Serious Representation For Serious Truck Accidents
Semitrucks, 18-wheelers and other types of commercial vehicles seem to fill the roadways in Missouri at any time of the day or night. The demands trucking companies place on drivers can create dangers on Missouri and Illinois roads. Drivers are often on the road trying to meet deadlines.
Truckloads may be unstable or oversized, which can cause or contribute to serious accidents. Innocent motorists, passengers in vehicles and others in the vicinity of a truck can suffer catastrophic injuries in an accident.
A Skilled Lawyer And Legal Team Who Are Ready, Willing And Able To Serve You
When truck accidents occur, the trucking companies often launch a full-scale investigation to minimize their exposure. Trucking accidents are complex and require a sophisticated investigation and legal response. The Wilbers Law Firm LLC has served Missouri for 60 years with integrity, respect and a focus on our clients. We have the resources, experience and dedication to results to take on the trucking industry and insurance companies.
Motorists, passengers in cars, as well as pedestrians and bystanders can suffer catastrophic injuries in a commercial vehicle, heavy equipment or truck accident. Trucking companies and the semitruck drivers have a duty to operate their trucks in a safe and responsible manner. Oversized loads, unsafe driving and negligent practices put innocent passengers and drivers like you in danger.
We team with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals and other experts who can present evidence to build a solid case to maximize compensation for trucking accident injuries.
We have the resources and experience in all types of truck and commercial vehicle crashes, including:
- Semitruck accidents
- Tanker trucks hauling gasoline or toxic liquids
- Heavy equipment accidents, including those involving dump trucks, concrete trucks and garbage trucks
- Bus, taxi and ride sharing vehicles
- Delivery trucks
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
At Wilbers Law Firm, we have been helping Missouri’s injured for more than 60 years. We will help you through each step of your truck accident case, making sure you understand both your rights and your options.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Missouri truck accidents. If you have other questions, call our St. Louis office at 314-667-4586 to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a Missouri truck accident?
The statute of limitations (time you have to file) is typically five years from the date of the accident.
Who can I sue for damages if I was hit by a negligent truck driver?
This is a more complicated question because we must determine negligence and liability. So, the answer will depend on your specific circumstances. There are a few possibilities including the driver, if your injuries were a direct result of the driver’s negligence; the owner of the vehicle, if the vehicle was not adequately maintained; the owner of the freight; the driver’s employer if the driver was pushed to break laws to keep their job or schedule; or a third party.
Your case may also involve the driver and owner of another vehicle that may have caused the truck to react, resulting in the accident, or the manufacturer of the other vehicle if there was a defect that led to the collision or accident.
What types of damages can I pursue after a truck accident?
Again, what is pursued will depend on the details of the accident and your injuries. Typically, as with car accidents, we may pursue the costs of medical treatment and rehab, present and future damages, pain and suffering, and lost current and future income.
Why are truck accidents more complex than most Missouri car accident cases?
There are several reasons that injury claims from accidents with semis or commercial vehicles are extremely complicated:
- The most significant reason is injuries are typically more severe (or even fatal) in a collision between a car and a truck. Commercial drivers and the companies that employ them must therefore carry larger amounts of insurance.
- Commercial drivers must undergo more training and are held to different safety standards than other vehicle drivers.
- Many facets of evidence will be reviewed in a truck accident, including time logs, the police report, the truck’s maintenance and parts, accident reconstruction, the “black box” (or electronic control module called an ECM) that keeps track of a drivers driving time, the driver’s actions, any drug or alcohol use, and how much sleep that driver had as well as evidence that pertains to your particular accident.
Can I still file a personal injury claim if I was partially at-fault for the truck accident?
Most likely, yes. Comparative fault (based on the court case of Gustafson v. Benda) means that each driver will be assessed an amount of fault. The at-fault party must take responsibility. Your percentage of the fault (for example it may be 10% or 20%) will then be subtracted from the damages you are awarded. You are not eligible for compensation if you are determined to be more than 50% responsible for the crash.
Call Our Attorney To Get Your Claim Started Today
We put people first. To see how our skill, knowledge and dedication to exceptional personal service can serve you, send us an email or call 314-667-4586. Se Habla Español. We serve clients in St. Louis, Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks, the I-55 corridor and throughout Missouri and Illinois. We do not charge a fee unless we recover financial compensation for you.