Large trucks and 18-wheelers are common on Missouri highways, and most get to where they are going without incident. However, it only takes one negligent or inexperienced truck driver to cause tremendous hardships for you and your family.
If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, you may have the right to seek financial compensation. Our truck accident lawyers in Columbia can investigate your crash, determine who is liable, and work to hold them accountable.
Aaron Sachs & Associates has been protecting the rights of injured accident victims in Missouri since 1991. We are Committed to the Community. Call now to schedule your free consultation and learn how our personal injury lawyers in Columbia can help with your case.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
The actions you take in the hours and days after your crash can have a significant impact on any legal case you may have. Your priority should be medical attention. If you did not receive care at the time of the crash, see a doctor immediately and comply with their directions.
- Gather evidence by taking photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries.
- Get the contact details from the witnesses and pass the information on to the truck driver.
- Don’t admit fault or give any detailed statement to the insurance company until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
- Get in touch with our truck accident attorneys in Columbia as soon as you can.
Trucking companies have plans in place to mitigate their legal exposure. Their insurers often look for ways to reduce their liability after an accident, or deny responsibility altogether. Aaron Sachs & Associates will protect your rights and serve as your advocates.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accident lawyer serving Columbia, call 417-777-7777
Determining Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident in Columbia, MO
Liability in a truck accident can be complex and may involve more than one party depending on the facts of the accident. Denials from the trucking company are very common, but they can often be defeated with the right evidence and good legal representation.
- Truck Driver: If the truck driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or violating traffic laws, led to the accident, they may be held liable.
- Trucking company: The trucking company that employs the driver can also be vicariously liable. That would mean the employer could be held liable for the negligence of their employee if the accident occurred in the course of employment.
- Truck Owner: In some cases, the truck may be owned by a separate entity from the trucking company or leased to the company. If improper maintenance or mechanical issues with the truck caused the accident, the owner may be held liable.
- Freight Loaders: If the accident was caused by improperly loaded or secured cargo, the parties responsible for loading the freight onto the truck could be held liable.
- Manufacturers and Suppliers: If the accident resulted from a defective truck part or component, the manufacturer or supplier of that part may be held liable for the damages.
- Government Entities: In certain cases, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roads may be held liable if a hazardous road condition or poor road maintenance causes the accident.
- Third-Party Drivers: Sometimes, other drivers on the road may contribute to or cause a truck accident. If this is the case, the negligent third-party driver may be held liable, along with the truck driver and the trucking company.
If the trucking company denies liability, our attorneys at Aaron Sachs & Associates can conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence that supports your claim. This may include analyzing black box data, obtaining driver logbooks, and interviewing witnesses.
Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 417-777-7777
Common Commercial Truck Accident Injuries
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents are often severe and can lead to permanent disabilities. Several serious injuries are common in truck accidents on Interstate 70 and other roads.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, significantly impacting a victim’s quality of life. Aaron Sachs & Associates will consider the full extent of the hardships you have suffered when seeking compensation.
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Compensation from a Truck Accident Claim
At Aaron Sachs & Associates, our Columbia truck accident lawyers fight to ensure that insurance companies do not undervalue your claim or shift blame unfairly. A successful truck accident claim may allow you to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
- You may recover compensation for past and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- If you missed work, you may recover damages for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
- You may seek compensation for physical pain and suffering resulting from your injuries.
- You may get compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement resulting from your injuries.
- In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may be entitled to recover damages for their losses, as permitted by law.
Our firm has collected more than half a billion dollars for our clients, including $6 million in a semi-truck accident case. These case results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Your specific compensation will depend on the facts of your case.
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Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Large commercial trucks require more time and distance to stop and are harder to maneuver than passenger vehicles. Some of the most common types of 18-wheeler accidents on U.S. Highway 63 and other local roads include:
- Rear-end collisions, often caused by driver fatigue or distracted driving
- Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings outward and strikes other vehicles
- Underride accidents, in which a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer
- Rollover crashes are frequently linked to speeding or improperly loaded cargo
- Wide-turn accidents happen when trucks swing into adjacent lanes while turning
- Tire blowout accidents can lead to sudden loss of control
Truck accidents on the roads around the University of Missouri and in downtown Columbia can happen for a number of reasons. Each type of crash is going to present a different set of issues when it comes to assigning fault and determining damages.
Understanding Trucking Laws & Regulations
Columbia is in compliance with both Missouri state and federal regulations relating to commercial trucking operations. The regulations cover a number of areas including maintenance schedules, driver training, and maximum hours of operation.
Failure to comply with the regulations can lead to substantial penalties and may have an impact on liability in the event of an accident. Our team is well-versed in dealing with such breaches and will take appropriate action in order to achieve justice for our clients.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules play a significant role in regulating Missouri’s trucking industry. Our Columbia truck accident lawyers at Aaron Sachs & Associates understand Missouri and federal trucking regulations.
Time Limits for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Missouri
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including truck accidents, is outlined in RSMo § 516.120. If you are filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one who died in a truck accident, the statute of limitations falls under RSMo § 537.080.
The timeframe that applies to your case will depend on your specific circumstances. Contact a lawyer for more information.
Contacting our team at Aaron Sachs & Associates early is important, as waiting too long can lead to losing your right to seek compensation.
Get Help from Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Columbia
After a truck accident, the challenges may overwhelm you. You may be dealing with a serious injury, mounting medical bills, and potential loss of income. In these stressful moments, you may be tempted to handle the insurance claims process on your own.
However, insurance companies work hard to minimize payouts, and trucking companies often have powerful legal teams on their side. Our truck accident attorneys in Columbia will level the playing field and help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
At Aaron Sachs & Associates, our firm has over 200 years of combined legal experience, and we are ready to fight for you. We will take on the insurance companies and trucking companies and do what is best for you and your family. Call now for your free consultation.
Call or text 417-777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
