Truck drivers need to be careful while operating large, heavy-duty vehicles. Commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, while a motor vehicle often weighs around 4,000 or 5,000 pounds. Any collision between a truck and a passenger car can be catastrophic.
If you are the victim of a St. Louis truck accident, you may struggle to recover from your injuries. In these situations, Goza & Honnold, LLC can help. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys have decades of experience helping injured St. Louis residents secure compensation after their accidents, holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
Why Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers
- Our attorneys have a strong track record of successful settlements and trial verdicts. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
- As a well-respected firm, our attorneys have received some of the most prestigious trial and litigation awards. We strive for excellence during each stage of litigation.
- After a truck accident, your injuries can be painful and severe. Our truck accident attorneys will use their decades of experience to find the help you need to recover.
Missouri Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents are unfortunately common in Missouri. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), 124 fatal crashes and 2,848 personal injury crashes that occurred in 2019 involved a commercial vehicle. The majority of these commercial vehicle accidents involved large, heavy-duty trucks—MSHP data shows that 71.84% of involved drivers held a commercial driver’s license, which the state requires all truck drivers to have.
These accidents occurred for several reasons, from poor road conditions to driver negligence. The following factors contributed to the most commercial vehicle accidents in Missouri during 2019:
- 1,888 accidents occurred due to improper or unsafe lane changes.
- 974 accidents involved a driver operating over the speed limit.
- 960 accidents involved distracted or inattentive drivers.
- 833 accidents occurred due to improper turns.
- 874 accidents involved a vehicle following too close.
Legal Options for Truck Accident Victims
Missouri is an at-fault car accident state, requiring at-fault drivers to pay for the damages of their victims. When it comes to truck accidents, your options for compensation are slightly different. You can file a lawsuit against multiple parties who may be involved in your accident, including the following:
- The truck driver.
- The trucking company.
- The manufacturer of a defective part.
- A government agency.
The at-fault party will depend on the circumstances surrounding your accident. For example, if an accident occurred due to a defective vehicle part, you can file a lawsuit against the part’s manufacturer. If the accident involved poorly maintained or designed roads, the government agency responsible for the road may be at fault.
In most cases involving driver negligence, both the driver and his or her employer are liable for your injuries. Trucking companies are liable for the actions of their drivers while they are performing their job duties. In fact, many truck accidents occur due to the negligence of the driver’s employer, such as failure to maintain the vehicle fleet or hiring drivers without the proper license.
Speak to a St. Louis truck accident lawyer at Goza & Honnold, LLC to determine who you can hold accountable for your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Louis Today!
Are you the victim of a St. Louis truck accident? If so, you are not alone and help is available. The truck accident attorneys at Goza & Honnold, LLC can help you hold the negligent driver and his or her employer liable for your injuries, securing the compensation you need to recover.
Schedule a free consultation today. At your appointment, your attorney will evaluate your case and discuss your optimal path to recovery.