Even the most careful drivers in O’Fallon, Missouri, can find themselves in a life-changing situation when a large truck is involved. Crashes with 18-wheelers are often more violent than regular accidents, and the aftermath is usually far more severe.
If a commercial truck hit you and you’re now dealing with injuries, our Missouri 18-wheeler accident lawyers can help you take legal action against the company or driver and work to recover the money you need to get back on your feet.
These collisions often lead to long-term injuries, complex legal issues, and high financial costs—not just for medical care but also for lost income and ongoing treatment.
Because of the risks involved, trucking companies are supposed to follow strict safety rules that cover how long a driver can stay on the road, how much a truck can carry, and how often equipment should be checked. Still, many companies cut corners to stay on schedule or reduce costs, and that choice often puts others in danger.
Injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle? Our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys in O’Fallon, Missouri, can assist. Call (636) 238-5934 now.
What Our O’Fallon 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Offer Clients
For more than three decades, Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers have guided truck accident victims across the state through some of the hardest times in their lives.
With over $105 million recovered, our firm manages every legal detail so you can focus on getting better. Here’s how we support clients after a serious truck crash:
Direct Communication and Honest Answers
We keep you updated from start to finish, take over all contact with the insurance company, and explain each part of the process in clear terms so you can make confident decisions along the way.
Deep Case Investigation
To build a strong claim, we gather black box data, work with outside experts, speak with witnesses, and review the crash scene and damage—putting together the full picture of what happened.
Full Legal Management
From writing and sending demand letters to responding to anything filed by the other side, we handle all court paperwork and filings. You won’t be stuck managing any part of the process on your own.
Focused and Fair Negotiation
We don’t just trade numbers—we push for a resolution that truly reflects your losses. Whether through mediation or direct talks, we press for a result that aligns with what you’ve been through.
Trial Preparation When Needed
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we prepare the case for trial from the very beginning. And when the situation justifies it, our experienced O’Fallon 18-wheeler accident attorneys pursue punitive damages as well.
How 18-Wheeler Accidents Happen
Big truck accidents usually come down to a mix of driver behavior, truck condition, and road or weather conditions. Below are some of the most common causes we see when handling these cases in Missouri.
Fatigue and Long Hours
Truck drivers are under pressure to meet deadlines, even if it means pushing past safe limits. Some ignore mandatory rest periods or don’t sleep enough between shifts.
A tired driver behind the wheel of a fully loaded rig is one of the most dangerous things you’ll see on a highway.
Reckless or Distracted Driving
Speeding, tailgating, and cutting corners to save time all raise the risk of a crash. And while phones get most of the blame, distractions can come from anything—radios, GPS, even eating. A split second of inattention can cost lives.
Driving Under the Influence
Commercial drivers face stricter alcohol limits than most, but violations still happen. In Missouri, anything over 0.04% BAC is a problem for commercial driver’s license holders.
If they cause a crash while impaired, it’s not just a traffic ticket—it can be evidence in a personal injury case.
Poor Maintenance and Bad Loads
When tires or brakes aren’t maintained, or the cargo isn’t balanced right, accidents follow. These problems can make a truck swerve, tip, or lose parts into the road.
Determining Liability and Proving Fault after a Truck Collision
Seeking compensation after an 18‑wheeler crash in Missouri means figuring out who’s legally responsible—and often more than one party carries blame.
Parties Who May Be Held Accountable
Victims can pursue damages from multiple sources, including:
- Truck drivers
- Owners of the cab, trailer, or rig
- The driver’s employer or trucking company
- Cargo loaders
- Maintenance or inspection companies
- Truck or parts manufacturers
How We Investigate Your Claim
We launch an in-depth investigation that examines:
- Driver logbooks, service records, and DOT inspection reports
- Crash reconstruction analysis from experts
- Witness statements, event data recorders, and other physical evidence
Once we determine fault, we aggressively pursue damages for medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Our top-rated O’Fallon 18-wheeler accident lawyers have been assisting victims of semi-truck accident injuries since 1990. Call (636) 238-5934 for a free case evaluation.
Missouri’s Pure Comparative Fault Rule
Missouri allows fault to be divided across multiple parties. Under the pure comparative fault rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Say your total damages are valued at $200,000, but investigators find you were 40% to blame—maybe you looked down at your phone. In that case, your recovery would be reduced by that amount, leaving you with $120,000.
That percentage of fault isn’t random. Fault is often sorted out using evidence like crash reports, expert analysis, photos from the scene, and what witnesses saw. That’s what insurance adjusters, judges, and juries rely on to decide who caused what—and how the costs should be divided.
Missouri doesn’t block you from recovering money just because you were mostly at fault. As long as someone else shares part of the blame, you can still claim the portion they’re responsible for.
Our experienced O’Fallon personal injury lawyers can step in to sort out who’s responsible and help build a strong case using the right evidence.
Compensation For 18-Wheeler Accident Injury Victims
If you’re hurt, the law gives you a path to recover money for what the crash has cost you—both financially and personally.
Economic losses
These cover the bills and income hits that come with a serious injury.
- Medical care – This includes hospital stays, surgery, rehab, medications, and any treatment you’ll need down the line.
- Lost income – If you missed work, you can claim the money you would’ve earned.
- Reduced earning ability – If you can’t go back to the same job or work as many hours, you may be entitled to the difference.
- Property damage – If your car or other personal items were damaged in the crash, those costs are included.
- Out-of-pocket costs – That might include travel to doctor’s appointments or hiring help at home.
Non-economic harm
These damages aren’t tied to a bill, but they still have real weight.
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Mental distress or emotional strain
- Permanent changes to your body
- Loss of independence or enjoyment
Putting a dollar figure on these isn’t easy, but it’s a key part of a full recovery. A lawyer can help lay it all out.
What To Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident
Getting hit by a semi truck is a lot to deal with, and the choices you make right after can affect everything that comes next.
- Call 911 right away: Have first responders check things out. When the police arrive, give them an honest rundown of what you know—but don’t guess. If you’re not sure about something, just say that.
- Get the trucker’s info before you leave: Make sure you have their name, phone number, insurance, and the company they drive for. If anyone nearby saw the accident, ask for their contact details too. Their version of events might help down the line.
- Take photos of the scene: Use your phone to record and take pictures of the vehicles, any damage, skid marks, weather, and the general layout. The more detail, the better.
- Be careful with your words: Even casual things like “I’m okay” or “Sorry” can come back to hurt your claim. It’s better to say less and let the facts speak for themselves.
- Get checked out by a doctor: You might feel fine at first, but not every injury shows up right away. Getting seen early also helps prove the crash caused your condition.
- Talk to a lawyer before the insurance company: Trucking insurers act fast to protect their bottom line. A lawyer can deal with them for you and help make sure nothing weakens your case without you realizing it.
Time Limit For Filing a Truck Accident Claim
In Missouri, the deadline to file a truck accident injury claim is five years from the date of the crash. This rule comes from state law and applies to most personal injury cases involving commercial vehicles.
If you miss that window, the trucking company can refuse to negotiate, and the court will likely dismiss your case—even if the evidence is solid.
There are a few exceptions. If the person injured was under 21 or legally incapacitated at the time, the clock might pause. The timeline can also be extended if the truck driver or company left the state for a while.
Claims involving government agencies are different. If a city-owned truck was involved, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days. Some towns set even shorter deadlines. Since missing a filing date can end your case, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Award-Winning Semi-Truck Accident Law Firm in O’Fallon, Missouri
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we focus exclusively on Missouri auto accident cases—including serious truck collisions. We’ve spent years standing up to large trucking companies and their insurance carriers, and we know how to push back when they try to delay or deny what’s owed.
We take the time to build every case with care, relying on actual records, expert input, and a strong understanding of Missouri law to fight for what’s fair. After a crash, we know how much is on the line, and we make sure our clients always know where things stand.
When you call us, you’ll talk directly with a lawyer, not a case manager or assistant. We don’t charge anything unless we win for you, and we only take cases we believe in.
If you were hurt in a truck accident in or around O’Fallon, don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the better we can help you move forward with a strong claim.
Since 1990, our legal team has assisted injured victims of 18-wheeler accidents in St. Louis, Independence, Florissant, Jefferson City, Joplin, Cape Girardeau, Doniphan, Springfield, Kansas City, and more.
