Have you been injured in a commercial truck accident in St. Louis, Missouri? Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help when you call (314) 932-1066. We offer a free consultation with a St. Louis trucking accident lawyer who can review your situation, explain your rights, and discuss potential compensation.
Trucking company negligence is a frequent cause of serious collisions that lead to significant injuries, lost wages, and long-term losses. Holding negligent parties accountable is often critical to recovering fair compensation. An experienced attorney can evaluate the circumstances of the crash, identify responsible parties, and guide you through each step of the claims process.
Why Choose Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers To Help You Pursue Compensation After a St. Louis Truck Accident
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has the resources to handle complex trucking company negligence cases. We understand the unique challenges of these claims and are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Clients in St. Louis, MO, trust us because:
- Our team has over 21 years of experience in personal injury law.
- Our experienced St. Louis trucking accident lawyers have extensive experience in investigating and litigating claims against trucking companies and their insurers.
- With excellent reviews and a successful track record, you can trust our legal team to protect your rights after a trucking accident.
- Whether your case involves a catastrophic injury, wrongful death, or significant property damage, we will provide personalized legal representation and support every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation with a St. Louis personal injury attorney. We are here to help you when you need sound legal advice and compassionate support.
Understanding Trucking Company Negligence in Missouri
Missouri law holds trucking companies responsible for the actions of their drivers when those drivers are acting within the scope of their employment. This principle, known as vicarious liability or respondeat superior. The company can be liable even if it did not directly cause the crash.
A trucking company can also be held liable for its own negligence. If the trucking company’s actions or inaction cause a crash, the company is responsible for the harm resulting from the accident.
Common Forms of Trucking Company Negligence
Trucking companies have a legal duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained, their vehicles are well-maintained, and their operations comply with federal and state regulations. Negligence can occur in several ways, including:
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
- Failure to maintain vehicles, leading to brake failure, tire blowouts, etc.
- Improper hiring practices, such as hiring drivers with poor driving records or inadequate training
- Failure to enforce hours-of-service regulations, leading to driver fatigue
- Negligent supervision or retention of drivers
If any of these factors contributed to your accident, the trucking company may be liable for your injuries.
Missouri’s Pure Comparative Fault System and Trucking Company Negligence
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule. The rule means that fault for an accident can be divided among multiple parties. Potentially liable parties include, but are not limited to:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The injured victim
- Other motorists
- Shippers and loaders
- Maintenance and repair facilities
- Truck and parts manufacturers
Under this system, you can recover compensation for damages even if you are partially to blame. However, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault you bear.
For example, if you are found 30% at fault and the trucking company is found 70% at fault, you would recover 70% of your total damages.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Missouri Trucking Company Negligence Claims?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is five years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is three years. It is crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Case?
Truck accidents can cause far more than immediate physical injuries, often leaving victims with long-term financial burdens and personal hardships. The damages available in a truck accident case are designed to account for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages you could recover include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Future treatment costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
You may also be able to recover non-economic damages, such as:
- Diminished quality of life and enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and impairment
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
Exceptions to the rules could change the deadline in your case. Prompt legal advice is the best way to protect your rights.
Key Evidence in Trucking Company Negligence Cases
To prove trucking company negligence, your attorney will gather and analyze various types of evidence, including:
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Medical records
- Expert witness testimony and reports
- Truck maintenance and inspection records
- Driver training and hiring records
- Post-accident drug and alcohol test results
This evidence is critical to establishing the trucking company’s liability and maximizing your compensation. An experienced trucking accident attorney can act quickly to gather and preserve evidence that can be lost with time.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer
Contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a truck accident in St. Louis, Missouri. Our experienced St. Louis trucking accident lawyers will help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
