Truck accidents are serious. They have a tendency to result in pain, stress, and costly bills. If you or a family member was hurt in a truck accident in Missouri, you should know what you should do. This guide walks you through what to do and how an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City can help you.
If you can, get to a safe place. Activate your hazard lights. Stay calm and awake.
Call for help. Call the police and ask them to send medical assistance. The accident report is essential to your case.
No matter if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries will not surface until hours later.
Document the scene, damage, and road. Get the other driver's name, phone number, and insurance details. Interview any witnesses.
Be polite but do not talk about who caused the crash. Do not say "I was at fault." What you say may be used against you later.
Missouri is a comparative fault state. Both parties can share fault. If the court establishes the two of you 20% at fault, you get 80% of your claim. There is a statute of limitations too. You have generally five years to file a personal injury claim in Missouri. Miss that deadline and you lose your right to sue.
Truck accidents usually have more than one party. Those are:
Your rights are explained by lawyers. They tell you what you have to do next.
A good lawyer investigates the cause of the crash. They collect reports, photos, and paperwork. They are able to bring in experts to determine who was responsible.
You don’t have to fight insurers alone. Your lawyer talks to them for you. They push for the full amount you’re owed.
Lawyers know how to measure the harm. That includes:
They handle all the legal process paperwork. They make sure deadlines are met.
Most settle. But if the insurance company refuses to pay what's reasonable, your lawyer sues.
Knowing what caused the crash works in your lawyer's favor in building a sound case.
Truck crash claims often entail more than one person or entity. Some of whom are:
The Truck Driver
If the driver was careless, he or she can be sued.
The Trucking Company
They might be at fault for inadequate training, inadequate hiring, or requiring drivers to drive for too many hours.
The Cargo Loader
If the load was unbalanced, they might be at fault.
The Repair Shop
If the truck was in poor condition, the shop would be at fault.
The Parts Maker
A defective part might result from a design or factory defect.
Your lawyer will help you pursue all potential sources of money. These can include:
Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so they don't charge you unless you win.
You can recover compensation for:
Some are punitive damages if the opposing party was very negligent.
The sooner you do it, the better. Evidence vanishes fast.
Trucks can be fixed or moved.
Witnesses forget what they saw.
Get an attorney soon so that they can:
Truck crashes are more complex than car crashes. Here's why:
That's why it's a big assistance to have an attorney who has experience with truck cases.
Look for a lawyer who:
Check reviews. Try to get a feel for how many truck wrecks they do.
You share your story. They explain the law.
They obtain records, videos, reports, etc.
Attorney informs the insurer what you are demanding.
Most of the allegations are settled here. If not, you sue in court.
Either a judge or jury decides what you get.
Waiting too long to take action
Jake, a Kansas City truck delivery driver, was hit by a semi-truck. The truck had gone through a red light. Jake hurt his back and could not work. The trucking company denied fault. Jake's attorney found traffic camera footage. It proved the truck driver had gone through the light. The case settled for $850,000. Jake used it to pay bills and get re-trained for a new job.
Truck wrecks can change your life in an instant. Choices you make next matter. So does a quality attorney.
Take a deep breath. Your lawyer will examine all the evidence. Cameras, logs, and witnesses disclose the truth.
Most lawyers don't charge up front. They only get paid if you win or settle.
Yes. In Missouri, you may still be compensated if you were partially at fault. Your award is reduced by your degree of fault.
It differs. Some are resolved in months. Others can take more than a year. Your lawyer can better estimate the time after going through your case.
No problem. Your attorney from Missouri can handle the case. Trucking companies can have business in several states and are subject to state and federal regulations.
Call a local Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer today.
