Mehlville Truck Accident Lawyer

Mehlville Truck Accident Attorney

Motor vehicle accidents can be incredibly dangerous and traumatic. Accidents involving commercial trucks are even more likely to be devastating. While they are less common than other crashes, the injuries in truck collisions are more likely to be catastrophic, disabling, or fatal. If you were injured after a commercial truck collision, you need a Mehlville truck accident lawyer. They can pursue compensation to help you recover both physically and financially.

Most truck drivers are aware of their responsibilities on the road. Unfortunately, some are careless, often resulting in truck accidents. Trucking accidents can also be caused by other parties, such as the trucking company, a shipping company, or a maintenance company. Often, the commercial insurance of the trucking company is involved, which can make it difficult for the average person to get the compensation they need. Fortunately, the right attorney can protect your financial interests.

Working With Expert Truck Accident Attorneys

Injuries in truck collisions can lead to extensive medical treatment, the loss of income while you physically recover, and personal pain and suffering. These personal and financial losses could be compensated in a personal injury case. At The Cagle Law Firm, we have years of experience in advocating for individuals who have been hurt in commercial truck crashes. We know the numerous complexities of these cases, including their unique insurance and investigation aspects.

When someone is negligent, and you are injured as a result, you deserve a settlement or verdict that covers your injuries and other losses. The Cagle Law Firm can work diligently to secure that compensation.

How Are Truck Collisions More Complicated Than Other Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Pursuing compensation for your injuries after a truck crash is not easy. There are several reasons why a trucking case is more complex than typical passenger vehicle collisions, including:

Severity of Injuries

An average truck collision results in worse injuries than an average motor vehicle accident. Trucks are heavier, larger, and slower to brake, so they are often still moving very quickly in a collision. All these issues can increase the severity of any injuries that might be caused in a crash. Truck collisions can often result in wrongful deaths.

Because injuries are so much more severe, the compensation provided in a settlement or verdict must be higher to fairly cover the costs. It is hard to get these higher settlements from insurance adjusters, especially when the insurance carrier is contracted by a trucking company.

Governmental Regulations

State and federal regulations govern several parts of the trucking industry. If there are violations of these regulations, this can point to negligence and fault. Trucking regulations can be complex, and most people may not know what to look for in a crash to find violations. A trucking attorney does.

These regulations outline:

• The rest and sleep breaks for drivers
• The maintenance of commercial vehicles
• How a trucking company must hire and train drivers

An attorney is experienced in investigating any violations of these regulations.

Multiple Potentially Liable Parties

Determining which party is liable is also more complex in trucking accidents than other such incidents. Many individuals and entities are responsible for getting trucks on the road and ensuring their safety. Negligence on the part of one or more of these parties can contribute to a crash. An in-depth investigation is required to determine which party or parties and their insurance carriers can be held liable for your injuries.

Commercial Insurance Common Carriers

When the trucking company is fully or partially liable, you will pursue some level of compensation through their insurance carrier. These commercial insurance companies, or common carriers, have many resources at their disposal and do not have your interests in mind.

In their efforts to reduce their liability, they will likely undermine the legitimacy of your case or undervalue your injuries. This can be incredibly stressful, especially as you deal with physical recovery from an injury. An attorney can negotiate for you and secure the settlement or verdict you deserve.

FAQs About Mehlville, MO Truck Accident Laws

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident in Missouri?

Fault in a truck accident in Missouri is determined by investigating the cause of the crash, which can find whether the incident was due to negligence and procure additional information.

Evidence such as the logs of the truck driver, photos and videos from the accident site, and the policies of the trucking company may all be useful. The trucking company may have been directly negligent due to violating trucking regulations. The trucking company may also be negligent because they employed the truck driver who was negligent.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident in Missouri?

The statute of limitations for a truck accident in Missouri is five years from the incident. However, you should never wait this long. It is beneficial for you to begin working with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a collision. This gives your attorney the ability to immediately investigate the accident site and secure any evidence that may otherwise be lost. If you fail to file before the statute of limitations expires, you will be barred from pursuing compensation.

What Are the Truck Laws in Missouri?

Several state and federal truck laws govern several aspects of the trucking industry in Missouri. Some of these regulations include:

• Weight rating requirements for a vehicle to be considered a commercial vehicle
• Record-keeping requirements for identification, maintenance, and inspections
• Periodic inspections of vehicles by qualified inspectors
• Minimum qualifications required for truck drivers
• Requirements for physical examinations of drivers
• Hours-of-service requirements for truck drivers
• Controlled substances tests of drivers
• Registration, certification, and permits for vehicles and their uses

What Are the Most Common Fees for a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Most lawyer fees in Mehlville for a truck accident are charged as a percentage of the final settlement or verdict called a contingency fee. The exact percentage can vary. Often, the percentage charged from a verdict is greater than a settlement, as the resources and time required for a successful verdict are greater. However, a verdict also may result in more compensation than a settlement. If your attorney cannot secure a successful settlement or verdict, then you do not owe attorney’s fees.

Dedicated Legal Representation Following a Devastating Truck Accident

If you have been injured in a truck collision, our diligent and compassionate attorneys can represent you. Contact The Cagle Law Firm today.