Were you or a loved one injured in a truck accident? Did the truck driver’s negligent or reckless behavior cause your crash? If so, a Chesterfield truck accident lawyer can help you demand fair compensation for your injuries.

Commercial trucks are a necessary part of the United States economy, but they’re difficult to operate safely. According to the IIHS, the average commercial truck weighs between 20 and 40 times more than a standard vehicle. This additional weight increases the time it takes for a tractor-trailer to stop and decreases the driver’s ability to maneuver the truck when conditions demand it. That means commercial trucks are at higher risk of causing serious accidents.

Truck accidents cause serious injuries, and serious injuries are expensive. Medical bills, property damage repairs, and extended time off of work cost you and your family. The good news is you don’t have to take the financial hit.

You have the right to seek substantial compensation for your injuries if a reckless or negligent truck driver injured you. The Chesterfield truck accident attorneys at OnderLaw are ready to fight for you and demand the settlement that you deserve.

We understand the complexities of filing a truck accident injury claim, so we’re prepared to help you navigate the process. For the best chance of recovering maximum compensation, start working on your claim now. Contact OnderLaw today for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our skilled personal injury attorneys.

Truck Accident Statistics

Due to the high number of large commercial vehicles on the road, truck accidents are unfortunately common throughout the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) determined that large trucks and buses injured approximately 170,000 people in 2017. These large vehicles killed approximately 5,000 people nationwide in the same year.

These shocking statistics demonstrate the serious threat of a large truck collision. Commercial truck accidents are all too prevalent in the state of Missouri. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), commercial trucks caused 13,685 collisions in the state in 2017, resulting in 122 fatalities.

Seeing the impact of large truck accidents on your own community highlights the danger that commercial trucks pose to every driver on the road. Even when you do everything in your power to drive defensively to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you may not be able to prevent a devastating collision with a large truck.

When the trucking company or driver causes that crash through recklessness or negligence, you have the right to seek financial damages from the liable party. They could owe you for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?

If someone else causes your injury, you deserve the greatest possible compensation for your truck accident. The money to cover the economic and non-economic damages you suffered can help pay for the wide variety of expenses associated with this collision.

It’s easy to decide to seek compensation, but do you need a lawyer, too? Although you can file an injury claim on your own, you need legal training and experience to help you defend your rights, avoid mistakes, and negotiate a fair settlement. With so much at stake, an attorney is a crucial tool for your success.

At OnderLaw, our lawyers have spent years training and practicing in the legal field, preparing them to help you manage every element of your case. They understand the details of Missouri state law. With that knowledge, they can calculate how much money you’ve spent as a result of your crash and, from there, determine the money you should demand from the at-fault parties.

A skilled truck crash lawyer in Chesterfield will not let you accept compensation that is less than you deserve. Most injury claims end in a settlement, so your attorney will help you build the strongest claim possible to demand one from the appropriate insurance company. If the insurer’s lawyers refuse to pay, they’ll be prepared to take your case to court.

An attorney can fight for your rights during this difficult time. You deserve the time and space to focus on healing, so let your lawyer take over your stress and serve your legal interests.

Why Choose OnderLaw?

James G. Onder founded OnderLaw in Missouri because of his connection and dedication to this state’s residents. He understands the specific legal challenges that the people of Missouri face, which has allowed OnderLaw to provide our clients with exceptional, individualized legal counsel.

Our Chesterfield truck accident attorneys have the training and experience necessary to take on your case. We’re prepared to help you after a serious truck accident by investigating your accident, building a solid legal argument proving the at-fault party’s liability, and filing a personal injury claim on your behalf.

OnderLaw understands that choosing an attorney is an important decision. That’s why OnderLaw offers a free initial consultation on your case. During this consultation, you’ll meet our team of compassionate attorneys. We’ll also help you understand the legal actions you can take and how our attorneys can help you move forward with your claim. OnderLaw is prepared to earn your trust by demonstrating our dedication to you and your case.

Understanding Commercial Trucking Regulations

Due to the serious threat that untrained or irresponsible commercial truck drivers can pose to other drivers on the road, the state of Missouri places strict regulations on truck drivers.

Some of these restrictions apply to the truck itself in order to avoid placing too much stress on the vehicle or the road. Many of the rules are meant to prevent accidents. Unfortunately, some drivers and their employers stretch or break the laws. When that happens, they may be liable for any injuries they cause.

The MSHP specifies that:

  • A commercial truck may not carry more than 22,000 pounds on a single axle.
  • The total weight of the truck may not exceed 80,000 pounds.
  • The truck must not be taller than 13.5 feet or longer than 65 feet.

In addition to regulations on truck size and weight, the state sets standards for commercial truck drivers to ensure that they can safely perform their jobs. The MSHP requires that anyone with a Class C license in Missouri can drive a vehicle that weighs up to 26,000 pounds. This allows most adults with a driver’s license to operate small rental vans and moving trucks.

In order to operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds, a driver must apply for a Class A or B license. These types of commercial driver’s licenses require additional training before the driver can operate a large commercial vehicle.

Finally, the federal government also imposes regulations on trucking companies, ensuring that truck drivers are well-rested and can safely drive long distances. Some of these FMCSA regulations include:

  • Truckers may only drive up to 11 hours before they must take a 10-hour break.
  • Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
  • Drivers may only be on duty for 14 consecutive hours.

These state and federal restrictions on commercial trucking aim to keep everyone on the road safe by reducing the hazards of operating a large vehicle. Unfortunately, drivers and trucking companies are under incredible pressure to get their loads to their destinations quickly. When they break the regulations to do so, they put everyone in danger. They may be liable for any accident they cause.

Possible Truck Accident Injuries

Depending on the circumstances of your accident and the type of large truck involved, you may suffer different kinds of injuries from a truck accident. Factors such as your vehicle’s speed, the truck’s speed, the direction of the impact, and the weight of the truck will all play a role in the location and severity of your injuries.

Your full body experiences the force of the collision during a truck crash, even if your airbags, seatbelt, and car’s exterior absorb some impact. This means that you may experience injuries to any part of your body.

Some of the most common truck accident injuries in Chesterfield include:

  • Bruises and lacerations
  • Broken or shattered bones
  • Burns
  • Dislocations, strains, or sprains
  • Neck and back injury
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Internal organ damage
  • Traumatic brain injury

Many of these injuries can have serious complications, including seizures, stroke, reduced cognitive function, paralysis, or coma. Even with immediate medical care after your truck crash, you may experience the effects of your accident for months or years after the collision occurred.

It’s important to seek appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation immediately after your crash. If your bills are piling up, remember that you have legal options. You may be able to seek significant financial compensation from the truck driver that hurt you.

Contact a Chesterfield Truck Crash Attorney

A large truck accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Don’t let it put your financial future in jeopardy. The compensation you receive from your truck accident injury claim can offer you the financial security to move forward.

If a reckless or negligent truck driver caused you to be injured in a truck accident, they might owe you money for the damage they caused. A Chesterfield truck accident lawyer at OnderLaw can help. Take the first step toward compensation right now by calling OnderLaw or filling out our online contact form.