Truck Accident Injury Lawyers
in Kansas City, Missouri
An experienced truck accident lawyer in Kansas City is essential if you’re involved in a truck-related accident. At Noland Law Firm, we represent truck accident victims throughout Kansas City, providing the legal expertise needed for navigating these complex cases. Missouri’s role as a major hub for interstate commerce means drivers frequently share the road with large trucks and tractor-trailers, increasing the risk of serious injuries when accidents happen. Despite the existence of state and federal safety regulations, devastating truck accidents still occur far too often.
Noland Law Firm is dedicated to defending the rights of truck accident victims in Kansas City, Blue Springs, Gladstone, Independence, and the greater Kansas City area. With over 60 years of combined experience, we work tirelessly to secure meaningful compensation for those harmed by negligent commercial trucking companies and drivers.
Table of Contents
Why are semi-truck accidents so dangerous?
Large trucks pose significant dangers on the road, and various factors contribute to their heightened risk and the need for stringent regulations.
- One key factor is the weight disparity, with a standard large truck weighing 20-30 times more than a typical passenger vehicle. This substantial weight difference makes these trucks challenging to control and maneuver, emphasizing their potential danger.
- Braking capacity is a critical concern, as a loaded tractor-trailer requires 40% more stopping distance than a regular car.
- The elevated ground clearance of trucks is another issue, creating a risk for smaller vehicles to slide beneath them in collisions.
- Truck driver fatigue amplifies these dangers, as even though federal regulations limit driving hours to 11 consecutive hours, fatigue-related risks persist due to non-compliance.
Recognizing the severe consequences of truck accidents, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and state Departments of Transportation enforce stringent regulations. Notably, trucking companies and drivers are required to carry liability insurance to cover damages resulting from accidents.
In the face of these challenges, the personal injury attorneys at Noland Law Firm diligently navigate the complexities of the trucking industry, understanding regulations, negotiating with insurance companies, and striving to secure maximum recovery for victims of trucking accidents.
What are the most common causes for truck accident injuries in Kansas City?
Truck accidents, though unintended, remain a significant concern on the roads. Despite motorists’ intentions to avoid collisions, accidents still occur regularly. In Missouri alone, the State Highway Patrol reported 15,005 truck accidents in 2022.
Understanding the common causes behind these incidents is crucial for enhancing road safety. The primary factors contributing to truck accidents in Missouri include:
Driver Error
The leading cause of truck accidents, not only in Missouri but nationwide, is driver error. Long hours on the road contribute to distracted and drowsy driving, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance from commercial vehicles.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Truckers cover extensive distances daily, exposing their rigs to harsh road conditions and wear and tear. Infrequent maintenance increases the risk of truck equipment failure, posing a significant hazard to truckers and other motorists.
Bad Weather
Adverse weather conditions impact all motorists, but truckers face unique challenges due to heavy loads and slower stopping speeds. In bad weather, trucks may lose control, leading to jackknifing, hydroplaning, or rollovers. It’s crucial to maintain a safe distance when trailing a truck in such conditions.
Improper Loading Technique
Neglecting proper cargo loading procedures can result in malfunctions such as overhauling, potentially causing cargo to spill onto the road. This poses a serious risk to other vehicles, emphasizing the importance of adhering to loading guidelines for truck safety.
What are available damages for a semi-truck accident in Missouri?
Economic Damages
In truck accident claims in Missouri, victims can pursue economic damages, which involve tangible, quantifiable losses. The following are key components:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation is available for medical bills incurred due to injuries sustained in a truck accident. This includes costs for hospitalization, medication, surgery, rehabilitation, psychological therapy, and extended care for lifelong disabilities.
- Property Damage: Given the common outcome of property damage in truck accidents, proving such damage through evidence like pictures, police reports, and witness statements can lead to compensation from the responsible parties.
- Lost Wages or Reduced Earning Potential: Extended hospital stays or disability preventing a return to work can result in substantial lost income. A fair settlement considers the financial impact on victims and their families due to the absence of a steady income.
- Wrongful Death: Fatal crashes involving commercial trucks impact the economic security of the victim’s dependents. In cases where the deceased was the family’s primary earner, compensation should reflect the significant loss of income.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages account for the intangible, non-monetary impact of a semi-truck accident on victims or their families. While not all states recognize these damages, Missouri allows victims to receive compensation for:
- Pain and Suffering: In accidents involving commercial vehicles, damages are awarded for the physical and emotional distress endured by the victim.
- Loss of Companionship: In cases of wrongful death, non-economic damages may include compensation for the loss of companionship suffered by the surviving family.
Proving non-economic damages can be challenging, requiring the expertise of an experienced lawyer to demonstrate that the victim’s pain and suffering warrant compensation.
Punitive Damages
In instances of extreme negligence by drivers or trucking companies leading to injury or death, punitive damages may be pursued. These additional penalties can be awarded if victim lawyers can prove intentional disregard for federal regulations to cause harm to the plaintiff.
Are truck drivers liable for accidents in Kansas City?
In Missouri, truck drivers and their employing companies are generally liable for accidents, and victims should seek legal advice promptly after seeking medical attention. Our experienced team at Noland Law Firm will investigate various factors to determine fault.
The truck driver may be held responsible as well if:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting or using a handheld phone while driving
- Overloading the trailer with freight
- Driving with unbalanced cargo or uneven weight distribution
- Speeding
- Following too closely to the car ahead
- Failing to perform pre-trip inspections
- Disregarding posted warnings for hills, curves, or intersections
- Driving recklessly in adverse weather conditions
- Failing to adhere to sleep requirements
Proving negligence in any of these actions makes the driver accountable for reparations. The trucking company, shipper, or retailer employing the driver is typically liable for damages based on the driver’s status. The condition of the road may also contribute to the accident, potentially shifting liability to the government if the roadway was improperly maintained. Victims should consult an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance on pursuing compensation.
Missouri’s shared liability laws
Truck accidents don’t always have a clear-cut party solely responsible. In some instances, both the plaintiff and the defendant may share some blame.
Missouri, among a few other states, follows the legal doctrine of pure comparative negligence. This principle allows a partially responsible plaintiff to pursue damages, but the amount they can collect is directly tied to the degree of fault assigned to the defendant. In essence, this legal framework ensures a fair distribution of damages based on the respective levels of fault of each party involved in the truck accident.
How Can A Truck Accident Lawyer Help in Kansas City?
When involved in a truck accident in Kansas City, having an experienced lawyer is crucial. Missouri’s significant role in interstate commerce means that truck collisions are particularly dangerous, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. The complexity of truck safety laws requires specialized legal expertise to ensure that all relevant factors are considered in a case.
At Noland Law Firm, our skilled truck accident lawyers in Kansas City work diligently to advocate for accident victims. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of the incident, drawing on our understanding of both state and federal regulations to hold negligent parties accountable. Our focus is on securing full compensation for victims while promoting safer trucking practices to help prevent future accidents.
Contact Our Truck Accident Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a semi-truck accident in Liberty, Gladstone, Independence, Blue Springs, Excelsior Springs, Kearney, Smithville, Saint Joseph, North Kansas City, and throughout the greater Kansas City area, it is worth hiring a personal injury lawyer from Noland Law Firm to help settle your case with knowledge and compassion. Contact us at Noland Law Firm, LLC, online today to schedule a free consultation, or call us at (816) 781-5055 with any questions.
