Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving an 18-wheeler or big rigs can be much more devastating than a similar collision between smaller vehicles. Serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and even paralysis can occur due to a truck accident. Soft-tissues injuries may also require weeks or months of costly medical treatment.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving a large truck, a Columbia, MO truck accident lawyer may be able to provide legal assistance. Our personal injury attorneys have handled and won cases throughout the state of Missouri.
Truck accident claims can be particularly complex due to the various entities that may be liable for damages, so it is often best to speak to a dedicated personal injury attorney to learn whether you may be eligible for compensation. Call The AW Smith Law Firm as soon as possible so we can begin preserving the evidence necessary to prove your case.
There are many state and federal guidelines that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow. For example, there are regulations which prohibit the operation of commercial trucks when drivers are too sick or tired, to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. The use of narcotics, Schedule I drugs, and alcohol is not allowed while truck drivers are on duty.
Speeding
Speeding is also commonly cited as a contributing factor in truck wreck claims, even though 49 CFR §392.6 prohibits the scheduling of a truck driver’s route in such a way that the truck driver must travel at excessive speeds. Speeding can be particularly hazardous for truckers, as these vehicles are harder to maneuver at high speeds and have longer stopping distances than commuter vehicles.
Maintenance Inspection
Finally, brakes, steering, mirrors, and other equipment should all be inspected in accordance with policies and regulations in order to ensure that the commercial vehicles are safe to operate. A maintenance company or individual could be liable for injuries which occur due to inadequate maintenance.
A diligent truck wreck lawyer in Columbia could review an injured party’s accident report, photographs, and other evidence for indicators of liability. Following this, they could work to hold all liable parties accountable for their share of the negligence leading to a crash.
There are many circumstances and factors that can affect a truck wreck victim’s financial recovery. These could include:
Settlement talks often involve considerations of the strengths and weaknesses of an injured party’s case, including evidence and witness testimony. If there is enough sufficient evidence to support a claim of negligence, the plaintiff may be able to negotiate a higher settlement.
If settlements talks do not culminate in an agreement between the parties, the injured party may wish to file a lawsuit. In this case, in particular, assistance from a dedicated truck accident lawyer in Columbia may be critical to a successful outcome for an injured plaintiff.
The A.W. Smith Law Firm is a serious injury and wrongful death law firm. We aim to get our clients the settlements they need to move forward after they have suffered an injury or loss. Our firm has been nationally recognized, for the success we have had on behalf of our clients.
After an accident occurs, you have a right to seek justice for the injuries someone else caused. If the negligent or reckless actions of a truck driver or company caused you to sustain injuries in an accident, you might be eligible for compensation.
With the help of a Columbia truck accident lawyer, the party responsible for your accident could held liable in court. Our firm has decades of experience investigating, litigating and winning cases, where our clients and their families have suffered a serious injury or wrongful death by the thoughtless or negligent acts of another.
As always, our contingency fee means you don’t have to worry about any upfront legal fees. Our legal team only receives a fee when we recover compensation for you. Our contingency fee gives you the peace of mind that no matter who is injured, they can afford to have one of the best law firms fighting for their rights. We are ready to help your case. Call The AW Smith Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.
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