Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyers

How a Kansas City Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You

From traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord injuries, truck accidents can cause some of the most severe injuries. If you or a loved one were involved in a truck crash and need help filing a truck accident claim, our team of experienced attorneys is here to protect your rights.

We are here to be your advocate in holding those responsible for your injuries accountable for their careless actions. When facing mounting bills for medical care, treatments, and therapies, the financial strains can be overwhelming for you and your family. Know that you are not alone, and you have the right to receive compensation.

Here are some ways we work to help Kansas City area residents who've been injured in truck accidents:

Initial consultation. We provide a free initial consultation to discuss the details of the truck accident, assess the strength of your case, and advise you on the next steps to take.

Investigation. We will thoroughly investigate the truck accident, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and any other relevant information to establish liability.

Gathering expert witnesses. We'll engage the services of accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other relevant experts to evaluate the accident and provide expert opinions and testimony as needed.

Negotiating with the insurance company. We will negotiate with the insurance companies involved, including the trucking company's insurance, to pursue a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Documentation and paperwork. We'll assist in preparing and filing all necessary legal documents, including insurance claims, court filings, and any other paperwork required to pursue your truck accident claim.

Representation in court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will prepare your case for trial and provide skilled representation in court, presenting your case to a judge and/or jury and advocating for maximum compensation.

Support and guidance. Our team will provide ongoing support, answer your questions, keep you informed about the progress of your case, and guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected.

Truck Accidents by the Numbers

Every year, 500,000 truck accidents occur in the U.S.

The highest number of fatal crashes was recorded in 2005. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 5,231 truck and bus crash fatalities that year.

Truck accidents increased 42% between 2009 and 2017.

68% of truck-related crash deaths happened in rural areas, on interstate roads, and on highways.

11% of roadside fatalities were related to truck accidents in 2017.

Truck accident injuries increased 62% between 2009 and 2015.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Kansas City

The most important first steps after a truck accident revolve around safety, avoiding mistakes, and evidence. In the aftermath of a massive accident with an 18-wheeler, a variety of hazards can pose harm to others. Fires, oncoming traffic, twisted metal, and shattered glass could also result in worse injuries.

Injuries to the spine, bone fractures, and severe injuries may worsen by moving the wrong way. The best safety steps to take are to move away from traffic, move cautiously or remain in place depending on the injury, and call 911. Drivers are expected to call 911 if anyone is injured in the accident.

Call 911: Not calling 911 is a mistake to avoid because this could lead to legal problems, as can leaving without collecting basic contact and auto insurance information from the other driver. Without this information, a driver may not be able to obtain compensation for damages suffered from the accident.

Don't Talk or Admit Guilt: Another common mistake is talking too much about the accident with others. This could lead to unintentionally admitting fault or implying guilt for the accident. All it takes is a misinterpretation of what you said to be used against your accident claim. Not collecting any evidence at the accident scene is a mistake that could also hinder your claim.

Collect Evidence: The more evidence you can collect at the accident scene, the better. Do this by taking pictures, writing down what happened, and writing down witness statements. Collecting evidence after the accident also includes obtaining medical records, a police report, and other relevant documents.

Peterson and Associates, Trucking Accident Injury Attorneys in Kansas City, MO, are a trusted and experienced legal team dedicated to helping victims of trucking accidents in the Kansas City area. With a proven track record of success, they specialize in handling complex cases involving collisions with commercial trucks, semi-trailers, and other large vehicles. Their attorneys possess a deep understanding of the intricacies of trucking regulations and industry standards, allowing them to build strong cases on behalf of their clients.

Types of Trucking Accident Injury Cases Our Kansas City Attorneys Handle

Your injuries can be devastating when you are involved in a truck accident. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head and Brain Injuries

Discover comprehensive information on head and brain injuries, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Learn how to recognize the signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and access valuable resources to help victims and their families cope with the challenges of recovery.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Explore the complexities of spinal cord injuries, from understanding the different types and their effects on mobility and sensation to the latest advancements in medical treatments and rehabilitation techniques. Get insights into the legal aspects of spinal cord injury cases.

Neck and Back Injuries

Get informed about neck and back injuries, from common causes like accidents and workplace incidents to potential complications and recovery strategies. Find resources for managing pain, rehabilitation, and legal support for those affected.

Fractures

Dive into a comprehensive guide on fractures, covering various types, causes, and treatments. Learn about the importance of prompt medical attention, rehabilitation, and potential legal remedies for fracture-related injuries.

Burns

Delve into the world of burns, exploring the different degrees of burns, causes, and treatment options, including surgical procedures and skin grafts. Access practical advice on burn injury prevention and recovery, as well as legal considerations for victims seeking compensation.

Internal Injuries

Gain insights into the complexities of internal injuries, from understanding the hidden dangers to recognizing symptoms and receiving prompt medical attention. Learn about surgical interventions, recovery, and legal options for those dealing with internal injuries caused by accidents or negligence.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Kansas City

A truck accident is a crash involving a commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler or big rig. These large and powerful vehicles can cause severe damage when they collide with other vehicles or objects. Truck accidents can occur anywhere but most commonly happen on highways and busy roads.

They are the leading cause of death for commercial drivers and the most frequent cause of non-fatal occupational injuries among highway workers. Various factors can cause these accidents.

Driver Fatigue

Truck accidents are one of the leading causes of highway deaths. While most accidents involve human error, many are attributed to driver fatigue. Fatigue results from a lack of sleep, too much time spent at the wheel, or a combination of both.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding causes roughly 30 percent of all truck crashes. Speeding is most dangerous on highways, leading to weaving in and out of traffic and sudden lane changes.

Illegal Maneuvers

Sudden, unexpected changes in direction or speed can cause crashes and lead to serious injuries. These maneuvers are also occasionally referred to as evasive maneuvers, and they are commonly used by drivers when they need to avoid an object on the road or when they need to make room for another vehicle. Drivers can use several different types of maneuvers, including swerving, accelerating suddenly, braking suddenly, turning sharply, and speeding up before slowing down.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road. Distracted driving includes cell phone use, texting while driving, and other activities that take your attention away from the road. It can be difficult to drive safely if you are distracted by a cell phone, tablet, or other electronic devices. This leads to several dangerous behaviors, like driving too fast for the conditions, swerving across lanes, or failing to check your blind spots before changing lanes.

Bad Weather

Inclement weather conditions can play a significant part in the number of truck accidents that occur. Heavy snowfalls will make the roads slippery and treacherous, making them extremely dangerous to drive on. High winds or heavy rain can also make driving very dangerous as they can cause sudden and unexpected changes in the road surface and force drivers to step on the brakes suddenly.

Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims in Kansas City

If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek legal assistance immediately. A Kansas City truck accident lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.

Truck accidents can be devastating to those involved, and in some cases, the victims may be entitled to several different financial compensation packages.

Medical Expenses

Victims who suffer injuries in truck accidents may be eligible to receive compensation for the medical expenses they have already incurred and those they will incur in the future.

Lost Wages

If you could not work because of an injury sustained in a truck accident in Kansas City, Missouri, you might be able to recover lost wages. This compensation is significant if your job was your primary source of income or if you have an otherwise limited income stream.

Pain and Suffering

Some victims will suffer serious pain due to their truck accident injuries. Sometimes, this pain may last for months or years after the initial injury. Victims suffering from chronic pain due to their accident injuries should consider seeking compensation for their pain and suffering.

Property Damage

Those whose vehicles or other properties are damaged or destroyed by a truck accident may be able to collect compensation for this damage.

Emotional Trauma

Truck accidents are often terrifying for the victims and their loved ones. The victims may suffer from high stress, anxiety, and fear in the weeks following the accident.

Disability

If the truck accident victim cannot return to work due to the injuries they suffered, they may be entitled to disability payments. Disability payments can also be paid out if the victim suffers from permanent impairment or disfigurement.

Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Claim in Missouri

This law states that you have a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit after an accident. Missouri's statute of limitations for a personal injury case is five years.

This may seem like a long time, but it's important to note that the clock starts ticking on the day of the accident. So if you're thinking about filing a lawsuit, it's important to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights and whether or not you have a case.

Benefits of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you've been injured in a truck accident, you must speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can help you file a claim against the responsible party.

The benefits of hiring a truck accident lawyer include the following:

Access to resources and experience needed to win your case
Guidance through the legal process
Representation in court
Help securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages

Before you hire a truck accident lawyer, be sure to ask them the following questions:

How long have you been practicing law?
How much experience do you have with truck accident cases?
What is your strategy for winning this type of case?
How often do you win compensation for your clients?
Do you have the resources to handle my case?
What are my chances of winning?
What will it cost me to hire you?
How long will it take to resolve my truck accident case?
What are the potential risks and rewards of taking my case to trial?
Can you provide references or past clients I can speak with?
What are the most common causes of truck accidents?
What is your payment structure?
How often do you communicate with clients?

Once you've met with several lawyers, choose the one that you feel most comfortable with and who seems like they have your best interests at heart.