Kansas City truck accidents are not uncommon and may result in severe, life-threatening injuries. The U.S. Department of Transportation shares that trucks in Missouri are around 70,000 to 80,000 lbs when fully loaded. Their dimensions and weight make commercial truck accidents some of the most dangerous for those involved. Hospital bills, cost of rehabilitation, and other financial losses can place a heavy burden on families, but legal guidance from a Kansas City truck accident lawyer can provide the tools necessary for a successful claim when dealing with an insurance company.
If you suffer severe injuries in a truck accident, you have the right to pursue legal action against the negligent party. Truck accident injuries can be devastating, and recovering the damages you suffer can relieve financial stress and allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries. Truck accident victims often face unique challenges, but with the help of experienced truck accident attorneys at Hollis Law Firm, you’ll have legal representation you can rely on and trust.
The many losses one suffers from a truck accident can feel overwhelming, but with the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City, you’ll have the confidence and resources for a successful claim. Truck accident cases often involve complex legal processes and require specialized knowledge to navigate effectively.
What Are Common Causes of Kansas City Truck Accidents?
Amongst the many difficulties that COVID-19 posed, truck drivers saw an increase in demand for their services, with many people purchasing items online. With more trucks on the road, the rise in Kansas City truck accidents concerns many drivers. While there are numerous causes of truck accidents, the following are some of the most common in Kansas City:
- Alcohol and drugs
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue
- Speeding
- Poorly secured cargo
- Failure to follow traffic laws
- Careless merging
- Road construction
- Hazardous weather conditions
When another vehicle exhibits the above behaviors and causes a serious truck accident, those injured due to their negligence can hold them accountable for their actions. The many losses one suffers from a truck accident can feel overwhelming, but with the guidance of an experienced truck accident lawyer in Kansas City, you’ll have the confidence and resources for a successful claim.
Who Can Be Liable in a Weather-Related Semi-Truck Accident Case?
Weather conditions like fog, rain, sleet, and snow can significantly impact driving conditions and a driver’s visibility. Poor weather conditions can negatively affect vehicle performance and road conditions. Large trucks can become difficult to control, leading to a higher risk of accidents. However, despite poor weather conditions making driving a truck more difficult, the truck driver is responsible for judging these conditions and making changes to avoid weather-related truck accidents.
When a weather-related semi-truck accident occurs, a few parties could be found at fault for the crash. Aside from the truck driver, other parties who may be liable include the following:
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- Another driver on the roads
To prove the liability of the party at fault for your weather-related semi-truck accident case, your lawyer must be able to provide evidence of the four elements of negligence. The elements of negligence are as follows:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
- The duty of care was breached
- The breach of duty caused the weather-related semi-truck accident and your injuries
- You suffered losses as a result
Your lawyer can help you identify the at-fault party and prove their liability in your case by investigating what occurred and collecting all necessary evidence to help support your claim.
5 Types of Truck Accidents in Kansas City
For a driver to receive their commercial driver’s license (CDL), they must undergo hours of training to prepare themselves for long hours on the road. Driving large trucks or 18-wheelers requires patience and focus. Many truck drivers work challenging hours that require them to drive across the country.
The shape and size of these large commercial trucks make them difficult to maneuver and can cause various types of accidents. Trucking companies play a crucial role in ensuring driver training and vehicle maintenance to prevent such accidents. While there are still the average head-on and rear-end collisions, the following are common for trucks:
- Rollover accidents: If a truck moves at high speeds with heavy cargo, the car may tip to its side when driving on an incline, decline, or make a turn.
- Tire blowouts: The long hours on the road can easily cause a tire blowout, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. Drivers will need to carefully monitor the tires’ conditions to evaluate their durability and safety.
- Underride collisions: When a car hits the back of a truck, it could slide under the back due to the height of the trailer. Since the truck is taller than most vehicles’ hoods, the car may slide under the back and cause severe injuries.
- Air brake accidents: Air brakes are essential parts of trucks and help slow their speed. If a truck’s air brakes fail, an accident can be life-threatening for all those around the vehicle.
- Lost load accidents: When a truck’s cargo spills out onto the roadway or other vehicles, the damages can be severe. Trucks carrying large loads and unsecured items are at serious risk of cargo spills. They must take the necessary precautions to ensure their items are properly secured and the weight stays within regulations.
Many truck accidents result in multiple-vehicle pile-ups or injure many people at a time. Staying aware of these dangers can reduce the likelihood of suffering from a truck accident. If you were involved in a truck accident, contact our truck accident attorney in Kansas City for a free consultation.
Am I Eligible to Recover Compensation After a Truck Accident?
When you suffer severe injuries because of someone’s disregard for your health and safety, you may incur significant financial losses and property damage. The following are a few examples of damages you may be able to recover in a truck accident case:
- Pain and suffering
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
- Significant disfigurement
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Acute emotional distress
- Wrongful death
- Funeral expenses
Recovering compensation is more than just financial assistance for damages and lost wages. It can keep the driver from repeating their reckless behavior as well as stop others from repeating the negligent action. Contact our reliable Kansas City truck accident lawyers as soon as possible to start discussing your claim. Truck accident claims can be complex due to the involvement of both federal and state laws, making legal representation crucial.
Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Truck Accident in Kansas City
Following a truck accident or any other incident resulting in serious injuries, you may wonder what steps you should take next. Especially if you face financial losses and want to hold the liable parties accountable for their actions, the path forward may not feel clear. However, if you’re open to taking legal action to hold these individuals responsible, we have some helpful recommendations and tips for you.
Before you accept settlement offers from anyone, including an insurance company, we suggest you speak with an attorney. If you have access to any evidence related to your case, we encourage you to keep it safe and organized. Truck accident victims often face unique challenges, such as medical bills, emotional trauma, and the complexities of dealing with insurance companies.
Get Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
As soon as you can, we strongly recommend you seek medical attention. By working with medical professionals, you can quickly identify any injuries or issues related to the incident. Your doctor can also recommend treatments, plans for healing, and refer you to additional medical specialists.
We suggest you follow your doctor’s recommendations as closely as possible, even if you spend a lot of time in physical therapy, take time off work, or go to several appointments. This will help ensure you heal as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Any paperwork, including bills, notes, treatment plans, and any other information, will also be helpful for legal matters. Be sure to request copies of everything for use later during your legal issues. And if you need help finding a trustworthy doctor, we suggest you contact us. An attorney from Hollis Law Firm can make recommendations and referrals to medical professionals we know are reliable.
Contact Law Enforcement
If you have not already done so, we suggest you report the incident to law enforcement officers. This will be necessary to form a basis for your claim, and officers may assist in providing witness statements, evidence, and other valuable tools. You are also legally obligated to contact law enforcement.
Get Offline and Log Out of Social Media
We suggest you spend as little time online as possible, as anything you search or share might be used against you during legal proceedings. If you are concerned about the temptation to post online, we recommend you log out of and deactivate any social media accounts.
Photos, videos, comments, and text posts can all be used against you, even if you have privacy settings enabled. They may also be used against you if they seem unrelated to your claim.
Avoid Discussing Legal Matters
While it may feel comforting to discuss legal matters with others, like friends or family, we suggest you refrain from doing so. We can only recommend speaking with an attorney you have retained to work on your claim, as additional privacy protections are available through the client-lawyer relationship.
Anything you share with others can be used against you, so take advantage of the confidentiality and privacy protections in place with your attorney. An attorney from Hollis Law Firm may be an excellent choice.
Organize Evidence
If you have access to any evidence related to your case, we encourage you to keep it safe and organized. Evidence may include photos, videos, medical bills, copies of pay stubs from work, receipts related to property damage, witness statements, and anything else that feels related.
If you don’t have access to any evidence or are missing certain documents, don’t worry. Your attorney from Hollis Law Firm can help you collect and assess the evidence you need to build your case.
Speak With a Lawyer Before Accepting Settlements
Before you accept settlement offers from anyone, including an insurance company, we suggest you speak with an attorney. Insurance companies do not have a victim’s best interests in mind, as they want to hold onto as much money as they can. But when you work with a lawyer, insurance companies know they cannot get away with shortchanging you as much as they could if you worked alone.
Retain Legal Support From a Qualified Attorney
We suggest you retain an attorney as soon as possible. This will allow your lawyer to dedicate the maximum amount of time to your claim. Your attorney will also be able to make further recommendations based on your specific needs and circumstances. Your case differs from other claims, and you do not deserve a cookie-cutter approach during this difficult time.
When you contact Hollis Law Firm, our experienced truck accident lawyers can support you in many ways, reduce the stress you will experience, and maximize the compensation you can obtain. Get in touch with us as soon as possible to boost your odds of outstanding legal results during your time of need. We look forward to supporting you.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Kansas City?
Determining liability in a Kansas City truck accident requires careful investigation and understanding of complex legal principles. Unlike typical car accidents, truck collisions often involve multiple potentially responsible parties. When you’re injured in a truck accident, identifying all liable parties ensures you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses. Liable parties may include:
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers must follow strict federal regulations and maintain proper training and licensing. When drivers operate vehicles while fatigued, distracted, impaired, or violating traffic laws, they may be held responsible for resulting accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes limitations on driving hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents, and violations of these rules often contribute to liability findings.
Common truck driver errors include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Driving while distracted by phones or in-cab equipment
- Operating a vehicle while fatigued or ill
- Making improper turns or failing to signal
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
After examining the driver’s actions, our investigation typically expands to include other potentially responsible parties.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies often bear significant responsibility for accidents involving their vehicles. These companies must properly screen, hire, and train drivers while ensuring their fleet receives proper maintenance. When companies cut corners on safety to increase profits, they may be held accountable when accidents occur.
A trucking company may be liable if they:
- Failed to conduct proper background checks on drivers
- Encouraged drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations
- Neglected to perform required maintenance or inspections
- Failed to properly secure cargo or overloaded vehicles
- Did not provide adequate training for their drivers
In many cases, the trucking company’s negligence creates dangerous conditions long before the accident occurs.
Cargo Loaders and Manufacturers
Improper loading contributes to many truck accidents in Kansas City. When cargo shifts during transport, it can cause jackknifing, rollovers, or other catastrophic accidents. The company responsible for loading the cargo may share liability for these accidents.
Similarly, parts manufacturers may be held responsible when defective components, such as brakes, tires, or steering systems, fail and cause accidents. These cases often involve product liability claims requiring specialized legal knowledge.
Government Entities
Some truck accidents result from poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or dangerous road design. In these situations, government entities responsible for road maintenance and safety may share liability. However, claims against government agencies involve additional procedural requirements and shorter filing deadlines, making prompt legal representation essential.
Proving Liability After a Truck Accident
Building a strong truck accident case requires a thorough investigation and persuasive evidence. At Hollis Law Firm, we understand the evidentiary challenges in these complex cases and work diligently to establish liability against all responsible parties.
Preserving Critical Evidence
Truck accident evidence can disappear quickly without prompt action. When you contact our Kansas City truck accident lawyer, we immediately take steps to preserve crucial evidence, including:
The truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, which records driving hours and vehicle operation Black box data showing speed, braking patterns, and other operational information Driver qualification files, including training records and driving history Maintenance records indicating whether proper inspections and repairs were performed The truck driver’s medical certification and drug testing results
This evidence often proves pivotal in establishing liability and overcoming denials from the trucking company and their insurers.
Working With Accident Reconstruction Experts
Complex truck accidents often require specialized knowledge to determine exactly what happened. Our firm collaborates with accident reconstruction experts who analyze physical evidence, vehicle damage patterns, road conditions, and other factors to create detailed explanations of how the accident occurred.
These experts may examine skid marks, impact points, vehicle final resting positions, and other physical evidence to determine speed, braking actions, and other critical factors. Their testimony often proves invaluable in establishing liability against responsible parties.
Addressing Comparative Negligence Issues
Missouri follows comparative negligence principles, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. Trucking companies and their insurers often attempt to shift blame onto injured victims to minimize their financial liability.
Our Kansas City truck accident attorney anticipates these tactics and works proactively to counter them with solid evidence supporting your version of events. We build comprehensive cases showing how the truck driver or trucking company’s negligence caused your injuries.
Navigating Federal Regulations
Truck accident cases involve complex federal regulations not applicable to typical car accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration imposes strict rules regarding:
- Maximum driving hours and required rest periods
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements
- Driver qualification standards and medical examinations
- Cargo loading and securement protocols
- Drug and alcohol testing procedures
Violations of these regulations often provide powerful evidence of negligence in truck accident cases. Our attorney’s thorough understanding of these regulations allows us to identify violations others might miss.
Contact a Kansas City Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Truck accidents often result in severe multi-car accidents. At Hollis Law Firm, our Kansas City truck accident attorneys knows what it takes to get the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. We have the knowledge to guide you through the legal and medical process of filing a truck accident claim. Trust us to hold the negligent individual accountable for their actions.
If you have experienced a truck accident and wish to pursue damages, schedule a free consultation by calling (800) 701-3672 or filling out our contact form today. A truck accident attorney in Kansas City will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Truck Accident Claims
What should I do after a truck accident in Kansas City?
If you’re involved in a Kansas City truck accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to law enforcement, and avoid discussing legal matters online or with others. Contacting a Kansas City truck accident lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and build a strong case.
How can a Kansas City truck accident attorney help me after an accident?
A Kansas City truck accident attorney can assist you in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your truck accident injuries. Truck accident attorneys understand the complexities of both state and federal regulations and will help navigate your case.
What types of compensation can I recover after a truck accident?
Truck accident victims may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and even punitive damages. An experienced truck accident attorney will assess your truck accident case and work to ensure all relevant damages are included.
Why are truck accident cases more complicated than car accident cases?
Truck accident cases often involve larger vehicles, federal regulations, and multiple parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and insurance providers. Kansas City truck accident attorneys have the experience needed to manage these complexities and help you navigate the legal process.
What are common causes of truck accident injuries in Kansas City?
Truck accident injuries in Kansas City are often caused by driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, or improperly secured cargo. A Kansas City truck accident lawyer can investigate these causes and hold the responsible parties accountable, helping you recover compensation for your injuries.
