Recovering After An 18-Wheeler Accident? Our Kansas City Attorneys Are Here To Help!
The aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident? You’re not alone. Our Kansas City MO 18-wheeler accident lawyers fight for your rights. With our experience and dedication, we will reduce your stress and help you get the best possible outcome. We’ll support you throughout your rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, don’t navigate this journey alone. Contact Ricket Law Firm, LLC, now to start pursuing justice and compensation. Your road to recovery starts now!
Quick Summary
Here’s a brief rundown of what you need to know about 18-wheeler accident cases:
- 18-wheeler accidents involve large commercial trucks with 18 wheels and can result in serious damage, injuries, and even fatalities.
- Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Kansas City include driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, weather conditions, inadequate training, mechanical failures, improper cargo loading, and more.
- Injuries from 18-wheeler accidents can vary in severity and may include whiplash, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and emotional trauma.
- Liability in 18-wheeler accidents can extend to truck drivers, trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, government entities, and more.
- Proving negligence in 18-wheeler accidents involves demonstrating a breach of duty of care, causation, and resulting damages.
- Strengthening a negligence claim involves thorough accident investigation, gathering evidence like eyewitness statements, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, black box data, and more.
- Damages available for 18-wheeler accident victims may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, wrongful death damages, and more.
- The statute of limitations for 18-wheeler accidents in Missouri varies by case type, with potential exceptions based on the circumstances.
What are 18-Wheeler Accidents?
An 18-wheeler accident refers to a collision or crash involving a large commercial truck with 18 wheels. 18-wheeler accident is called semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig. The size and weight of large trucks can cause serious damage, injuries, and deaths in these collisions.
What are the Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents in Kansas City?
Missouri 18-wheeler accidents, like others, are caused by many circumstances. These factors generally include driver conduct, road conditions, weather, and vehicle faults. Here are some typical Missouri 18-wheeler accident causes:
- Driver Fatigue
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Impaired Driving
- Weather Conditions
- Inadequate Training
- Mechanical Failures
- Improper Cargo Loading
- Blind Spots
- Road Conditions
- Frequent Lane Changes
- Driver Error
What Injuries Can Result from 18 Wheeler Accidents?
Due to its size and weight, 18-wheeler accidents can cause many injuries. The severity of injuries depends on the crash speed, angle of impact, car safety measures, and seat belt use. Here are some common injuries that can occur in 18-wheeler accidents:
- Whiplash
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Internal Injuries
- Chest Injuries
- Lacerations and Bruising
- Burn Injuries
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma
- Amputations
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Who Can Be Liable in 18 Wheeler Accidents in Kansas City, MO?
Multiple parties may be accountable for 18-wheeler accidents and damages. A detailed accident investigation is typically needed to determine liability. Here are some potentially liable parties in 18-wheeler accidents:
- Truck Driver
- Trucking Company
- Vehicle Manufacturer
- Maintenance and Repair Contractors
- Cargo Loaders
- Government Entities
- Third-Party Drivers
- Employers of Third-Party Drivers
- Leasing Companies
- Manufacturers of Defective Parts
Determining liability in 18-wheeler accidents can be complex due to the involvement of various parties and factors. We recommend consulting with our Kansas City personal injury attorney to help you identify the liable parties and seek the compensation you deserve after an 18-wheeler accident.
How To Prove Negligence in 18 Wheeler Accidents?
In 18-wheeler accidents, negligence requires showing that the responsible party breached their duty of care, causing the accident and damage. Negligence requires particular factors to prove responsibility. The following methods and factors can help you prove negligence in an 18-wheeler accident case:
- Duty of Care: To prove a duty of care, the defendant (typically the truck driver, trucking business, or another person) must have owed a duty of care to the victim. Having a duty of care means acting fairly and prudently to avoid harming others on the road.
- Breach of Duty: You must prove that the defendant broke their duty of care. Speeding, distracted driving, weariness, aggressive driving, and violating federal and state trucking restrictions can cause 18-wheeler accidents.
- Causation: Establish a direct relationship between the defendant’s breach of duty and the accident to prove causation. Therefore, you must prove that the defendant’s acts or negligence caused the accident.
- Damages: To establish negligence, it is necessary to demonstrate that the accident caused actual damage. Physical injury, property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more are damages.
How Can I Strengthen My Negligence Claim?
Investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and evaluating all participants may indicate negligence. Here’s how you can strengthen your case:
Accident Investigation and Documentation by Law Enforcement
An investigation is conducted to gather evidence from the accident scene. Official documentation is provided by Law enforcement. This includes the following:
- photographs
- skid marks
- vehicle positions
- road conditions
- and more.
Eyewitness Statements
Witnesses to the collision can reveal essential information. Their perspective can help reconstruct the accident’s cause.
Driver Statements
The truck driver, other drivers, and passengers’ statements can reveal their behavior, negligence, and other causes.
Driver Logs and Records
Truckers must register their driving and rest hours. These records can help analyze driver fatigue by determining if the driver followed driving time and rest break restrictions.
Vehicle Maintenance Records
Maintenance records for the truck can reveal whether the vehicle was properly maintained and if any mechanical issues contributed to the accident.
Black Box Data
Many commercial trucks are equipped with electronic data recorders (similar to “black boxes” in airplanes) that capture information about the vehicle’s speed, braking, and other operational data leading up to the accident.
Cell Phone Records
Cell phone records can be examined to determine if distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone, played a role in the accident.
Surveillance Footage
If available, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras can provide visual evidence of the accident.
Expert Witnesses
Accident reconstruction experts and other specialists can analyze the evidence to recreate the accident, assess factors like speed and impact, and provide their expert opinions on liability.
Federal and State Regulations
Trucking companies and drivers are subject to federal and state regulations governing hours of service, maintenance, and safety. Violations of these regulations can be used to establish liability.
Driver History
The driving history of the truck driver, including any prior accidents or traffic violations, can be relevant in determining liability.
Company Policies and Training
If a trucking company’s policies or inadequate training contributed to the accident, the company could share liability.
Given the complexity of 18-wheeler accident cases, it’s in your best interest to consult with our Missouri personal injury lawyer. We can help you gather evidence to build a compelling case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
What Damages Are Available For Kansas City 18 Wheeler Truck Accident Victims?
Truck accident victims in Kansas City may receive varied damages depending on the accident, injuries, and parties involved. Here’s a general overview of the types of damages that you may seek:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Loss of Consortium
- Wrongful Death Damages
- Punitive Damages
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
- Loss of Earning Capacity
Reach out to our 18-wheeler accident attorney in Kansas City MO. We can help you assess the full extent of your damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.
18 Wheeler Accidents Statute of Limitations Missouri
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri, including 18-wheeler incidents, varies by case. The statute of limitations regulates lawsuit filing time after the incident. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your legal lawsuit.
- Personal Injury Claims: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically five years from the date of the accident or incident that caused the injury.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If the 18-wheeler accident resulted in a fatality, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the person’s death.
Certain exclusions or conditions may affect the statute of limitations in Missouri 18-wheeler accidents or other personal injury claims. Possible exemptions or considerations:
- Minor or Incapacitated Individuals: If the injured person is minor or legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be “tolled” until they reach the age of majority or are no longer incapacitated.
- Government Entities: When a government entity is involved, such as a city or state agency, there may be specific rules and deadlines for filing claims against them. These deadlines can be shorter than for other types of claims.
- Crossing State Lines: If the accident involves parties from different states or occurred in a different state, the statute of limitations might be subject to the laws of that state.
It’s important to consult with our 18-wheeler accident attorney in Kansas City MO to understand how these exemptions or other legal considerations might apply to your case. We can provide you with personalized advice based on the unique circumstances of your 18-wheeler accident and help ensure that your rights are protected.
Why Do I Need An 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer In Missouri?
Legal issues, medical expenses, and emotional hardship can follow 18-wheeler accidents. Commercial transportation rules, many accountable parties, and significant injuries make 18-wheeler accidents different from car wrecks.
Having our 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Ricket Law Firm LLC on your side can make all the difference in seeking justice and securing the compensation you need to move forward. We are committed to helping you
- Understand the federal and state trucking laws applicable to your case
- Advocate for your rights and represent your best interests
- Conduct a thorough investigation to collect crucial evidence
- Determine who should be held accountable for your injuries
- Pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Guide you and ensure you meet all requirements and deadlines
- Present your case effectively in court if necessary
Whether you’re unsure about your rights or feel overwhelmed by the legal intricacies, Ricket Law Firm LLC can be an indispensable asset during this challenging time. Contact us today!
Call our Kansas City 18 Wheeler Accident Now!
As you move forward, remember that your health and future are essential. Physical rehabilitation and financial pressures can be stressful. This is why hiring our 18-wheeler accident lawyer is not only practical but also strategic, affecting your rehabilitation.
In your pursuit of justice and rightful compensation, don’t underestimate the value of a legal ally who will fight on your behalf. We can also assist you in pursuing justice and compensation for other catastrophic personal injury cases, nursing home abuse, hospital negligence, and birth injuries.
If you’re ready to take control of your situation, ensure that your rights are upheld, and begin the process of rebuilding, contact our experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer immediately!
