Have you been injured after getting into a collision with a truck? Crashes of this nature can be very serious due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. It wouldn’t surprise us to hear you’re facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges in the aftermath.
The recovery process can be hard, but thankfully, you’re not alone. A truck accident lawyer in Liberty can help. With over 45 years of combined experience, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for people just like you.
When you have Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers on your side, you can rest assured that we will advocate for your rights as your Liberty personal injury lawyer. We know the stakes are high, but we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Parties Your Truck Accident Attorney in Liberty Will Consider When Determining Fault in Your Case
A major responsibility that your legal counsel will tackle on your behalf is deciding who to hold liable for the collision that left you injured. While it might seem like the obvious answer is that the truck driver is either fully or partially at fault, this is not always true.
It’s not uncommon for multiple parties to share responsibility for the crash. These are examples of potentially liable parties in your case:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Truck manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Cargo loading companies
The Truck Driver
If the truck driver was negligent in some way, they can be held liable for the accident. This may entail engaging in behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to follow traffic laws.
The Trucking Company
In many cases, the trucking company that employs the driver involved in the crash can also be responsible for the accident. If the company encourages drivers to work beyond their legal hours or fails to maintain the trucks properly, it can be held liable for the crash.
Additionally, the trucking company may be responsible for the actions of its employees under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior.” This principle holds employers accountable for their employees’ actions while they are acting within the scope of their jobs.
Truck Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers
If the accident was caused by faulty equipment or poor maintenance, the manufacturer or maintenance provider of the truck, as well as its components, could be found liable instead.
For example, let’s say a defective tire caused the accident. The tire manufacturer might be found responsible in that instance. Similarly, a mechanic could be liable if the failure to properly maintain the vehicle led to the crash.
Cargo Loading Companies
If the accident was caused by improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo, the company responsible for loading the truck could be held accountable.
Statute of Limitations That Your Liberty Truck Accident Law Firm Will Make Sure You Adhere To
Like all personal injury claims, truck accident cases are subject to a statute of limitations, which is the time period within which a lawsuit or claim must be filed. Under Missouri law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years from the date of the accident.
This means that if you are injured in a truck accident, you have 60 months to file a lawsuit or a claim in pursuit of compensation for the damages you sustained. It’s always advisable to reach out to truck accident lawyers in Liberty immediately to start the process as soon as possible.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which are severe or life-threatening. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks often cause catastrophic harm to passengers in smaller vehicles, no matter the extent or severity of the collision.
While every victim’s experience will be unique to them and the circumstances of the crash, these are common injuries victims of truck accidents often endure:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can occur when a person’s head is violently jolted or struck during a crash. TBIs can have long-term effects on cognition, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis, both of which can affect your mobility and independence.
- Broken bones and fractures: Due to the force of the collision, passengers in smaller vehicles may suffer broken bones. This can require them to undergo surgical procedures, rehabilitative treatment, and lengthy recovery periods.
- Internal injuries: The impact of a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, organ failure, or—in worst-case scenarios—death.
- Burn injuries: In some truck accidents, the vehicle may catch fire. If this happens, you might sustain burn injuries alongside everyone else involved in the crash.
- Psychological trauma: The emotional and psychological impact of being involved in a truck collision can be major. You might suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly if the incident resulted in severe injuries or fatalities.
Reach Out to Our Liberty Truck Accident Law Firm for More Information About What We Can Do for You
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you understand that the road to recovery can be overwhelming. Fortunately, help is available.
Reach out to Foster Wallace to meet with our truck accident attorneys in Liberty. We are ready and willing to fight for your rights. In fact, we believe that it’s Your Injury but Our Fight. Call today for legal guidance. We’ll help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
