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Springfield, MO Truck Accident Attorneys

Understanding Your Rights in Semi Truck Accident Cases

Stylized illustration of a semi-truck on the road with logistics and transportation icons and symbols floating above, including a clock, diamond, location pin, and road signs.

At Strong Law, P.C., we help families rebuild their lives after a catastrophic injury or the loss of a loved one in a trucking wreck. Our Missouri truck accident lawyers are recognized throughout the region for their top-tier legal advocacy and their commitment to making highways safer. When you work with us, you will have decades of experience working for you.

Why Choose Our Firm?

  • We have more than 45 years of collective experience
  • We have secured over $7 billion in compensation
  • We have helped hundreds of accident victims
  • We were named to The Best Lawyers in America®

Our “No Recovery, No Fee” Policy

Our truck accidents lawyers in Springfield take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means any expense related to investigating, developing, and presenting your case for trial come out of your settlement, so you don’t have to worry about up-front costs.

This includes the cost of using independent professionals and experts to help us present the strongest and clearest case possible to win in court. If you don’t recover compensation through a settlement offer or a jury award in court, you won’t be asked to pay attorney’s fees.

Our Truck Accident Verdicts & Settlements

  • $13,027,000.00 Settlement – client was seriously hurt in a truck accident.
  • $5,600,000.00 Settlement – client was hit by a commercial vehicle.
  • $4,250,000.00 Settlement – truck accident resulting in a head injury.
  • $3,650,000.00 Settlement – truck accident resulting in death.
  • $3,500,000.00 Settlement – client was killed in trucking accident.
  • $2,800,000.00 Settlement – elderly client suffered a head injury.

Types of Semi Truck Cases

Collision Cases

Collisions involving semi trucks can result from various factors, including driver negligence, mechanical failures, and hazardous road conditions. These cases often include:

  • Rear-end collisions: When a semi truck crashes into the back of another vehicle.
  • Jackknife accidents: Occurs when the trailer skids and ends up at a 90-degree angle to the truck.
  • Underride accidents: When a smaller vehicle gets trapped under a semi truck’s trailer.
  • Blind spot accidents: Due to the large blind spots (or “no-zones”) around 18 wheelers.

Non-Collision Cases

Not all legal cases involving semi trucks stem from collisions. Other scenarios include:

  • Cargo-related incidents: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo leading to accidents.
  • Maintenance neglect: Failure to maintain the vehicle properly, causing malfunctions.
  • Driver fatigue: Accidents caused by overworked drivers violating hours-of-service regulations.

Catastrophic Nature of Semi Truck Accidents

The sheer size and weight of semi trucks mean accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Victims might suffer from:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Amputations
  • Severe burns
  • Broken bones

The catastrophic nature of these injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities, significant medical expenses, and the inability to work, emphasizing the need for legal recourse.

What Makes Semi Truck Cases Unique?

Complex Regulations

The trucking industry is governed by a web of federal and state regulations, including hours-of-service rules, maintenance standards, and cargo loading procedures. Understanding these regulations is crucial in proving negligence in a semi truck case.

Multiple Parties Involved

Identifying the liable parties in a semi truck accident can be complex due to the involvement of various potential defendants. These can include the truck driver, the trucking company that employs the driver, cargo loaders responsible for loading the truck’s freight, manufacturers of the truck in case of vehicle defects, and maintenance providers who are responsible for the truck’s upkeep. Each of these entities can play a role in the circumstances leading to an accident, making the determination of liability a multifaceted process.

Each party’s involvement adds layers of complexity to the case, requiring thorough investigation and evidence collection.

Pursuing a Legal Case

Evidence Collection

Identifying the liable parties in a semi-truck accident involves navigating a complex landscape due to the potential involvement of various defendants. This complexity arises from the fact that responsibility for the accident could lie with multiple entities, including the truck driver, the trucking company employing the driver, cargo loaders tasked with loading the truck’s freight, manufacturers of the truck in case of vehicle defects, and maintenance providers in charge of the truck’s upkeep. The role each of these entities plays in the circumstances leading to an accident contributes to making the determination of liability a multifaceted process.

Understanding Damages

Victims can seek compensation for a range of issues including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence.

Statute of Limitations

It’s important to note that personal injury cases have a statute of limitations, varying by state, which limits the time frame in which a lawsuit can be filed.

Accidents involving semi trucks, tractor trailers, or 18 wheelers are devastating and carry complex legal considerations. Understanding the types of cases, the catastrophic nature of these accidents, and the intricacies of pursuing legal action is the first step toward seeking justice and compensation.

How can we help?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Tell Us About Your Case

Contact us today at (417) 887-4300 or online to arrange your free case evaluation. Our Experienced Trial Attorneys will walk you through your legal options.

You pay nothing unless we win.