St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys

Motorists navigating the roadways in the St. Louis area of Missouri are no strangers to the hazards posed by semi-trucks, big rig and other bulky commercial vehicles. Collisions involving these gigantic vehicles usually result in graver injuries and larger medical expenses compared to other types of automobile accidents, causing more substantial damage to the victims.

But, imagine if you could seek retribution, holding the responsible trucking corporation accountable, and reclaiming your peace of mind. At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we can help turn that imagining into reality.

If you’ve experienced an accident involving a commercial truck, a competent St. Louis truck accident lawyer from Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can guide you in holding the trucking corporation accountable for your injuries financially.

For over two decades, our adept legal practitioners have been advocating for those who’ve suffered injuries, aiding them in pursuing personal injury lawsuits and rightful compensation. Our legal squad’s dedication and excellence have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by our inclusion in the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list.

Fully aware of the turmoil a severe truck accident can inflict on injured individuals and their families, our lawyers pledge to commit unwaveringly to help you secure the funds needed to rebuild your life and alleviate the stress of medical debt. For a complimentary assessment of your case, get in touch with Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC of St. Louis by calling (314) 367-2661 today.

Why Trust in Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC After a Truck Accident?

When tragedy strikes in the form of a semi-truck accident, which often results in severe injuries or worst-case, fatalities, a beacon of guidance and unwavering support is crucial. It’s here where the importance of expert legal services, such as those offered by Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, truly comes to the fore.

Selecting the right legal counsel can be a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with the trauma of a semi-truck incident. The selection of your attorney becomes a life-altering decision. In such a scenario, David W. Craig of Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC stands as an experienced, reliable, and dedicated choice. His profound knowledge, accumulated over years of practice, combined with a tenacious commitment to your cause, offers a comprehensive, client-focused legal service.

He isn’t just your attorney; he is your advocate, your advisor, and your pillar of support, guiding you through every step of the legal process. His role extends beyond the court, helping you navigate insurance claims, medical bill payments, and the often overwhelming paperwork that follows such incidents. With David Craig, you’re not merely hiring a lawyer, you’re gaining a steadfast ally, wholly committed to defending your rights and ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.

Please note that every case is unique, and previous results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases. However, with the professional assistance of Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, rest assured you’re making a step in the right direction toward getting the comprehensive legal support you need during this challenging time.

What Are Our Clients Saying About Our Expertise in St. Louis Truck Accident Cases

Your trust is important to us, and there’s no better way to understand the impact of our work than to hear directly from those we’ve represented. Below, you’ll find real testimonials from clients who have experienced our expertise in truck accident cases firsthand.

Reasons to Hire an Attorney Following a Truck Accident in St. Louis

While not all vehicular incidents necessitate legal counsel, truck accident claims often pose unique complexities. After an encounter with an 18-wheeler results in a collision, it’s crucial to consult a seasoned attorney who can scrutinize the circumstances and guide you through your next steps. Legal representation becomes indispensable when holding a trucking corporation liable and preventing insurance adjusters from exploiting your unfamiliarity with the claim settlement procedure.

Choosing to collaborate with a St. Louis truck accident lawyer becomes imperative if:

• You suffered substantial injuries resulting from the truck collision.
• The severity of your injuries from the truck accident prohibited you from returning to work for an extended period.
• The responsibility for the accident is ambiguous, hinting at the possibility of mechanical failure or substandard road conditions as causative factors.
• Several parties were implicated in or potentially liable for the mishap, a common scenario in truck accidents, given that multiple commercial entities often manage the operation of a large truck.
• The incident occurred in a school district, construction area, or other work zones.
• The party at fault was either uninsured or inadequately insured.
• The trucking insurer is attempting to downplay or reject your claim.
• You feel uncertain about your legal entitlements, your capacity to collect evidence supporting your claim, or your negotiation skills to obtain the necessary compensation.
• The insurance firm of the trucking company requested you to provide a verbal or written account of the accident.

It is of paramount importance to consult a well-versed Missouri truck accident lawyer prior to engaging in conversation with the insurance agent of the truck driver or trucking company, giving a statement, accepting a settlement proposition, or signing any liability release document.

Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Accident

The immediate action after any accident should be to dial 911 and seek professional medical help for any injuries.

Once you’re safe, consider the following sequence of actions in the subsequent days and weeks:

• Secure all available evidence from the accident site – Compelling evidence of the truck driver or any other party’s negligence is the cornerstone of a successful truck accident claim. Visual evidence of the accident scene, medical documentation, official police reports, witness testimonials, and other accident scene material can effectively solidify your case.
• Strictly adhere to your physician’s guidance – A crucial factor in your claim is your strict adherence to the recommended medical treatment plan. Non-compliance could be exploited by opposing parties to argue that your actions may have aggravated your injuries.
• Document your financial losses – It is vital to keep a record of all financial repercussions stemming from the accident. This includes medical bills, wage slips indicating lost income, and other related paperwork.
• Maintain a daily log – The intangible losses of physical discomfort and emotional trauma post-accident are challenging to quantify. By keeping a diary that details daily pain and the hindrance caused by your injuries, you can provide a stronger argument for these damages.
• Avoid giving statements to insurance companies – Your interaction with insurance companies can significantly influence your truck accident claim. Always seek legal counsel before making recorded statements and preferably, let your attorney manage all communications with the insurance firms.
• Hire a professional truck accident attorney – Ensuring you receive the rightful compensation for your injuries post-accident significantly impacts your quality of life. Engage the services of a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis as promptly as possible to maximize the potential value of your truck accident claim.

How Much Does It Cost Hiring a Truck Accident Law Firm?

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any upfront attorney fees. Our fees are only collected if we win your case, and they are based on a predetermined percentage of the compensation you receive. We prioritize transparency and will explain the details of the contingency fee arrangement from the beginning. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about how our legal services can assist you in your truck accident case.

Time Limit to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Missouri

Missouri’s statute of limitations allows individuals injured in truck accidents five years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline may result in the court dismissing your case. Lawsuits require time for investigation and preparation, so it is essential to promptly contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Compensation You Might Be Entitled in a Truck Accident Claim in Missouri

Experiencing a truck accident has a ripple effect, causing a multitude of physical, emotional, and financial losses. In Missouri, victims of such accidents can seek monetary compensation to address these various forms of losses, which can span:

• Legal-medical costs: This encompasses costs related to treating injuries resulting from the accident, which could include emergency care, follow-up treatments, medications, and any future treatments that may be required.
• Rehabilitative treatment: If your injuries necessitate ongoing physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation, the costs associated with these services can be included in your claim.
• Loss of wages: Being absent from work due to the accident can lead to a significant loss of income, for which you can seek compensation.
• Decreased future earning ability: If your injuries result in long-term disability, impacting your future earning capacity, you can claim compensation for this loss.
• Property damage: If your personal property, such as your vehicle, was damaged in the accident, the costs for repair or replacement can be included in your claim.
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress: You can also claim compensation for the non-economic damages resulting from the accident, including physical pain, mental suffering, and emotional distress.
• Mental health therapy costs: If you require professional mental health support due to the trauma of the accident, these expenses can also be part of your claim.

The amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total costs of your medical care, the strength of your evidence, the time you had to be absent from work, the long-term impact of your injuries on your future earnings, your contribution to the accident, and the specifics of the insurance policies involved.

Given the complexity of the legal process and the need for professional negotiation skills to deal with insurance companies, securing the services of a legal professional, such as a truck accident attorney, is highly advisable. They can help you navigate the legal maze, prepare a strong claim, and work towards securing the full and fair compensation that you rightfully deserve. They will be dedicated to safeguarding your rights and ensuring you get the best possible outcome from your truck accident claim.

Compensation If You’re Considered Partially At Fault for a Truck Accident

Missouri’s legal system allows you to pursue compensation even if you’re partially responsible for a truck accident. This means, even if you share some of the blame for the accident, you can still file a claim for damages. However, it’s important to note that your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your degree of responsibility. So, if you’re deemed to be partially liable, your compensation will be proportionately decreased based on your level of fault. This complexity underscores the importance of engaging the expertise of a legal professional, such as a truck accident attorney, who can effectively argue your case and strive for the best possible compensation outcome for you.

Who is Liable in a Truck Accident in St. Louis?

The process of identifying and proving negligence in truck accidents is a complex and multifaceted affair. It requires legal services, such as the representation of personal injury lawyers, to methodically examine the details of the event. This involves demonstrating that the party at fault acted or neglected to act in a way that a cautious individual would have in the same situation, causing the incident.

The complicated nature of truck accidents often leads to multiple parties being held responsible:

• The individual operating the truck: The driver could be held accountable if they were distracted, exhausted, or impaired, causing the accident.
• Other road users: Accidents can also result from the actions of other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians, who may not know how to navigate safely around large trucks.
• The trucking company: The company could be held liable if it engaged in negligent hiring practices, failed to sideline an unsafe driver, didn’t provide adequate training, or did not maintain its vehicles correctly.
• The cargo loading crew: An improperly balanced and secured cargo can shift during transit, causing a crash. In such a scenario, the crew responsible for loading the trailer could be found at fault.
• The local government: Poor road infrastructure, like obscured traffic signage or significant potholes, can cause accidents. In these cases, it might be possible to file a claim against the local government agency responsible for maintaining the roads.

To construct a strong negligence case, legal professionals will conduct an independent investigation into your accident. The objective is to gather a wealth of evidence such as:

• Maintenance and inspection records of the truck
• Police reports
• Cell phone records
• Truck driver’s logs tracking hours spent on the road
• Internal records of the trucking company’s practices
• Data from the truck’s black box
• Results from drug and alcohol screening
• Statements from witnesses
• Arrests, citations, or disciplinary actions linked to the accident
• Photographs and video of the accident site and vehicle damage

In addition, we collaborate with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, who provide key insights and interpret the evidence, further strengthening the case. Through these meticulous investigations, we unravel the layers of complexities involved in truck accidents, proving negligence, and ensuring that those affected receive the compensation they rightly deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in St. Louis

Truck accidents can occur due to various factors, leading to the need for legal services. Some of the common causes include:

• Fatigue driving: The demanding nature of the trucking industry often results in drivers exceeding legally permitted hours of service, leading to dangerous levels of fatigue and an increased risk of accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed poses significant risks for all drivers, especially large commercial vehicles like trucks. Speeding reduces maneuverability and increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Aggressive driving: Behaviors such as failure to use turn signals, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and disregarding traffic rules can lead to accidents caused by truck drivers’ aggressive driving habits.
• Impaired driving: While accidents involving intoxicated truck drivers are relatively rare due to stricter regulations, any form of drug or alcohol impairment can still lead to severe accidents.
• Mechanical defects: Inadequate maintenance and faulty truck components can contribute to accidents. Poorly maintained brakes or malfunctioning parts increase the risk of crashes.
• Employer negligence: Some trucking companies impose unrealistic deadlines or incentivize speed over safety, leading to fatigued driving and an increased risk of accidents.
• Driver negligence: Distracted driving, speeding, tailgating, drowsy driving, and other negligent behaviors regularly contribute to truck accidents. Establishing negligence is crucial in legal proceedings.
• Inadequate training and supervision: Trucking companies have a responsibility to properly train and supervise their drivers. Failure to meet these obligations can result in inexperienced drivers attempting unsafe maneuvers and causing accidents.
• Improperly secured cargo: If cargo is not properly balanced and secured, it can shift during transit, leading to loss of control and contributing to truck accidents
• Defective parts: Negligent design, manufacturing, or distribution of truck components, such as brakes, can increase the risk of accidents.

In the event of a truck accident, seeking legal services from professionals specializing in truck accident cases is essential. They can provide expert guidance, conduct thorough investigations, and advocate for your rights to pursue fair legal outcomes and obtain rightful compensation.

Understanding the causes of truck accidents and seeking legal representation from specialized legal services is crucial for victims seeking justice. By addressing these factors and obtaining professional assistance, individuals can navigate the complexities of truck accident cases and work towards achieving fair resolutions.

Most Common Types of Truck Accidents

• Following Too Closely
• Jackknife Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Blind Spot Accidents
• Tire Blowouts
• Box Collision
• Overloaded Truck Accidents
• Underride Accidents
• Cargo Spills
• Fuel-loaded truck accidents
• Rear-End Truck Accidents
• Big Rig accidents
• Head-On Collisions
• Dump Truck Accidents
• T-Bone Accidents
• Concrete Mixer Truck Accidents
• Delivery Truck Accidents
• Wide Turn Accidents

Reach Out to Our Trusted St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers Near You

The St. Louis, MO semi-truck accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are ready to assist if you are coping with injuries and losses as a result of a commercial truck accident.

We’ll fight vigorously to pursue the compensation and resources you need to put your life back in order. To get a free initial consultation with one of our truck accident lawyers, contact us by filling out our online form or call us at (314) 367-2661.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)