St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer
St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in St. Louis, hiring an experienced lawyer is essential. With a deep understanding of trucking regulations and a commitment to fighting for your rights, our St. Louis truck accident lawyers are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, we offer comprehensive legal services to ensure your interests are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation: (314) 987-0009
We never get paid unless or until we win.
Kevin Etzkorn: St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer
Kevin Etzkorn is a St. Louis native who has spent his entire career litigating cases in St. Louis. With 20+ years of experience winning high-stakes cases in Missouri and Illinois, Kevin knows what to do to ensure the best possible outcome for each client.
We are a small law firm by design, and we pride ourselves in treating our clients like family. You will always be able to get ahold of us.
Recent Truck Accident Settlements
At Kevin Etzkorn Law, we pride ourselves on achieving exceptional results for clients injured in truck accidents. While many of our settlements and verdicts are confidential due to the sensitive nature of these cases, one recent success stands out — a $5,000,000 (five million dollar) settlement secured for a client whose loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in a truck collision.
With personalized attention and a strategic approach to each case, we leverage our experience and resources to hold trucking companies and drivers accountable, ensuring our clients receive the justice they deserve.
Why You Need a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer After a Collision
After a truck accident, having a St. Louis truck accident lawyer by your side can make a significant difference. Here’s why:
- Experience: Truck accidents often involve complex legal issues and federal regulations. A St. Louis truck accident lawyer is well-versed in these complexities and can navigate them effectively.
- Detailed Investigation: Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the accident scene, gather crucial evidence, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiation and Advocacy: We will handle negotiations with insurance companies and trucking firms to ensure you receive fair compensation. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Common Types of St. Louis Truck Accidents
Truck accidents come in many forms, including:
Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out of alignment, often due to sudden braking.
Rollover Accidents: These occur when a truck tips over, often due to sharp turns or uneven loads.
Trailer Detachment: Caused by the truck’s trailer detaching from the truck.
Underride Accidents: When a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer.
Tire Blowouts: Leading to loss of control and potentially catastrophic accidents.
Each type of accident presents unique challenges, requiring a thorough investigation and strategic legal approach.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in St. Louis
Truck accidents can occur due to a variety of factors. Common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Poorly maintained trucks may suffer from brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical problems.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can affect vehicle stability and lead to accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive driving, and failure to adhere to traffic laws are significant contributors to truck accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Using phones, eating, or other activities that take focus off the road.
A St. Louis truck accident lawyer can help by investigating these factors, gathering evidence related to the cause of the accident, and holding the responsible parties accountable. We ensure that all potential causes are explored to strengthen your case and secure the compensation you deserve.
How Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You Secure Compensation
Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Here’s how we can assist:
- Free Case Evaluation: We provide a thorough evaluation of your case to determine its value and identify all potential sources of compensation.
- Evidence Collection: Our team will gather and analyze evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness testimonies, to build a strong case.
- Negotiation: We will negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Legal Representation: If necessary, we will represent you in court and advocate on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your case and support you throughout the legal process.
St. Louis Truck Accident Statistics
Statute of Limitations for St. Louis Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in St. Louis metro occur both in Missouri and Illinois.
How Much is My St. Louis Truck Accident Worth?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in St. Louis, you’re likely wondering how much your claim might be worth. While every case is unique, the value of your truck accident claim will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the degree of negligence involved.
Here are some key considerations that can influence the value of your claim:
1. Medical Expenses
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. This can include emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. The cost of your current and future medical treatment plays a significant role in determining the value of your claim.
2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or reduce your earning capacity, this long-term financial impact can significantly increase the value of your claim.
3. Pain and Suffering
The physical pain and emotional distress caused by a truck accident are compensable under Missouri law. The extent of your pain and suffering, as well as the long-term impact on your quality of life, will be taken into account when determining the value of your claim.
4. Property Damage
Truck accidents often result in significant damage to vehicles and other personal property. The cost to repair or replace your property is another component of your claim.
5. Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver or trucking company acted with extreme negligence, such as driving under the influence or violating safety regulations, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
6. Liability Factors
Determining who is at fault in a truck accident is a complex process that can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, or even the vehicle manufacturer. The clearer the evidence of negligence, the stronger your case and the higher the potential value of your claim.
Evidence in St. Louis Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accident claims, and gathering strong evidence is crucial to building a successful case. Evidence not only helps establish who was at fault but also supports your claim for damages. Here are some critical types of evidence commonly used in truck accident cases:
- Photographs and Videos: Images of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, weather conditions, and visible injuries.
- Debris and Damage Patterns: Pieces of the vehicles and impact marks can help reconstruct how the accident occurred.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts provide an objective view of what happened before, during, and after the crash.
- Police Reports: Law enforcement officers who respond to the accident typically create an official report.
- Logbooks: Hours-of-service records can reveal if the driver violated federal rest requirements.
- Toxicology Reports: If substance use is suspected, these can show if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driver’s Employment Records: Information about the driver’s training, licensing, and prior safety violations.
- Black Box Data: Most commercial trucks are equipped with an electronic logging device (ELD) or black box that records essential data.
- Maintenance Records: Maintenance logs can uncover whether the truck was properly serviced or if mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
- Company Policies: Trucking companies may be held liable if their policies encourage unsafe practices, such as unrealistic delivery schedules that force drivers to speed or drive while fatigued.
- Expert Testimony: In complex truck accident cases, expert witnesses may be brought in to provide analysis.
Our Process For St. Louis Truck Accident Cases
We understand the devastating impact truck accidents can have on your life. That’s why we’ve developed a straightforward and effective process to guide you through every step of your case. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
1. Free Initial Consultation
We start with a no-obligation consultation to review the details of your case. We’ll listen to your story, assess the circumstances, and provide an honest evaluation of your legal options.
2. Thorough Investigation
Our team dives deep into the details, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, black box data, and accident scene photos. We collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction and trucking regulations to build a strong case.
3. Identifying Liable Parties
Truck accident cases are complex, often involving multiple parties such as the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, or manufacturers. We identify all responsible parties to maximize your claim.
4. Handling Communication
You won’t need to deal with insurance adjusters or opposing counsel. We manage all communications on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and you’re not pressured into an unfair settlement.
5. Calculating Full Compensation
We evaluate the true extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future needs, to pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
6. Negotiation and Settlement
Whenever possible, we negotiate aggressively to reach a fair settlement. Our team knows the tactics insurers use and won’t back down until we secure a result that reflects the full value of your claim.
7. Trial-Ready Representation
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced trial attorneys are dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf.
From start to finish, our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible while delivering the results you need to move forward. We handle the legal work so you can focus on recovery.
Additional Resources
Recent Outcomes
We have resolved numerous trucking cases. For example, we took a trucking case to trial in the City of St. Louis. When a client’s car was knocked across the highway by a semi-truck, our lawsuit revealed the trucker had exceeded the maximum work hours and was fatigued at the end of a long shift. The trucking company made no settlement offers and argued that our client was at fault. The reporting police officer testified our client was at fault. The jury discounted the officer’s testimony and rendered a verdict for our client.
What Our Clients Say
Related Truck Accident Pages
Contact Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, submit your information for a free case evaluation. Once we have your information, we will contact you, usually within 24 hours. And you will not owe anything for a case review.