Large semi-trucks and 18-wheelers play an important role in our economy, and most truck drivers are responsible professionals. However, it only takes one reckless or negligent driver to cause tremendous turmoil for you and your family.
If you have been injured in a crash with a truck or large commercial vehicle, you may have suffered serious injuries. Medical bills are adding up, and you are unable to work and pay your expenses. You have a right to compensation, and a Shawnee truck accident lawyer can help.
At Foster Wallace, we advocate for the rights of injured victims and have recovered over $1 billion in settlements and awards for people like you. Contact us today to learn how a Shawnee personal injury lawyer can help you get the money you deserve.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Claim?
Hiring a lawyer after a truck accident is a smart way to ensure you avoid many of the common mistakes people often make with a personal injury claim. Insurance companies don’t always have your best interest in mind, and they may use some questionable tactics.
Insurance companies may offer a low initial settlement, hoping you don’t know the real value of your claim. If you take it, you usually waive your rights to future compensation. Your Shawnee truck accident attorney will help you avoid taking less than your claim is worth.
We can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and handle important paperwork and deadlines. We’ll negotiate for a settlement that makes a difference in your life. If insurance companies don’t play fair, we can represent you in a civil lawsuit.
Assessing How Much Your Truck Accident Claim Is Worth
Truck accident awards can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Your truck accident lawyer in Shawnee can evaluate your hardships and calculate maximum compensation. In most cases, this means looking at your economic damages. This may include:
- Your medical bills
- The projected costs of future medical care
- Lost wages due to your inability to work
- Future income issues, if you are unable to continue in your current job
- Property damage
In some cases, your attorney may be able to include non-economic damages that address the social, psychological, and emotional trauma the accident has caused for you and your family. This can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Identification of Liable Parties in a Truck Crash
The time after an accident can be stressful, and it may be hard for you to focus on the events of the crash. Your attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine exactly what happened and who is liable for your injuries.
Some possible liable parties in a truck crash include:
- The driver
- Another motorist
- The trucking company
- The truck maintenance company
- The truck manufacturer
- Parts manufacturers
- The local government that is responsible for roads and signage
- You
You may be among the liable parties if your actions contributed to the crash, but you may still get compensation. Under Missouri’s pure comparative negligence system, you may recover damages for an accident even if you were partially responsible.
Lawyer Fees in a Truck Accident Case
Many people avoid contacting a lawyer when they are injured because they worry about the cost. Attorneys have a reputation for charging significant hourly rates and racking up big bills before you even get to trial.
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we deduct our fees and costs from your settlement or award. You don’t pay upfront, and we only get paid if you win.
This makes our services affordable for almost anyone and ensures a fair fight between you and the insurance company’s teams of powerful lawyers. Hiring us levels the playing field.
Common Causes of Shawnee Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in an almost infinite number of ways. Some of the most common causes we see are:
- Speeding: Truckers on tight schedules may drive too fast for the posted speed limit, endangering other motorists.
- Fatigue: Some truck drivers work long hours without sleep and may suffer impaired decision-making and reduced reaction times.
- Weather: Drivers who push the limits in snow, ice, and other inclement weather can cause terrible accidents.
- Driving under the influence: Truck drivers who drink and drive or use illegal drugs can be liable for accidents they cause.
- Improper loading: Trucks with poorly distributed loads are prone to tipping and accidents.
- Maintenance issues: Poorly maintained trucks can suffer tire issues, brake problems, or other mechanical failures that cause accidents.
- Manufacturing defects: Defects in the design or parts of the truck can sometimes be the cause of accidents.
Regardless of the cause of your truck accident, it is important to reach out to a lawyer who can identify the liable parties and help you get the settlement you need.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Some truck accident injuries are minor and require minimal medical intervention and recovery. Others are serious, catastrophic injuries that may change your life forever. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Dislocations
It is important to seek medical attention after a truck accident, even if you aren’t sure if you are hurt. Some serious injuries can have serious injuries that take days or weeks to manifest.
Get Help from a Shawnee Truck Accident Attorney
All car accidents have the potential to result in injuries and unexpected financial hardships. However, due to their tremendous size and power, crashes involving large semi-trucks and commercial vehicles can be especially devastating.
Injuries can take weeks or months to heal. Sometimes, catastrophic injuries can have life-long consequences. When you are trying to recover and get your life back together, you need a Shawnee truck accident attorney who can help you understand your rights.
Foster Wallace personal injury lawyers have a track record of helping injured victims. We have built our legal practice on trust and compassion. Contact us today for a free consultation, and tell us your story.
