ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Drivers across Missouri and Southern Illinois share the road with all kinds of vehicles, but during accidents, big trucks can be the most dangerous of all. Because of their weight and size, trucks are more difficult to stop and maneuver—and that can lead to serious a truck accident.
How Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Tractor trailer accidents are complicated because they may have many potential causes and are subject to many regulations. The St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Cofman Townsley has experience handling these claims, and we can build a strong case for you by:
- Collecting Evidence
We’ll travel to the accident scene and collect evidence from the wreck, including debris and photographs of skid marks and other physical signs of the collision. We’ll inspect the truck, truck driver’s log, and truck maintenance records. - Interview Witnesses
Witnesses can provide a clear picture of what happened in the accident. We’ll do our best to locate and interview anyone who saw your accident occur. - Negotiate With the Insurance Company
Trucking companies have powerful insurance companies on their sides, and they may be hesitant to pay the money you deserve. We’ll negotiate and stand up for your rights to compensation.
It’s important that you contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, because crucial evidence can disappear fast.
3 Reasons Truck Accidents Are Different
While any motor vehicle accident can be traumatic, several factors set truck accident cases apart from other types of motor vehicle claims.
- Severity of Injuries
Tractor trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—or nearly 20 times more than an average passenger car. This difference in weight makes the probability of serious injuries or death much higher for truck accidents than for accidents involving smaller vehicles. - Multiple Parties May Be Held Liable
Truck drivers, trucking companies, truck manufacturers, and leasing companies are just some of the parties that can be held liable for truck accidents. An in-depth investigation is often required to determine which parties may have contributed to a truck accident. - Trucking Industry Regulations
From weight limits to cargo restrictions, the trucking industry must follow strict safety regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
If you have questions about your truck accident, turn to Cofman Townsley. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys know state and federal truck accident laws, and we’re here to help you move forward with life after your accident.
Cause of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen in the blink of an eye—especially when trucks are in heavily congested areas or traveling at high speeds. Though truck drivers often contribute to truck accidents by breaking the rules of the road or driving while intoxicated, trucking companies that push limits and violate regulations can also be held responsible for accidents.
Common Truck Accident Causes
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted Driving
Truck drivers are susceptible to distractions, including using cell phones, changing radio stations, chatting with passengers, and more. Because trucks are harder to stop or slow down than other vehicles, even brief moments of distraction can have serious consequences. - Regulation Violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has regulations that truck drivers and truck companies must follow. If these regulations are violated and trucks carry too much weight or go too long between repairs, accidents can occur. - Traffic Violations
Truck drivers must follow the rules of the road just like everyone else. If truck drivers speed, run stop signs or red lights, or follow too closely, they may collide with other vehicles and cause wrecks.
No matter what caused your truck accident, the lawyers at Cofman Townsley will do our best to investigate and hold the negligent driver or trucking company accountable for your medical bills and lost wages.
Truck Regulations
The trucking industry has numerous regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to keep drivers and other motorists safe on the road. Sometimes, truck drivers or trucking companies violate these regulations to save time and money while increasing profits. When FMCSA regulations are violated, serious accidents can occur.
Types of FMCSA Regulations
Some of the FMCSA’s regulations for truck drivers and trucking companies include:
- Weight Limits
The FMCSA places limits on the amount of cargo trucks can carry. If trucks exceed their limits, they may be dangerous to drive and difficult to stop. - Maintenance
All trucks must be maintained on a regular basis. That includes keeping parts like tires, brakes, engines, and more in working condition. If these parts fail due to wear and tear or neglect, serious accidents can happen. - Securing Cargo
Cargo on trucks must be properly tied down or secured to the trucks. If cargo becomes loose during transit, it can detach from the truck and hit other vehicles or pedestrians.
These regulations are strictly enforced in the trucking industry. If your accident was the result of an FMCSA violation, our attorneys will be your advocates to get you the money you deserve for your medical bills and lost wages.
Truck Accident FAQs
- What are common truck accident causes?
Drivers need to take extra precautions when driving big trucks. The size and weight of commercial trucks often makes them more difficult to steer, maneuver, and stop than other vehicles. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:- Distracted driving
- Drug and alcohol use
- Excess cargo weight
- Irregular maintenance
- Sleep deprivation
- Do I have a truck accident case?
If you were injured in a truck accident that was caused by a trucking company or truck driver’s negligence, you need to hire an attorney and investigate the cause. The St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Cofman Townsley can look at all the evidence to decide if you have a strong claim for compensation. - Who is responsible for my accident?With trucking accidents, there are numerous parties who may be responsible, such as the:
- Trucking Companies
Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents if they fail to follow safety regulations or force drivers to work too many hours without rest. - Truck Drivers
Truck drivers who speed, run red lights, drive while distracted or intoxicated, or break other laws of the road may be considered responsible for accidents. - Truck Manufacturers
Truck manufacturers are responsible for making sure their trucks are safe to drive within proper maintenance schedules.At Cofman Townsley, we promise to invest our time and resources into your case to determine what caused your accident. Then, we’ll work hard to help you get the money you’re owed. Pick up the phone and dial (314) 499-1190 or fill out our online form today.
- Trucking Companies
- How can I get compensation for my injuries?
The trucking company’s insurance provider may offer you a settlement after the accident, but it’s usually not enough to pay for all of your accident-related expenses. At Cofman Townsley, our Missouri tractor-trailer accident lawyers can file a claim for damages and help you get the maximum amount of compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. - How long do I have to file a claim on a truck accident?
The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in Missouri and Illinois is usually two years from the date of the crash. That’s why it’s important that you call an attorney at Cofman Townsley as soon as possible after the accident.
Evidence can quickly disappear or even be intentionally destroyed by the trucking company. Our investigators will act fast to collect evidence and talk to witnesses to get a complete picture of the accident. - Who will handle my case?
When you call Cofman Townsley, you’ll speak directly with an attorney who will handle your case. The attorneys you see on our website are the attorneys who handle our clients’ cases. In addition, our legal staff—including case managers and paralegals—works closely on all cases to support each other and our clients. We’re proud to give our friends and neighbors the high-quality legal representation they deserve.
Our Promises to You
When you call us after your truck accident, you can count on us to:
- Connect you with an attorney.
When you contact Cofman Townsley, you’ll speak with an attorney. In fact, your truck accident attorney will be available to answer your questions and keep you up-to-date on the progress of your case. - Work harder than the other side.
Trucking companies have their own legal teams that want to deny you benefits. We’ll work harder than the other side to maximize your chance of getting the compensation you deserve. - Prepare your case for trial.
Although we work hard to settle out of court for our clients, we aren’t afraid of going to court if the insurance company doesn’t offer you a fair settlement.
Big Truck Accidents Deserve Quality Representation
When you get Cofman Townsley, you get a law firm that not only wants to help you get damages for your truck accident, but also help make your life whole again. We have more than 40 years experience assisting injured victims, and our St. Louis truck accident lawyers will do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills and lost wages. Dial (314) 499-1190 or fill out our free contact form today.