Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Wichita

FAQs

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

  Wichita's non-emergency numbers are (316) 350-3400 for Wichita Police Patrol North, (316) 350-3420 for Wichita Police Patrol East, (316) 350-3440 for Wichita Police Patrol South, and (316) 350-3460 for Wichita Police Patrol West.

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

  Police reports are available with the Wichita Police Department Accident and Theft office, located on the 5th floor of 455 N. Main. Wichita, KS. Phone-in requests can also be made at (316) 268-4186. In either case, the requester best have pertinent information like the case number and its date and location on hand.

• What are the qualifications for truck drivers in Wichita, and how can you use these to build a case against them during accidents?

  Truck drivers in Wichita must obtain a commercial driver's license following a special training course capped with a skills examination. Their employers are expected to conduct background checks and limit their employees' time on the road to, at most, 70 hours per week. Rest periods of 34 consecutive hours are mandated. Breaks are imposed during the first eight hours of a shift. When a lawsuit is filed, these conditions are looked at to see if they are met.

• What opposition do truck accident claimants face in Wichita?

  Truck accident claimants face trucking companies, their insurers, and investigators whose primary purpose is to downplay the sums owed to the plaintiff. Hiring law firms is crucial as these employ their own teams of fact-finders to face these oppositions, ascertain the just compensation owed to the client, and determine the applicable remedies under the law in Wichita.

• How long do truck accident victims in Wichita have to sue?

  Truck accident victims in Wichita are required to file a civil action for their injuries within a two-year period following the accident. It is preferable to begin any out-of-court and judicial claims process as soon as possible because to include the insurance company as a party, it must deny or reduce the claim first. Insurers want victims to make claims practically immediately. The faster the claim is made, the faster the insurer can give the plaintiff an unfavorable payout and give cause for trial.

• What qualities must a plaintiff in Wichita look for in a truck accident lawyer?

  Truck accident lawyers in Wichita must be well-versed in pertinent regulations and laws like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Experience in deposing witnesses, like safety directors, and scrutinizing documents such as personnel logs and hiring records is desirable. Skills in risk assessment and assessment matched with accident prevention know-how are also ideal.

• What other factors other than driver negligence lead to truck accidents in Wichita?

  Vehicular defects are a probable cause of accidents in Wichita beyond driver negligence. Trucks using faulty parts are prone to malfunctions and poor maintenance is an aggravating factor. This opens the manufacturers of substandard products liable and the repair company to liability. The improper loading of goods also leads to mishaps when heavy objects fall off.

• 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.