4 Unique Issues Often Created by St. Louis Truck Accidents

Multiple defendants, complex insurance coverage, different accidents, and complex truck laws can all create unique issues in St. Louis truck accident claims.

If you have ever been in a car accident, you already know how overwhelming recovering damages can be. Sadly, things can get even more nerve-wracking and complicated when filing a truck accident claim. The vast size of trucks means truck accidents can leave you with more severe injuries. Read on to find out more differences between truck and car accidents and how they affect your claim.

1. Multiple Defendants 

In the wake of a typical car collision, it can be relatively easy to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. But getting compensation from a negligent truck driver can bring different players in your case. You see, it’s rare to find a driver who drives their solely owned semi-truck. This means their employer generally has to be involved in your case.

Also, the truck involved may be leased, which can make your case even more complicated. Other parties that may be involved include truck manufacturers and cargo loaders. 

2. Complex Insurance Coverage

In a crash involving two cars, you may easily exchange insurance details with negligent drivers. However, the case is different in truck accidents. For example, a truck driver may not know the entity that offers insurance coverage to the truck. 

Also, multiple insurance companies may provide partial coverage to one truck. This could complicate your claim further. Additionally, there’s a high likelihood that your claim will stall as it may take longer to consolidate insurance details from different insurance companies. 

3. Different Accidents

While some accidents are common to trucks and small vehicles, others such as underride accidents, jackknife accidents, and crashes caused by unsecured cargo are unique to big trucks. Moreover, these unique truck accidents come with their fair share of complexity. They, therefore, need to be handled differently from how you’d handle typical car accidents.

4. Complex Truck Laws

Unlike car drivers, truckers and trucking companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Their regulations govern the hiring and training of truck drivers, maintenance of trucks, and road safety. Therefore, you must show in detail how the negligent party violated the set rules to recover your damages.

How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help You?

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complicated. Therefore, it will generally help your case to work with an attorney who has a thorough understanding of Missouri truck regulations. Your attorney can help you gather concrete evidence to identify all responsible parties in the crash. 

They can also help examine the truck driver’s qualification and employment history. Additionally, they’ll assess the property damage to your car and medical records of sustained injuries which will help build a solid claim.

Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer 24/7

Have you been injured in a St. Louis truck accident? Our experienced St. Louis truck accident attorney at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can review your case for free and help you protect your legal rights after an accident.