Has a truck accident in Kansas City, MO, left you with life-changing injuries? You may be entitled to money for your damages.
For over 20 years, has represented accident victims and their families in pursuing fair compensation. Call our law firm at (816) 408-3448 for a free consultation with a Kansas City truck accident lawyer. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help navigate the complexities of truck accident claims, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents are almost always serious and have a high rate of fatalities and catastrophic injuries. Kansas City truck accidents can be caused by driver negligence, company accountability, and the inherent dangers posed by large commercial vehicles. Our legal team handles all types of injury cases involving Uber accidents, Kansas City motorcycle injuries, workplace accidents, dog bite accidents, wrongful death claims in Kansas City, and more.
Contact our Kansas City law firm to schedule a free case review. Our truck accident lawyers are ready to help!
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How Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Truck Accident in Kansas City, MO
An accident involving a tractor-trailer or semi-truck can leave truck accident victims with serious injuries and financial uncertainty. It may take many months or even years to settle your case with the insurance company. Rest assured, they will pressure you to take less than you deserve and may even blame you for the crash. You deserve an experienced Kansas City personal injury attorney to help you fight for the compensation you need.
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers is frequently featured in Missouri Lawyers’ Weekly for securing the state’s top verdicts and settlements. We have been recognized for “the most winning cases in Missouri.” This dedication has earned us prestigious designations, including a 10.0 AVVO rating and Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating.
When you choose Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers to represent you in your truck accident case in Kansas City, Missouri, you can depend on us to:
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Provide sound legal advice, personal attention, and support
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Handle all communications and administrative tasks
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Perform a thorough independent investigation into your crash to gather evidence and identify possible avenues for compensation
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Work with experts in numerous fields to develop a strong negligence case
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Accurately value the full extent of your current and future losses to negotiate for a fair settlement
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Present a compelling case before a jury if a fair offer is not made
You do not need to go up against well-funded insurance companies alone. Call Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers for the representation you deserve. There are no out-of-pocket costs, and we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in Missouri?
Large commercial vehicles make up just 4% of the vehicles on American roads, but they are involved in about 14% of fatal collisions. Over 95% of truck accident fatalities involve passenger vehicle occupants.
In 2018, there were 146 fatalities in commercial vehicle crashes in Missouri alone, an increase of 30% from 2014.
Between 2016 and 2018, there were 29 fatalities involving commercial vehicles in Kansas City. During this time, there were also 86 commercial truck crashes with serious injuries.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your rights and interests. Here are some essential steps to follow:
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Seek medical attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it’s crucial to get checked out by a doctor to ensure you don’t have any underlying injuries.
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Call the police: Report the accident to the police. They will create an official report that can be used as evidence in your case. Make sure to provide accurate and detailed information about the accident.
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Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Take photos of the damage to vehicles, the accident site, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses who can provide statements about the accident.
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Contact a truck accident attorney: Reach out to a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Taking these steps can significantly impact the outcome of your truck accident case. An experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through the process and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
What is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
There is no way to estimate the value of a commercial vehicle accident case without a careful assessment. While many factors can influence the value of your case, there are two main things that affect value.
Value Driver #1: The Facts
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you suffered long-term impairment, disability, and/or disfigurement
- How your injuries will impact your ability to work, quality of life, and overall health
- Whether you contributed to your crash
- The amount of insurance coverage available
- The truck driver’s actions
- The truck company’s safety record
Value Driver #2: The Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer You Hire
Our truck accident attorneys have repeatedly obtained million dollar policy limit recoveries from trucking companies. A crash didn’t just happen. We get to underlying reason why the crash happened. Was the truck driver on drugs or alcohol? Was he driving in excess of the hourly maximum limit? Did the trucking company fail to train him?
The best way to determine the value of your case is through a free consultation. Contact Bradley Law for a free case review with our Kansas City truck accident attorney to discuss what your case may be worth.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident in Kansas City, Missouri?
Accident victims in Missouri are entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party.
These damages include compensation for the following:
- Medical care, including future medical bills
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Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your job
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Mental anguish
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Emotional distress
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Disfigurement and scarring
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Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages could also be awarded if the trucking company or its driver acted recklessly.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I’m Partially at Fault for My Truck Accident in Kansas City, MO?
Is the insurance company blaming you for the crash? It’s common for traffic accidents to involve shared blame. Missouri addresses this with a pure comparative negligence doctrine.
This rule allows you to recover damages even if you are up to 99% at fault for your accident. However, if you are found partially at fault, your recovery is reduced based on your share of liability.
We Will Fight for Full Compensation for the Truck Accident Injuries You Sustained
Accidents involving large trucks often result in devastating injuries. At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping you pursue full compensation for the serious injuries you sustained.
We represent accident victims who have suffered:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic amputation
- Back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Seat belt injuries
- Joint injuries
If you or a loved one have been seriously hurt in a truck crash, contact our law office today for the legal representation you deserve.
What Causes Most Truck Crashes in Kansas City, Missouri?
According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study, nearly 87% of accidents involving large trucks are caused by human error. This is lower than the rate of car crashes caused by human error.
Another study found the most common causes of truck accidents are:
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Speeding
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Brake issues
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Unfamiliarity with the road
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Fatigue
In Missouri, most fatal accidents involving a truck or big rig are caused by failing to yield the right of way, improper lane change, and distracted driving.
There is a misconception that truck drivers are often to blame for commercial truck crashes. The truth is other motorists are usually to blame. The Missouri Department of Transportation reports truck drivers are to blame in 40% or fewer crashes.
About 10% of truck crashes are attributed to defective parts like brakes or tires. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all large trucks to receive regular inspections for the brake system, steering system, and lights.
The FMCSA also has hours of service regulations that limit how long a trucker can be on the road. These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue, a common and major risk factor for commercial vehicle accidents.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and potential consequences. Understanding the different types of truck accidents can help you recognize the complexities involved and the potential risks. Here are some common types of truck accidents:
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Rear-end collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. This type of accident often happens due to tailgating or the truck driver’s failure to stop in time. The sheer size and weight of trucks can cause significant damage and serious injuries in rear-end collisions.
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Head-on collisions: Among the most severe types of truck accidents, head-on collisions occur when a truck collides with another vehicle head-on. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the high impact force involved.
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Sideswipe collisions: These accidents happen when a truck collides with another vehicle on its side. Sideswipe collisions are often caused by reckless driving, improper lane changes, or failure to yield. They can lead to severe injuries and extensive vehicle damage.
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Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. Factors such as speeding, reckless driving, or improper loading of cargo can contribute to rollovers. These accidents can be particularly dangerous, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
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Jackknife accidents: In a jackknife accident, a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an angle with the cab. This often happens due to sudden braking or loss of control. Jackknife accidents can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause severe injuries.
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Underride accidents: These occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the underside of a truck’s trailer. Underride accidents are often fatal due to the severe impact and the smaller vehicle being crushed under the trailer.
Understanding these types of truck accidents can help you recognize the potential dangers and the importance of seeking legal assistance if you are involved in a truck accident.
How Do I Prove Fault in a Kansas City Truck Accident?
Truck crashes often require an in-depth investigation, which may be carried out by local police and federal authorities. Your trucking accident lawyer will also investigate your accident to determine how it happened and who is ultimately at fault. Recovering compensation requires proving one or more parties were negligent.
Multiple parties can share liability for a truck crash, including:
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Truck drivers
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Trucking companies
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Cargo loading companies
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Maintenance and inspection companies
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Truck manufacturers
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Other motorists
Building a case for negligence requires evidence such as:
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Truck driver logs
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Truck inspection or maintenance logs
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Black box data from the truck
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Police reports
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NTSB investigation reports
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Citations or disciplinary action, such as speeding tickets
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Cell phone records
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Video and photos of damage to vehicles and the site of the crash
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Witness statements
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers frequently work with specialists in complicated truck accident cases. Expert witnesses are helpful for interpreting evidence during the investigation, offering insight, and providing an expert opinion on causation and damages.
Understanding Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize their payouts in truck accident cases. Being aware of these tactics can help you protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. Here are some common tactics used by insurance companies:
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Denying or delaying claims: Insurance companies may deny or delay claims to avoid paying out benefits. They might hope that by stalling, victims will become frustrated and accept lower settlements.
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Lowballing settlements: It’s common for insurance companies to offer low settlements initially. They hope that victims, unaware of the full value of their claims, will accept these offers without further negotiation.
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Blaming the victim: Insurance companies may try to shift the blame for the accident onto the victim. Even if the truck driver or trucking company was clearly at fault, they might argue that the victim’s actions contributed to the accident.
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Using complex language: Insurance companies often use complex language or technical jargon in their communications. This can confuse victims and make it difficult for them to understand their rights and options.
By understanding these tactics, you can better navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney can also help you counter these tactics effectively.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Injury Lawsuit in Missouri?
The Missouri statute of limitations gives you five years to file a personal injury lawsuit related to a truck accident. For a wrongful death claim resulting from a truck crash, you have just three years to file your case. If you miss these crucial deadlines, you will be barred from recovering any compensation.
Do not delay in pursuing your claim. Delays can make it harder to investigate your case and preserve evidence of your claim. Your experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer will monitor filing deadlines to ensure your claim is protected.
Do you have serious injuries and medical expenses after a truck accident? Do not accept a settlement offer that does not fully compensate you. Contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with a Kansas City truck accident lawyer committed to fighting for you.
Our Kansas City personal injury law firm also handles:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about truck accidents and truck accident cases:
What is the statute of limitations for a truck accident case in Kansas City?:
The statute of limitations for a truck accident case in Kansas City is five years from the date of the accident. It’s essential to file your claim within this timeframe to ensure you can pursue compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney?:
Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless they recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to access legal representation without upfront costs.
What types of damages can I recover in a truck accident case?:
In a truck accident case, you can recover various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. The specific damages you can recover will depend on the details of your case.
How long does a truck accident case typically take to resolve?:
The length of time it takes to resolve a truck accident case can vary. Factors such as the complexity of the case and the willingness of the insurance company to settle can impact the timeline. On average, a truck accident case can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve.
If you have more questions about truck accidents or need legal assistance, contact a truck accident attorney to discuss your case and explore your options.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Kansas City, MO
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Kansas City Office
1509 NE Parvin Rd Ste A,
Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 408-3448
Open 24/7
