You’re driving down the highway, focused on getting to your destination when out of nowhere, an 18-wheeler barrels into your path. The impact is sudden, terrifying, and life-altering. You’re left with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and questions you never thought you’d have to ask.
It’s not something anyone should have to face alone. Our Kansas City truck accident lawyers know how devastating trucking crashes can be. With over four decades of combined experience and more than $1 billion recovered for our clients, we’ve helped countless families through this difficult time.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Our Kansas City 18-wheeler accident lawyers are here to guide you, fight for your rights, and help you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Trucking Accident Cases are Complicated
Truck accidents aren’t just bigger versions of car accidents—they’re entirely different beasts. The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler can turn a routine crash into a life-altering event. But the challenges don’t stop there.
Truck accident cases are far more complex than typical car accident claims. Why? Because they involve a tangled web of federal regulations, powerful trucking companies, aggressive insurance adjusters, and evidence that can disappear if you don’t act quickly.
The deck can feel stacked against you. But you’re not powerless. Understanding the obstacles in these cases is the first step toward protecting your rights. Let’s break down some of the most common challenges in truck accident cases—and how our Kansas City personal injury lawyers can help.
Determining Liability
Unlike standard car accidents, truck accident cases often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- The truck manufacturer or maintenance provider
Untangling who is at fault requires a thorough investigation, access to evidence, and legal expertise.
Dealing with Federal Regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover:
- Hours of Service (HOS) limits to prevent driver fatigue
- Maintenance and inspection requirements
- Weight limits and cargo-securement rules
Understanding and proving violations of these regulations can be critical to a successful case, but it takes an experienced Kansas City 18-wheeler accident attorney to handle these technical details.
Handling Powerful Trucking Companies and their Insurers
Trucking companies and their insurers are often well-funded and aggressive in defending themselves. They have legal teams working to minimize their liability and may try to:
- Shift blame onto the victim
- Downplay the severity of injuries
- Offer lowball settlements early on
Standing up to these entities requires a skilled lawyer who knows their tactics and how to counter them.
Preserving Crucial Evidence
Key evidence in truck accident cases, such as driver logs, black box data (electronic logging devices), and maintenance records, can be difficult to obtain. Trucking companies may delay or even destroy evidence if it isn’t requested promptly. Acting quickly and issuing legal requests to preserve evidence is essential.
Proving the Extent of Damages
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatalities. Proving the full extent of your damages—including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care—requires medical records, expert testimony, and detailed documentation.
Comparative Fault Laws
Missouri follows a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. Trucking companies may try to argue that you share responsibility to reduce their liability.
An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney in Kansas City, MO can help counter these claims and protect your rights.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are challenging, but with the right legal team by your side, you don’t have to face these obstacles alone. We know the tactics trucking companies use. We understand the regulations. And we’re dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Who Can be Held Responsible in a Truck Accident?
One of the challenges of 18-wheeler accident cases is determining who’s at fault. Unlike typical car accidents, liability in truck accidents can involve multiple parties. Here’s who could be held responsible:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was distracted, fatigued, or driving recklessly, they may be at fault.
- The Trucking Company: Companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining their fleet, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- The Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can make a truck unstable and increase the risk of accidents.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If a mechanical defect, like faulty brakes or tires, caused the crash, the manufacturer could be liable.
Untangling these layers of responsibility requires a thorough investigation, and that’s where having an experienced truck accident attorney is essential.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
How Can a Kansas City 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Help?
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating the Crash: We’ll gather evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records, to build a strong case.
- Negotiating With Insurers: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We’ll fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
- Calculating Your Losses: From medical bills to lost wages and pain and suffering, we’ll make sure all your damages are accounted for.
- Advocating for You in Court: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Contact a Kansas City Truck Accident Law Firm Today
With over 40 years of combined experience and a proven track record of recovering more than $1 billion for our clients, Foster Wallace has the experience and dedication you need. But what truly sets us apart is how we treat our clients—with empathy, respect, and unwavering support.
We know this isn’t just about money. It’s about holding negligent parties accountable, finding closure, and rebuilding your life. And we’ll be with you every step of the way. Don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start fighting for your rights.
At Foster Wallace, we’re here to listen, guide, and advocate for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
