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Speak To A Truck Accident Lawyer For Large Truck and Tractor-Trailor Accidents
A truck accident lawyer handles cases involving commercial trucks, tractor-trailers and buses and other ‘big rig’ accident cases. Missouri’s roadways are main thoroughfares for large commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, Missouri is no stranger to trucking accidents caused by truck drivers. Some of the worst motor vehicle accidents are those involving large trucks and buses.
In spite of the fact that there are state and federal truck safety laws in place, catastrophic accidents are far too common, with many fatalities. State and federal safety laws are intended to prevent accidents and apply to commercial trucking companies, owners, and drivers. If an accident can be attributed to a violation of the applicable laws, any of the parties can be found liable.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
The NTSB is charged with investigating accidents, determining their causes, and making a recommendation to improve safety within the transportation industry. It is estimated that driver fatigue plays a role in nearly half of all accidents, however, many are also caused by distracted driving, driving under the influence and other factors due to driver error. According to FMCSA, the leading causes of truck accidents are driver illness, driver fatigue and driver error.
Why You Need A Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents can happen anywhere – on the highway, the interstate, rural roads and residential streets. Seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident involving a truck or bus. If the accident was caused by driver negligence, especially if you were injured, you may be entitled to compensation. A truck accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and guide you through the legal process, taking steps at the beginning of your case to ensure things go smoothly later on, such as:
Obtain Accident Report – The first step your truck accident lawyer will take is to obtain the accident report from law enforcement. Significantly, if a fatality was involved, there will likely be additional reports, especially if a more extensive police investigation occurred.
Determine Liability – Typically a truck accident claim focuses on proving negligence. Commercial truck drivers are required to drive responsibly and comply with specific federal regulations. In order to prove liability, it is important that your truck accident lawyer examines all theories of recovery, in particular, if the accident was caused by driver error or negligence.
Investigation & Evidence – Every accident case relies on evidence. A truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, obtain and preserve critical evidence to prevent it from getting lost or destroyed. Relevant evidence may include the Electronic Control Module (ECM) data from the truck (an onboard computer and monitoring system that collects detailed factual data while the truck was in operation), accident scene photographs, witness statements, vehicle maintenance and driver personnel records, and more.
Obtain Expert Witnesses – This is important because not everyone interprets what happened the same. Thus, a truck accident lawyer has the skill and expertise to interview witnesses and obtain crucial statements that may be used to support your case. Further, your attorney will have access to all necessary experts and consultants to establish liability. In the case of serious injury, for example, he or she may need to retain a doctor to testify to your injuries and any permanent impairment. Vocational economists can testify regarding the loss of future earnings or your earning capacity.
Truck Accident Lawyer: Free Case Review
At the Noland Law Firm, we believe that negligent trucking companies and truckers must be held accountable. Truck accident lawsuits require a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to establish liability. Over our many years of practice, we have seen how truck companies put profits first, cut corners on maintenance, or send inexperienced, lower-paid drivers on the road in vehicles that are hard to maneuver.
A Noland Law firm truck accident lawyer is well versed in truck safety laws and Missouri traffic laws, and is a highly skilled negotiator. We will not accept a settlement offer from an insurance company for less than the full value of your claim. You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. If you were injured in a truck accident, fill out a contact form or call our office today for a free consultation.