You're driving down I-70 near St. Louis when a semi-truck suddenly swerves into your lane, causing a devastating collision. Now you’re dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, a totaled vehicle, and questions about what to do next. While this scenario might sound similar to a car accident, truck accident cases involve unique challenges that require the expertise of a skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyer.
The experienced truck accident lawyers at Finney Injury Law have helped countless victims secure the compensation they deserve. Learn the key differences between car and truck accident litigation and how our team can help with your claim.
Multiple Liable Parties
One of the most significant differences between truck accidents and car accidents is the potential for multiple liable parties. In a car accident, liability typically falls on the at-fault driver. However, in a truck accident, several parties may share responsibility, including:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Cargo loader or shipper
- Truck manufacturer
- Third-party maintenance providers
Each of these parties may have contributed to the accident through negligence, such as:
- Truck driver fatigue, error, or distraction
- Improper truck maintenance
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Defective truck parts
Identifying and proving liability among multiple parties requires a thorough investigation by a knowledgeable legal team. A St. Louis truck accident lawyer can help you determine who is responsible and hold them accountable for your damages.
Federal Regulations
Another key difference between truck accidents and car accidents is the role of federal regulations. The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets strict standards for:
- Driver qualifications and training
- Hours of service limits
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements
- Cargo securement rules
When a truck driver or trucking company violates these regulations, it can provide strong evidence of negligence. However, proving violations often requires a deep understanding of federal and state laws that govern the trucking industry.
At Finney Injury Law, our St. Louis truck accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of FMCSA regulations and how they apply to your case. We can identify potential violations and use them to build a strong case on your behalf.
Preservation of Evidence
In any accident case, preserving evidence is crucial. However, in truck accidents, there are unique types of evidence that must be secured quickly, such as:
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs) that track driver hours
- Event data recorders (black boxes) that record vehicle speed and braking
- Dashboard camera footage
- Truck maintenance records
- Cargo loading documents
Trucking companies are only required to keep this evidence for a limited time, so it's essential to act fast. A St. Louis truck accident lawyer can send a spoliation letter to prevent the destruction of critical evidence and ensure it's available for your case.
Severity of Injuries
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks often lead to more severe injuries than those seen in car accidents. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. This significant weight disparity means that the results can be catastrophic when a truck collides with a smaller vehicle.
Victims may suffer catastrophic harm, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Severe burns
- Wrongful death
These devastating injuries require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and may prevent you from returning to work. Calculating the full extent of your damages is critical to ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers work closely with medical experts, life care planners, and other professionals to thoroughly document your injuries and present a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Aggressive Insurance Companies
Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers ready to defend against accident claims. They may pressure you to accept a quick settlement that doesn't fully account for your damages, or even try to shift blame onto you.
A skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyer on your side levels the playing field. At Finney Injury Law, we have the resources and experience to stand up to powerful trucking companies and their insurers. We fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
If you've been injured in a truck accident, don't face it alone. The St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Finney Injury Law are here to guide you through the legal process and work to secure the best possible outcome for your case.