Truck Accident Lawyer – Truck Accident Attorney St Louis

Talk to a truck accident lawyer for Free 24/7 at (314) 361-4242. We hold truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their negligence. We’re located near you! We have 25+ Years of Experience and have handled Thousands of Cases involving truck accidents.

The government has established different “rules of the road” covering trucks, trucking companies, and truck driver training and conduct. Among other things:

• Commercial truck drivers are limited in driving hours before they must rest. Truck drivers should keep a detailed logbook documenting their driving hours, which can be crucial evidence in truck accident cases.
• Trucks themselves have weight restrictions, road restrictions, and maintenance requirements that, if neglected, can lead to truck accidents.
• Trucking companies are required to follow federal regulations in hiring, training, scheduling, and maintenance. They must transport cargo safely, including properly containing hazardous materials (HAZMAT regulations). Violation of these regulations can often result in a truck accident.

Commercial truck accidents are much more likely to occur when these regulations are violated.

There are an estimated 500,000 truck accidents in the U.S. each year—nearly 5,000 of these result in fatalities. The remainder often result in injuries of varying degrees. With three major interstates running through the Missouri-Illinois border in St. Louis — I-44, I-64, and I-70 — Missouri and Illinois see more than their fair share of trucking accidents. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are caused by the negligence of truck drivers or trucking companies.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The trucking industry involves many parties — drivers, owners, warehouses, and vehicle maintenance crews are just a few. Truck accidents are, therefore, susceptible to a variety of causes. The most common causes include:

• Truck Driver Fatigue: Truck driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Missouri and Illinois. Although laws are designed to limit truck driving activity, many drivers either disobey the law or engage in physical activity while resting to drive.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: A significant number of truck accidents are caused by the use of alcohol or drugs by the truck driver. Some truck drivers ignore the stringent laws against drunk driving or drug use, and their lawbreaking may lead to a catastrophic semi-truck accident.
• Brake Failure: Brake failure, tire blowouts, brake light failure, or other dangerous conditions go undetected because the truck owner fails to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly. It should be noted that the truck rig and trailer are often owned by different people, each responsible for maintaining their part properly.

We understand how insurance companies work to limit your recovery after a tractor-trailer accident. Insurance companies will immediately have people on the scene of an accident to gather evidence to limit their liability. The sooner you hire a lawyer to protect your interests, the sooner we can have our investigators working to build your case.

With 25 years of truck accident and personal injury experience, attorney Christopher Hoffmann understands the causes and the many factors that make truck accident claims so complex. He handles every truck accident case, including those involving:

• Faulty brakes and defective parts
• Commercial trucks colliding with vans or shuttle buses
• Bucket truck wrecks
• Fire truck accidents
• Pick-up truck accidents
• Tanker truck crashes

Who Was Really Responsible for the Truck Accident?

In truck accident cases, multiple parties could be responsible for the accident. If you fail to include any of these parties in a lawsuit, you may lose your opportunity to secure the financial recovery you need. Truck accident attorney Chris Hoffmann thoroughly investigates every case to identify every potentially liable party, including:

• The truck driver
• Truck loaders
• The trucking company that hires or pays the driver
• The truck owner
• The trailer owner
• Truck manufacturers
• Truck and trailer maintenance personnel

Preventing Semi-Truck Accidents with Defensive Driving

Often, it is the occupants of the passenger cars who are vulnerable to severe and life-threatening injuries resulting from the collision. Drivers must be cautious when driving near semi-trucks to avoid getting into a crash. When you drive defensively, you may prevent a potentially dangerous and fatal accident.

Semi-Truck Accident Statistics

A report from the U.S. Department of Transportation indicates that 68 percent of the total number of accidents involving 18-wheelers and semi-trucks occurred in rural areas. Over 500,000 truck accidents happen nationwide annually, and almost 5,000 of these accidents result in fatalities. The victims in 98 percent of the cases have been the occupants of small passenger cars. For this reason, drivers of smaller vehicles should drive defensively when a large truck is nearby.

Defensive Driving Tips

• Be cautious and alert when on the highway, especially around big trucks.
• Keep a lookout for semi-trucks or tractor-trailers as they execute a turn or enter or exit a highway.
• When driving through a construction zone, give the big trucks extra space and a wide berth.
• Inclement weather calls for special precautions. Remember that a big truck cannot maneuver or stop like a passenger car; in severe weather, a close situation can turn disastrous quickly.
• Driving in the truck driver’s blind spot is extremely dangerous because the driver cannot see you. This can often result in a truck accident.
• When overtaking a truck, never cut it off.

3 Common Questions Insurance Companies Ask After a Truck Accident

How Did the Truck Accident Happen?

This question aims to gather information to help the insurer determine who was at fault for the accident. However, the question can also be used as a trap to get you to admit responsibility for the accident. For example, the insurance company may get you to say that you “didn’t see the truck” or “didn’t have time to react.” These statements could be used to argue that you were at fault for the accident. 

To avoid this trap, it is generally best to speak with an experienced attorney and let them communicate with the insurance company. If you choose to answer this question, it’s important to be clear and concise. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what may have caused the accident. The last thing you want to do is give the insurance company any information that could be used against you.

What Medical Conditions Do You Suffer From? 

Insurance companies will typically want detailed information about any health issues that could affect your recovery or ability to work. This might include ongoing medical conditions, medications you are currently taking, or previous injuries that could potentially impact your diagnosis and prognosis.

Don’t answer this question without consulting a truck accident attorney. The insurance company could look for vulnerabilities, such as pre-existing conditions or prior incidents, that could be used against you in court. 

How Were Your Injuries Treated? 

In addition to asking about your current medical condition, insurance companies will also want details on how your injuries were initially treated. They may ask whether you visited an emergency room or received ongoing care from a doctor or specialist of some kind. If so, they will want specific information on these appointments and any treatments that were prescribed due to them.

Again, while this may seem like a simple and straightforward question, don’t answer it without an attorney by your side. The insurer may use your answer to blame you for the accident or deny your claim.

St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a semi-truck, you may be able to claim compensation from the driver and trucking company. An experienced St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm can help! Call us 24/7 for a free case evaluation.