If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you have firsthand knowledge of how collisions with large commercial trucks can be devastating and life-changing. Our firm’s O’Fallon 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping individuals like you receive maximum compensation.
Please continue reading to learn about your next steps after a crash with a semi and to see the results we’ve achieved in other cases.
Truck Crash Cases in O’Fallon, MO
If you were the victim of a truck accident near O’Fallon, you’re not alone. In 2021,124 motor vehicle crashes in St. Charles County involved a commercial vehicle. This figure includes tankers, garbage trucks, and other heavy machinery.
The average big rig weighs up to 30 times more than a regular passenger vehicle. Between longer stop times, heavy loads, and trucking industry negligence, 18-wheeler trucks are dangerous.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in O’Fallon
To recover and move on with your life following your involvement in an 18-wheeler truck accident in or around O’Fallon, MO, you must have solid legal representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer who handles commercial vehicle accidents in Missouri.
Being the victim of a truck accident can significantly impact your life, and you have a right to pursue compensation for personal and financial damages. While it’s possible to file a claim on your own, individuals with legal representation typically receive substantially larger settlements.
O’Fallon 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Don’t Wait to Contact an O’Fallon Area Attorney
When it comes to investigating a truck accident, time is of the essence, meaning the sooner you reach out to a lawyer for legal help, the better. Some accident victims wonder if they can afford a lawyer, but legal representation for a personal injury case doesn’t cost anything upfront.
This is because personal injury lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis. In a nutshell, if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a penny. In fact, when we take you on as a client, it means we’re confident that we can win.
Negligent Behavior Leads to Truck Accidents
Often, tractor-trailer truck accidents are caused by the person driving the truck. Truckers tend to work longer hours than what is legally allowed, leading to fatigue. In addition, they may ignore speed limits to meet deadlines or become distracted while driving.
In many cases, the trucking company is at fault. They may pressure drivers to work longer than they should and even falsify their logs to cover up. Poorly maintained or damaged equipment may also be to blame.
How Much Money Is Your 18-Wheeler Accident Worth?
Once our O’Fallon truck accident lawyer reviews your claim, we can estimate the monetary amount you can expect to recover. Of course, every accident is different, and the compensation you receive will depend on the specifics of your case, such as the extent of your injuries and how the crash affected you emotionally and financially.
For example, In one case we handled, a woman who suffered from severe brain damage was awarded 11.2 million dollars. Another person we represented who was hit by a truck while riding a bike received a 7.4 million dollar settlement.
What Kind of Damages Can You Claim?
Damages can be both compensatory and punitive. You can strengthen your case by saving all evidence, such as photos and medical bills. If possible, start a journal with dates and details about what happened and how your life has been affected.
What To Do After Your O’Fallon 18-Wheeler Accident
One of the most important things to do after any collision is to get medical attention. As previously mentioned, settlements can be reliant on the presence of medical records and other tracked expenses. Having that documentation is important, even with minor injuries. The sooner you act, the sooner stronger your case can be.
Be sure to save everything. Eye-witness accounts, police reports, and the at-fault party’s insurance information are all good to have. Evidence is crucial in proving negligence and liability.
It’s also a good idea to file a claim as early as possible while witness testimonies are fresh and evidence from the crash is still readily available. Your next step after getting medical treatment should be to contact a truck accident lawyer who can file the claim for you.
Liability in a Big-Rig Accident
Multiple parties may be to blame in an accident involving a semi. The liable parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The person or company who owns the truck
- The truck driver’s employer or broker who hired the truck
- A truck’s manufacturer
Our Missouri 18-wheeler attorneys will investigate the parties that are responsible and work hard to ensure you get fair compensation.
18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in O’Fallon
You may have questions in your mind as to why and how the collision happened. Even if you know what caused the crash, it is probably of little comfort. Knowing who is at fault doesn’t pay the bills or improve your quality of life.
The only way to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence is to file a personal injury claim. A truck accident lawyer can get to the bottom of things and ensure you are adequately compensated.
Looking for a Qualified Attorney To Handle Your O’Fallon, MO Truck Accident?
If you or someone close to you was involved in a big rig accident in Missouri or Illinois, you could be entitled to restitution through a truck accident lawsuit. Getting a free case review from the Morelli Law Firm will answer any questions you have.
When you reach out to our O’Fallon 18-wheeler accident law firm, an expert truck accident attorney will discuss your situation, explain your legal rights, and decide whether to move forward — all for free! Reach out today for a free consultation.