St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers

Aggressive Representation for Truck Accident Victims in Missouri 

An accident involving a truck or tractor-trailer can change one’s life forever in an instant. Trucks and tractor-trailers have become increasingly prevalent on America’s highways, and unfortunately, these large and hefty vehicles can cause significant harm when operated carelessly.

Truck accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle collisions, often causing catastrophic injuries and significant property damage. These cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims, involving multiple parties, federal regulations, and high-stakes insurance negotiations.

If you were harmed in a truck collision that may have involved negligence, we urge you to contact our team at Sedey Harper Westhoff immediately. It is essential to act quickly to investigate the accident while evidence and witnesses remain available thoroughly. We can determine what caused the crash and identify all liable parties. From there, we can help you take legal action and seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys have achieved favorable results for injury victims in automobile collision cases. We understand how to navigate the complexities of truck accident claims effectively and are ready to go to court to fight for your rights.

Have you been injured in a truck accident in Missouri? Call Sedey Harper Westhoff today at (314) 819-0963 or contact us online for a free consultation and find out how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve!

Understanding Missouri’s Commercial Trucking Regulations

Missouri has strict commercial trucking regulations to maximize road safety and minimize accidents. These regulations govern commercial truck operations, including restrictions on the number of consecutive hours a driver can operate a vehicle, regular vehicle maintenance checks, and mandatory rest breaks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also imposes national regulations, which Missouri adheres to, ensuring that drivers maintain current logbooks and that vehicles meet safety standards.

In addition, commercial trucks in Missouri must meet specific weight limits outlined by state and federal authorities to prevent road damage and maintain infrastructure integrity. Drivers and companies failing to comply with these regulations may face significant fines and penalties, including temporary suspension of operations. These rules are designed to protect truck drivers and other road users, promoting a safer driving environment. Staying informed about these regulations is crucial for those operating within the trucking industry or dealing with legal claims connected to trucking accidents.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

When a truck accident occurs due to negligence, the party (or parties) responsible may be liable for any resulting damages. In legal terms, negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to others. In the context of truck accidents, this means that if a truck driver, trucking company, or any other associated party fails to act responsibly. 

Common forms of negligence that can lead to truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue. Truck drivers often face long and demanding hours on the road, pushing the limits of their physical and mental endurance. Fatigue impairs a driver's ability to concentrate, slows reaction times, and reduces decision-making capabilities, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. Regulations are in place to limit driving hours, but tight delivery schedules or even direct pressure from their employers sometimes compel truck drivers to neglect these rules.
• Distracted driving. With the proliferation of smartphones and in-cab technologies, distracted driving has become a significant hazard. Distractions come in various forms, including texting, using a GPS, eating, or adjusting the radio. Any activity that diverts a driver's attention from the road can result in losing control of the vehicle.
• Impaired driving. Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and a transparent form of negligence. Impairment impacts a driver's judgment, reflexes, and coordination, significantly increasing the likelihood of an accident. Even prescription medications that cause drowsiness or impair cognitive function can pose serious risks if drivers are not careful.
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance. Trucks require regular maintenance to remain safe on the road. Neglecting crucial upkeep tasks like brake inspections, tire replacements, and engine checks can lead to mechanical failures. A sudden malfunction can cause a driver to lose control of the truck, endangering the driver and others on the road.
• Improperly loaded cargo. Properly loading and securing cargo is vital for the safe operation of a truck. Unbalanced or unsecured loads can shift during transit, leading to rollovers or making the truck difficult to control. This oversight is often due to inadequate training or carelessness.
• Speeding and reckless driving. Some truck drivers speed up to meet tight deadlines, disregarding speed limits and road conditions. This reckless behavior diminishes the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, especially in poor weather or heavy traffic. Trucking companies should foster a culture of compliance with safety regulations to prevent such incidents.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Truck Accidents

Due to the size disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, injuries sustained in truck accidents are often severe, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Internal Injuries
• Severe Burns and Lacerations
• Fatal Injuries

Victims may face long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle changes. The psychological impacts, such as PTSD, can also be profound and require ongoing support. Financial burdens from medical bills and lost wages add to the stress, making it essential for victims to seek comprehensive legal support. Understanding the full extent of these injuries and their future implications can help victims, and their families plan for continued care and recovery.

Determining Liability for a Truck Accident

Truck accident cases are notoriously complex due to the many parties involved and the intricate factors contributing to each incident. Determining liability demands thorough and prompt investigations, as the responsible party is not always readily apparent. Multiple elements, such as vehicle maintenance, driver behavior, and cargo handling, can all influence liability.

Our attorneys at Sedey Harper Westhoff can accurately identify all liable parties by promptly gathering and evaluating evidence, including eyewitness accounts, accident scene data, and vehicle inspection reports. We know what to look for when investigating and can help you hold the responsible parties accountable through personal injury cases.

Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties could be liable for a truck accident:

• The truck driver. The truck driver may be liable if reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or operating under the influence, caused the accident. Drivers must adhere to strict regulations concerning hours of service, vehicle inspections, and safe operation of their vehicles.
• The trucking company. Companies that employ truck drivers may be liable for an accident if they engage in negligent hiring practices, fail to provide adequate training, or pressure drivers to exceed safe driving hours. They are also responsible for maintaining their fleet.
• The truck manufacturer. If a defect in the truck's manufacturing contributed to an accident – for example, if faulty brakes or steering systems caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle – the manufacturer may be liable.
• Cargo loaders. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can lead to accidents, making the party responsible for loading liable. This includes instances where the cargo shifts, leading to a loss of vehicle control, or when overloading violates regulations, impacting the truck's handling.
• Maintenance contractors. Contractors tasked with the truck's upkeep may be liable if their failure to maintain a vehicle properly leads to mechanical failures that cause an accident.

Recoverable Damages in a Missouri Truck Accident Case

A successful truck accident claim allows you to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the tangible financial losses you suffered due to the accident, while non-economic damages are meant to encompass the more intangible impacts of the crash.

Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers can fight to obtain full and fair compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

If the defendant’s conduct was extremely outrageous, the court may also decide to reward punitive damages. Punitive damages are not specifically meant to compensate you but are instead designed to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future. Note that Missouri typically places limits on punitive damages. Victims must understand these laws to navigate their claims effectively and maximize recoverable compensation.