In Need of a Truck Accident Lawyer?
At Wallentine Injury Law, LLC, our dedicated Kansas City personal injury lawyers and support staff know truck accidents in Missouri can be overwhelming and confusing, often resulting in severe or even life-threatening injuries.
Commercial trucks’ sheer size and weight mean collisions often have devastating consequences, including complex medical, financial, and legal challenges. Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident isn’t easy—multiple parties are involved, from drivers to trucking companies, insurers, and even federal regulations that impact liability.
Each of these factors requires the experience of skilled personal injury attorneys who understand the complexities of truck accident claims. With decades of combined experience and over 1,000 clients represented in jury trials, bench trials, motion hearings, mediations, and settlements, our law firm is dedicated to providing the guidance, support, and aggressive representation you need to secure fair compensation and rebuild your life.
Contact us today to tell your story during a free consultation.
What Types of Missouri Truck Accident Cases Does Wallentine Injury Law Handle?
Wallentine Injury Law handles a broad range of Missouri truck accident cases, representing victims who have suffered injuries from various negligence by truck drivers, trucking companies, or third parties. We understand the complexities and unique challenges associated with truck accident claims and are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation for victims.
Here are the common types of truck accident cases we handle and the frequent causes behind these crashes:
- Driver Fatigue Accidents
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, often due to drivers exceeding the hours-of-service limits set by federal regulations. Truck drivers sometimes feel pressured to meet tight delivery deadlines, resulting in longer hours behind the wheel and increased fatigue. We handle cases where driver fatigue leads to devastating crashes, using evidence like driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and eyewitness accounts to prove negligence.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding is a common cause of truck accidents, as large trucks require significantly more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, abrupt lane changes, and reckless maneuvers can also result in catastrophic collisions. We investigate these incidents thoroughly, gathering evidence like black box data, dashcam footage, and accident reconstruction to demonstrate driver negligence.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving poses a significant risk, particularly when a truck driver is texting, using a phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distractions while operating a large vehicle. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have devastating consequences. We handle cases where distracted driving led to severe injuries, utilizing cell phone records, witness statements, and video evidence to establish fault.
- Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo
When cargo is improperly loaded or exceeds weight limits, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced or the driver to lose control. Improper loading can also cause rollovers, jackknifes, or cargo spills. We pursue claims against the trucking company, cargo loaders, or other responsible parties to hold them accountable for accidents caused by improper loading.
- Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Truck maintenance is critical for safety, and failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems can lead to severe accidents. We investigate maintenance records, inspection reports, and repair logs to determine whether poor maintenance or mechanical failures contributed to the crash. In these cases, the trucking company, maintenance crew, or manufacturer of faulty parts may be held liable.
- Jackknife and Rollover Accidents
Jackknife and rollover accidents are particularly dangerous for surrounding vehicles, often leading to multi-vehicle pileups. These accidents can result from speeding, sharp turns, slick roads, or sudden braking. We handle cases involving jackknifes and rollovers, focusing on driver behavior, road conditions, and vehicle dynamics to establish liability.
- Blind Spot Collisions
Large trucks have extensive blind spots, making it crucial for drivers to use caution and signal properly when changing lanes or merging. Blind spot collisions occur when truck drivers fail to check these blind spots, leading to sideswipe or merge accidents. We work to demonstrate driver negligence by using video evidence, eyewitness testimony, and accident reconstruction.
- Rear-End Collisions
Due to their size and weight, trucks require more time and distance to stop safely. When a truck driver follows too closely or fails to react in time, rear-end collisions can occur, often resulting in severe injuries for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. We investigate the driver’s behavior, speed, and braking to establish fault in rear-end truck accident cases.
- Unqualified or Inexperienced Drivers
Trucking companies are required to hire appropriately trained and licensed drivers. However, in some cases, unqualified or inexperienced drivers are put behind the wheel, increasing the risk of accidents. We handle cases involving unqualified drivers by investigating the company’s hiring practices, training protocols, and adherence to federal safety regulations.
- Drug or Alcohol Impairment
Impaired driving is extremely dangerous, especially when it involves the operation of a large commercial vehicle. We pursue claims against truck drivers who operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol, using evidence such as toxicology reports, driver records, and expert testimony to build a strong compensation case.
- Tire Blowouts and Defective Parts
Tire blowouts and other defective parts can cause a driver to lose control, resulting in collisions, rollovers, or jackknifes. We investigate whether defective parts or poor maintenance led to the crash, potentially pursuing claims against manufacturers, maintenance providers, or trucking companies.
At Wallentine Injury Law, we conduct comprehensive investigations into every truck accident case, working to identify the underlying causes and all responsible parties. We gather critical evidence, collaborate with experts, and handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We aim to hold negligent parties accountable and help victims rebuild their lives after devastating truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri truck accident, we’re here to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Missouri Truck Accidents, Injuries & Fatalities?
Liability in Missouri truck accidents can extend beyond the truck driver. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, multiple parties may be responsible.
Here are the key parties who can be held liable for injuries and fatalities resulting from truck accidents:
- Truck Driver
The truck driver can be directly liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. This includes actions like speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impaired driving, or violating federal regulations, such as hours-of-service limits. If the driver’s behavior falls below the standards of reasonable care, they can be held responsible for the resulting injuries and damages.
- Trucking Company
The trucking company that employs the driver can also be held liable, especially if the company fails to train, hire, or supervise the driver correctly. Additionally, if the company encourages unsafe practices like excessive hours on the road, overloaded trucks, or inadequate maintenance, it may share liability. Under the legal principle of respondeat superior, companies can be held accountable for the negligent actions of their drivers while on the job.
- Cargo Loaders or Shippers
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause accidents, making the truck unstable or causing it to tip over. In these cases, the cargo loading company or shipper may be liable if they failed to secure the load properly or violated weight regulations. These parties must adhere to strict loading guidelines, and failure to do so can result in shared liability for the accident.
- Truck Manufacturers or Parts Manufacturers
If a truck accident was caused by a defective part—such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering components—the manufacturer of the defective part or vehicle can be held liable. This includes the truck’s original manufacturer and the manufacturers of any replacement parts that failed and contributed to the crash.
- Maintenance Providers
Trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. If a maintenance company or mechanic fails to perform necessary repairs or inspections, and this failure contributes to an accident, they can be held liable. Maintenance providers can be found responsible for failing to repair critical components, conduct proper inspections, or identify issues that lead to equipment failure.
- Brokers and Logistics Companies
Logistics companies or brokers coordinating transportation services can sometimes share liability if they fail to vet the trucking company’s safety record or hire a company with a history of violations. These parties are responsible for contracting with reputable and compliant trucking companies.
At Wallentine Injury Law, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties. We gather evidence like maintenance records, driver logs, employment documents, black box data, and expert testimony to establish the full extent of liability. By pursuing claims against all responsible parties, we aim to secure the maximum compensation possible for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We Also Focus on the Following Areas:
- Car Accident
- DUI Accident
- Bicycle Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Dog Bite
- Neck and Spinal Cord Injury
- Gun Injury
- Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare Accident
- Wrongful Death
Contact Our Skilled Truck Accident Attorneys in Kansas City, Missouri
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Missouri, don’t wait to seek the help you need. Contact our skilled truck accident attorneys and support staff in Kansas City today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to listen, provide guidance, and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery—reach out now to get started.
Call us now at (816)-934-6333 or contact us online to get started—your recovery begins here.
✖