A truck accident lawyer in St. Louis can step in to help you build a claim following a wreck. Our team at the Morelli Law Firm proudly assists clients after collisions involving 18-wheelers, semi trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles.
You can reach out to us for assistance immediately after an accident. We handle insurance agents, determine the value of your claim, and stick with you until the resolution of your case. Learn more about what we can do for you when you reach out for a free consultation.
When Should You Work With a St. Louis Truck Accident Attorney?
Sometimes, drivers decide to resolve truck accident claims on their own in St. Louis. You may be able to handle your legal challenges alone if no one got hurt, there was minimal property damage, and all parties agreed on who caused the collision.
However, you may need a lawyer for professional help if:
- The accident caused you serious injuries
- You had to take off work to recover from the accident
- The other driver debates their responsibility for the collision
- The accident involved multiple parties
- The liable driver doesn’t have insurance
- You feel unsure about your rights following the collision
In these situations, St. Louis truck accident attorneys can step in to provide you with answers to your legal questions, support, and assistance resolving your claim.
Make sure you reach out to a truck accident lawyer before you give a written or recorded statement to the trucker’s insurance company. Insurance agents may use these statements against you.
What Makes Truck Accidents Different in St. Louis?
Our team takes every motor vehicle accident in St. Louis seriously. However, truck accidents differ from other collisions in several ways.
Truck accidents often have more severe results than wrecks involving smaller vehicles. They weigh much more than cars, take longer to stop, and may contain hazardous materials. Therefore, they’re more likely to cause severe injuries, total vehicles, or even lead to deaths.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reported over 150 fatal accidents involving commercial vehicles in 2021. Our team provides compassionate care if you lost a loved one in this kind of collision.
St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
When Can You File a Lawsuit for a St. Louis Truck Accident?
We understand the importance of seeking compensation for your losses following a truck accident in St. Louis. You may have a chance to file a lawsuit if another party caused your wreck through an act of negligence.
Negligence occurs when someone owes you a duty of care, fails to uphold their duty, and directly causes your injuries or financial losses. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers can work to establish negligence if they take on your claim.
However, you should know that you do not always have to file a lawsuit to secure compensation for your losses. Many drivers choose to settle out of court instead.
What Compensation Can You Secure Following a Truck Collision?
Truck accident attorneys can review your losses to discuss your possible damages you can collect after an accident. Drivers do not all receive the same forms of compensation following a wreck. Based on your situation, a lawyer may help you secure funds to cover your:
- Medical expenses
- Wages lost during your recovery
- Diminished earning potential
- Vehicle repair fees
- Costs to replace your vehicle
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
You may also secure punitive damages in some cases. These damages act as a way to punish the individual who caused your collision.
Remember that Missouri uses comparative negligence to handle truck accident claims, meaning you may receive a smaller percentage of compensation if you were partially at fault for the wreck.
Who Can You Sue After a St. Louis Truck Accident?
After a truck accident in St. Louis, lawyers focus on determining who caused the collision before building a claim. Depending on your situation, your lawyer may pursue:
The Truck Operator
Truck drivers cause accidents by operating their vehicles recklessly or dangerously. They may take turns too quickly, speed, fail to signal when changing lanes, or ignore their blind spots. We may investigate their actions when we take on a case by:
- Speaking with witnesses
- Reviewing the police report
- Looking for video surveillance
- Working with truck accident experts
We look into the reason for accidents when we assist our clients. For example, our investigation may show that the trucker got impaired by alcohol, fatigued, or distracted.
The Trucking Company
We also build claims against the trucking company in some cases. For example, the company could be liable for the collision if the accident occurred while the truck driver was working. Companies also hold liability if they fail to perform required vehicle maintenance.
The Trucking Manufacturer
Finally, we file a claim against truck manufacturers in some cases. These companies sometimes produce and sell vehicles with significant defects. These defects can lead to accidents, especially if they involve important systems like the brakes.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Missouri?
Under Missouri Code § 516.120, you generally have around five years to file an insurance claim following a truck accident. However, drivers have less time in some cases, such as accidents involving government vehicles.
Reaching out to a truck accident lawyer in St. Louis quickly helps keep your claim on track. This action also allows your lawyer to immediately set up a strategy to handle your case.
Speak to Us Following a St. Louis Truck Accident
The Morelli Law Firm can step in to help you following a truck accident. We have a reputation for securing millions of dollars for clients following commercial vehicle collisions. Find out more with a St. Louis truck accident lawyer.
Get answers to your questions by calling us or completing our online contact form to request a free case evaluation.