What You Need to Know About Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicles make up approximately 20% of all Missouri traffic, and fatalities involving these vehicles are rising. According to a Missouri Department of Transportation report, there was roughly a 30% increase between 2014 and 2018. With commercial vehicles driving longer distances, there’s a higher risk for crashes.
What To Do If You’re Involved In A Commercial Vehicle Accident:
- Address any injuries. Often, injuries caused by an accident are not immediately apparent. If you or a passenger are injured, call 911 or ask someone else to do so. If you’re seriously injured, avoid moving if possible, and wait for emergency personnel.
- Do not leave the scene. It’s important to gather valuable evidence at the scene. You’ll also need to be present to report the accident. Leaving the scene of the accident could also result in unintentional legal liability.
- Report the accident. It is advised to call the police to report a truck accident. When the officer arrives, they will fill out a police report, which will help prove who is at fault.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Get the driver’s name, contact information, and contact information for whoever owns the vehicle.
- Seek out witnesses. A witness can differentiate between recovering damages after an accident and being liable to the other party for their damages. Write down the witness’s contact information and ask their version of what they saw.
- Document the accident with photos and notes. If you’re at an intersection, take a picture of any traffic signs or signals. Collect photos of the damage done to both vehicles and of any visible injuries. After the accident, it’s suggested to write down everything you remember about the situation, including weather, where you were going, how fast you were going, injuries, etc.
Compensation For Commercial Vehicle Accidents
A majority of commercial vehicle accident cases are resolved through settlements that typically cover all of the expenses a victim has incurred. Insurance companies agree to settlements to avoid the high costs of taking a case to trial, not to mention a potential jury award.
The types of damages you may recover include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of normal life
- Disability or disfigurement
Is There Anyone Else Other Than the Truck Driver Who May Be Liable?
Yes. Depending on the unique circumstances involved, any of the following parties may be held liable for a commercial vehicle accident:
- Parties who load the trucks
- Third-party companies that repair or maintain the trucks
- Truck leasing companies
- Entities that are responsible for repairing and maintaining the roads
- Designers and manufacturers of defective vehicle parts
We’re Here to Help.
Until it happens to you, you won’t understand the pressures and pains in the aftermath of a serious commercial vehicle accident. If you’ve sustained severe injuries or a loved one was killed in a commercial truck crash, it is critical for you to seek the help of an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney. To learn more about your rights, The Goss Law Firm can help. To learn more or schedule a FREE consultation, call the Kansas City Lawyers at the Goss Law Firm at 816-839-6452 today.
Timing is essential, which is why you should call us right away after a commercial vehicle accident. We’re here for you and want to listen to your story and determine the best course of action during this difficult time.
