Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Kansas City

FAQs

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

  Citizens may contact the Kansas City Missouri Police Department by dialing 816-234-5111 or the department's administrative line number, which is 816-234-5000. In cases concerning vehicular accidents, victims may also dial 816-482-8193 to contact the department's Accident Investigation Section.

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

  The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is open to local citizens who wish to secure copies of vehicle accident reports. They can obtain reports through the department's website or in person at 125 Locust St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

• What commonly causes truck accidents throughout Kansas City?

  Truck accidents in Kansas City and within Missouri are often caused by instances of distracted and drunk driving, along with incidents where truck drivers are fatigued. Latter cases are mostly due to companies pressuring drivers to work beyond state and federal regulations over a 24-hour period and the course of seven to eight working days. Other relevant factors include negligent hiring practices, defective or improperly maintained vehicles, and unbalanced truck loads.

• Who else can be charged in a truck accident case in Kansas City?

  Third parties, such as vehicle manufacturers, can be sued for damages by truck accident victims in Kansas City if defective truck parts are proven as contributing factors in an accident. Trucking and shipping companies may also be charged if they fail to properly maintain trucks in adherence to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration standards. In addition, the state of Missouri can hold state agencies, construction companies, and tavern owners liable if they are involved.

• What are the possible sources of insurance coverage for truck accidents in Kansas City?

  Potential insurance sources for truck accidents within Kansas City include the coverage of independent truck drivers and commercial companies, with both covering a legal minimum of $750,000. In addition, at-fault driver's insurance applies in line with state laws. Victims can also obtain coverage from broker companies if it is proven that they have prior knowledge of a trucking company's safety violations and previous accidents when hiring their services.

• What documents and information are needed to establish negligence in truck accident cases throughout Kansas City?

  Victims may work with lawyers to obtain driver and company maintenance records, as well as police reports, to establish negligence on the part of offending truck drivers. Supplemental information can include NTSB investigation reports and citation records, along with data from a truck's onboard electric information system. Victims can also use videos and photographs of the accident site and the damage caused to support negligence claims.

• Can truck accident victims in Kansas City file claims even if they are partially at fault?

  Truck accident victims within Kansas City and throughout Missouri may still claim settlements with reduced amounts in adherence to the state's pure comparative negligence laws. Potential settlements are deducted based on the percentage of a victim's contributory fault regarding the accident in question. This is calculated based on a person's liability regardless of the extent of sustained injuries or property damage.

• 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.