible. Because there are many potential causes of truck accidents and many factors at play, liability can vary depending on the issues involved.

For example, the following parties can all be liable for a truck accident:

• Drivers – Statistics show that driver error is a leading cause of truck and commercial vehicle accidents, which is why truckers must abide by a number of regulations. These include regulations that prohibit them from using drug and alcohol, hours-of-service (HOS) rules that limit the amount of hours they can drive consecutively or in a given day, and more. Truckers also have a legal obligation to safely operate their vehicles, and can be held liable for any violations or acts of negligence that lead to preventable wrecks.
• Operators – Trucking companies are ultimately responsible for their fleet and their employees. Should they commit violations, including those regarding vehicle maintenance, HOS rules, cargo loading and securements, and more, they increase risks of accidents. They are also responsible for ensuring they hire and retain properly trained and qualified drivers and employees. Trucking companies are often held liable in truck accident cases where their negligence or prioritization of profits over people causes preventable harm.
• Product Manufacturers – Not every trucking accident stems from the negligence of drivers or trucking companies; some are the result of defective and unsafe products or auto parts. For example, defective tires, faulty brakes, and other parts of a truck can malfunction or fail and cause wrecks. In these cases, victims may be able to hold the product manufacturer liable for their damages.
• Third Parties – The trucking industry is comprised of many companies that work to transport goods, which means third parties that contract with trucking operators may sometimes be liable for damages resulting from their own negligence. This may include distributors or shippers who violate cargo loading and securement regulations or maintenance companies that fail to address potential hazards on trucks. In cases where a truck accident is caused or contributed to by another motorist, those drivers may also be held liable.
• Government Agencies – When commercial truck and vehicle accidents involve motor vehicles operated by government agencies, such as public utilities or public transportation, victims may need to hold the appropriate government agency liable for their damages. Personal injury cases against the government are subject to different rules and procedures than other types of injury cases, however, which is why victims need to work with proven lawyers and bring their case to the attention of qualified attorneys as soon as possible.

Our attorneys have helped more than 40,000 victims and their families. We are prepared to help those harmed in big rig accidents throughout St. Louis, Missouri, Illinois, and beyond. Contact us to discuss your potential case in a FREE consultation.

What Are Commonly Suffered Injuries in Truck Accidents?

Any type of motor vehicle collision is capable of causing life-changing injuries, but this is especially true of accidents involving semi-trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It is not uncommon for the victims of such accidents to suffer injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crushed or severed limbs
• Severe burn injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractured bones
• Internal organ damage
• Fatal injuries

Whatever type of injury you have suffered, you should not be forced to pay the price for the trucker's negligence. Let us fight for your right to fair compensation. With our help, you may be able to secure an insurance settlement or jury verdict to pay for all of your medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing rehabilitative care and any type of equipment or medication you may require. You can also receive compensation for your lost income and reduced earning power, as well as damages for your pain, suffering and mental anguish.

Fighting Against Trucking Insurance Companies

Insurance is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and the company responsible for paying on your claim has vast resources for defending its bottom line. For example, trucking insurance companies typically have their own team of investigators who travel to the scene of the accident, evaluate the road conditions, inspect the physical damage to the vehicles, and collect statements from the accident victims.

Their goal in everything they do is to gather evidence that will minimize or eliminate the insurance company's liability to pay on claims such as yours. In light of this fact, it is advisable to hire an attorney at the outset of the case. You should at all costs avoid speaking directly with an adjuster, investigator, or claims representative, as you are at risk of saying things that would make it difficult or impossible for you to recover a fair settlement.

Ready to fight for your rights after a truck accident? Contact our firm to start your claim as soon as possible.