Every Missourian knows that commercial trucks pose a significant threat to other drivers on the road. The vehicles weigh much more than the standard vehicle—up to 80,000 pounds under Missouri state law. Their large size, huge blind spots, and difficult maneuverability make it much easier for truck drivers to cause serious injuries or even fatalities when they hit other vehicles.

When a truck crash injures you or a family member, you may be entitled to significant financial damages. The truck driver or their employer can be held liable for reckless or negligent behavior, and when they are, their insurance companies may be forced to pay for your medical bills, the money you lost when you missed work, and your pain and suffering.

Truck driving is risky and difficult, so only the most skilled drivers should be allowed to perform the job. But the U.S. trucking industry is growing quickly. Facing increased demand and an aging workforce, many companies are hiring drivers without regard for their skills or experience in the field.

Irresponsible trucking companies force employees to operate dangerous vehicles and meet unrealistic delivery deadlines. This work environment encourages drivers to engage in reckless or negligent behavior to finish their work on time. Driving for long hours with little sleep and few breaks leads to errors on the road with disastrous consequences.

Given the problems in the commercial trucking industry, it’s no wonder that serious truck accidents are common throughout the United States and in Missouri. When a careless truck driver causes a serious accident, they need to face the consequences of their reprehensible behavior.

If a truck driver hurt you or a loved one, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Hiring the trusted personal injury attorneys at OnderLaw will allow you to file a strong injury claim demanding fair compensation from the at-fault parties. Don’t wait. We have years of experience fighting for victims of truck accidents and are ready to put our skills to work for you. Start your claim by calling a Jefferson City truck accident lawyer at OnderLaw right now.

Why You Need an Attorney After a Truck Accident

Building a solid truck accident claim requires a deep understanding of the law, extensive research, and ongoing negotiations. Don’t try to work with insurance companies on your own. They want to protect their bottom line, not your rights.

On the other hand, choosing a highly qualified attorney will give you the best chance of getting the maximum settlement possible. A trustworthy attorney will protect your interests and your right to full, fair compensation.

They understand the complexities of a truck accident claim and will make certain that your filing contains no errors. Most importantly, your lawyer will use their connections and skills to gather evidence, witness statements, and expert testimonies that support your legal claim. All of that work will form the core of the argument that demands the at-fault parties pay what they owe.

When you work with a skilled truck accident attorney in Jefferson City, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer helps you get the compensation you need.

Why Choose OnderLaw to Handle Your Truck Accident Case

OnderLaw has dedicated its practice to supporting seriously injured Jefferson City residents. Our attorneys have spent years honing their skills in Missouri state personal injury law and gaining experience in the field.

Those years of practice have prepared OnderLaw to undertake cases of any size, no matter how complex the circumstances. OnderLaw has reached successful outcomes for hundreds of Missouri clients after devastating injuries and recovered millions of dollars for them.

We’re proud of our track record, but our dedication to each of our clients is what sets OnderLaw apart. We believe that every case is different and that every client needs an individualized approach. Our attorneys take the time to listen to you and learn about your case and your life so they can offer you compassionate and effective legal counsel every step of the way. When you work with OnderLaw, you’ll receive the highest quality professional service that you deserve.

What Causes a Commercial Truck Accident?

There are many safety regulations that are supposed to protect drivers and truckers on the road. So why are there still so many truck accidents?

Commercial truck accidents in Jefferson City are often the result of one of three problems: driver error, vehicle failure, and environmental dangers. Any of these circumstances can cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in a collision and potential injuries.

A study from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revealed that driver error is responsible for 87% of commercial truck accidents. When drivers make errors due to negligence or recklessness behind the wheel, they can be held liable for the injuries they cause. Reckless and negligent driving can include:

  • Securing cargo or towing mechanisms improperly
  • Speeding
  • Disregarding traffic signs
  • Driving too closely to other vehicles
  • Failing to check mirrors and blind spots
  • Driving aggressively
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Driving while distracted
  • Driving while intoxicated

Accidents caused by these reckless actions are entirely preventable. Any commercial truck driver who fails to follow the law and perform their job safely creates an unnecessary risk for everyone else on the road.

While driver error is the main cause of serious trucking accidents, the FMCSA reports that vehicle malfunctions and environmental factors cause approximately 13% of commercial truck collisions. These types of truck accidents can result from dangerous conditions like:

  • Mechanical failure
  • Defective parts or equipment
  • Design flaws
  • Deteriorating brakes, steering control, or tires
  • Slick roads due to rain, ice, or snow
  • Low visibility during fog or rain
  • Heavy traffic

Poor maintenance or mechanical failure could prevent the driver from controlling the vehicle’s function. In that case, the driver may not be directly responsible for an accident or injury. It’s the trucking company’s responsibility to take care of their fleet properly to prevent these accidents.

If they fail to implement routine maintenance to identify problems before a driver gets on the road, they could be liable for a crash. Employers are also responsible for adequately training their drivers and hiring people with proper licenses. If a trucking company fails to sufficiently train or vet their drivers, it may be responsible in the event of a trucking accident in Jefferson City.

Truck drivers and trucking companies must uphold safety to protect both drivers and the public. If they cause you injury through negligent or reckless behavior, you have the right to demand that they pay the cost of the harm they caused.

Possible Compensation for a Truck Accident

A serious truck accident may cause you to experience physical and emotional trauma in addition to significant financial losses. You may need extensive and ongoing medical care to treat your injuries after a collision and have to take time off of work during your recovery.

When someone else is liable for your crash and injuries, they may be required to pay for your medical bills, your lost wages, your pain and suffering, and your future injury-related expenses. That’s why you need a competent Jefferson City truck accident attorney on your side.

The circumstances of your truck accident and the severity of your injuries determine the amount and types of compensation you may be able to seek for your accident. An attorney can evaluate your crash and calculate the full extent of the economic and non-economic damages you’ve suffered.

Your truck accident compensation could include financial compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Transportation to and from medical appointments
  • Lost wages and time from work
  • Inability to return to work
  • Temporary or permanent disability

At OnderLaw, we’ll always seek the maximum compensation possible for your injury. We’ll demand that liable parties pay the full, fair settlement you deserve and never let you agree to less. If we have to, we’ll fight for your right to damages in court.

Fatal Commercial Truck Accidents

Unfortunately, some of the worst commercial truck accidents are fatal. Losing a loved one due to another person’s negligence is devastating. You don’t have to suffer financially.

If you lost someone you love in a commercial truck accident, a compassionate truck accident lawyer in Jefferson City can help you file a wrongful death claim. This legal action will allow you to seek compensation to manage the costs of your loved one’s illness and death.

You may be owed damages, including:

  • End-of-life medical expenses
  • Funeral services, burial, or cremation
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of future income
  • Loss of emotional support

Your wrongful death settlement could protect your financial future and help you support your family while you mourn.

Contact a Jefferson City Truck Accident Attorney

Don’t wait to contact a truck accident attorney. Missouri law limits the amount of time you have to initiate legal action. If a negligent or reckless truck driver injured you or your family member, you have the right to demand compensation. Begin your injury claim right now by calling a Jefferson City truck accident lawyer at OnderLaw.

We’re available to answer your questions 24/7. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with OnderLaw.