Were you injured after getting into a collision with a truck? All types of vehicular crashes can be very damaging, but truck accidents are especially frightening given the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we can only imagine how overwhelmed and stressed out you likely are in the aftermath of a collision like this. While we unfortunately can’t go back in time and stop the crash from happening, we can help you move forward as your Lee’s Summit truck accident lawyer.
Over our more than 45 years of combined experience representing victims as their Lee’s Summit personal injury lawyer, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in compensation. You can trust us to advocate for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf. Your injury. Our fight.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer in Lee’s Summit Can Help
Truck accidents bring unique challenges, from complex federal trucking regulations to facing powerful insurance companies. That’s where an experienced Lee’s Summit truck accident attorney can make all the difference. Here’s what a truck accident lawyer can do:
Investigating the Cause of the Accident
We’ll dig deep to determine what caused your crash and who is liable for your truck accident. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: Pressure to meet tight deadlines often pushes drivers to exceed federally mandated hours of service restrictions.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS can lead to deadly mistakes.
- Poor Maintenance: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other preventable issues often result from neglected inspections.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can make trucks unstable and difficult to control.
- Adverse Weather: Large trucks require extra caution in heavy rain, snow, or fog.
We gather critical evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, police reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
Advocating for Fair Compensation
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones. These injuries can lead to overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term challenges.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Our team will handle negotiations with trucking companies and insurance providers, ensuring they don’t undervalue your claim.
Protecting Your Rights in Court
While many truck accident cases settle out of court, some require litigation to achieve justice. If necessary, we will take your case to trial and fight aggressively on your behalf.
Why Choose Foster Wallace?
At Foster Wallace, we believe that every client deserves more than just legal representation—they deserve an advocate who genuinely cares about their recovery and future.
We pride ourselves on combining exceptional legal experience with empathy, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Here’s why clients trust us to handle their truck accident cases:
Proven Results
With over $1 billion recovered for clients through settlements, jury awards, and judgments, we have a track record of success that speaks for itself.
Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or taking a case to trial, we fight hard to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Decades of Experience
Our team brings 45 years of combined experience to every case. We’ve handled countless personal injury claims, including complex truck crash cases, and understand the strategies required to hold trucking companies, drivers, and insurers accountable.
Compassionate Advocacy
We know that recovering from a truck accident is about more than just financial compensation—it’s about healing emotionally, physically, and mentally.
That’s why we treat every client like family, supporting you at every step and ensuring your well-being is always our top priority.
No Recovery, No Fee
Our Lee’s Summit truck accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This ensures that everyone has access to top-tier legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Personalized Attention
No two truck accident cases are the same, which is why we take the time to understand the unique details of your situation. From the first consultation to the resolution of your case, we keep you informed, answer your questions, and tailor our approach to your specific needs.
Tireless Advocacy for Justice
When you work with Foster Wallace, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a partner who will fight tirelessly for justice and accountability.
We believe in holding negligent parties responsible, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation and support they deserve for a brighter future.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Trucking Accident
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, there are important steps you can take to protect your rights and build a strong case.
Get Medical Care Immediately
Even if you feel okay, see a doctor as soon as possible. Injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not be obvious right away. Medical records will also serve as key evidence for your claim.
Collect Documentation
If you took photos of the crash, injuries, or vehicle damage, make sure to save them. Keep copies of medical bills, repair estimates, and any receipts tied to the accident.
Obtain the Police Report
Contact the law enforcement agency that responded to your crash and request a copy of the police report. This report is critical for establishing the facts of the accident.
Be Cautious With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may try to get you to accept a low settlement or make statements that could hurt your case. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything without proper guidance.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
An experienced truck accident lawyer in Lee’s Summit can help protect your rights, investigate the crash, and handle negotiations with insurance companies. They can fight for fair compensation while you focus on your recovery.
Act Quickly
Trucking companies often have legal teams ready to defend their interests. Taking action as soon as possible helps ensure that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
By taking these steps, you can focus on healing while strengthening your claim for justice and fair compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Missouri can occur for many reasons. They often involve driver error, mechanical failures, and external conditions. Let’s take a closer look at the common causes of truck-related collisions.
Driver Fatigue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours of Service (HOS) regulations that limit the amount of time a truck driver can operate without rest. In Missouri, commercial truck drivers must adhere to these federal guidelines.
This means they must not drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours spent off duty. However, pressures from trucking companies, tight deadlines, and long hauls may push drivers to exceed legal limits, which often leads to fatigue-related crashes.
Distracted Driving
Texting behind the wheel, adjusting GPS devices, eating while driving, or using in-cab entertainment systems can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. Despite a law that prohibits drivers from texting while behind the wheel, distractions are still a leading cause of collisions.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Large trucks require much greater stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver exceeds the speed limit or drives aggressively, it increases the risk of rear-end collisions, rollovers, and jackknife accidents.
Missouri enforces speed restrictions for commercial trucks, particularly in work zones and high-traffic areas.
Impaired Driving
Truck drivers must comply with strict federal drug and alcohol testing regulations. The FMCSA imposes a lower legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.04% for commercial drivers. The limit for passenger vehicle drivers in Missouri is 0.08%.
Despite these regulations, some truck drivers choose to operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs. All of these substances can increase the risk of catastrophic crashes.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies are legally required to maintain their fleets to ensure road safety. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions can cause devastating truck accidents.
Missouri law mandates that commercial trucks undergo regular inspections, but negligent maintenance continues to cause accidents.
Improper Cargo Loading
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, which results in unstable trucks that are difficult for even very experienced drivers to maneuver.
To prevent this, FMCSA cargo regulations are in place. These regulations dictate weight limits, proper securing methods, and distribution guidelines to avoid accidents caused by shifting loads.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Missouri experiences harsh winter conditions, heavy rain, and intense fog, all of which can make roads hazardous for large trucks.
Truck drivers must adjust their speed and braking distance during poor weather. Failing to do so can lead to multi-vehicle pileups and skidding-related collisions.
Missouri Truck Accident Laws and Federal Regulations
Truck accidents fall under both state laws and federal trucking regulations. Understanding these rules can help your truck accident attorney in Lee’s Summit determine liability as well as the amount of compensation you could potentially receive as the victim of an accident like this.
Missouri’s Fault-Based Insurance System
Missouri follows a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents, including truck collisions. This means that the at-fault party is responsible for covering the damages caused by the collision. Victims of truck accidents may file claims against:
- The truck driver: If negligent behavior contributed to the crash
- The trucking company: If inadequate training played a role
- Truck manufacturers: If a defective part caused the accident
- Cargo loaders: If improper weight distribution led to loss of control
Comparative Fault in Missouri
Missouri also abides by a pure comparative fault rule, meaning that even if a victim is partially responsible for the accident, they can still recover compensation. However, their total damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Commercial Truck Weight and Size Limits
Missouri enforces strict weight and size restrictions for commercial trucks:
- Maximum gross vehicle weight: 80,000 pounds
- Axle weight limits: 20,000 pounds per single axle or 34,000 pounds per tandem axle
- Maximum height: 14 feet
- Maximum width: 8 feet 6 inches
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements
Missouri requires truck drivers to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) before they can legally operate large trucks. Here’s what CDL applicants must pass:
- Written knowledge tests
- Skills tests, including pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving
- Medical examinations to confirm physical fitness
Types of Truck Accidents in Lee’s Summit
Several types of truck accidents can occur on highways, interstates, and city roads alike. These are examples of collisions that commonly involve trucks:
- Jackknife incidents
- Rollover crashes
- Underride collisions
- Wide turn accident
- Lost load incidents
Contact a Lee’s Summit Truck Accident Law Firm Today
A tractor-trailer accident can leave victims and their families facing catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and lost earnings. When a negligent truck driver fails to follow federal and state regulations, the consequences can be life-altering, from physical pain to the loss of enjoyment of life.
Whether you’re dealing with long-term recovery or immediate financial strain, it’s crucial to act quickly. At Foster Wallace, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to help.
Our experienced team is committed to holding at-fault parties accountable and securing compensation for your injuries, lost income, and more. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us fight for the justice and support you need.
