Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer
Located at the intersection of two major highways, Highway 70 and Highway 63, Columbia, MO has numerous interstates and roadways that see a high volume of truck traffic on a daily basis. Unfortunately, this also means that there are a significant number of truck accidents in the Columbia area each year.
The demand for consumer goods and the need for faster shipping times have led to an increase in the number of semis on the road, which has resulted in large, semi-truck crashes becoming more frequent as the trucking industry continues to grow. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), tractor-trailer crashes resulted in 4,119 deaths in 2019. This accounts for over a 30% increase in just the last decade. This is in addition to the approximately 130,000 injuries involving truck accidents annually.
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a semi crash, it is important to seek legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney. A Columbia truck accident lawyer could help you understand your legal rights and options.
Unique Causes for Truck Crashes in Columbia
Factors that contribute to tractor-trailer crashes are similar to those that cause other traffic accidents. However, there are some unique circumstances that arise when a large truck is involved in a crash. Some of the most common causes of semi crashes include:
- Driver fatigue: Truckers often must meet tight deadlines and may go for long periods of time without sleep. This can lead to drowsy driving, which is a major factor in truck collisions.
- Braking capability: Large trucks require a much greater distance to come to a stop than smaller vehicles. This is due to the weight and size of the truck, as well as the fact that they are typically carrying a heavy load. Typically, a semi-truck takes 20-40% longer to come to a complete stop than a passenger car.
- Truck maintenance: If a truck is not properly maintained, it can lead to mechanical issues that can cause an accident.
- Truck weight: According to U.S. federal law, a fully-loaded semi-truck can be up to 80,000 pounds. This weight makes it difficult for the truck to maneuver, especially around tight turns or in stop-and-go traffic.
- Cargo shift: If a truck’s cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transport and lead to a crash.
The first thing to do if you’ve been involved in a semi crash is to see a doctor and document any injuries suffered because of the collision. Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, it is always best to be checked out by a medical professional. Once you have sought medical attention, you should contact a local lawyer who has experience handling tractor-trailer accident cases.
Know Your Rights if You’ve Been Injured in a Truck Crash
There are multiple parties that may be liable if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. This includes the semi driver, the trucking company, and/or the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Determining who is at fault and to what extent they are liable can be a complex process. What’s important to understand is that if you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Once liability has been established, you can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your injuries. Some of the damages that may be available in a personal injury claim include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of past and future medical treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If you missed time from work due to your injuries, you could recover your lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your injuries.
A seasoned attorney in Columbia will review the facts of your case and help you understand the best way to proceed with your crash claim.
If You’ve Suffered Injuries in a Truck Crash, a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Any traffic-related injury is serious, but when a large truck is involved, the potential for serious injuries is much greater. These are also extremely traumatic events that can have a major impact on your life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi accident, it’s important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. Often truck crashes are complex cases, and the insurance companies will have their own team of lawyers working to minimize their liability.
Legal representation is beneficial for many reasons. First, a legal team member will fully investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and to what extent. They will also gather all the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf, including interviewing witnesses, reviewing the police report, and obtaining truck maintenance records. In addition, skilled lawyers in Columbia are experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve after a trucking accident.
Contact a Columbia Attorney to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi crash, contact a Columbia truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Chris Miller for your free consultation today. We will review your case and explain your legal options.