Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Springfield, MO

FAQs

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

  The Springfield Police Department can be reached at 417-864-1810 for non-emergency purposes.

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

  The Springfield Police Department can provide you with a copy of the accident report. You can go to the front desk at the headquarters or South District Station or send a request via mail. This procedure applies to accidents that occurred before March 1, 2012. To expedite your request, bring the report number provided by the Springfield police officer at the scene of the accident and the $2 fee. If you want to get your report electronically, you can do so through CARFAX. Keep in mind that it is usually available three days after the accident.

• Who can be held responsible for a truck accident in Springfield?

  Victims of truck accidents in Springfield can file claims against multiple liable parties, including:

  • Truck drivers for engaging in behaviors like swerving or tailgating.
  • Trucking companies for hiring unqualified vehicle operators.
  • Truck owners for failing to schedule vehicle maintenance.
  • Parts manufacturers for design defects.
  • Freight companies for improper loading. There have been multiple incidents involving gravel-carrying dump trucks in Missouri, reflective of the fact that the state counts among the top 5 producers of crushed stone in 2022.

• What are the leading causes of truck accidents in Springfield?

  There are several leading causes of car accidents in Springfield. Based on the 2021 data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, failing to yield, following too close, improperly changing lanes, and driving distracted are the top contributors to truck accidents. Regarding fatal crashes, however, improper lane usage and driving too fast are the top causes.

• Can an individual claim compensation for their injuries even if they are at fault in a Springfield truck accident?

  Yes. Missouri runs a "pure comparative fault" system, wherein plaintiffs in Springfield can recover compensation for their truck accident injuries even if they are 99% responsible for the incident. The percentage determined by judges, mediators, or juries affects the ultimate value of the victim's claim. Missouri Supreme Court adopted this system in 1983 through its decision in the Gustafson v Benda case.

• What damages would athletes and their families recover if they were involved in a truck accident in Springfield?

  Springfield is home to multiple amateur and professional sports teams, including the Springfield Cardinals and the Missouri State Bears. In the event of injury or wrongful death, athletes or their families might receive compensation for multiple costs, including:

  • Funeral expenses.
  • Medical bills involving items like MRI scans and medications.
  • Rehabilitation expenses to help athletes address their physical and emotional issues.
  • The value of potential wages that the victim might have earned Missouri has no cap on non-economic and economic damages that a plaintiff might receive unless the lawsuit involves medical malpractice.

• How long can you file a truck accident claim in Springfield?

  Plaintiffs must file a personal injury lawsuit within five years of recognizing the injury. For cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members can sue at-fault parties within three years of the victim's death. In the event of medical malpractice, Missouri's statute of limitations provides affected individuals two years to start a lawsuit.

• 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.