Trucking Accident Lawyer in St. Joseph, Missouri

Crashes involving large commercial trucks often result in severe injuries, significant property damage, and long-term challenges for those involved. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, collisions with passenger cars frequently lead to devastating outcomes. In many cases, victims face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long recoveries.

Legal action may be necessary when a trucking accident causes harm. Murphy, Kinney & Sumy, LLC helps clients in St. Joseph, Missouri, work through these claims and fight for accountability under Missouri law. With so many regulations and multiple parties often involved, skilled legal representation can help simplify a difficult situation and protect the rights of the injured.

Why Trucking Accidents Are Different From Car Accidents

Although both types of crashes involve motor vehicles, trucking accidents typically result in more severe injuries, higher medical bills, and greater legal challenges. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and they often travel long distances across state lines. These factors introduce additional laws, regulations, and insurance coverage into the equation.

In many cases, more than one party may be responsible for a trucking accident. Unlike a typical car crash, the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, or a cargo loading service may all share liability. A thorough investigation is often required to determine who may be at fault and what legal options are available.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Most commercial vehicle collisions are preventable. Trucking accident cases often stem from negligent behavior, mechanical failure, or improper training. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue: Federal regulations limit driving hours, but drivers may push their limits to meet deadlines.

• Distracted driving: Using phones, eating, or checking navigation systems can take attention off the road.

• Improper loading: When cargo is unbalanced or unsecured, it can shift during transport and cause loss of control.

• Poor maintenance: Worn tires, faulty brakes, or broken lights can all contribute to a crash.

• Speeding or aggressive driving: Truck drivers operating recklessly increase the risk of injury to others on the road.

When these issues result in a trucking accident, victims often suffer injuries that require emergency treatment and long-term care. Pinpointing the cause is critical for assigning liability and seeking damages.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Trucking Accidents

Because of their sheer size and weight, trucks can cause devastating harm in a crash. The injuries suffered in these collisions often change a person’s life forever. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: These may result in memory loss, cognitive impairment, mood changes, or loss of motor function.

• Spinal cord injuries: Victims may experience partial or total paralysis, along with chronic pain and loss of independence.

• Multiple fractures: Broken ribs, arms, legs, and hips are common in high-impact trucking accidents.

• Internal bleeding: Hidden damage to organs may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if untreated.

• Burns and lacerations: Fires, explosions, and shattered glass can leave permanent scarring and require skin grafts.

Early medical care and documentation are important not only for treatment but also for building a legal claim later on.

Parties That May Be Liable in a Trucking Accident Case

Unlike a two-car collision, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. Identifying who may be legally and financially liable is one of the most important steps in building a case. Possible parties include:

• The truck driver: For violating traffic laws, driving under the influence, or failing to exercise caution.

• The trucking company: For hiring unqualified drivers, failing to maintain vehicles, or encouraging unsafe practices.

• The cargo company: For loading the truck improperly or failing to secure the load.

• The truck manufacturer: If a design or mechanical defect contributed to the crash.

• Maintenance contractors: If third-party mechanics failed to complete necessary inspections or repairs.

Each of these entities may carry separate insurance policies, which can complicate the claims process. Coordinating those coverages is key to pursuing a full recovery.

Evidence Used to Build a Strong Claim

Investigating a trucking accident requires prompt action. Evidence can disappear quickly—especially if the trucking company attempts to repair the vehicle or destroy records. Preserving the following types of evidence is often critical:

• Black box data: Records the truck’s speed, braking, and hours of service at the time of the crash.

• Driver logs: Documents the driver’s working hours and breaks, which may reveal violations of federal law.

• Maintenance records: Tracks how recently the vehicle was inspected or repaired.

• Witness statements: Provides third-party accounts of how the collision occurred.

• Dashcam or surveillance footage: Offers direct visual evidence of the crash or surrounding traffic.

This documentation helps establish the timeline, cause, and severity of the incident—all key components in proving liability and damages.

Steps Involved in a Trucking Accident Claim

Filing a claim after a trucking accident can take time, but having a structured approach helps move things forward. These four steps are typically involved in the legal process:

1. Initial consultation: The lawyer will review the facts, collect documents, and evaluate the strength of the case.

2. Investigation and evidence collection: Physical evidence, reports, and witness statements are gathered and preserved.

3. Negotiation: Most claims are resolved through negotiation with the insurance companies representing the involved parties.

4. Litigation: If negotiations fail, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury decides on fault and compensation.

Frequent communication during these stages allows injured individuals to stay informed and make decisions confidently.

Damages Available in a Trucking Accident Case

Trucking accident victims are often entitled to more than just out-of-pocket expenses. A successful claim may include compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses: Covers emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future treatment needs.

• Lost wages: Reimburses the victim for time away from work or permanent loss of earning capacity.

• Pain and suffering: Accounts for the emotional and physical distress caused by the injuries.

• Property damage: Includes repairs or replacement of the vehicle and other damaged personal property.

• Loss of enjoyment: Compensates for the inability to participate in hobbies, family activities, or daily routines.

In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the conduct of the liable party was particularly reckless or dangerous.

How Insurance Coverage Plays a Role

Commercial trucks are required to carry higher minimum levels of insurance than personal vehicles. These policies may involve coverage amounts of $750,000 or more, depending on the vehicle type and cargo being transported. However, accessing these funds often requires dealing with multiple insurers who may try to limit their liability.

A lawyer experienced in trucking accident claims can help identify all available coverage, including:

• The driver’s liability policy

• The trucking company’s commercial policy

• Umbrella or excess insurance

• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage

Careful review of all policies involved can significantly affect the total recovery available to an injured client.

Wrongful Death and Fatal Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents can result in the tragic loss of life. When that happens, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This allows them to seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs

• Loss of financial support

• Loss of companionship and guidance

• Mental anguish

These claims are governed by a statute of limitations, typically three years in Missouri. Early legal consultation can help protect the right to pursue compensation.

Statutes of Limitation and Important Deadlines

In most Missouri personal injury cases, the filing deadline is five years from the date of the crash. However, this timeline may be shorter if:

• A government vehicle was involved

• The crash happened on public property

• The injured person was a minor

Failing to file within the permitted time frame can result in losing the right to seek compensation. Acting early gives the lawyer time to build a stronger claim.

What to Expect From Legal Representation

Trucking companies and insurers often act quickly to defend their interests. Legal representation can help balance the scales. A trucking accident lawyer typically assists clients by:

• Preserving key evidence: Acting quickly to protect black box data, maintenance logs, and more.

• Managing paperwork and deadlines: Handling filings, claims, and communication with insurers.

• Engaging with medical and financial experts: Building a clear and complete picture of damages.

• Representing clients in negotiations or court: Seeking a resolution that reflects the full extent of the loss.

This allows injured individuals and their families to focus on healing, knowing the legal side is being handled with care.

Trucking Accident Lawyer Serving St. Joseph, Missouri

If you or someone you love was hurt in a trucking accident, it’s important to understand your options. Murphy, Kinney & Sumy, LLC proudly serves St. Joseph, Missouri, and helps individuals work through injury claims caused by commercial vehicle crashes. Contact the firm today to schedule a consultation and take the next step forward.