Injured by a Semi-Truck in Kansas City? Legal Help Is Available

One second you are driving down the road minding your own business and the next thing you know you are involved in a semi truck accident that you never saw coming. Your life (or the life of your loved one) will literally change in an instant. Semi truck accidents almost always result in catastrophic injury, lengthy recovery times and a lot of unforeseen out of pocket costs. If you or a loved one were injured in Kansas City, you may have a claim. An attorney with experience in semi truck accident claims can assist you in the claims process and fight for the recovery you deserve.

Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are Unique

Semi-truck accidents are unlike all the other car accidents. Semi-trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. The impact is gigantic. The victims normally have broken bones, spinal cord damage, head injury, or death. It is harder to recover, there is more medical cost, and the pressure is gigantic. The second obstacle is dealing with trucking firms. They have attorneys, insurance adjusters, and experts poised to battle for them. They want to pay out as little as possible. Unrepresented victims get less than they are entitled to. A lawyer will level the playing field.

Semi-Truck Accident Causes

The majority of truck accidents are the result of unsafe or reckless driving, including:

• Drowsy driving as a result of too many hours on the road.
• Distracted driving, including texting or phone use.
• Rash lane changes or speeding.
• Negligent truck repair, including faulty brakes.
• Overweight or unstable loads.
• Drunk or under-the-influence driving.
• Disregard for federal trucking safety regulations.

All the accidents should be thoroughly investigated. An affordable Kansas City personal injury attorney can present evidence, review logs, and get those responsible to pay. Most of the accidents would not have happened if companies and truck drivers obeyed the law.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Your response to an accident can maintain your health and your case:

• Call 911 to get a police report and medical help.
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if just feeling uncomfortable.
• Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injury.
• Get witness contact information.
• Don’t speak with insurance adjusters prior to speaking with an attorney.
• Save all medical bills, receipts, and records.
• Speak with a Kansas City truck accident lawyer immediately.

These steps protect your health and make your case stronger. Delay will ruin your case.

Who Might Be Responsible?

Truck cases usually have multiple defendants. Responsibility might fall on:

• The truck driver.
• The trucking firm.
• The loading firm.
• A parts or maintenance supplier.
• A manufacturer of defective truck parts.

You can sue all the negligent parties and get the maximum possible sum on your behalf. In most cases, there are multiple negligent parties, and that makes cases complicated.

Possible Compensation After a Truck Accident

The victims can recover these damages:

• Medical expenses and future medical treatment.
• Lost income and loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Damage to property.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Physical therapy or long-term care costs.

Every case is different. A lawyer can estimate your claim amount and bargain for fair results. Settlements range depending on the severity of injury, fault percentage, and economic impact on your life.

Long-Term Impact of Truck Accident Injuries

Truck crashes have long-term consequences. The majority of survivors suffer from permanent disability or chronic pain. Others require mobility aid, home health care, or vocational rehabilitation. Families also pay if a member misses work. Psychologic injury is as serious as physical injury. Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are the norm following a bad wreck. Damages must include future and current obstacles. A lawyer can consult with experts and doctors in a way that will provide you with the total amount of your injuries.

Why Do I Need a Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accident cases are complicated. A seasoned lawyer can:

• Investigate the wreck and gather information.
• Work with experts to determine fault.
• Negotiate with a large insurance company.
• Sue when there is no offer that is reasonable.
• Walking you through every step in simple language.
• Manage paperwork, deadlines, and court documents.

You can get substantially less money than you deserve without an attorney. Lawyers know how to fight trucking firms that deny or delay claims.

Time Limits to File a Claim

Kansas and Missouri laws of limitations for injury claims are absolute. Failure to act within a timely fashion will deny you the right to sue. Five years is the usual amount of time that Missouri victims have to make their claim. Two years is the norm in Kansas. Exceptions are made, but delay normally disqualifies you from the right of receiving damages. An attorney can ensure your case is filed on time and help in the legal process.

How to Choose the Best Lawyer

Get an attorney who has:

• Experience handling truck accident cases.
• A good verdict and settlement track record.
• Is professional and communicates effectively with clients.
• No fee retainer. Most lawyers who handle truck accidents don’t take money from you if you lose.
• Can utilize investigators and experts.

Meeting with an attorney will cost you nothing and can help decide if they are the attorney for you.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

The insurance companies will typically try to negotiate for less. They will even try to contact you within days of the crash with an offer. The first offer will typically be significantly less than your case is truly worth. Insurers will also try to get you to say something that can be used against you. Anything you tell insurers can be dealt with by an attorney and protect your rights.

What to Expect Through the Legal Process

Each case will be unique, but most of them go through these steps:

1. Investigation and fact-finding.
2. Making insurance claims.
3. Negotiations and settlement contact.
4. Suing, if necessary.
5. Pre-trial discovery, including depositions and document review.
6. Trial if fair settlement is not offered.

Most claims are settled before trial, but going to trial demonstrates that you are serious business to the insurer.

Act Now

If you’ve been hurt by a semi-truck in Kansas City, don’t fight alone. Medical expenses, lost wages, and aggravation can overwhelm you. Your rights will be protected, and your case will be championed by the right lawyer. Timely action can be the disparity in your case. Call an experienced Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer now for a consultation.

FAQs

1. How long do I have to file a claim for a truck accident in Kansas City?

Deadlines vary from state to state. You usually have five years in Missouri. Two is usually the norm in Kansas. A lawyer can let you know exactly how long.

2. Was I partially at fault in the crash?

You are still entitled to recover damages. Kansas and Missouri are comparative fault states. Your recovery would be reduced based on your share of fault.

3. How much will it cost to hire a truck accident attorney?

Most lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee. You don’t have to pay anything up front. The lawyer only receives a payment if you win.

4. What is helpful evidence for a truck accident case?

Police reports, medical charges for bills, photos, witness statements, and truck logs can prove your case. Lawyers also use expert witnesses.

5. Can I sue the trucking company and driver separately?

Yes. Most of the cases are against the trucking company and the driver. Corporations are responsible for the acts of their employees.