St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

Trucking accidents often include some of the most severe injuries. No matter whether the accident was caused by a commercial truck or 18-wheeler, victims of these serious accidents should feel entitled to recover compensation. However, to do so, it is recommended to reach out to an experienced injury attorney. A St. Louis County truck accident lawyer may be able to help you organize evidence in an effort to build a convincing injury claim. To get started on your case, schedule a consultation today.

What Types of Truck Accident Damages Can I Claim?

Trucks are much larger than standard vehicles; therefore, when the two collide, the results are often catastrophic. A truck accident in St. Louis could leave the individuals involved with life-threatening injuries and could even result in death. So, what type of damages can you pursue when you trust The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers?

  • Medical bills
  • Future medical expenses
  • Wrongful death
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma

When someone is involved in an accident with a truck, the trucking company is responsible for covering all damages incurred. At The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we know how to deal with the trucking company’s insurance and will negotiate the settlement that you deserve.

Who Is Liable For a Truck Accident in St. Louis?

When a truck accident occurs in St. Louis, and the truck driver is at fault, liability must be established. The accident is often due to negligence on the driver’s part and usually can be determined in these scenarios:

  • Someone was responsible for a duty of care
  • The duty of care was breached
  • This breach caused injury or death
  •  Not following a specific duty of care is the reason the injury occurred

There is also the legal concept of respondeat superior. This states that the trucking company is held liable for the negligence of the driver, who they hired to operate the vehicle safely. There are specific laws that trucking companies must follow to remain compliant with state and federal regulations. Some of the most common include the HOS or hours of service laws. Let’s check out a few additional laws that could come into play in your case:

  • Training
  • Truck driver screening
  • Weight limits
  • Vehicle inspections

According to the hours of service laws, truck drivers are not to exceed an 11-hour shift when driving, and they must not be on duty for more than 14 hours. Furthermore, according to the HOS regulations, after driving for eight hours, the driver must take a 30-minute break to refresh.

Although the trucking company is often held liable, other parties could be responsible for the accident as well. These include the company that loaded the freight into the truck, the truck manufacturer who failed to recognize a defect, and even the company that is contracted to maintain the trucks.

The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers are your St. Louis truck accident attorneys who will fight for you every step of the way. We consult experts to carefully piece together your case, providing you with the best possible outcome.

st louis truck accident lawyer

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Missouri

According to the Missouri Statute of Limitations, accident victims have up to five years to file a claim. However, it is recommended that you get in touch with your St Louis truck accident lawyer immediately so we can begin your case. Your semi-truck accident lawyer has the knowledge and experience to help you file your case, and get you the maximum compensation that you deserve.

How Much Will My Truck Accident Claim in St. Louis Settle For?

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how much your St. Louis truck accident lawyer can help you win in your case. Most settlements depend on a variety of factors, and each case is different. Once we begin to dive into your case and determine the specifics of your particular claim, we will then be able to provide you with a rough estimate of what you are owed.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in St. Louis

Being involved in a truck accident in St. Louis can be extremely traumatizing. The first step is to assess your injuries and call 911. It’s most important to ensure that you are safe and out of harm’s way. It is important to do the following right after the accident:

  • See if there are any witnesses, and get their side of the story, depicting what they saw. This could prove critical in your case.
  • Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries so your attorney can use them to support your case.
  • If you require ongoing medical treatment due to your injuries sustained, it is critical that you attend each appointment. Otherwise, this could cause trouble with the trucking company’s insurance.
  • Document your medical bills
  • Get a copy of the police report from the officer at the scene.

After you have done this, it is critical to get in touch with your St. Louis truck accident attorney immediately. This will allow your attorney to gather evidence, seek eyewitness testimony, and consult industry experts, which will all contribute to putting together a compelling case.

There are a few things you should NEVER do after an accident. This could hinder your chances of receiving the maximum compensation possible. These include:

  • Providing a statement to the insurance company.
  • Accepting a settlement from insurance
  • Admit fault to the trucking company or their insurance

Insurance companies will likely take every chance they get to undermine your injuries and your recollections of the accident. This is why it is critical to consult a lawyer and never try to negotiate on your own.

What are Some Common Causes of Truck Accidents in St. Louis?

Truck accidents can be caused by a number of different factors. Some of the most common include the following:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: If the driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, this could lead to a lack of awareness of the environment around them, resulting in a catastrophic accident.
  • Excessive speed: speeding is one of the most common causes of truck accidents and could cause the driver to lose control or have less reaction time in the case of an emergency.
  • Driver working over allotted shift: truck drivers must adhere to regulations that they must not work over their allotted time. This is put into place to reduce fatigue-related accidents.
  • Adverse weather conditions: In adverse weather conditions, the truck driver might have reduced visibility, or loose traction on the slick roadway, causing an accident to occur.
  • Lack of proper training: If a truck driver does not receive adequate training, they could make a careless mistake that could have been addressed had the driver received the hands-on training needed for the job.
  • Manufacturer defects: In some cases, the manufacturer of the truck involved in the accident could be held liable for faulty components or maintenance issues that could have led to the accident.

Regardless of what led up to the accident, you St. Louis truck accident lawyers are ready and able to help you throughout the process of filing your claim, and will work on your behalf to settle your claim.

Comparative Negligence in a Truck Accident Case

Missouri follows comparative negligence rules in legal cases. This means that if someone is injured in a truck accident in Missouri, they may still receive compensation even if they were partially at fault. This is different from contributory negligence, where the injured party cannot receive any compensation if they were partially at fault. In Missouri, even if the defendant is only 1% at fault, the injured party can still receive compensation for their injuries.

Comparative negligence comes into play in a Missouri or in a St. Louis County truck accident case when the plaintiff or injured party is partially at fault for the crash or if the defendant is claiming that the injured party is partially at fault for the crash.

How Could Someone Prove Liability?

When deciding who is responsible for a St. Louis County truck accident, some things to think about are:

  • road blockages
  • road conditions
  • signs or signals that control traffic

To figure out what happened during an accident, people might use different tools like accident experts, videos, pictures, marks made by tires or the truck, and data from devices that record what happened during the accident. These devices, called event data recorders, might be especially useful when someone wants to claim they were hurt in the accident.

Reach Out to an Attorney Today

Getting hurt because a truck driver didn’t look for other drivers around could be expensive. You might suffer serious injuries and have to pay for medical care during and after you heal. To make the responsible person pay for your injuries, talk to a St. Louis County lawyer who handles truck accidents today. This can make the difference between winning or losing your case.

St. Louis Truck Accident FAQs

There are a few common questions that our St. Louis truck accident lawyers get from our clients. Let’s review them below so you can stay informed.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in St. Louis?

It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly how much it costs to hire a St. Louis truck accident lawyer, as it varies greatly depending on the case itself, and how complex the case is itself.

Other potential costs associated with your case might include administrative fees, court filing fees, expert witness fees, and investigative expenses. Some law firms might cover these costs initially and deduct them from your settlement or award if you win the case.

What can a St. Louis truck accident attorney do for me?

Hiring a skilled lawyer gives you an advantage when negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court. At The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we want to ensure that we

What makes truck accident cases different from car accidents in terms of legal representation?

Oftentimes, truck accidents are more complex than a car accident, as they can include multiple parties that can be held liable, such as the trucking company or the manufacturer of the truck. There are also various federal regulations surrounding the ability of the truck driver, and whether or not they were within these guidelines. St. Louis truck accident attorneys are experienced in navigating these complex cases, and can help with a plan of action.

Can I still pursue a claim if I was partially at fault for the truck accident in St. Louis?

According to Missouri law, you can still seek compensation and file a claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. You might receive lower compensation, however, due to your percentage of fault.

Should I talk to the insurance company without a lawyer after a truck accident in St. Louis?

No. You should always consult a lawyer first, as they are adept at negotiating with insurance adjusters, and know every avenue they will take to pin the fault on you. You should always consult your attorney, and never take calls from the other party’s insurance company.

What role do black box data and logs play in a St. Louis truck accident case?

The black box helps provide crucial information about the truck’s speed, braking, and driving patterns prior to the accident. This data is important for your St. Louis truck accident lawyer.

Can I still pursue a claim if the trucking company or driver doesn’t admit fault in St. Louis?

Yes! Even if the truck driver or trucking company does not admit fault, you can still pursue a claim. Establishing liability in a truck accident claim often involves a thorough investigation that includes gathering evidence from the accident scene.

 What if the truck involved in the accident was carrying hazardous materials in St. Louis?

If the truck involved in the accident was carrying hazardous material, the case gets a little more complex due to additional regulations and the dangers associated with the materials. Therefore, it is critical to consult an attorney that is experienced in handling these types of cases.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee of the trucking company?

Even if the driver is an independent contractor, the trucking company might still be held liable under certain circumstances, especially if they exerted control over the driver’s actions or failed to maintain safety standards.

Can I file a lawsuit against the manufacturer if a defective part caused the truck accident in St. Louis?

Yes, if a defective part or component contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of that part might be held liable. This involves proving the defect and its contribution to the accident, which requires detailed investigation.

How do I know if I have a strong case for a truck accident claim in St. Louis?

The strength of your case depends on various factors, including evidence, liability, and the extent of damages. Consulting with a skilled attorney who can assess your case based on the specifics is crucial in understanding its strength and potential outcomes.