Get Help from a Semi Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Louis
Moving Forward After a Semi Crash
With seven interstate routes intersecting in St. Louis, the likelihood of a semi accident is much higher compared to other states. In 2023 alone, Missouri had over 5,000 semi crashes with 123 fatal semi truck accidents.
As lawyers with experience filing semi truck accident lawsuits in the St. Louis area and neighboring counties, we know that a catastrophic truck accident can leave years of devastation in its wake. We are here to guide you through all aspects of your case so you can receive the rightful compensation that you and your family deserve.
How Do Semi Truck Accidents Occur in Missouri?
Missouri is one of the top 10 most dangerous states to drive in for its variety of roads including busy interstates, congested city roads, one-lane rural highways and narrow lanes. No matter where a truck is traveling, drivers must practice proper awareness in order to avoid a semi accident.
Our big rig accident lawyers have seen cases for driving incidents such as speeding, collisions with unqualified drivers, distracted driving, hours of service violations and more. Many semi truck accidents happening today are a result of one of these driving situations:
- T-bone accidents in intersections;
- Semi trucks parked on the side of the road;
- Rural road accidents;
- Inclement weather semi crashes;
- Improper wide turns;
- Unsecured cargo falling onto the road; or
- Blind spot semi crashes while merging lanes.
What Damages Can I Sue for After a Semi Truck Accident?
Since semi trucks weigh over 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle, semi accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. In Missouri, victims of trucking accidents may be able to file a semi truck accident lawsuit for high-dollar amount damages and other losses.
If you were recently in a crash, here are some of the damages your attorney may be able to help you recover compensation for in a semi truck accident settlement or court case:
- Medical bills and expenses for treatment, including surgeries, hospitalization, emergency room visits, doctor’s bills, medications and medical equipment.
- At-home care costs, including ongoing medical care and personal care for permanent disabilities.
- Loss of wages, including current and future wages.
- Emotional damages, including ongoing depression, PTSD, anxiety or other mental health impairments.
- Rehabilitation services, including physical therapy visits, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological therapy.
- Wrongful death, including funeral expenses and loss of support.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Semi Truck Accident Claim in Missouri?
A statute of limitations is a period of time given to those who are pressing charges or filing a claim against another person or organization. Each state follows their own statutes of limitations for cases involving serious semi accidents. In Missouri, a victim of a trucking accident must file their claim within five years in order to have a valid claim against a truck driver or negligent trucking company. This five-year statute also applies for personal injury lawsuits and property damage lawsuits.
If you file your claim past the five-year limitation, the truck driver and/or its trucking company and the insurer may refuse to negotiate your claim or accept a semi truck accident settlement.
What Steps Do I Need to Take After a Semi Truck Accident?
At MHM, we understand that a trucking accident is a scary and overwhelming experience. Not only are you trying to focus on your injury, but you may also be managing time off work, medical bills and a complete change to your lifestyle. Adding a semi truck accident lawsuit on top of your current worries can be a lot to handle — that’s why our legal team is here to help.
Here are some essential steps to take to make sure you have all you need to file a semi truck accident lawsuit.
If you are physically able to move in the moments after a semi crash:
- Call 911 and speak with law enforcement.
- Move to safety and assess yourself for injury if you are able to.
- If you are physically able, gather evidence by taking photos of the damage or speaking with witnesses of the crash.
- Make notes about what people said or did immediately following your semi truck accident.
- Receive medical attention at the scene and go to the hospital to obtain necessary treatment.
- Contact a semi truck crash lawyer.
If you were transported from the scene to the hospital with serious injuries and did not have the opportunity to gather evidence:
- Make sure to continue your medical care and keep copies of all medical bills, doctor’s notes and specialist referral recommendations.
- Do not speak with the insurance company or trucking company until you speak with an experienced semi truck accident lawyer.
- Do not release your medical records to anyone outside yourself and your legal team.
- Keep record of all damages including medical expenses, mental distress, medication receipts, photographs of injuries and damage to your vehicle and documentation of lost wages.
- Speak with a semi truck crash lawyer to make a plan for your upcoming settlement or court case.
Were You Recently Involved in a Semi Truck Accident in St. Louis?
With over 70 years of combined experience in semi truck accidents, our big rig accident lawyers will guide you through all steps necessary to file your case within a timely manner. We will help you find out who is liable for your injuries, compile evidence needed and get you the justice you deserve after a semi crash.
Ready to file your semi truck accident lawsuit? Contact our team of semi truck crash lawyers today to prepare your case.