Flatbed trucks are essential in different industries across the United States, including transportation, construction, and manufacturing. These commercial vehicles carry a variety of materials over highways and across state lines, to help ensure that companies have the materials or machinery they need.

However, these vehicles are much larger than the average car and weigh significantly more. If a truck driver does not take the proper safety precautions or if they do not take their job seriously, they put every other person on the road at risk of a serious accident.

Due to the extreme weight and size of these vehicles, a car accident with a flatbed truck can cause serious injuries and is much more likely to cause a car crash fatality. Flatbed truck drivers need to receive appropriate training to understand the danger their vehicle poses and to decrease the likelihood of an accident. Unfortunately, not all trucking companies take this responsibility seriously, and they may put under-trained or overworked drivers on the road.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a flatbed trucking accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. A truck driver caused you serious pain and suffering, and they need to take responsibility for their actions. The St. Louis flatbed truck accident lawyers at OnderLaw are ready to fight for your right to fair compensation. We understand the important role this money plays in your financial well-being, and we will do everything in our power to help you get what you deserve.

To receive the greatest compensation possible, you need to start work on your lawsuit as soon as possible. Contact an experienced truck crash attorney at OnderLaw today to discuss your case and start preparing your lawsuit.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Starting a lawsuit on your own is a daunting and confusing task. You will have to learn to navigate the court system, understand your rights under the law, and build a convincing argument for your case. This will take significant effort, which you should be using to focus on your recovery and your loved ones during this difficult time. You need an advocate by your side, who will guide you through every step of your lawsuit and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.

When you work with an attorney, you can rely on them and their years of legal experience to manage every detail of your lawsuit. A lawyer will be able to answer all of the questions you have about your case and your right to compensation. They are familiar with the court system in St. Louis, and they will make certain that you do not miss any steps in the filing process. Most importantly, your lawyer will spend their time gathering evidence for your case, by compiling police records, witness statements, medical records, driver’s logs, truck maintenance records, and more.

Your lawyer will use this evidence to create a strong legal case, which will help you receive fair compensation for your accident. They even have access to expert witnesses, such as accident investigators and medical professionals, who can provide additional testimony on your behalf. When you work with a lawyer, you will know that you have the best chances of winning your case. You can spend your time recovering with the people you love, while your attorney spends their time fighting for you.

Why Choose OnderLaw

The attorneys at OnderLaw are prepared to manage your legal case from start to finish. We understand the impact this case can have on your life and your future, and we will work with you through every step of the process. Our attorneys have years of legal experience in truck accident cases, which has prepared us to work with you, no matter how complex your situation. Although we aim to reach a fair settlement in each of our cases, we are always prepared to take your case to court if necessary.

Jim Onder, a senior member and founder of OnderLaw, has spent years working in different areas of law. He started OnderLaw in 2002 intending to help the citizens of St. Louis seek justice after any serious injury. His dedication to the field of law and this firm has helped our clients recover over 3.5 billion dollars for their injuries.

Although our track record of success demonstrates the high-quality service you will receive at OnderLaw, it is our dedication to and respect for our clients, which sets us apart from other law firms. We will take the time to get to know you and understand the details of your case, so we can tailor our approach to your individual needs. When you work with OnderLaw, you become a member of our family, and we are ready to protect you and your rights throughout your lawsuit.

Understanding Flatbed Trucks

Flatbed trucks carry cargo with many different shapes and sizes because the cargo is not enclosed in a standard commercial truck compartment. Drivers strap the cargo to the truck on an open-air platform, which offers increased flexibility in the type of materials a driver can carry.

The most common items flatbed trucks carry include:

  • Building materials, such as lumber, concrete, and steel beams
  • Industrial equipment used for farming, construction, or the military
  • Baled tires
  • Scrap metal or other construction scraps
  • Super sacks containing grain, sand, or fertilizer

Flatbed trucks are ideal for carrying large or non-uniform-shape materials because they do not have the size restrictions of a normal cargo truck. However, if these materials are not strapped correctly to the truck, they can create extreme hazards for other drivers on the road.

Even if the cargo is properly strapped to the vehicle, flatbed trucks can be hazardous to drive. In the United States, the average flatbed truck can carry between 48,000 and 80,000 pounds of cargo without a permit. This weight is significantly higher than the average 4,000 pounds of a standard vehicle. If a flatbed truck hits your car, this additional weight can cause serious accidents and life-threatening injuries.

Common Causes of Flatbed Truck Accidents

Most accidents involving flatbed trucks occur because of the vehicle’s cargo or driver error. In either case, the truck’s driver and the trucking company may be responsible for your accident. Some of the most common ways a vehicle’s cargo may cause an accident include:

  • Improperly secured cargo which falls from the vehicle
  • Failing to identify oversized cargo
  • Carrying heavier cargo than the truck can manage
  • Cargo shifting during turns or breaking

Any of these situations may cause the cargo to hit another vehicle on the road or fall onto the road. Furthermore, if the cargo shifts and changes the balance of the vehicle, the truck may be more likely to roll over or be unable to stop in traffic.

Trucking companies and their drivers may also engage in behaviors that increase the likelihood of an accident. The trucking industry relies on fast and reliable service, which may encourage these individuals to take risks which put other drivers in danger. Some of the most common driver errors which occur in flatbed truck accidents include:

In many cases, a serious accident with a flatbed truck is preventable, if the driver takes the proper precautions while on the road. If a truck driver hurt you while engaging in any of these behaviors, they have demonstrated serious recklessness, and they need to pay the price for their actions.

Possible Compensation for Your Accident

After an accident with a flatbed truck, you may be facing serious injuries that require significant medical treatment and long-term recovery. The medical care you need comes at a high price, but no one should expect you to pay for the cost of another person’s reckless actions. Your flatbed truck accident lawsuit can help you cover your medical bills and the other expenses you incur from your injuries.

The type and severity of your injury will help to determine the compensation you can receive after an accident. However, many truck injury lawsuits help cover the cost of:

  • Emergency medical care
  • Surgery and hospitalization
  • Medications and medical devices
  • Physical rehabilitation services
  • Transportation
  • Car repair or replacement
  • Lost wages
  • Inability to return to work
  • Temporary or permanent disability

You need to talk to your attorney to understand the total cost of your injury. They can help you determine a fair settlement price, based on the injuries and expenses you sustained. However, you may only have a short amount of time to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations for your case. You need to begin your lawsuit as soon as possible to receive the full compensation you need.

Contact a Flatbed Truck Crash Attorney in St. Louis

After a serious flatbed truck accident, you need compensation to help you recover from your injuries and continue with your life. The attorneys at OnderLaw understand the importance of this compensation, and we are ready to fight on your behalf. You cannot afford to wait any longer for the money you need to protect your health and your financial future. Contact the St. Louis flatbed truck accident lawyers at OnderLaw today.