Auto Accident Lawyers in St. Louis MO
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Auto/Truck Accident
Accidents caused by a truck colliding with an automobile are all-too-common in Missouri and throughout the United States. Should you or a family member fall victim to such an accident, you can contact us for advice on how to proceed with any claims for damages. We are prepared to fight on your behalf and win you the just compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Five Common Truck-Auto Collisions
In general, the most common truck-car accidents involve these:
- Head-on collision;
- Rear-end collision;
- Side swipe;
- Multi-vehicle pileup; and
- Under-ride collision.
Although any of these accidents may result in severe injury or death, the under-ride is probably the most likely to result in a fatal car accident. When a car slides under the base of the tractor-trailer, its roof will either be crushed or sheared off at the level of the driver's and front seat passenger's heads. This often has deadly results.
Types of Injuries Associated With Truck-Automobile Collisions
Any injury suffered because of a truck accident is likely to be serious by virtue of a car being significantly smaller and lighter than an 18-wheeler. The most commonly experienced injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Neck or back injury;
- Spinal cord injury;
- Broken bones;
- Internal injuries; and
- Loss of limbs or other body parts.
Tragically, some victims lose their lives as the result of such injuries, either at the scene of the accident or later on. Many are unable to resume their pre-accident activities, jobs and lifestyles. Nearly all require significant medical attention and expensive, long-term treatment and rehabilitation.
How an Attorney Can Help
An experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney will investigate the cause of the truck accident. Was it driver error? Perhaps external conditions played a role? It may have resulted from defective equipment. Whatever the reason, your lawyer will collect evidence related to your accident. Some examples of evidence include these:
- Truck driver's log book;
- Police reports;
- Emergency medical personnel on-site reports;
- Hospital reports;
- Reports indicating the pre-accident state of repair of the truck, including any recent repairs, recalls or recommendations for repairs; and
- "Black box" data stored in devices implanted in some trucks.
Your lawyer will use all of this evidence and knowledge of both federal and state trucking laws to build a solid case against those deemed responsible for your accident. They may include the following:
- The driver;
- The truck owner;
- The truck maintenance garage;
- The truck's manufacturer;
- The truck's parts manufacturer(s); and
- The municipality responsible for upkeep of the road on which the accident occurred.
After building your case, your attorney will pursue your claims to the fullest extent to help ensure that you receive the maximum allowable compensation for your injuries and losses. At Page Law, we are committed to assisting you through the complex process of seeking redress following a truck accident in Missouri. Please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss the details of your accident and your rights under the law.
Missouri Car Accident Resource Center
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