Missouri roads, and especially Kansas City roads, are full of trucking businesses. With all of these large rigs out on the highways, accidents can occur in an instant. Accident victims can end up spending months in the hospital, enduring pain and recovery, and losing finances. That is why aggressive legal services are so important. Victims are not likely to obtain the money they need without help.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accidents are far more dangerous than car accidents. A truck may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That much power does a lot of damage. Victims may be hurt for years to get better. Some never get better.
Truck accidents are also more complicated. More than one party may be responsible, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Loaders of the cargo
- Manufacturers of truck parts
Both parties are able to shift the blame. Victims are caught in the middle of the tug-of-war. A lawyer decides what is the truth.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are most likely to be a result of negligence. Causes are:
- Driver fatigue due to prolonged driving
- Gadget or text messaging while driving
- Maintenance of trucks, i.e., broken brakes
- Speed according to road condition
- Overloaded or poorly secured loads
- Adverse weather or road conditions
A seasoned Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer will have the ability to dig deep to uncover what really happened. They’ll have the capacity to use records, expert testimony, and information from the black boxes to determine fault.
Injuries Victims Suffer
Victims usually suffer debilitating injuries such as:
- Brain injuries affecting memory and concentration
- Spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis
- Broken bones requiring surgery
- Burns resulting from truck fires
- Internal injury to internal organs
- Permanent trauma and fear of traveling
These injuries may heal in months or years. Victims may not be able to return to work. Families need to pay bills and provide daily care.
Emotional and Financial Burden
Aside from physical damage, accidents also cause immense emotional trauma. Victims feel depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress. Families have lost income and increased medical bills. Litigation may provide both financial relief and a sense of justice.
Why Victims Need an Attorney
Trucking companies and their insurers act fast following an accident. They are attempting to keep profit. Adjusters may bully victims into low settlements. Others drag out claims until victims abandon them. Victims who don’t have a lawyer stand to lose fair compensation. Lawyers move into action. They have knowledge of federal and Missouri trucking laws. They obtain driver histories, safety histories, and accident reports. They review black box information and interview accident experts. They build winning cases to negotiate fair settlements.
How Kansas City Lawyers Help
Local attorneys in Kansas City know the judges and courts. They have previously worked on Missouri truck accident cases. They are used to dealing with local investigators and insurance adjusters. Most truck accident lawyers do their work on a contingency basis. It is beneficial to the victims. They don’t pay anything. They only pay if the lawyer wins. It makes it possible for victims to obtain an attorney with no cost to them.
What to Do in Case of a Truck Accident
Proper measures can safeguard health and legal rights:
- Call 911 for a police report and medical help.
- If it is safe, take pictures of vehicles and the accident site.
- Get witness names and phone numbers.
- Don’t talk to insurance adjusters without a lawyer.
- Call an experienced Kansas City truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
These actions can maximize opportunities for a strong case.
What Kinds of Compensation Are Included
A claim can cover a lot of things, including:
- Hospitalization and continuing care
- Physical rehab and therapy
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Property damage, including vehicles
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Support for victims’ families in cases of wrongful death
Every case is handled based on the severity of injury and loss of income. A lawyer tries to get the best outcome and helps in the legal process.
Wrongful Death in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents, as sad as it is, sometimes lead to fatalities. The left-behind family members can file a claim of wrongful death. The claim may cover funeral costs, medical costs, and future lost wages. It also takes care of the children and spouses left behind. A Kansas City personal injury attorney advises families with compassion throughout the process.
Why Time Matters
Missouri law also has a draconian time limit for filing claims. For most victims, that is five years. Waiting too long damages a case. Evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. Trucking companies eliminate or hide records. Filing in a timely manner protects a victim’s rights.
Building A Strong Case
Lawyers use a variety of tools in building strong cases. These may be:
- Trucking inspection report analysis
- Reviewing a driver’s record for past violations
- Hiring crash reconstruction experts
- Examining GPS and black box data
- Acquiring medical records in order to ascertain injury impact
A strong case allows for greater potential for full compensation.
Social Impact of Trucking Collisions
Trucking collisions impact victims and their loved ones, naturally, but impact Kansas City communities and highways as well. A collision may shut down highways, delay travelers, and jeopardize other drivers. By holding trucking companies accountable, lawyers make roads safer for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Missouri truck crashes cause devastation. Victims have a lengthy recovery period. Relatives may be left with bills, anxiety, and grief. Kansas City lawyers level the playing ground for the victim. With the law on their side, victims are able to claim their expenses back and get their lives back on track.
FAQs
1. What do I do first after a truck accident?
Call 911, get medical care, and report the crash. Store evidence in a safe place and call a lawyer.
2. How long do I have to make a claim in Missouri?
Most victims have five years. It is wise to make a claim earlier so as not to lose evidence and witness memory.
3. Who could be liable for an accident involving a truck?
The driver, trucking firm, cargo loaders, or truck makers can all be liable.
4. What if the insurance company makes an offer right now?
Never accept without speaking with an attorney. Opening offers are always lower than victims are entitled to.
5. Do I have to pay a lawyer upfront?
Most truck accident lawyers in Kansas City operate on contingency. Victims only pay if they collect.
