If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in St. Louis, Missouri, contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at (314) 932-1066 today for a free consultation. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers are ready to explain your rights and help you pursue the justice you deserve.
Commercial trucks move thousands of tons of freight through St. Louis every day. When these massive vehicles share the road with smaller passenger cars, crashes can be catastrophic. Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys have helped countless injury victims recover compensation after being harmed by negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. Call today to get started.
Why Choose Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Commercial Truck Accident Case in St. Louis?
Truck accident cases differ from standard car accident claims in nearly every way. Some of the challenges stem from the number of defendants involved and the complexity of federal regulations. You need a St. Louis personal injury lawyer who understands the trucking industry. We know how to take on powerful trucking corporations and their insurance companies.
For our clients in St. Louis, MO, Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers offers:
- Over two decades of combined experience. Our attorneys are well-versed in navigating the complexities of commercial truck litigation. We know what it takes to handle wrongful death actions, catastrophic injury claims, and corporate liability cases.
- A strong record of significant recoveries. We have secured substantial compensation for clients who have been harmed in truck crashes.
- Detailed knowledge of federal and state trucking laws. We are familiar with federal and state commercial vehicle laws. This knowledge enables us to identify violations promptly and construct persuasive arguments.
- A comprehensive investigative approach. Truck accidents require immediate access to black box data, maintenance logs, driver qualification files, and safety audits. We move fast to preserve crucial evidence before trucking companies can destroy or hide it.
- Trial-ready advocacy. While many truck accident claims settle, we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This approach sends a strong message to insurers that lowball offers in negotiations will not be accepted.
When you hire our St. Louis truck accident attorneys, you gain a partner who will fight tirelessly to hold negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable for the harm they have caused. Contact us today for a complimentary case review.
What Are Commercial Truck Rules in St. Louis?
It is essential to understand the regulations that truck drivers and carriers must adhere to. This can help you determine where negligence has occurred. Some of the most important commercial truck regulatory standards under Missouri and federal law include:
Hours of Service Regulations
To limit fatigue, federal and Missouri rules restrict driving time and total duty hours. Violations of these hours-of-service (HOS) rules, such as falsified logs, ignored rest breaks, or carriers requiring excessive hours, can be strong indicators of negligence.
Vehicle Maintenance Rules
Trucking companies are required to inspect, maintain, and repair their vehicles in accordance with federal standards. Failures in maintenance (such as worn brakes, faulty tires, or defective steering) are common causes of catastrophic truck accidents.
Driver Qualification and Drug/Alcohol Testing
Carriers must ensure that drivers hold valid commercial licenses, meet the required qualifications, and submit to random drug and alcohol testing. Failure to hire or retain qualified drivers constitutes a serious regulatory violation.
Cargo Securement and Weight Limits
Improper loading, overweight trucks, or unsecured cargo create hazardous conditions such as roll-overs, jackknifes, or cargo spills. Missouri carriers are subject to both state and federal standards for cargo securement.
Log-Book and Electronic Logging Device Compliance
In addition to the HOS rules, drivers must maintain accurate records of duty status. These records must be maintained via logbooks or electronic logging devices. Inaccurate or missing logbooks may reveal regulatory violations and contribute to liability.
What Is My Commercial Truck Accident Case Worth in Missouri?
The value of a commercial truck accident case depends on the specific facts of each incident.
Key factors that influence the value of your case include:
- The extent of your physical injuries
- Whether you suffered permanent disabilities or impairments
- The cost of medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Future medical needs
- Lost income and diminished earning ability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD
- Whether you’re being blamed for the crash
- Evidence of federal or state trucking violations
- Available insurance coverage
- Whether punitive damages apply
Truck accident victims often face enormous losses. These losses may not only be financial, but also physical and emotional.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Commercial Truck Accident Victims in St. Louis?
Missouri law allows commercial truck accident victims to pursue multiple categories of damages. These damages fall into three main groups:
Commercial truck accidents often result in significant economic damages, which can include:
- Emergency transportation and hospital care
- Surgeries, treatment, and rehabilitation
- Follow-up appointments and specialist care
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle replacement
- Transportation costs to medical appointments
Non-economic damages compensate victims for the personal, intangible impacts of the accident, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment or permanent disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
Punitive damages may apply when the trucking company or driver engaged in particularly reckless or malicious conduct. For example, falsifying logbooks, driving under the influence, or knowingly violating hours-of-service rules could trigger the applicability of punitive damages.
Our attorneys pursue the full spectrum of damages available based on the unique circumstances of your case.
Contact Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident in St. Louis, don’t wait to get help. Contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers have the experience and resources to fight for you.
