Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer in St.Louis
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a big rig accident caused by another party’s negligence, the attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can help you understand your legal rights and whether you are entitled to demand compensation. Commercial truck accidents are more complicated to resolve than collisions involving only automobiles. If you have been injured, you need to speak with a lawyer.
Our St. Louis big rig accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may face in the days and weeks after an accident. Our goal is to pursue the best possible outcome of your case so that you can rebuild your life. We’ve been recognized by the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for the results we get for our clients.
Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC at (800) 746-0226 for a free consultation with an experienced St. Louis big rig accident lawyer today.
What To Do After a Big Rig Truck Accident
Our attorneys recommend you take the following steps to protect your rights after a truck accident:
- Take care of yourself – Recovering from a truck accident can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. Follow your doctor’s orders and attend follow-up medical appointments to take care of your health and well-being.
- Consult an attorney – It’s important to understand your legal options. A personal injury attorney can review the details of the truck accident and discuss whether you have a valid big rig accident case. If you do, an attorney can guide you through the claims process and advocate on your behalf.
- Preserve evidence – Keep any evidence related to the accident, such as medical records, repair estimates, invoices, and correspondence with the insurance or trucking company.
- Use caution with your statements – Use caution when making any statements about the accident. If a police officer calls to investigate the case, do not apologize or accept blame. Stick to the facts of the case. If an insurance agent calls, tell them to speak to your lawyer.
- Stay off social media. Resist the urge to post comments on social to let your friends know about your accident and injuries. Insurance companies often use social media posts to undercut a victim’s claim and call into question the seriousness of your injuries. It’s best to stay off social media until your claim is resolved.
Why Hire a Lawyer to Represent You in a Big Rig Accident?
Hiring a lawyer to represent you after a big rig accident is beneficial for several reasons:
- Legal knowledge – Commercial truck accidents can be complex, involving multiple potentially liable parties. A lawyer experienced in truck accident cases will have an understanding of the relevant laws, regulations, and legal processes.
- Investigation – A thorough investigation is crucial to determine the cause of the crash and financial liability following a big rig accident. Lawyers have the resources and experience necessary to conduct a detailed investigation, gathering evidence such as witness statements, expert opinions, and event data recorder information.
- Maximizing compensation – In big rig accidents, victims often suffer severe injuries and significant financial losses. A lawyer can help you assess the full extent of your losses and build a strong case to maximize your compensation.
- Dealing with insurance companies – Insurance companies representing the trucking company or other parties may try to minimize their liability or offer inadequate settlements. Your lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies, negotiate on your behalf, and press for full and fair compensation.
Why Choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for Your St. Louis Big Rig Accident?
After a truck accident in St. Louis, you need an attorney you can trust to advocate effectively for your rights. Here’s why you should choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC:
- Knowledge – Attorneys David Craig and Scott Faultless have obtained board certification in commercial truck accident law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The certification denotes the depth of our legal knowledge and experience in handling big rig accident cases.
- Resources – After more than 30 years of representing truck accident victims, we have developed an exceptional network of specialists, such as truck mechanics and accident reconstruction specialists. As an established law firm, we have the resources to hire experts to maximize the value of truck accident cases.
- Experience – Our firm has handled many truck accident cases. We know how to pursue the best possible result in your case.
- Service – Our attorneys treat our clients respectfully, returning phone calls promptly and providing our personal cell phone numbers so you can reach us when you have questions.
What Are Recoverable Damages in a Big Rig Accident in Missouri?
With assistance from a St. Louis big rig accident lawyer, you can seek compensation for the following losses through a settlement or court judgment:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Cost of replacement household services
- Lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
In certain cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for intentionally inflicting harm or acting with blatant disregard for the safety of others.
Statute of Limitations for St. Louis Big Rig Accident Lawsuits
Under Missouri law, big rig accident victims must file a personal injury lawsuit within five years of the accident date. A truck accident investigation takes time to conduct. It is important to act promptly to seek the help of a knowledgeable lawyer to review your case.
Determining Liability in a Big Rig Accident
Determining liability in a big rig accident can be complicated. An experienced attorney can gather and evaluate the evidence to identify which party is legally responsible for the accident and the resulting losses. The following parties might bear liability:
- The truck driver – If the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident, the driver may be financially liable. Negligent actions include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws.
- The trucking company – A trucking company could be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of its employee acting within the scope of their employment. If the company failed to train or supervise a driver properly, hired an unqualified driver, or failed to maintain the big rig in safe operating condition, the company may be held directly liable.
- Truck manufacturer or maintainer – Mechanical failures, defective parts, or inadequate maintenance of the big rig can contribute to accidents. In such cases, liability may fall on the manufacturer, distributor, or maintenance provider.
- Cargo loader – Unsecured cargo or improper cargo distribution can significantly affect a big rig’s stability and handling, leading to an accident. In these circumstances, the party responsible for loading the cargo might be liable.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You Handle a St. Louis Big Rig Accident
You may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of taking on a trucking company or their insurer. Here’s how our attorneys can help you face the future:
- Investigating the case thoroughly and gathering all pertinent evidence
- Handling all communications with insurance companies
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Quantifying your economic and non-economic losses
- Negotiating aggressively for maximum compensation
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf if necessary
- Fighting for your interests in court
Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents in Missouri
Big rig accidents in Missouri occur due to various factors, including:
- Driver fatigue – Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours on the road. Hours-of-service regulations aim to limit driver fatigue, but too many drivers stay behind the wheel when dangerously fatigued. Fatigue can diminish a driver’s performance and ability to respond to potential risks on the road.
- Distracted driving – Distractions such as using cell phones, eating, adjusting controls, or reaching for objects can divert a truck driver’s attention, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces the time a truck driver has to react to sudden changes on the road and increases the stopping distance required. High speeds amplify the severity of a collision.
- Inadequate training – Insufficient training can lead to errors in judgment, improper handling of the truck, and failure to respond appropriately to hazardous situations on the road.
- Impaired driving – Driving while intoxicated or drugged poses an even greater risk when operating a semi-truck due to its massive size. Impaired driving can affect the driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
- Adverse weather conditions – Poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or ice can reduce visibility, affect traction, and make it more challenging to control a big rig. Truck drivers must adjust their speed to adverse weather conditions and drive cautiously to prevent accidents.
- Equipment failure – Mechanical failures, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions, can significantly contribute to big rig accidents.
Common Injuries of Big Rig Accidents in Missouri
Big rig accidents can result in severe injuries that require expensive and sustained medical treatment. Some common injuries that can occur in Missouri and elsewhere:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Whiplash
- Burns
Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced St. Louis Big Rig Accident Attorneys
If you suffered a big rig accident injury due to another party’s negligence, the St. Louis attorneys at Craig, Kelly & Faultless LLC are ready to help. We will advocate for your rights and aggressively fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact our St. Louis big rig accident attorneys today at (800) 746-0226 for a free consultation.