Getting into any type of vehicle accident is a frightening and stressful experience. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, the aftermath involves dealing with damage, potential injuries, and interacting with insurance companies. However, when the accident involves a large commercial truck – an eighteen-wheeler, semi-truck, or tractor-trailer – the situation becomes significantly more complicated than a standard passenger car accident.
At Sticklen & Sticklen, serving the Joplin and Columbia areas, we understand that while all injury cases require dedicated legal attention, truck accident cases present unique challenges that demand a specific kind of experience. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a large truck in Missouri, it’s crucial to understand why these cases are often far more complex and why seeking legal help immediately is vital.
More Than Just a Car: The Vehicles Themselves
Passenger cars, while varied, operate under relatively standard rules and mechanics. Commercial trucks, however, are massive, complex machines. Their size, weight, braking systems, and handling capabilities are vastly different from cars. Accidents involving trucks often result in far more catastrophic damage and severe injuries due to the sheer force involved. This difference in impact severity immediately raises the stakes in any claim.
A Web of Regulations: Federal and State Rules
One of the biggest factors adding complexity to truck accident cases is the extensive body of regulations governing the trucking industry. Truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to strict rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Missouri Department of Transportation. These regulations cover everything from driver hours-of-service, vehicle maintenance, weight limits, and driver qualifications to cargo securement.
Violations of these regulations are often contributing factors in truck accidents. Investigating these violations requires knowledge of specific trucking laws, access to driver logs, maintenance records, and dispatch information – documentation that is not involved in typical car accident claims. Identifying if regulations were broken adds layers to the investigation and legal strategy.
Multiple Parties, Multiple Policies
In a standard car accident, you typically deal with the other driver and their insurance company. In a truck accident, the list of potentially responsible parties can be much longer. It might include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company that employs the driver
- The owner of the truck
- The owner of the trailer
- The company that loaded the cargo
- The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
Each of these parties may have their own insurance policies and legal teams, creating a complex web of liability. Navigating claims against multiple entities requires significant legal experience and resources.
Catastrophic Injuries and Higher Stakes
As mentioned earlier, the size and weight of commercial trucks mean that collisions often result in severe, life-altering injuries or fatalities. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal injuries are tragically common in truck accidents. These severe injuries lead to higher medical bills, longer periods of lost wages, and greater need for future care, all of which contribute to a more significant and complex claim for damages. The higher potential value of these cases often means insurance companies and trucking companies defend them much more aggressively.
Preserving Critical Evidence
Evidence in truck accident cases is often more extensive and perishable than in car accidents. Beyond police reports and witness statements, key evidence includes the truck’s black box data (Electronic Logging Device or ELD), dashcam footage, driver logs, maintenance records, post-trip inspection reports, and even the truck itself (which may need to be inspected by accident reconstruction experts). Trucking companies are sometimes quick to repair vehicles or “lose” records, making swift action by a legal team essential to preserve crucial evidence.
The Need for Experienced Legal Representation
Given the complex regulations, multiple potential defendants, severe injuries, and critical need to preserve evidence, handling a truck accident case on your own or with an inexperienced attorney can be overwhelming and detrimental to your claim. An attorney experienced in Missouri truck accident law knows what to investigate, who to pursue, how to interpret trucking regulations, and how to counter the aggressive tactics often used by large trucking companies and their insurers.
At Sticklen & Sticklen, we have a deep understanding of Missouri personal injury law, including the specific nuances of truck accident litigation. We are prepared to take on complex cases and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in the Joplin, Columbia, or surrounding Missouri areas, don’t navigate the complexities alone. Contact Sticklen & Sticklen today for a free consultation to discuss your case.