18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in St. Louis, MO

18 wheelers aligned in the road

Were you injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler in St. Louis that wasn’t your fault? You may be entitled to seek compensation for your medical expenses and other accident-related losses. The 18-wheeler accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are ready to help you demand full compensation.

An 18-wheeler that is loaded can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Because of their size and weight, large trucks can cause devastating accidents when they collide with smaller passenger vehicles. In most cases, the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles sustain significant or life-threatening injuries.

The 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have more than 30 years of experience helping injured people navigate the claims process after 18-wheeler crashes. Our attorneys are fearless in our advocacy of people whose lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own in semi-truck collisions.

Let us help you pursue the money you need for an accident that was not your fault. Contact our St. Louis office at (800) 745-0226 for a free case evaluation by our St. Louis truck accident lawyers.

What To Do Right After an 18-Wheeler Accident in St. Louis, MO

If you have been in an accident with a semi-truck, there are some steps you should take to protect your health and your right to pursue compensation from the at-fault parties.

  • Seek a medical evaluation if you do not need emergency medical care
  • Exchange information with the truck driver
  • Get contact information from witnesses
  • Preserve all accident-related documentation, including medical records and receipts
  • Get a copy of the police report of the accident
  • Stay off social media
  • Keep a pain journal to document the course of your injuries and their effect on your life
  • Contact the truck accident attorneys of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC right away to understand your legal options and whether you have a valid truck accident injury lawsuit.

The insurance adjusters who press you for a recorded statement after an 18-wheeler accident are skilled professionals with a specific agenda. Although these people sound friendly on the phone, they’re looking for information they can use to deny or minimize your claim. When you hire an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney to represent you after a serious accident, your lawyer can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Why Choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for Your St. Louis 18-wheeler Accident?

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, our attorneys and staff treat our clients like real people rather than a number or just another case. We support Chamber Project St. Louis and participate in the communities where we practice.

Among other accolades, our firm has been named:

  • Winner of the 2014 and 2015 Litigator Award
  • One of the 10 Best Law Firms of 2015 by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
  • Preeminent Firm by Martindale-Hubbell’s exclusive AV Rating
  • Winner of a 10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, “Fearless, passionate, and experienced” is not just a slogan. It describes what you can expect from a law firm that stands by your side at every step in the claims process.

What Are Recoverable Damages in a St. Louis 18-wheeler Accident?

Missouri law allows individuals who are harmed in truck accidents by the negligence of others to bring a civil suit to seek compensation for losses such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost future income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Property damage

What Is the Time Limit You Have for St. Louis 18-wheeler Accident Lawsuits?

Missouri’s statute of limitations gives people who have been injured five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case. Lawsuits take time to investigate and prepare, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

How Is Liability Determined in a St. Louis 18-wheeler Accident?

Financial liability for medical bills is typically determined by identifying which party was negligent in an 18-wheeler crash. Negligence is the failure to comply with the legal responsibility to use reasonable care in operating a commercial truck. If a truck driver violated the rules of the road, the truck driver and the driver’s employer may be held financially liable. If the trucking company pressured the trucker to disregard hours of service regulations to meet delivery deadlines, the trucking company may be held liable.

How Our Attorneys Can Help with Your St. Louis 18-wheeler Accident

The attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have extensive experience handling truck accident cases. We know how to identify all parties who are at fault and seek the types of evidence needed to build a persuasive case for compensation. For example, we could access reports by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) or the agency’s Patrol Records Division (PRD) responsible for investigating the crash. After a serious accident, our attorneys may dispatch a truck mechanic to examine the wrecked 18-wheeler and determine if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. We also can seek access to the truck’s black box data recorder to gather information about the truck’s speed and braking at the time of the crash.

With evidence in hand, we can present your case to the insurance company and negotiate for a full settlement for your accident-related injuries and losses. If a settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial attorneys won’t hesitate to take your court to demand a just outcome for you.

Most Common Causes of 18-wheeler Accidents in St. Louis, MO

Distracted driving, inattention, or simply careless driving is responsible for most 18-wheeler accidents. Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions are contributing factors in many 18-wheeler accidents. Improper lane changes by truck drivers who overlook vehicles in blind spots cause many collisions.

A tractor-trailer’s high center of gravity means that if the truck cargo is not properly loaded and secured, the truck may roll over or spill its contents, creating a road hazard and causing a chain reaction collision.

Manufacturing defects and poor highway construction can be factors in truck crashes as well.

Most Common Injuries from 18-wheeler Accidents in St. Louis, MO

Collisions involving 18-wheelers often result in these types of injuries:

Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced St. Louis 18-wheeler Accident Attorneys

If you were involved in an 18-wheeler accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to seek compensation. You’ll need an experienced lawyer to investigate the accident and prepare your claim to have the best chance of a positive outcome. Turn to the skilled St. Louis 18-wheeler accident attorneys of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for help after an 18-wheeler accident. Call or contact us for a free case review today.