Springfield Truck Accident Lawyers

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. Missouri's roadways are busy thoroughfares for commercial haulers, increasing the risk of truck collisions. Our committed team strives to hold negligent parties accountable, helping to clear your path to recovery.

Navigating the aftermath of a commercial truck collision requires more than standard legal representation. Trucking companies and their corporate insurers deploy rapid response teams to protect their bottom line and minimize your claims, often leaving victims at a disadvantage. Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of federal and state motor carrier regulations, allowing us to identify crucial factors like logbook violations, driver fatigue, or improper vehicle maintenance. Whether your crash occurred on Interstate 44 or a local intersection in Springfield, we meticulously investigate the crash site and preserve critical evidence to level the playing field and protect your rights.

Do not let the trucking company hide your settlement money. Call (417) 557-3407 to uncover the secret compensation you are legally owed before the strict deadline expires.

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. Understanding these limitations is crucial for both passenger vehicle drivers and trucking companies to minimize the risk of accidents on Missouri highways.

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. This can lead to drowsy driving, a significant contributor to accidents.
• Negligent driving — Dangerous driving behaviors include speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, merging without checking blind spots, tailgating, and failing to follow traffic control devices. These behaviors can have dire consequences on busy roads.
• 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. Failure to do so can lead to avoidable tragedies.
• 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. Thorough training programs are integral to reducing accident risks.
• Equipment malfunction — Truck owners are legally required to perform regular inspections and maintenance. Nonetheless, faulty brakes and tires frequently cause truck accidents. Ensuring proper maintenance can prevent these incidents.
• Defective roadways — Improper signage, poor drainage, pavement drop-offs, and other defects in the road can all trigger a truck accident. Local authorities must address such issues promptly to maintain road safety.

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 specialists. 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. It is essential for victims to have knowledgeable legal representation to navigate the complexities of multi-party liability scenarios.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident victims are often entitled 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. Timely medical treatment is crucial for both your health and legal claims.
• 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, acknowledging their impact on one's well-being.
• 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. Having an attorney assess your case and fight for the full compensation you may be entitled to can be critical.

How Our Firm Handles Complex Truck Accident Claims

Serious collisions with tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles often involve multiple insurance carriers, out-of-state trucking companies, and complex federal safety regulations. When you contact our team after a wreck on I-44, U.S. 65, or another busy route in and around Springfield, we take immediate steps to protect crucial evidence and give you clear guidance about what to expect. Our goal is to remove as much stress as possible so you can focus on your medical recovery while we address the legal and insurance issues.

We begin by listening carefully to your account of the crash and reviewing any information you have already gathered, such as photographs, citations, or medical records. From there, we can coordinate with investigators and, when appropriate, qualified reconstruction professionals to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, electronic data recorders, and driver logs. This detailed approach helps us identify whether violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules, improper loading, or negligent hiring or supervision contributed to the crash.

Because interstate freight companies and their insurers often move quickly to limit their exposure, having a truck accident lawyer Springfield residents can turn to early in the process can make a meaningful difference in how your claim develops. Our attorneys are familiar with local courts such as the Greene County Circuit Court and understand how juries in this region tend to view serious big-rig and 18-wheeler crashes. By combining our knowledge of the Springfield community with the resources of a full-service law firm, we work to put you in a strong position during negotiations and, when necessary, at trial.

Frequenlty Asked Questions