In Kansas City, the roads get more congested every year, and this includes increases in commercial vehicles. While most commercial vehicles abide by safety regulations and a reasonable duty of care when transporting goods, there are many who engage in distracted driving, speeding and driving while fatigued. If you have been harmed in a commercial vehicle accident, speak with a Kansas City lawyer for an assessment of your claim.
The commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Goza & Honnold have helped countless clients successfully obtain millions in settlements and trials locally and nationally due to commercial vehicle negligence. We understand that an accident involving a large truck or other commercial vehicles can have a lasting and significant impact on your day-to-day life. We work to investigate vital evidence and facts beyond the surface of your case to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How the Kansas City Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Goza & Honnold Can Help You
A commercial vehicle accident can be catastrophic, resulting in physical injuries, emotional suffering, and financial losses. Having the commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Goza & Honnold on your side can be beneficial in building your claim for complete compensation and handling all complex aspects of the legal process while you focus on recovery.
The lawyers at Goza & Honnold can help you throughout the litigation process in the following ways:
- Gathering evidence through a comprehensive investigation into your commercial vehicle accident
- Answering your case-related questions and offering legal guidance throughout the legal process
- Assessing the monetary value of your claim and fighting for the maximum compensation you may be owed
- Negotiating settlements with insurance companies or preparing your case for trial if a settlement cannot be reached
- Working with field experts to bolster your claim for compensation
- Utilizing our knowledge of commercial vehicle regulations that all drivers must follow to identify all liable parties and build a compelling case on your behalf
The Kansas City commercial vehicle lawyers at Goza & Honnold are well-versed in the most complex claims and understand how to fiercely and tirelessly advocate for your best interests during each phase of the litigation process. We handle most claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay attorney fees unless we reach a successful outcome for you.
What Is Considered a Commercial Truck in Missouri?
Missouri defines a commercial vehicle as any type of vehicle developed or operated for carrying freight and merchandise or can hold more than eight passengers; this includes vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds or are licensed to carry hazardous materials.
While commercial vehicles are often associated with semi-trucks, there are many that may be involved in a commercial vehicle accident:
- Semi-trucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Refrigerated trucks
- Hazmat trucks
- Box trucks
- Car-hauling trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Commercial long-distance buses
- Delivery vehicles
- Airport or celebration shuttle buses
Proving liability in a commercial vehicle accident in Kansas City may be challenging without the help of a lawyer. These types of accidents typically involve more than one party, which can include the driver, the trucking company, maintenance, repair contractors, loading contractors, and more.
Proving Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Kansas City
In order to prove negligence and causation, the lawyers at Goza & Honnold can conduct a comprehensive investigation to obtain the following evidence demonstrating the cause of the accident:
- Truck driver activity logs
- Truck maintenance and inspection logs
- Trucking company records, training procedures, and employing practices
- Truck’s black box recorder data
- Drug and alcohol screening results
- Police and law enforcement reports and investigations, including information on issued citations, arrests, or disciplinary action
- Cell phone records
- Eyewitness statements
- Photo and video footage of the accident and vehicle damages
Commercial drivers are highly regulated, and cases may have additional avenues to obtain evidence of negligence. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, negotiations with insurance companies may be challenging, as they initially offer lowball settlements or deny claims as a means to protect their own interests.
Damages You May Receive in a Successful Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim
In a successful commercial vehicle accident claim, you may receive economic and non-economic damages incurred due to the at-fault party’s negligence. With the help of commercial vehicle accident lawyers, you may receive the complete compensation you are owed, including the following:
- Future and present medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damages
- Disability, scarring, or impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Depending on the circumstances of your case and the extent of the injuries you have sustained, you may receive accident-related losses with the help of the commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Goza & Honnold.
Contact the Kansas City Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Goza & Honnold
A commercial vehicle accident can have lasting implications on your day-to-day life. When you are facing physical, emotional, and financial losses due to someone else’s negligence, let the commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Goza & Honnold fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our award-winning commercial vehicle accident lawyers, fill out a contact form or call our office at (913) 451-3433