Over 50 accidents involving commercial vehicles were reported in Columbia, MO over the past 12 months, and 67% of them resulted in some degree of injury. [1]
Navigating the aftermath of truck accidents can be challenging and overwhelming. It often demands specialized legal knowledge that is entirely different from the one needed to settle car accident claims.
The extent of the accident could also involve serious injuries and substantial property damage. Identifying the responsible parties and understanding the jurisdictional issues can also present unique complications in challenges like this.
It is paramount that truck crash victims hire a Columbia truck accident lawyer who is well-versed in the multifaceted nature of these cases in the state’s unique legal landscape.
Types of Cases That Our Truck Accident Lawyers Handle
Our experienced truck accident attorneys are equipped to handle cases that involve different types of vehicles, such as commercial semi-trucks, tankers, and dump trucks. The size of the vehicle and its function and load can significantly impact the dynamics of the event and the resultant legal proceedings.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers also specializes in handling different types of truck accidents, such as head-on impacts, jackknifes, sideswipes, and rollover accidents.
What Kind of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Case?
The consequences of a truck crash cause emotional trauma and financial toll on its victims and their families. We are dedicated to helping truck accident personal injury victims recover the full range of compensation that they deserve.
The victims of truck accidents and their family members seeking justice may be qualified to recover a variety of compensation, which includes the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Disability and disfigurement
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses in the event of a wrongful death
What to Do After a Columbia, MO Truck Accident
Here are the steps you should take after a truck accident in Columbia, MO to ensure you’re eligible to seek compensation:
- Ensure safety – Your immediate safety is of utmost importance. If you were involved in a truck accident, move to a safe area away from the moving traffic.
- Call 911 – A police report is the first official piece of evidence that you should obtain.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even minor injuries need to be evaluated by a medical professional, as truck crashes can result in injuries severe injuries that may not be obvious at first.
- Document the Scene – If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, your car, and the truck involved. Also, take photos of your injuries and witnesses present.
- Exchange Information – Get the contact details of the parties involved, such as truck drivers and ones of passenger vehicles, as well as witnesses, if there are any.
- Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer – Before speaking to an insurance adjuster, contact a Columbia truck accident lawyer to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
You Have Limited Time to File a Truck Accident Claim
For personal injury claims, Missouri Code section 516.120 states that the statute of limitations is five years from the date of the injury. For wrongful deaths, the statute of limitation is three years from the death of the victim.
It is of utmost importance to act swiftly and hire skilled legal assistance to secure your rights to file a claim.
What Is the Basis of Truck Accident Claims in Columbia, MO
To establish fault through negligence, your truck accident lawyer needs to prove four key aspects:
- They must demonstrate that the at-fault party had a duty of care, such as truck drivers’ obligation to operate their vehicle safely and avoid causing harm to other vehicles on the road, or trucking companies’ obligation to ensure the proper hiring and operational practices.
- They must prove a breach of that duty of care, such as distracted driving, negligent driving, not abiding by traffic laws, and the like.
- They must establish causation between your injuries and the semi-truck accident.
- They must show that there are damages as a result of the incident.
The Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
A major truck accident can occur as a result of a combination of external factors and human errors. The following is a breakdown of the most common causes of trucking accidents:
- Speeding
- DUI/DWI
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Ignoring safety procedures
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Brake failure
- Tire blowout
- Unsecured cargo
Who Is Held Liable in Truck Accident Cases
Oftentimes, the liability for a semi-truck accident is not limited to the driver alone. The following are some of the parties who can also be held liable:
- Trucking Company – In cases where the accident was caused by negligent hiring practices, inadequate training for the truck driver, or poor maintenance of the truck.
- Truck Manufacturer – If the accident is caused by defects in the truck, such as steering issues or malfunctioning brakes.
- Cargo Loader – In cases where the truck accident is caused by improperly loaded cargo that leads to spillage or imbalance.
- Parts Manufacturer – If certain parts of the truck are defectively manufactured, for instance, defective brake pads that lead to the truck accident.
- Government Entities – In cases where the truck accident was caused by poor road maintenance, such as inadequate road signs or unaddressed potholes, as well as ones involving tractor trailers working on behalf of government entities such as garbage trucks.
- Maintenance Providers – In cases where truck maintenance records reveal that the truck’s improper maintenance contributed to the accident.
Proving Fault in a Truck Accident Case
Gathering evidence and proving the party at fault is one of the most crucial steps in truck accident claims. Your Columbia, MO truck accident lawyer will help you collect accident reports, camera footage, witness statements, and anything else that might be relevant to your tractor-trailer accident case.
Another important consideration in this sense is comparative negligence recognized in Missouri. The court will assess the percentage of fault of each party responsible, which might potentially impact the maximum compensation you can get.
How Much Are Truck Accident Settlements
How much compensation you can get after a Columbia, MO truck accident may vary based on multiple factors, such as the extent of the property damage, the severity of your injuries, and the long-term impact of the truck crash over your life.
Here are a few example settlements that our truck accident lawyers have recovered on behalf of victims and their families:
- The insurance carrier of a logistics company paid a $5,750,000 settlement to a driver who sustained serious injuries to his legs and pelvis while unloading cargo at a distribution center.
- A $14,100,000 settlement was given to the family of a victim who was fatally injured in a traffic collision with a large truck. The truck driver was found speeding and not paying attention on the road.
How Long Does Settling a Truck Accident Case Take
Settling a truck accident case often takes more than six months. This timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, the severity of your injuries, the extent of negotiation required, etc.
The help and immediate attention that a truck accident attorney can provide is crucial to expedite the settlement process.
How Much Does Hiring a Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer Cost
The truck crash attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that our payment is only collected as a percentage of the settlement we help you secure.
That way, you can focus on your medical treatment to recover from your serious injury, while we provide you with the legal representation you need to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Filing a Truck Accident Claim With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Filing a truck accident claim with a Missouri truck accident attorney from our team involves a few steps:
- Free Consultation – Start by discussing your case with one of our lawyers to find our whether you have a viable claim and which of the common financial damages paid you can expect.
- Case Investigation and Evidence Collection – Your lawyer will analyze and gather all vital information, such as medical bills, police reports, and expert opinions.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies – Your Columbia MO truck accident lawyer will then negotiate with insurance providers to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
- Trial Preparation – If the negotiation does not lead to a settlement between parties, we will prepare you and your case for trial where we will continue fighting to secure a settlement amount that will compensate for your medical bills, pain, and suffeing.
Contact a Columbia Truck Accident Attorney Today!
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Columbia, it is best to take legal action as soon as possible. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the importance of legal support in this time of need and can guide you through the challenges and complexities of truck accident cases.
Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 for a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options. We’re available 24/7 and work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t owe us anything unless we secure the compensation you deserve.
Resources: [1] Missouri State Highway Patrol
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)