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Side-Impact Truck Accidents in Rolla

Side impact crashes, also called T-bone truck collisions, can have severe and devastating consequences because of the significant difference in the weight and size of trucks and passenger cars. They typically involve the front end of a tractor-trailer crashing into the side of another vehicle, and these traffic events almost always involve negligence on someone’s part.

You must hold them accountable if a reckless commercial driver caused you harm. Contact a commercial truck accident lawyer who is skilled in handling claims for side-impact truck accidents in Rolla. The AW Smith Law Firm has your best interests in mind.

What are the Causes of T-Bone Truck Crashes?

T-Bone 18-wheeler collisions happen for many reasons, including the following:

  • Running stop signs and red lights and crashing into cars passing through the intersection
  • Failing to yield the Right of Way: Misjudging speed and distance, or numerous distractions, can lead to a truck driver failing to yield to oncoming traffic.
  • Large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, have four significant blind spots and may make maneuvers without realizing a driver is traveling in one of them
  • Trucker fatigue is a common problem and a severe public safety threat as they are much more likely to make errors leading to collisions
  • Inclement weather, causing poor road conditions and reduced visibility, increases the risk of severe accidents significantly
  • Commercial vehicles with brake or steering system failure and tire blowouts
  • Reckless and aggressive driving practices and maneuvers

These are significant accidents which often result in severe injuries, such as brain, chest, back, and spinal cord injuries, with adverse consequences.

Establishing Fault for a T-Bone Truck Accident

Proving fault to collect an award of damages from the negligent trucker requires demonstrating their actions, such as failing to follow traffic regulations, were careless. Evidence of improper lane changes or running red lights could be used to prove liability, and medical records could prove the damages required to make the plaintiff whole again. A Rolla side-impact truck crash attorney could investigate and collect evidence, including speaking with witnesses and reporting to the police officer to satisfy liability requirements.

The Potential Recoverable Damages

The money the court may award you to cover your damages and losses depends on the case specifics. Collisions involving tractor-trailers are often severe, and the award for damages can be significant. Some examples of the potential damages include:

  • The total cost of medical care related to the cause of action, including emergency care, ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgical procedures, and ongoing medical services and treatment
  • Prescriptions, medical devices or equipment, and transportation costs for medical care
  • Lost pay while the victim is home recovering from their injuries, and lost earning potential if they cannot return
  • Pain and suffering, like life-long chronic pain from physical harm
  • Psychological and emotional anguish, trauma, and distress

Timeline for Filing a Truck Accident Claim

After sustaining damages and losses because of another motorist or trucker’s carelessness, preparing and filing the case within the statute of limitations guidelines is vital. Under the Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120, the petitioner must file the claim for damages within five years of the T-bone truck crash or lose eligibility to obtain a settlement. While some specifics of the case and parties involved could extend the deadline, promptly preparing the case to file is always in the best interest of all involved.

While five years is one of the longest statute of limitations for personal injury cases in the country, that does not mean you should wait to hire a legal professional from AW Smith Law Firm. Our lawyer in Rolla, MO could prepare all aspects of a side-impact truck collision lawsuit, and ensure compliance with the statutes.

Call a Qualified Attorney in Rolla About About Getting Compensated for Side-Impact Truck Injuries

Any collisions involving a massive 18-wheeler and regular passenger vehicles can have severe and deadly consequences. When they occur because of negligence, you must hold the liable party responsible by collecting a settlement to cover your damages and losses.

While personal injury statutes offer some protection, you are in no position to be handling this without legal counsel. Contact one of our skilled lawyers at the AW Smith Law Firm for help obtaining a settlement after a side-impact truck accident in Rolla.