Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

truck company and accidents

If you are injured in a rear-end accident involving a semi-truck in St. Louis, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer to advocate for your rights. The attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have the knowledge and resources to help you navigate what may be a very complex case. 

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injury victims across Missouri. For over 20 years, our firm has provided compassionate, effective legal representation to individuals injured in accidents. Two of our attorneys, David Craig and Scott Faultless, are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in commercial truck accidents, so you can rest assured that your truck accident case will be in good hands.

Contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our St. Louis rear-end truck accident lawyers. 

What To Do Right After a St. Louis Rear-End Truck Accident?

You should consider taking the following steps if you are rear-ended by a semi-truck in St. Louis:

    • Call 911 – Call 911 immediately after the accident. Emergency first responders can assess you at the accident scene and determine whether you need to go to the hospital. It is vital to remain at the scene of the accident and wait for law enforcement to arrive. The police will investigate the circumstances of the crash and create an accident report that could be helpful evidence if you decide to take legal action.
    • Seek medical attention – After you are rear-ended by a truck, be evaluated at a hospital or urgent care facility. If you are not seriously injured, you should still see your primary care physician anyway because some injuries are not immediately apparent. Your doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan will be added to your medical record, which could serve as helpful evidence in your case.
    • Gather Information – Document what you see at the accident scene if you can. Take pictures of the location, the vehicles involved, and any injuries. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses and exchange insurance information with the truck driver. 
    • Call your insurance company – Although each insurance policy differs, most auto liability policies require notice for accidents or claims.
    • Contact a personal injury attorney – Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure you have legal representation from the start of your case. Your truck accident attorney can investigate the accident, assess the liability of the parties involved, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf while you recover from your injuries. 

Why Choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for Your St. Louis Rear-End Truck Accident?

The lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are qualified to assist you because of our knowledge, experience, and resources. Two of our attorneys have earned board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy in personal injury law involving commercial truck accidents such as semi-truck accidents, making them among a small group of attorneys nationwide who have earned this certification.

Furthermore, we have successfully handled numerous rear-end truck accident cases, helping our clients obtain the best outcomes and seek maximum compensation. Our lawyers have experience in litigation and prepare every case as though it will go to trial. Truck accident cases can be complex. We have the resources to hire experts to bolster your case and push back against large insurance companies, when necessary. Our client testimonials speak to the professional but friendly legal services we offer. We are proud of our success and look forward to opportunities to give back in St. Louis.

What Are Recoverable Damages in A St. Louis Rear-End Truck Accident Claim?

After a rear-end truck accident, you might face unanticipated medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and other substantial losses.

If a truck rear-ends you, you may be entitled to compensation for the following losses:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Anticipated future income
  • Property damage
  • Permanent impairment
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

What Is the Time Limit for St. Louis Rear-End Truck Accident Lawsuits?

The time limit for filing a lawsuit for a rear-end truck accident is five years, according to Missouri’s statute of limitations. This means you generally have five years from the date of the crash to file suit. If you miss the filing deadline, you may not be able to pursue the compensation you deserve in civil court. The lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can keep track of crucial deadlines so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

How Is Liability Determined in a St. Louis Rear-End Truck Accident?

Generally, the driver who rear-ends another driver will be liable for injuries and property damage resulting from the crash. In a truck accident case, multiple parties could be responsible because the trucking industry is made up of numerous individuals and companies. An attorney can investigate the rear-end truck accident to gather crucial evidence, determine who is accountable, and identify all possible sources of compensation, including insurance policies. To determine liability, a lawyer might gather the following evidence:

Photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks on the road, and pictures of injuries

  • Surveillance or traffic camera footage of the accident
  • Data from the truck’s black box
  • Statements from eyewitnesses
  • Vehicle maintenance records from the trucking company
  • Testimony from experts 

How Our Attorneys Can Help with Your St. Louis Rear-End Truck Accident Case

If you are injured in a rear-end truck accident, you may worry about mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other crash-related losses. Let the experienced attorneys at Craig, Kelly & Faultless LLC handle every detail of your case so you can focus on healing from your injuries. Our lawyers can help you with your rear-end truck accident case by: 

Investigating the circumstances of the accident and gathering crucial evidence to prove liability

  • Determining which parties may be at fault for the accident
  • Identifying all possible sources of compensation, including what insurance coverage may be available 
  • Communicating with insurance companies, defendants, and their attorneys on your behalf
  • Calculating the total value of your financial and personal losses to seek maximum compensation
  • Negotiating on your behalf for a fair settlement 
  • Filing a lawsuit if settlement negotiations are unsuccessful
  • Representing you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve, if necessary

Most Common Causes of a St. Louis Rear-End Truck Accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end accidents account for nearly 30 percent of all traffic accidents in the United States.

Rear-end truck accidents are all too common nationwide and in St. Louis. Some of the most frequent causes of these crashes include the following: 

  • Driver distraction – Distracted driving, such as using a cell phone while driving, is a leading cause of rear-end accidents. Whether texting or talking, using a phone requires a driver to take their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, and their focus off operating a truck. 
  • Following too closely – Often referred to as “tailgating,” following too closely can prevent a truck driver from slowing down in time to avoid a collision. Large trucks, in particular, need significant space to come to a complete stop.
  • Weather conditions – Unsafe road conditions due to inclement weather are another common cause of rear-end truck accidents. Truck drivers who fail to account for slippery conditions due to rain, ice, or snow are at a higher risk of causing rear-end accidents.
  • Unsafe speed – Drivers who exceed speed limits may be unable to stop quickly if traffic slows or stops. This can result in multi-car pileups. Truck drivers who speed often fail to account for the weight of their vehicles, which can prevent them from stopping quickly.

Most Common Injuries in St. Louis Rear-End Truck Accidents

The injuries victims sustain in rear-end truck accidents can range from relatively minor to catastrophic or even fatal. Because of the size and weight of semi-trucks, drivers of smaller passenger vehicles can suffer devastating injuries in these crashes.

Some common injuries from rear-end truck accidents include the following: 

Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced St. Louis Rear-End Truck Accident Attorneys

For over 20 years, the attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have successfully handled rear-end truck accident cases. We have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our deserving clients, securing our position in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. We understand how traumatic a truck accident can be. Let us take some of the stress off your shoulders by pursuing the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Contact us at (800) 746-0226 to schedule a free case review with our experienced St. Louis rear-end truck accident attorneys.