Truck Accident Lawyers in Springfield

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in Missouri

Due to their sheer size and weight, trucks are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. When tractor-trailers and other big rigs are involved in a crash, the injuries can be devastating. At Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law, LLC, we work diligently to obtain the compensation you need to move on with your life.

Schedule a free initial consultation with our Springfield truck accident attorneys by calling us at (417) 557-3407.

Types of Truck Accidents

Large trucks are more likely to be involved in multiple-vehicle, fatal accidents than smaller vehicles. In 2011, more than 3,700 people were killed in large truck crashes, while 88,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

• Underride crashes — When a car or smaller truck crashes into the rear of a tractor-trailer, the vehicle can slide underneath the truck, often referred to as “underride.” These auto accidents frequently result in life-threatening head and neck injuries.
• Rollover wrecks — Due to their high center of gravity, large trucks are prone to rollover when taking a turn too quickly. Failure of the drive axle brakes can also cause a truck to “jackknife” and subsequently roll over.
• Rear-end accidents — Even at slow speeds, the impact of a large truck striking the back of a smaller vehicle can cause serious injuries. Inattention, tailgating, and drowsy driving are common causes.
• Head-on collisions — Because of their size and weight, head-on accidents involving a truck are always serious. Victims lucky enough to survive often face catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, paralysis, and disfigurement.

Causes of Truck Collisions

Because large trucks, including semis, tractor-trailers, and even dump trucks, are more difficult to maneuver, stop less quickly, and have large blind spots, there is little room for error.

Below are several frequent causes of trucking crashes:

• Driver fatigue — Although federal regulations limit the number of hours that commercial truck drivers can work and require mandatory rest periods, some truck companies still try to push the limits.
• Negligent driving —Dangerous driving behaviors include speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, merging without checking blind spots, tailgating, and failing to follow traffic control devices.
• Driver impairment — Because driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is particularly dangerous in a large truck, trucking companies are required to screen drivers for substance abuse issues on a regular basis.
• Distracted driving — Commercial truck drivers are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones. Still, many continue to talk and text while driving and engage in other distracting behaviors, such as adjusting the radio, eating, and programming navigation devices.
• Improper training — Drivers must undergo rigorous training to operate large trucks safely and manage difficult driving conditions, such as poor road conditions, traffic congestion, or equipment failure.
• Equipment malfunction — Truck owners are legally required to perform regular inspections and maintenance. Nonetheless, faulty brakes and tires frequently cause truck accidents.
• Defective roadways — Improper signage, poor drainage, pavement drop-offs, and other defects in the road can all trigger a truck accident.

Determining Liability After a Truck Crash

If you are injured in a truck accident in Missouri, you are entitled to seek compensation from any negligent party who contributed to the crash, which may include:

• The driver of the truck
• The owner of the truck, cab, and trailer
• The employer of the driver
• The manufacturer of the truck or truck parts
• The company that loaded the truck
• Third parties who performed maintenance or inspections

Our personal injury attorneys perform an extensive crash investigation, including a review of the truck driver’s logbook, vehicle maintenance records, and inspection reports for potential violations. We may also reconstruct the crash scene using witness accounts and truck accident experts. Once we establish the liable parties, we aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf, which may include payment for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident victims are often qualified to compensation for a wide range of damages, which can be both economic and non-economic. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be able to recover damages such as:

• Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical costs related to the injury.
• Lost wages: If your injuries stop you from working, you can seek compensation for lost earnings and loss of future earning capacity if the injury results in long-term or permanent disability.
• Property damage: This covers restoring or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering: Truck accidents often cause not only physical pain but also emotional despair, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages can compensate for these intangible losses.
• Disability and disfigurement: Victims who suffer permanent disabilities or disfigurement can seek compensation for the profound impact on their quality of life.
• Loss of consortium: If the truck accident has impacted your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to damages for loss of companionship or support.
• Punitive damages: In instances where the trucking company or driver acted with extreme recklessness or willful misconduct, the court may grant punitive damages to penalize the wrongdoer and deter future negligence.

Every truck accident case is unique, and the damages you could be eligible to recover will depend on the specifics of your situation. We can accurately assess your case and fight for the full compensation you rightfully deserve is critical.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorney in Springfield Today

If you have been involved in a serious truck accident, you will likely face mounting medical bills and missed time from work.

Our Springfield truck accident lawyers can help you obtain full and fair compensation. To schedule your free initial consultation, call our office today at (417) 557-3407 or contact us online.