Truck Accident Lawyer Kansas City, MO
As a truck accident lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri knows, a truck accident can introduce more problems beyond accident injuries. In addition to focusing on physical and emotional recovery, accident victims often are burdened with financial issues. If you have been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to talk to a lawyer like one from the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. and find out what your legal options are.
Table Of Contents
- What To Do Following A Truck Accident
- Truck Accident Causes
- Kansas City Truck Accident Infographic
- Damages In A Truck Accident Case
- Kansas City Truck Accident Law Statistics
- Tips For Sharing The Road With Large Commercial Trucks
Truck Accident Lawyer in Kansas City, MO
If you are in need of a truck accident lawyer to guide you through your legal claim, you can look to the team at the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. for urgent advice. Processing the aftermath of a truck accident is not easy, and the last thing that you want to deal with is a legal claim. Allow our team to guide you so that you don’t have to take care of it on your own. With our many years of experience and proven case results, we can help you get the settlement that you deserve.
How Truck Accidents Happen
Truck accidents can happen in many different ways. Sometimes they are caused by something as small as a few seconds of inattention. Whether they were the ones driving the truck or were driving near the truck, drivers do not always drive cautiously. Many drivers become impatient when driving around trucks because they slow down surrounding traffic. Sometimes accidents are the fault of the truck driver, such as when they drive in the wrong lane. Many accidents occur simply because drivers fail to share the road properly
A truck accident lawyer in Kansas City, MO has handled many accident cases with various different causes. Common causes of truck accidents include the following:
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Mechanical failure
- Overloading
- Inexperience
- Failing to secure cargo
Injuries from Truck Accidents
The injuries that many truck accident victims sustain are often much more severe than in car accidents. Trucks are much larger vehicles compared to cars, especially commercial trucks. Their cargo can consist of large amounts of material or flammable material. The force of a crash can cause a truck to overturn, spilling its cargo on the road and creating more hazards. As a result, many accident victims sustain terrible injuries such as:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
Parties That Can Be Held Liable
Since a truck accident usually involves many different parties, it can be hard to find out who is liable. Besides the truck driver, a number of parties can be investigated and have liability, such as the carrier, third party, shipping company, and manufacturer. You should not assume that you know right away who is involved in a truck accident. Go to a qualified truck accident lawyer so they can conduct a proper investigation and determine who bears liability in an accident.
Meet with an Experienced Lawyer
You may be entitled to more compensation than you expect. Schedule a risk-free consultation with a seasoned truck accident lawyer in Kansas City, MO now.
What To Do Following a Truck Accident
Following a truck accident, it is most important to first determine if you and any passengers in your vehicle are alright. If you and your passengers are ok then checking on other victims, if there are any in other vehicles, is something that will be beneficial to them too. Call the police if this hasn’t been done yet so that ambulance services and paramedics can be on the scene. The police will also come and draft a police report for the different details they hear from witnesses and other sources about the accident. Even if you think you are at fault for the accident it’s important not to state this. Just make sure that you are alright and get a copy of the police report. The police report is something that will be used by legal teams down the road if the case ever reaches court or a settlement is needed to be reached.
Truck Accident Victim Compensation
Compensation is available to victims of a truck accident. Compensation generally includes things like pain and suffering and reimbursements for property damage. Other things include lost wages from work if the victim had to miss work from the accident. Doctor bills and therapy sessions along with hospital bills are also something that is typically covered by a truck accident legal case. Compensation and other benefits could be a quite high amount depending on the different details and circumstances of the accident. Reach out to our firm today for assistance from a professional and knowledgeable Kansas City truck accident lawyer.
Help From an Experienced Team
Having the experienced team from the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. can make all the difference in making sure that a compensation offer is fair or even generous. Our firm has helped many people secure financial compensation for truck accident cases. When someone is left on their own to negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or other legal teams it can be a tough undertaking. Turn to our firm today for help.
Truck Accident Lawyer Kansas City, MO
If you have been hurt in a truck accident, you may want to discuss your case with a truck accident lawyer Kansas City, KS residents trust. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses. A lawyer can help you pursue a case against the negligent party and protect your rights.
Truck Accident Causes
Truck accidents can happen for many reasons. Like car accidents, truck accidents can also be caused by negligent or reckless driving. Other contributing factors may involve a lack of proper maintenance on the truck that sees things as tires or brakes fail. When maintenance isn’t conducted or is done improperly the effects can be severe. Brake failure has seen trucks lose control of their vehicles and impact other vehicles on the road leading to injuries. When a truck driver drives too quickly for the load they are hauling this too can be reckless and a truck driver can lose control of their load and truck. Trucks are heavy vehicles, and if they tailgate or follow too close to the vehicle in front of them, they can cause significant property damage to other vehicles and severe injuries to other drivers. Reach out to a truck accident lawyer Kansas City, MO trusts from the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. for assistance with your truck accident case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Multiple truck accidents occur every year on Kansas roadways and cause considerable damage. Since these trucks are so large and heavy, they are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries. Here are the most common causes of truck accidents.
- Distracted driving. Since truck drivers are on the road for so long, they may get bored and give into distractions. They might send text messages, adjust the radio or even daydream. Unfortunately, distractions can take truck drivers’ eyes and mind off the road ahead, which can result in an accident. It is important to truck drivers to have their complete attention on the road at all times.
- Drowsy driving. Spending long hours on the road can get tiring after a while. Although federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from driving too many consecutive hours in a row, not all of them follow this rule. As a result, they may become very tired and even fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Speeding. Truck drivers are often under immense pressure to deliver their goods on time. If they are running behind on schedule, some truckers may drive above the speed limit to make their deadlines. However, as a Kansas City truck accident lawyer can confirm, speeding can lower a driver’s reaction time and contribute to an accident.
- Poor training. Operating a commercial truck is a lot different than driving a passenger vehicle. That is why truck drivers must undergo extensive training before getting behind the wheel. However, some trucking companies skimp on proper training to save money. Truck drivers who have not been trained properly are more likely to cause accidents. In this scenario, both the truck driver and trucking company could be considered liable.
- Drunk driving. Truck driving can be a stressful profession, so some truck drivers may drink alcohol to cope. Unfortunately, if they consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel, it can skew their judgment and put everyone on the road in danger.
Kansas City Truck Accident Infographic
Damages in a Truck Accident Case
If you have sustained injuries in a truck accident, you may be entitled to receive a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical bills, such as your hospital stay, doctor’s visits, medications and physical therapy
- Lost wages for the time you had to take off work to recover from your injury
- Property damage for your vehicle
- Emotional distress for the psychological impact of the truck accident
An experienced lawyer can look through all expense-related documents and determine how much in damages you are entitled to.
Schedule a consultation with a Kansas City truck accident lawyer from Des Moines Injury Law to discuss your case in detail.
Kansas City Truck Accident Laws
In Missouri, truck accidents are unfortunately not uncommon due to the state’s busy highways and the central role it plays in the nation’s transportation network. Given the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions involving them often result in severe injuries and significant property damage. Understanding the specific laws related to truck accidents in Missouri can empower victims to seek justice and rightful compensation with the assistance of a savvy Kansas City, MO truck accident lawyer from the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A.
Truck-Specific Regulations In Missouri
Missouri, like other states, adheres to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. These regulations encompass a range of safety protocols for trucks, from weight and size restrictions to mandated rest periods for drivers. Any violation of these regulations can be pivotal in establishing liability in the event of an accident.
Determining Fault And Comparative Negligence
Missouri operates under a pure comparative fault system. This means that if you’re involved in a truck accident, the compensation you might receive can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, any compensation awarded would be reduced by that percentage. It’s crucial to have clear evidence and representation from a skilled Kansas City truck accident lawyer to minimize your fault percentage, maximizing potential compensation.
Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accidents
In Missouri, there’s a defined window within which you can file a lawsuit following a truck accident. Victims have five years from the date of the accident to initiate legal proceedings. This might seem like a long time, but given the complexities often associated with truck accidents – from multiple parties involved to intricate insurance negotiations – it’s advisable to begin the legal process sooner rather than later.
Role Of Trucking Companies
After a truck accident, it’s not just the driver who might be held liable. Trucking companies, given their responsibility to ensure vehicle maintenance and driver training, can also be at fault. Missouri law dictates that companies must maintain detailed logs and records. In the aftermath of an accident, these can be invaluable in establishing any negligence on the company’s part.
Damages Available For Victims
Victims of truck accidents in Missouri can claim both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma resulting from the accident. In cases of particularly reckless behavior, punitive damages might also be awarded to deter future negligence.
Seeking Justice
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be an overwhelming ordeal. The laws surrounding such accidents in Missouri, while comprehensive, require thorough understanding and a strategic approach to ensure victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one have been affected by a truck accident in Missouri, it’s essential to have seasoned legal representation to guide you. Our dedicated Kansas City truck accident lawyer team is well-versed in Missouri’s truck accident laws and is committed to standing with you every step of the way. From gathering evidence and establishing fault to negotiating with insurance companies, we’re here to advocate for your rights. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your situation, and together, we can pave the path to justice and recovery.
Kansas City Truck Accident Law Statistics
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks are involved in an average of 5,000 fatal crashes each year in the United States. The most common type of truck accident is a rear-end collision. Truck accidents are more likely to be fatal than car accidents.
Tips for Sharing the Road with Large Commercial Trucks
A Kansas City, MO truck accident lawyer is aware of just how intimidating it can be driving down the highway when all of a sudden you look in your rearview mirror and there’s a huge tractor-trailer coming up behind you or a large truck loaded up with cargo passing in the lane next to you. Accidents involving these vehicles are often catastrophic due to the difference in size and weight from passenger vehicles. These vehicles are so dangerous that even though they make up less than 5 percent of the number of vehicles on U.S. roads, they are involved in almost 12 percent of fatal accidents.
Are truck drivers liable for truck accidents they are involved in?
Many truck accidents are caused by either the truck driver and/or the trucking company they work for. Common actions or behavior by truck drivers that lead to crashes include speeding, engaging in distracted driving behaviors, inexperience, driving under the influence, or fatigued driving because they have ignored the federal hours of service regulations put into place.
What about the truck company’s liability?
A Kansas City truck accident lawyer knows that a trucking company is liable for any actions that their drivers commit that caused the crash, but they can also be liable if they fail to maintain a good working fleet and make repairs when needed or load the cargo the truck driver is transporting incorrectly.
Although we as drivers do not have control over what truck drivers and trucking companies do or fail to do, there are steps recommended by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other road safety advocates that drivers can take to help them avoid becoming truck accident statistics.
How can passenger vehicle drivers avoid truck accidents?
- Follow all traffic and safe driving rules – The first step in keeping you safe from any kind of accident – truck or otherwise – is to make sure that you are engaging in safe driving. Always wear your seatbelt and adhere to posted speed limits – slowing down if road or weather conditions call for a decrease. Avoid distracted driving activities and stay focused on the road. And never get behind the wheel of your car if you have been drinking or under the influence of drugs.
- Be aware of the truck’s blind spots – There are multiple blind spots for truck drivers, making it difficult to see smaller vehicles that are in front of them or behind them, including those coming up on the sides of their trucks. Always avoid driving in these areas and be especially cognizant of the blind spots when merging onto a road near trucks.
- Watch out when passing or getting in the same lane – If you decide to pass a truck, always use your directionals and make sure that you can see the truck in your rearview mirror before attempting now come into the lane in front of the truck.
- Watch out for a truck making a turn – In order for a large truck to turn, it needs a much wider radius than a passenger vehicle. This means they sometimes have to take a turn from the farthest lane. Never try to pass a truck when they are turning.
What recourse do truck accident victims have?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, do not delay in calling the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Kansas City truck accident lawyer. We will evaluate your case and determine what type of truck accident claim or lawsuit you may have. You may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and more.
10 Tips to Avoid Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be devastating and result in severe injuries or even fatalities, as a seasoned Kansas City, MO truck accident lawyer knows. As a responsible driver, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to avoid truck accidents and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Here are basic ways that you can avoid truck accidents.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Many people drive at unsafe distances, which can increase the chances of an accident happening. Trucks have longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, so make sure to keep a safe following distance of at least four to six seconds, depending on the speed.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Being aware of the blind spots located on the sides, front and rear of a truck can help you avoid a collision. Avoid lingering in these blind spots, as the truck driver may not be able to see you. If you can’t see the truck driver’s mirrors, assume they can’t see you either.
- Use Signals Clearly: Drivers approaching trucks should always use their turn signals appropriately. This allows the truck driver to anticipate your moves and respond accordingly, reducing the risk of a collision.
- Pass Safely: If you are attempting to pass a large truck, do it safely and at a safe speed. Pass quickly, and maintain a safe distance ahead of the truck before merging back into the lane.
- Be Cautious at Intersections: One of the areas where truck accidents commonly occur are intersections, as a Kansas City, MO truck accident lawyer knows. Be cautious and look for any turning trucks, as they may require a wider turn radius and need additional time to complete their maneuver.
- Observe Truck’s Turn Signals: Be mindful of when a truck’s turn signals are flashing. If you see a truck signaling to turn, be patient and allow them to complete their turn before proceeding. Do not attempt to pass or squeeze through on the side.
- Avoid Distracted Driving: With cell phones, children and other distractions, distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents involving trucks. Avoid texting, talking on the phone, eating, or any other distractions while driving, especially around trucks.
- Watch for Changing Road Conditions: Always be mindful of the road conditions because it can affect how fast a truck is going. Be cautious of changing road conditions such as rain, snow, or ice, and adjust your driving accordingly.
- Stay Alert at All Times: Vigilance is crucial when driving around trucks. Be aware of the traffic around you, anticipate potential hazards, and be prepared to react quickly to avoid accidents.
- Be Courteous and Patient: Lastly, be courteous and patient when sharing the road with trucks. Remember that truck drivers have a challenging job and may face limitations due to their vehicle’s size and weight. Do not submit to road rage because your aggression can trigger other drivers and result in an escalating series of events.
Knowing how to avoid accidents involving trucks demands careful attention and responsible driving. By following these top 10 tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of a truck accident and help create safer roads for everyone. Remember to always prioritize safety and be cautious when driving around trucks to protect yourself and others on the road. Stay alert, maintain a safe distance, and drive defensively to prevent truck accidents and promote safe driving practices. To learn more about legal services you can obtain following an accident, contact a Kansas City, MO truck accident lawyer right away.
Truck Accident FAQs
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, but your truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. At the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A., we have over 57 years of collective experience with truck accident cases, and we’re dedicated to making sure out clients understand the entire process. Take a look at some of these answers to common truck accident questions:
How Long Do I Have To File A Legal Claim After A Truck Accident?
The time limit for filing a legal claim after a truck accident, known as the statute of limitations, varies from state to state. Typically, you have two to four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, it’s crucial to begin the process as soon as possible. Early action allows your legal team to gather evidence while it’s still fresh and ensures that legal filings are made well within the required deadlines.
What Types Of Damages Can Be Recovered In A Truck Collision Case?
Victims of truck collisions can recover several types of damages, which can be categorized into economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage costs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents That Lead To Legal Actions?
Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which involve negligence. Common causes include driver fatigue, inadequate driver training, improper truck maintenance, overloading, speeding, and failure to comply with road safety regulations. Mechanical failures and issues with cargo securing are also frequent contributors. These accidents necessitate thorough investigations to pinpoint the cause and determine liability.
How Does An Attorney Prove Fault In A Truck Accident Case?
Proving fault in a truck accident case involves demonstrating that the accident was caused by someone’s negligence—be it the truck driver, trucking company, equipment manufacturers, or other related parties. Your truck accident attorney will collect evidence such as the truck’s black box, accident scene photos, police reports, witness statements, and maintenance records. Additionally, they might consult traffic and engineering experts to strengthen the case.
Who Is Eligible To File A Claim In A Truck Accident Case?
Eligibility to file a claim in a truck accident case generally includes anyone who has suffered injury, damage, or loss as a result of the accident. This can include the driver of the vehicle hit by the truck, passengers, pedestrians, and sometimes even the truck driver if another party’s negligence caused the accident. Family members of those killed in truck accidents may also be eligible to file wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their loss.
Partner With The Law Office Of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. For Your Truck Accident Claim
If you have been affected by a truck accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. Our skilled team is prepared to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the complexities of the legal process. Get in touch with us today, and see how a truck accident lawyer from our office can help you find a way forward.
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