Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

More than one party may be liable in a truck accident. The driver, the trucking company, or even a maintenance crew may all share fault. That’s why getting clear answers early matters.

Each crash is different. The cause might come from behind the wheel, inside the cargo bay, or inside a corporate office. Fault depends on who failed to follow the rules that keep others safe.

Kansas City truck accident lawyers help identify who caused the crash and who should pay. They focus on facts, not guesswork, and act quickly to protect your rights.

How a Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer Proves Liability

Truck accidents rarely happen because of one simple mistake. Many involve overlapping layers of negligence. Kansas City personal injury lawyers look beyond surface-level causes to understand the full picture.

We examine:

• Driver behavior: Was the driver distracted, fatigued, or under the influence?
• Logbook violations: Did the driver or company violate hours-of-service rules?
• Truck ownership: Was the vehicle owned by the driver, a company, or leased from another party?
• Maintenance failures: Did the crash result from poor inspections or faulty parts?
• Cargo issues: Was the load secure and properly balanced?

Each of these details helps determine who holds legal and financial responsibility.

Common Liable Parties in Truck Accidents

In many cases, more than one party shares fault. A truck accident attorney in Kansas City will help identify everyone involved, including:

• The truck driver: When the crash involves reckless driving, speeding, or DUI
• The trucking company: If the driver was an employee or under direct supervision
• A third–party contractor: Such as a delivery firm or logistics company
• The cargo loader: When unsecured freight causes the truck to shift or tip
• The vehicle maintenance provider: If mechanical failure caused the accident
• The truck manufacturer: In rare cases, a design defect may be to blame

Each company may have its own insurer and legal team. Coordinating those claims requires experience and persistence.

What a Kansas City Truck Accident Attorney Looks for

Truck crash claims hinge on evidence. A Kansas City truck accident attorney builds the case using facts gathered immediately after the crash. That evidence helps show what happened, who was responsible, and how the crash could have been prevented.

Important pieces of evidence include:

• Black box data: Records vehicle speed, braking, and steering before impact
• Dashcam video: Shows how the accident unfolded in real time
• Driver logs: Reveal fatigue, hours worked, and potential violations
• Employment records: Show whether the driver was hired, trained, and supervised properly
• Maintenance reports: Confirm whether the truck was roadworthy

Medical documentation also plays a role. Lawyers work closely with clients to match up injuries with crash dynamics and treatment timelines.

Without quick legal action, much of this information can disappear. Companies often move fast to protect themselves. Your legal team must move faster.

Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence in Missouri and Kansas

In Missouri, you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault. Courts apply pure comparative fault, under Missouri Revised Statutes § 537.765, which reduces your recovery based on your percentage of fault. Even a small share of responsibility lowers your total recovery, but it does not block you entirely.

In Kansas, a modified comparative fault rule applies under Kansas Statutes § 60-258a. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. That makes fault analysis a critical step in any claim and a major focus early in the investigation.

A Kansas City truck accident lawyer protects your right to recover by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and pushing back against blame-shifting tactics from insurers.

Trucking Laws That Influence Liability

State and federal trucking laws help define standards for driver behavior and company conduct. Your legal team must know both.

Some of the most important rules include:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
• Hours-of-service limitations
• Mandatory drug and alcohol testing
• Weight limits and cargo securement rules
• Training and licensing requirements

Quick internet research won’t prepare anyone to handle these laws in court. Your legal team must apply these rules with precision and tie violations directly to the facts of your case. One clear violation—like a skipped inspection or excessive hours on the road—can establish fault and shift the outcome in your favor.

Violations of these laws often point directly to fault. We use those violations to build stronger claims against negligent parties. That gives you leverage during negotiations and helps support your case if it goes to trial.

Why Prompt Legal Help Matters

Every truck crash case involves time-sensitive evidence. Surveillance video, GPS data, and electronic logs can disappear in days or weeks. Trucking companies often dispatch their own investigators within hours.

To protect your claim, you need someone who will:

• Preserve evidence through a legal notice
• Hire crash reconstruction experts
• Secure witness statements
• Request official records from state and federal agencies
• Help you get proper medical care from day one

The right legal team doesn’t just build a case—they guide your recovery. That includes helping you understand medical options, documenting your symptoms, and explaining how treatment affects the value of your claim. The sooner our team gets involved, the stronger your case will be.

Talk to a Kansas City Truck Accident Attorney Today

Truck crashes often leave people with long recoveries and unexpected bills. Many also need help finding qualified doctors and understanding what comes next. We explain treatment options, connect you with trusted providers, and show how care affects your legal claim.

You don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable. Call us early—even before you sign anything. We’ll walk you through your options and offer clear guidance with no pressure.

At Kevin McManus Law, we’re easy to reach and ready to help with whatever questions you have. You’ll speak with a real attorney who understands your situation.

With over 60 years of combined experience, we deliver results you deserve from a firm you can trust. We offer free consultations, and there’s no fee unless we win.