Even a “minor” truck accident can turn into a major headache. The size and weight of commercial trucks mean more force, more damage, and more complicated claims than a typical car crash. Below, we explain when hiring a lawyer can help protect you, even if the collision seemed small at first.
Why “Minor” Truck Accidents Aren’t Like Typical Car Accidents
A slow-speed bump with a semi can still cause serious harm. Trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger cars. That extra mass transfers force to your vehicle and your body, even when visible damage looks light.
Truck cases also involve complex layers that most car crashes don’t. Some common issues in these cases can involve federal safety rules, company policies, driver logs, electronic data, maintenance records, and multiple potential defendants.
Potential for Hidden Injuries After a Low-Impact Crash
Not all injuries are immediately apparent. Whiplash, soft-tissue damage, concussions, and back injuries often develop over hours or days. Your car may appear fine, but you might be struggling with headaches, stiffness, or dizziness.
Always get a medical exam after any truck crash. Prompt care protects your health and creates a record that links your symptoms to the wreck.
Missouri Rules That Can Affect Your Claim
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault rule that can affect your compensation. If an insurer says you share part of the blame, your payment can be reduced. Deadlines also apply. If you wait too long to act, you could lose your right to file a lawsuit.
A Missouri attorney can spot these issues early, preserve evidence, and keep your case on track.
Costs That Add Up Fast
Even if the crash felt minor, bills can quickly pile up, including ER visits, doctor appointments, physical therapy, prescriptions, car repairs, rental cars, and time off work.
Some losses are harder to see, like pain, anxiety, or reduced quality of life. A lawyer can help you document all your economic and non-economic damages, ensuring you don’t leave any money on the table.
How a Lawyer Helps in a Seemingly Minor Case
Even if your case seems minor, hiring an attorney might be a good idea.
On your behalf, they can:
- Investigate the crash and secure evidence (dashcams, black-box data, driver logs).
- Identify every liable party (driver, trucking company, maintenance contractor, cargo loader).
- Handle adjusters so you don’t say something that hurts your claim.
- Calculate the full value of your losses, including future care and lost earning capacity.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement and file a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to deal fairly.
Hiring a lawyer also reduces stress. Instead of wrestling with claim forms and calls, you focus on healing while your legal team pushes the case forward.
When You Might Handle It Yourself
You may not need a lawyer in every truck accident case—some instances where you may not require legal assistance include crashes where:
- There were no injuries.
- Liability is clear.
- Property damage is truly minor.
- The insurer promptly pays your documented costs.
If any piece is uncertain, such as if pain develops later, the trucker disputes fault, or the offer seems low, speak with an attorney before you sign anything. A quick consult can prevent expensive mistakes.
Contact the Truck Accident Lawyers at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were involved in a truck crash in Missouri, no matter how minor it seemed, get informed before dealing with the insurer alone. Consulting with a St. Louis truck accident lawyer can help you protect your health, rights, and financial recovery.
For more information, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173
