Accidents involving large 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks are becoming more frequent in Missouri and Kansas as they transport freight throughout the region. When these massive trucks collide with smaller cars, the injuries and losses can be devastating.
If you or a loved one is recovering from a commercial truck crash, call us immediately. We’re here to listen, to help, and our Kansas City truck accident lawyers will use 60–plus years of collective legal experience to demand financial compensation from the liable party to cover your injuries and losses.
We’ve recovered millions for injured clients and handled their cases while they focused on their health. Our Kansas City personal injury lawyers will hear your concerns, answer your questions, and work to recover justice and awards for you and your family. Call us today at (816) 203-0143 for a free consultation or fill out the contact form.
Truck Crashes Differ From Car Accidents — Here’s How
Commercial trucking crashes differ from typical car accidents in several significant ways. The most apparent difference is the sheer size and weight of these trucks compared to passenger vehicles.
Whether it’s a big rig, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or another commercial vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds, these massive trucks can cause devastating damage in head-on, T-bone, rear-end, jack-knife, or side-swipe collisions.
Below are other ways truck accidents differ from passenger car accidents:
Federal Trucking Regulations
Truck drivers must adhere to strict federal and state regulations that are far more detailed than those for passenger car drivers. These rules cover how long a driver can be on the road, mandatory rest breaks, and rigorous standards for vehicle maintenance.
Additionally, regulations require thorough truck driver logbook record-keeping, safety inspections, and performance checks before a truck is allowed on the road.
Employer Liability in Truck Accidents
Trucking cases often involve the driver’s employer that owns the truck and hires and pays the driver, and is responsible for the driver’s actions. Since drivers must have a commercial driver’s license, their employers can be liable for crashes that occur during the driver’s work hours or duties.
Multiple Parties Could Be Responsible
Commercial truck accidents often involve more than just the driver and their employer. Size and weight restrictions are in place to help prevent dangerous rollover accidents, reduce the risk of brake failure, and minimize the impact of collisions with smaller vehicles.
These regulations help ensure trucks operate safely on the road and do not exceed their load capacity, which could lead to catastrophic accidents.
If a crash is caused by factors like improperly stored cargo, poor maintenance, or defective equipment, other parties could be at fault—such as the cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or equipment manufacturers.
Get the compensation you deserve with trusted legal guidance.
How Our Kansas City Truck Crash Lawyers Can Lead Your Case
Facing the aftermath of a truck crash can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Kansas City truck collision lawyers will handle every part of your case while you focus on getting better. We will:
- Investigate the trucking accident: This involves collecting evidence such as police reports, accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and truck maintenance records to determine how the accident happened.
- List all liable parties: Identifying who is responsible for the accident, whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company, or other parties.
- Assess your damages: Once we calculate the full extent of your losses, including future health care needs and pain and suffering, we will know the value of your case and what to request from those who owe you compensation.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Our lawyer will manage all communications with insurance companies involving fair compensation for all your damages. If your case involves more than one liable party, we will lead talks with all their insurers for you.
- File a lawsuit if necessary: If we cannot secure a fair settlement outside of court, we can prepare and file an injury lawsuit and represent you at trial. We’ll take care of this within your state’s statute of limitations.
- Represent you in court: If the case goes to trial, we’ll handle presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making arguments on your behalf to receive a court-ordered award.
The personal injury attorneys at Kevin McManus Law will present the strongest case possible on your behalf. We are ready to work for you. Call us for a free consultation.
We Will Seek Full Damages in a Kansas City Truck Collision
Truck accident victims often face overwhelming challenges, including enormous medical bills, lost income, long-term pain and suffering, and even permanent disabilities. They are often left with large medical bills, lost income, chronic pain and suffering, and permanent disability.
After we consider all your losses, we’ll seek to recover compensation in a truck accident claim, such as:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, emotional trauma
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impaired quality of life
- Punitive damages (if applicable)
Catastrophic Injuries
Large commercial trucks move at high speeds that can destroy smaller passenger vehicles instantly in a collision. For this reason, certain injuries from truck accidents require extensive care and recovery time. These include:
- Head or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Broken or fractured bones
Our Kansas City catastrophic injury lawyers will assess the long-term costs of severe injuries and determine how much compensation you should pursue from the negligent party.
Recoverable Damages in Fatal Kansas City Truck Accidents
Unfortunately, truck accidents are often deadly for people involved in the crash. We’re very sorry for your loss if your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a truck accident. We want to help your family be compensated for damages that can help you recover financial losses and emotional suffering after losing your loved one.
If you can pursue wrongful death damages, they can cover your funeral and burial expenses, lost income your relative would have earned, and compensation for the pain and suffering of losing a loved one.
Our Kansas City wrongful death lawyers can guide you through the legal process to pursue the compensation your family deserves.
What Is the Filing Deadline for Kansas City Truck Injury Cases?
Missouri
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is generally five years from the accident date, per state law. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, this state law generally allows parties three years from the date of death to file a legal action.
You must file within these deadlines to preserve your right to seek compensation.
Kansas
In Kansas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the truck accident date. For wrongful death cases, you also have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit under Kansas law. Acting promptly ensures you stay within these deadlines and protects your ability to pursue damages.
Taking prompt legal action helps preserve important evidence, meet legal deadlines, and can strengthen your case.
We’ll help you appeal and secure your rightful benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Does a Case Consultation Cost Anything?
No. Consultations to discuss your truck accident injury case with our personal injury legal team are free of charge. Our law firm’s attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
If we accept your case, we can represent you for no upfront fee and get paid only if we win your case. You can remember it this way ‘No Fee Unless We Win.’
When Do I Need to Involve an Attorney in a Truck Accident Case?
If you were in a small accident with minor or no injuries, you could handle the matter yourself. However, if you were seriously injured, including concussion, whiplash, internal organ damage, or any other life-altering injury, reach out to us as soon as possible at (816) 203-0143.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, you should:
- Move to a safe location if possible and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help.
- Get medical attention right away. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, have a healthcare professional evaluate you. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. The earlier you see a doctor, the better documentation you will have of your injury.
- Call the police and file a report. This documentation will be important for your insurance claim, so request a copy of it.
- Gather evidence: If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the truck driver.
- Do not admit fault: Be careful about what you say at the accident scene. Avoid admitting fault or making statements about the accident.
- Consult with our attorney: Speak to our Kansas City truck collision lawyer as soon as possible. We can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
After a Crash, Is It OK to Talk to an Insurance Adjuster Without a Lawyer?
Generally, you should not talk to an insurance adjuster after a truck crash without our lawyer present. Adjusters work for the insurance company, so their goal is often to minimize the amount the company pays out.
Without legal guidance, you could accidentally say something that could hurt your case. If an insurance company has contacted you, call us first. We can talk to them for you.
Call for Help From a Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A truck accident can turn your life upside down, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, or even the loss of a loved one. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you probably have questions. Our Kansas City truck accident lawyers have the answers.
At Kevin McManus Law, we understand what you’re going through, and we can help. We’ll take on the insurer for you and fight to recover your maximum compensation so you can focus on your recovery and your family. We’re on your side – call today for a free, confidential consultation.
