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Who Pays My Medical Expenses After Being Hit by a Big Rig in St. Louis?

Big rigs can weigh up to 30 times more than passenger cars, often causing catastrophic damage in a crash. For victims, a truck accident can lead to life-changing injuries, mounting medical bills, and financial uncertainty.

If you were struck by a truck in St. Louis, you have a right to seek compensation for your current and future medical needs. But who is responsible for covering those costs, and what are your options for recovery? 

Learn who may be liable for your medical expenses and other losses and how a skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Identifying Liable Parties After a Big Rig Accident

Seeking coverage for your medical bills after a truck crash begins with determining liability. Multiple parties may be responsible, including:

  • Truck Driver: Negligent actions like speeding, impaired driving, or ignoring traffic laws put others at risk. When a truck driver causes a crash through reckless behavior, they may be held responsible for the resulting injuries.
  • Trucking Company: A company that pushes unrealistic schedules, skips inspections, cuts corners when hiring drivers, or violates federal trucking regulations can be liable for an accident.
  • Cargo Loaders: Poorly secured cargo can shift in transit and cause a crash. Loading companies that ignore safety procedures may share responsibility for the damage.
  • Parts Manufacturers: Faulty brakes, defective tires, or other mechanical failures can lead to serious accidents. When a truck malfunctions due to a manufacturing flaw, the company that produced the part may be accountable.
  • Maintenance Providers: Regular inspections and repairs keep trucks safe on the road. A maintenance company that fails to identify or fix a mechanical issue may be liable if that failure contributes to a crash.

Identifying fault ensures you file with the right insurance company. It also allows you to seek a settlement from anyone who contributed to the crash based on their percentage of fault, potentially increasing your compensation. 

Navigating Insurance Claims for Truck Accident Injuries

After establishing liability, the next challenge is securing compensation through insurance claims. Trucking companies and their insurers have legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts, making it harder for victims to secure full compensation.

Understanding the claims process is essential to protecting your rights. Here’s what you need to know:

Trucking Insurance Policies and Coverage Limits

Due to the potential severity of truck accidents, trucking companies are required to carry higher insurance limits than standard vehicles. The limits are typically between $750,000 and $5,000,000, depending on the cargo being transported.

However, insurance companies may attempt to deflect blame, deny claims, or offer settlements far below the actual cost of your medical treatment.

Using Your Own Insurance After a Truck Crash

If the trucking company’s insurer delays or disputes your claim, your health insurance or MedPay coverage (if included in your auto policy) can help cover your initial medical treatment. While this ensures you receive timely care, Missouri’s subrogation laws may require you to later reimburse these costs from your final settlement.

Proving Liability to Secure Compensation

To secure compensation, you must present evidence proving that the truck driver or another party was responsible for the accident. Key evidence may include:

An experienced St. Louis truck accident attorney can help preserve and gather evidence, consult specialists to analyze crash details, and negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement.

Why You Need a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident claims are more complex than regular car accidents. Without legal help, you may feel pressured to settle for less than you deserve. An experienced attorney can level the playing field and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of by insurers. At Cofman Townsley, our team:

  • Gathers truck driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records to prove negligence
  • Secures medical records and expert testimony to link your injuries to the crash
  • Identifies all possible insurance policies that may cover your medical expenses
  • Negotiates with the trucking company’s insurer to cover current and future treatment costs
  • Challenges denied claims and low settlement offers that leave you with unpaid bills
  • Takes your case to court if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation

Get Legal Help After a Truck Accident in St. Louis

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a big rig accident, you shouldn’t be left with out-of-pocket medical expenses. Our attorneys at Cofman Townsley have the experience and resources to help you get maximum compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the claims process, hold negligent parties accountable, and negotiate for a fair settlement.