18-wheeler crashes are some of the worst accidents that happen on Missouri roads. These big trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and when they hit regular cars that weigh around 4,000 pounds, the results are often catastrophic.
In these situations, our experienced Missouri 18-wheeler accident lawyers can be invaluable. Call (314) 207.9996 now to schedule a free initial consultation with our legal team. We are available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week to assist.
If you’ve been in a crash with a commercial truck, you’re probably dealing with medical bills, lost pay from missing work, and maybe injuries that won’t fully heal. The trucking companies and their insurance teams start working on their defense right away, which is why you need a Missouri 18-wheeler accident attorney who knows what you’re up against and can fight for you.
Injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler or semi-truck in MIssouri? The knowledgeable attorneys at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers will fight to get you maximum monetary compensation for your injuries. Call 314.207.9996 now!
Why Choose Our Missouri 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers?
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve been helping truck accident and injury victims since 1990. During that period, our lawyers have gotten over $105 million for our clients through settlements and court cases.
We only deal with Missouri auto accidents, which means we are extremely well-acquainted with truck and semi-truck accident cases.
Trucking companies and drivers are governed by special rules that make truck accident cases more complex than regular car crash cases. Additionally, many people might be responsible for a truck accident, which usually involves much bigger financial damages.
Our injury law firm works with crash experts, doctors, and other advisors who can help prove who’s at fault and how badly you’ve been hurt.
Expect us to build your case carefully, gathering the evidence we’ll need for successful negotiations while preparing for the possibility of a trial. Being well-prepared gives you a stronger position when negotiating.
Our lawyers have won many types of cases, from truck jackknife accidents, brake failure accidents, underride accidents, improperly loaded cargo accidents, truck tire blowout accidents, and crashes involving multiple vehicles.
We are a local Missouri firm and have deep roots in the community. We know the local courts, judges, and trucking regulations in our state. Additionally, we’ve earned glowing recognition for our work and results, and our lawyers are regularly named among the best in Missouri.
By choosing Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, you get a complete team on your side, handling everything from the first day. We investigate your crash, talk to witnesses, gather evidence, file all court papers, and deal with insurance companies. You can focus on getting better as we fight for your rights and the money you deserve.
Reasons for 18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Accidents
Understanding the common causes of 18-wheeler accidents can help you build a stronger case and identify all parties that might be responsible for your injuries.
Accidents Caused by the Driver
Driver errors are among the leading causes of truck accidents, including:
- Driving while tired or sleep-deprived
- Distracted driving resulting from things like texting, snacking, conversation, tuning the radio, or using navigation apps
- Driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs, including prescription medication
- Speeding or engaging in reckless driving activities
- Not maintaining a safe stopping distance
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
These driver errors are usually the result of poor training, pressure from employers, or simple carelessness that puts everyone on the road at risk.
Other Common Causes
Not all crashes are the driver’s fault, and some happen because of:
- Poorly loaded or unsecured cargo
- Truck breakdowns from bad maintenance
- Broken truck parts
- Hiring drivers without enough training
- Companies pushing drivers to meet tight deadlines
These factors often point to negligence by the trucking company or other parties, which means you may have claims against multiple responsible parties.
Road and Weather Factors
Road and weather problems cause many Missouri truck crashes. According to 2021 Missouri traffic statistics, commercial trucks were involved in numerous accidents. Looking specifically at crashes involving large commercial vehicles:
- 71 fatalities involved truck tractors with one unit (semi-trucks)
- 10 fatal crashes involved single-unit trucks with three or more axles
- 41 fatal crashes involved single-unit trucks with two axles and six tires
Missouri crash data shows that most accidents (76.8%) happen on dry pavement. However, weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice still cause thousands of accidents each year. The size and weight of commercial trucks make them particularly dangerous in poor weather and road conditions, as they require more time and distance to stop safely.
Liability in Missouri 18-Wheeler Accidents
After a truck crash, many different people or companies might be responsible:
- The truck driver, if they were careless or broke traffic laws
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck, if it’s not the driver’s or contracted under a company
- Companies that loaded the cargo, if they did it wrong
- Repair shops that didn’t fix the truck properly
- Parts companies that could have provided faulty spares
- Government agencies that neglect fixing bad roads
To find the parties at fault, your lawyer can look at driver logbooks, repair records, driver qualification files, and data from the truck’s “black box” to prove that safety rules were broken.
Shared Fault in Missouri
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover money even if you were partly at fault for the crash. But you should know that your payment is reduced by your share of the blame.
This means if you’re 20% at fault and have $100,000 in damages, you could get $80,000. And even if you were 90% at fault, you could still recover 10% of your damages.
The court assigns fault percentages by looking at all the evidence. That means things like what witnesses say, police reports, expert opinions, and evidence from the crash site directly impact how much money you can recover.
Looking for an 18-wheeler accident lawyer near me in Missouri? Call 314.207.9996 today for a free case evaluation.Â
Types of Compensation Available For 18-Wheeler Accident Injury Victims
A skilled legal representative from our team can help you understand what types of compensation you can seek based on your specific situation. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you may be able to get money for:
- Medical bills, both now and in the future
- Lost wages when you can’t work
- Lost earning capacity if you can’t return to your job
- Property damage to your car and other belongings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Effects on your marriage and family relationships (loss of consortium)
If your injuries are permanent or you’re permanently disfigured, you might be eligible for lifetime care benefits. The value of your claim depends on your long-term prognosis, the severity of your injuries, and how significantly the accident has impacted your daily life and financial stability.
Evidence Which Can Strengthen Your 18-Wheeler Accident Claim
To build a strong truck accident case, you need special evidence that’s different from regular car accidents:
- Driver logbooks that show how long they drove
- Data from electronic logging devices
- Information from the truck’s “black box”
- Records showing when the truck was checked and fixed
- The driver’s training records and qualifications
- Results of drug and alcohol tests
- Shipping papers and weight records
- Reports from after the accident
- Photos of the crash scene and vehicles
- Statements from witnesses, especially people not involved
- Police reports and tickets
- Medical records showing your injuries
This evidence can be quickly lost if it is not saved, especially since trucking companies often only keep records for the shortest time the law requires. This is why it’s important to get a Missouri 18-wheeler accident lawyer fast.
How FMCSA Laws Impact Missouri Truck Accident Claims
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) makes rules for trucks across the country. These FMCSA regulations set standards that, when broken, can help prove the truck driver or company was at fault. Some important federal rules include:
- Limits on driving time (no more than 11 hours per day)
- Required rest breaks
- Drug and alcohol testing requirements
- Rules for securing cargo safely
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection schedules
- Driver qualification standards
From 2020, all motor carriers employing CDL drivers must report drug and alcohol violations to the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Trucking companies must also check this database before hiring new drivers to see if they have prior violations.
Missouri State Rules and Regulations
Missouri has its own state rules for commercial trucks. According to the Missouri Trucking Guide, these include:
- Vehicle Marking Requirements: Trucks must display the company name and USDOT number on both sides
- Inspection Requirements: Drivers must perform both pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Maintenance Standards: Trucks need a complete inspection at least once every 12 months
- Size and Weight Limitations: Legal limits for width (8’6″), height (13’6″-15′ depending on the road), length, and weight (80,000 lbs for most vehicles)
- Driver Qualification Standards: Specific age requirements, medical certifications, and proper licensing
When truck drivers or companies break these federal or state rules, it can be strong evidence in your injury case. Your Missouri 18-wheeler accident attorney will investigate whether any regulations were violated to help establish liability.
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm Today For a Free Case Evaluation
After an 18-wheeler accident, dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies can feel overwhelming. While you’re focusing on recovery, the trucking company’s legal team is already working to minimize your claim.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we level the playing field. Our experienced team offers a completely free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. During this consultation, we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide clear guidance on possible next steps.
With over 30 years of experience helping truck accident victims throughout Missouri, we know the complexities of these cases and the impact they can have on your life.
Our dedicated team handles all aspects of your case, from investigating the crash scene and gathering critical evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.
Don’t face the aftermath of a serious truck accident alone. And remember, the sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and building your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
Some of the locations we’ve helped victims of semi-truck and 18-wheeler accidents include St. Louis, O’Fallon, Florissant, Kansas City, Doniphan, Cape Girardeau, Independence, Jefferson City, and more.
