In today’s economy, many companies use commercial trucks to transport goods from one place to the next. But when truck drivers are careless or negligent in their work, their 80,000-pound trucks can become deadly weapons on the road. When these trucks collide with a passenger vehicle, it’s typically the motorist, not the trucker, who suffers from serious injuries.

If you were injured in a truck collision that was caused by another person,  you could be facing overwhelming damages that can be difficult to accurately assess, so speak with a St. Louis truck accident lawyer from Zevan Murphy, LLC. Our personal injury attorneys can investigate your accident to determine who was at fault and help you file a claim. We understand the complexities of truck accident litigation and will work diligently to build a compelling case supported by evidence and expert analysis.

About Trucking Accidents

With the number of commercial trucks on the road rising constantly, the risk of collision is inevitable. Truck accidents may be caused by a number of factors.

In a trucking accident, truck drivers aren’t alone in fault. Some trucking companies pressure drivers to violate regulations to deliver their cargo on time, delay critical truck maintenance or even hire unqualified drivers.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Determining the cause of a truck accident is an important step in establishing liability and recovering compensation for your injuries and losses. Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents include:

  • Driver fatigue, including drowsy driving caused by hours of service violations
  • Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
  • Improper truck maintenance
  • Speeding or inattention
  • Aggression
  • Failure to follow the rules of the road
  • Cell phone use while driving or any other form of dangerous distraction

If your accident was caused by one of these or another form of negligence, our truck collision lawyers in St. Louis can pursue compensation from the responsible parties.

What Makes Truck Accidents Different?

The massive size differential between your car and the involved semi leaves you exceptionally vulnerable to life-threatening injuries. In fact, there are a range of factors that often play a critical role in accidents involving big rigs, including:

  • Truck drivers experience large blind spots, which are often referred to as no zones, all the way around their tractor-trailers. Truckers who fail to carefully check their blind spots before changing lanes make our roadways more dangerous for everyone on them.
  • Truckers pull so much weight that they require far longer stopping distances. When truck drivers tailgate, the associated risk is amplified.
  • When truck drivers speed, they greatly increase the chances that they will cause accidents and fatal injuries.
  • Truck drivers are especially susceptible to the dangerous effects of bad weather and poorly maintained roads, which can result in rollover and jackknife accidents.
  • The rigs that truckers navigate across our roadways sit so high off the road that underride accidents are common. Truckers who pull in front of other drivers without leaving ample space increase the risk of these collisions.

Our formidable truck accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and have experience holding negligent drivers and trucking companies in St. Louis accountable for negligence.

Taking the Right Steps Forward

If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence in a truck accident, your claim will be unique to you. It is important to note, however, that there are specific steps you can take to help strengthen your case.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The incredible impact of a truck crash can leave you seriously injured. However, the shock and adrenaline rush you experience in the aftermath can mask a multitude of symptoms, including pain. Improved health outcomes are closely associated with early medical intervention, so do not delay in seeking medical care.

It is also important to carefully follow your medical team’s instructions, which includes attending all follow-up appointments.  This not only improves your chances of fully recovering from your injuries but can also bolster your truck accident claim.

Don’t Wait to Consult with a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer

The sooner that you have professional legal counsel in your corner, the better prepared you will be to bring a strong claim that leads to a favorable resolution. Truck accident claims in St. Louis include an array of legal intricacies that should be left in the capable hands of our seasoned truck accident attorneys.

Understand the Insurance Company’s Stance

The insurance company handling your claim is in the business of turning a healthy profit, and settling claims like yours for less helps them accomplish this goal. In fact, insurance reps are skilled at twisting the statements made by claimants in support of lower settlements. By leaving the talking to your dedicated truck accident lawyer, you avoid making the kind of mistake that could damage your claim. It is a good idea to lay low on social media while your claim is pending for the same reason.

Don’t Wait—Act. Meet With Our St. Louis Truck Crash Lawyers Today

Given the complexities of trucking accident laws, it is crucial to seek legal representation from a reputable firm. Our attorneys are well-respected in the legal community, and insurance companies know we are serious when we pursue a claim.

If you have been seriously injured as a result of a trucking accident, contact a St. Louis truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. It is essential to file a claim as soon as possible to ensure you preserve your right to compensation.