ST. LOUIS TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Drivers in Missouri and Southern Illinois travel alongside all kinds of vehicles, from small cars to motorcycles—but big trucks, like semis and 18-wheelers, are often the most dangerous. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them much harder to stop or steer in time to avoid an accident. Even a small mistake like speeding, distracted driving, or a tire blowout can cause a serious crash or even death.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

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 have 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, driver’s log, and 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.

Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, because crucial evidence can quickly disappear.

3 REASONS TRUCK ACCIDENTS ARE DIFFERENT

While any motor vehicle accident can be traumatic, several factors set truck accident cases apart from other 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 wrongful 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.

CAUSES 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.
Drowsy Driving: Safely and responsibly driving a semi-truck requires a driver’s full attention and focus. When drivers are fatigued or drowsy, they not only violate federal Hours of Service regulations, but they also put themselves and other motorists on the road in danger.
Impaired Driving: Despite being professional drivers, it’s not uncommon for truck drivers to be impaired behind the wheel. Whether it’s alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications that make it unsafe to drive, impaired truck drivers can cause serious accidents that result in devastating injuries.
Blind-Spot Accidents: Because of their size, trucks have huge blind spots when they’re hauling trailers. It’s important for other drivers to stay out of these blind spots, but equally important for truck drivers to use their mirrors and track the movements of vehicles around them and know when they may have moved into one of their blind spots.

No matter what caused your truck accident, the lawyers at Cofman Townsley will investigate and hold the negligent driver or trucking company accountable for your medical bills and lost wages.

High-Risk Trucking Corridors in St. Louis

St. Louis is an important hub for freight movement, but several trucking corridors and intersections present significant safety challenges. Here’s an overview of the most hazardous areas for commercial truckers:

According to MoDOT, the I-44 / U.S. Route 50 interchange, spanning Franklin and St. Louis Counties, has been identified as the most dangerous in the Forward 44 study area. Its high crash rate is largely attributed to an old design that fails to meet modern traffic demands, along with contributing factors such as steep slopes, sharp curves, and limited capacity.
The I-64 / I-55 / I-44 interchanges in St. Louis are notorious for heavy congestion, abrupt stops, and frequent collisions involving both trucks and passenger vehicles. Their complex layout and high traffic volume make accidents and delays prevalent.
The I-270 corridor in North St. Louis County is one of Missouri’s busiest interstates, handling over 140,000 vehicles daily, including 18% heavy trucks. This high traffic volume, combined with aging infrastructure, has led to persistent congestion and significant safety concerns throughout the corridor.
Illinois Route 3 Corridor is crucial for freight movement but has been identified as a bottleneck due to high traffic volumes and potential safety concerns.

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 limits the amount of cargo trucks can carry. If trucks exceed these limits, they may be dangerous to drive and difficult to stop.
Maintenance: All trucks must receive regular maintenance. That includes keeping parts like tires, brakes, engines, and more in working condition. Serious accidents can happen if these parts fail due to wear and tear or neglect.
Cargo Securement: Truck cargo 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.
Hours of Service: The FMCSA limits how long truck drivers can be on-duty and actively driving. It also dictates how frequently and how long their breaks must be, how many hours they can drive in a given time period, and more. When truck drivers exceed these limits, they can become fatigued and more likely to crash.

These regulations are strictly enforced in the trucking industry. If your accident was the result of an FMCSA violation, our truck accident attorneys will be your advocates to get you the money you deserve for your medical bills and lost wages.

The Role of Black Box Data

After a truck accident, electronic data can play an important role in uncovering what happened and who may be at fault. Two key sources of this information are Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and Event Data Recorders (EDRs)—often referred to as the truck’s “black box.”

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): These are federally mandated systems that automatically record a truck driver’s hours of service (HOS), rest periods, and vehicle movement. ELD data can reveal whether a driver exceeded legal driving limits, skipped mandatory breaks, or falsified logs, all of which can point to fatigue or regulatory violations.
Event Data Recorders (EDRs): These devices capture real-time information from the truck during a crash or sudden event. This includes speed, braking patterns, throttle position, and seatbelt usage. EDRs help reconstruct the moments leading up to a crash and can show whether the driver reacted appropriately or failed to maintain control of the vehicle.

Together, ELD and EDR data provide objective, time-stamped evidence that can be critical in proving negligence, identifying safety violations, and strengthening a personal injury claim after a truck accident.

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are some of the most severe consequences of truck accidents. These injuries occur when the head is subjected to a violent impact, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling of the brain. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments, severely impacting the victim’s quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries from truck accidents can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. These injuries can result in lifelong disability, requiring extensive rehabilitation and long-term care. Victims often face significant lifestyle changes and may need assistive devices to regain some level of independence.
Broken Bones: The force of a truck collision can cause multiple fractures and broken bones. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries often require surgical intervention, physical therapy, and a lengthy recovery period, impacting the victim’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys, can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after an accident. These injuries require prompt medical attention to prevent complications like internal bleeding, which can lead to severe health issues or death if left untreated.
Burns and Lacerations: Burns and lacerations are common in truck accidents, especially if the collision results in a fire or the victim is ejected from the vehicle. Burns can cause severe pain, infection, and permanent scarring, while deep lacerations may require stitches or surgery and can lead to significant blood loss and infection.

The Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

Seeking immediate medical attention after a truck accident is crucial for several reasons.

Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and a medical professional can identify and treat these hidden injuries before they worsen.
Timely medical documentation is essential for legal and insurance purposes. Detailed medical records provide critical evidence of the injuries sustained and the necessary treatments, which can significantly impact the outcome of a compensation claim.
Prompt medical care can improve the overall prognosis and reduce recovery time, helping victims return to their normal lives sooner.

For those in the St. Louis area, several local hospitals and specialized facilities are available to provide immediate and ongoing care. Major trauma centers like Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis University Hospital offer comprehensive emergency services equipped to handle severe accident injuries.

Following emergency treatment, patients can benefit from physical therapy and rehabilitation facilities such as the Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, which provide tailored therapy programs to support recovery and regain mobility.

TRUCK ACCIDENT FAQS

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, numerous parties 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 ensuring 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 to give us a call or fill out our online form today.

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.

Types of Compensation Available

The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the types of compensation you may be entitled to. At Cofman Townsley, we are dedicated to fighting for maximum compensation for our clients—to aid in their recovery and secure their future.

Here are the primary types of compensation available to truck accident victims:

Medical Expenses: Victims of truck accidents can seek compensation for all medical expenses related to their injuries. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical costs associated with ongoing care or rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: If an accident victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they can claim compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income lost during the recovery period but also any potential future earnings if the victim is left with a long-term or permanent disability that affects their ability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. This type of compensation considers the severity and duration of the victim’s suffering and the impact on their quality of life.
Property Damage: Truck accidents often result in significant damage to the victim’s vehicle and personal property. Compensation can cover the cost of repairs or the replacement value of the damaged items, ensuring the victim is not financially burdened by property losses.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the truck driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages go beyond compensatory damages and are awarded at the court’s discretion based on the severity of the misconduct.

BIG TRUCK ACCIDENTS DESERVE QUALITY REPRESENTATION

At Cofman Townsley, we’re not just here to handle your truck accident claim, we’re here to help you rebuild your life. With over 40 years of experience, our St. Louis truck accident lawyers fight to get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

When you call us, you can count on us to:

Connect You With an Attorney: You’ll speak directly with a lawyer who will guide you and keep you updated.
Fight Harder Than the Other Side: We won’t back down from trucking companies or their insurers.
Be Ready for Trial: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.

Call now or fill out our free contact form to get started.

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