Large commercial trucks also called 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers can cause significant damage on Kansas City roads. In most cases, occupants of smaller passenger vehicles bear the brunt of that damage and sustain severe personal injuries in these collisions. If you were involved in a truck accident involving a commercial truck in Kansas City, the Kansas City truck accident lawyers at Goza & Honnold, LLC can help. Our truck accident attorneys have significant experience helping those injured in Kansas City seek compensation for their injuries after a serious truck accident.
Why Choose Our Truck Accident Lawyers?
- Our truck accident lawyers understand how severe truck accidents can be. Our truck accident case lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, including dealing with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.
- Gathering evidence from trucking companies can be a challenge without an attorney on your side. We will use our firm’s resources and authority to conduct a comprehensive investigation into your collision.
- Our attorneys have received some of the most prestigious trial and litigation awards, recognizing our dedication to our clients.
Common Causes of Missouri Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for several reasons. In some cases, poor weather conditions and low visibility contribute to the collision. Dangerous, poorly maintained roads may also trigger an accident, and the government agency responsible for keeping the road safe may be liable for victims’ damages. In many other trucking accident cases, however, the truck driver’s negligence causes the accident. Operators of large, heavy-duty vehicles must comply with several state and federal regulations, such as how to load certain types of cargo and limits on the number of hours they can drive without a break. Any violation of these regulations or Missouri traffic laws can result in catastrophic accidents. If negligence is responsible for the collision, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the driver and his or her employer. Common types of driver negligence include the following.
- Driver fatigue: Many truck crashes occur due to driver fatigue. Truck drivers must adhere to hours of service regulations, which set limits on how many hours they can drive without a break. Drivers who operate longer than they should be too tired to safely drive and could fall asleep at the wheel, leading to catastrophic consequences.
- Driving under the influence: Drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. Unfortunately, some truck drivers use these substances while on the road, increasing their risk of an accident. A 2013 study revealed that as many as 30% of truck drivers took amphetamines while driving.
- Distracted driving: To operate a vehicle safely, it is important to focus your eyes, hands, and mind on the road. Fiddling with the radio or GPS system, talking on the phone or to another passenger, or eating and drinking while driving can create the perfect opportunity for an accident.
- Speeding: Commercial trucks are much heavier than passenger cars, and truck drivers need to be especially careful while operating their vehicles. If a truck is speeding and overtakes smaller vehicles on the road, a collision can occur.
In many truck accident cases, the truck driver’s employer is also responsible for the trucking accident. Trucking companies have a responsibility to provide adequate training to their drivers, inspect and maintain their vehicles on a regular basis, and adhere to state and federal trucking regulations. If a company fails to repair or inspect its vehicles, hires improperly trained or licensed drivers, or violates the law in any way, it could be liable for any accidents that occur due to the negligent act.
Damages for Kansas City Truck Accident Victims
Commercial trucks and large truck operators are required to carry large insurance policies. This is for a very good reason. Trucking accidents often result in serious injuries that require long-term care, such as broken bones, traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and even wrongful death. If you are the victim of a truck collision, you could hold the trucking company accountable for your accident-related losses through a truck accident lawsuit. In these cases, your truck accident attorney would seek compensation from the insurance policy, not the truck driver directly. There are two categories of damages in Missouri personal injury claims: economic and non-economic. Economic damages involve the tangible financial losses you sustained due to the accident. You can prove economic damages using documents such as medical bills, insurance paperwork, invoices, pay stubs, and correspondence with your employer.
Common examples of economic damages include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Hospitalization costs
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Disability accommodations
- Live-in care
- Property repair and replacement
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
Non-economic damages involve the physical and emotional pain and suffering you endured due to the accident.
Common examples of non-economic damages include the following:
- Mental anguish
- Brain injuries
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Humiliation
- Shock
- Permanent disability
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death
These non-economic damages cause medical bills and lost income. Get the compensation you deserve. Contact our truck accident lawyers in Kansas City today by calling 913-451-3433 or schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
The third category of damages is known as punitive damages. In Missouri, courts award punitive damages to plaintiffs who can prove that the defendant intentionally harmed the plaintiff without just cause or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for others’ safety. Instead of compensating the plaintiff for his or her damages, the purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant for his or her actions. Although these damages can be difficult to obtain, you may be eligible for punitive damages depending on the circumstances surrounding your crash. Speak to an attorney at the Goza & Honnold, LLC law firm to discuss the compensation you are eligible for.
Why You Need a Kansas City Trucking Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents can be catastrophic. If you are in a commercial vehicle or large truck accident with a negligent truck driver, a truck accident lawsuit can help you treat your injuries and support yourself and your family during your recovery. However, proving your right to this compensation can be difficult without a qualified truck accident attorney on your side. At Goza & Honnold, LLC, our experienced Kansas City truck accident lawyers work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation on our clients’ behalf. Your attorney can provide several benefits throughout the litigation process, including the following:
- Your truck accident law firm will understand the regulations that all truck drivers and trucking companies must follow. He or she will use this experience to identify the liable party and craft a compelling case on your behalf.
- You may need expert witnesses who can validate your injuries and prove your right to compensation. Your truck accident case attorneys will partner with our network of medical experts, accident reconstructionists, economists, and other professionals to strengthen your case.
- You may need to negotiate with the insurance company and corporate legal counsel from the trucking company. Your truck accident lawyer has significant experience handling conversations with opposing parties and will advocate for your best interests during each stage of litigation.
Contact a Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer at Goza & Honnold, LLC Today
The aftermath of a truck accident can be painful and overwhelming. If someone else is responsible for your collision, you deserve full compensation for your truck accident injuries. In a truck crash situation, trust the truck accident lawyers at the Goza & Honnold, LLC law firm. Our Kansas City truck accident lawyer provide vigorous and unparalleled representation for our clients across the United States, advocating aggressively for maximum compensation during negotiations and in the courtroom. Call us at (913) 451-3433 Schedule your free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Kansas City to speak about your truck accident claim.