Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Topeka

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Topeka, Kansas?

  785-368-9551 is the non-emergency contact number of the Topeka local police station.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Topeka, Kansas?

  The Topeka Police Department issues copies of Topeka public records and reports. Visit TPD's Records Room to request. Requestors may contact the TPD using the following information: Topeka Police Department Records Room, 320 South Kansas Avenue, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66603; or call the Records Bureau at 785-68-9221.

• How common are truck accidents in Topeka?

  In Kansas, where Topeka is located, there have been over 3,000 motor vehicle incidents involving big or over-the-road vehicles, resulting in hundreds of injuries and deaths. Although the truck is involved in around 1% of incidents, it accounts for more than 8% of fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents, with over 700 deaths in the previous ten years. As a result of the tremendous impact, injuries are severe, and the incidence of significant accidents is growing.

• What are Topeka truck drivers' hours of service regulations?

  day for 14 hours only, including driving, meals, and rest breaks. It must be followed by at least 10 hours of rest before returning to work. Driving time is limited to 11 hours per 14-hour work cycle, with a 30-minute break interval set in between. It should be 70 hours in an eight-day work cycle and 60 hours in seven days before having a 34-hour break in between.

• What are the most common injuries in Topeka truck accidents?

  Some of the injuries that can be seen after a truck accident in Topeka include spinal cord injuries, burns, internal bleeding, broken bones, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries. It includes concussions, lacerations, organ injuries, and wrongful death. Severe injuries are not rare due to the size and weight of a tractor-trailer. These injuries have extended healing times and can have a significant impact on both the person and their family.

• What are the most common reasons for truck accidents in Kansas?

  Driver irresponsibility causes truck accidents in Topeka, such as speeding, inattentive driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, exhaustion from long periods behind the wheel, and aggressive driving. It includes inadequately loaded or overloaded goods, insufficient or inadequate training, traffic law violations, a lack of acceptable certifications, and bad vehicle maintenance.

• What damages can Topeka truck accident victims seek compensation for?

  Topeka truck accident victims deserve compensation for damages for facing piles of medical bills and rehabilitation fees, being unable to return to work for months or years, or never being able to find a productive job again. This might be devastating not only for the victim but for the entire family if the victim is the breadwinner.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.