Truck Accident Lawyers St. Louis - Truck Accident Attorney

James M. Hoffmann

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Why Should I Hire a Missouri Truck Accident Law Firm?

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If you have been involved in a car accident with a large truck or commercial vehicle, you have every right to seek compensation for your damages and injuries.

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As 2020 brought about a huge wave of changes globally, many families and homeowners had to adapt to this new way of life. For weeks and months, routine tasks such as going out to eat, shopping for groceries, and clothing items were completely changed. With this new lifestyle, the role of logistical companies and delivery services became even more prevalent. 

Before the pandemic hit, the United States was already seeing a surge in truck and commercial vehicle use. In 2017, more than 464,000 accidents reported involved large trucks. While we haven’t yet seen a comprehensive report for 2020 numbers, the trends indicate it could be just as many. 

If you have been involved in a car accident with a large truck or commercial vehicle, you have every right to seek compensation for your damages and injuries. But it can be more complicated than you might expect. An experienced St.Louis truck accident attorney can help you navigate these complex cases and hold the responsible accountable. 

Why Are Truck Accidents so Complicated?

In a standard car accident between two citizens, there are normally a limited number of factors that may prove a person to be at fault. Police often respond to the accident scene, identify any violations, and file a report that documents this information. This type of investigation can be rather cut-and-dry, often identifying who failed to obey traffic laws, was distracted or under the influence, and other key factors that may determine fault. 

However, in the case of a truck accident, multiple parties can be considered responsible for the collision. In some cases, the truck itself may not have been up-to-date on necessary service requirements, which would place fault on the maintenance team. The scheduler may not have followed the rules and regulations on truck driver activity, causing fatigue in the driver trying to fulfill their hourly requirements. The list goes on. 

Seeking Compensation After a Truck Accident in Missouri

In a normal case, most insurance companies are forced to accept at-fault responsibility once a ruling has been made. In accidents involving truck-trailers, they may be more likely to point the finger to keep more money in their deep pocket. This is why it is highly recommended to work with an attorney who has extensive experience handling truck accident claims.

At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we have over 25 years of experience helping injured Missouri residents obtain the compensation they deserve. We leave no stone unturned in gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and determining who was at fault for your accident. 

The St. Louis truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can help you hold the responsible party accountable and seek the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. Give us a call today for a FREE case evaluation.

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney

St. Louis Truck Accident Attorney

The St. Louis truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can help you hold the responsible party accountable and seek the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. Give us a call today for a FREE case evaluation.

FREE Consultation – (314) 361-4300

The Dangers of an Overloaded Tractor Trailer

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If you have been involved in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, every aspect of the accident must be examined closely to assign blame and effectively demand compensation.

Companies of all sizes depend on commercial trucks to move their products around the country. Unfortunately, when these trucks are overloaded and used improperly, they can be extremely dangerous on the road.

When a tractor-trailer is overloaded, they create many potential hazards, ranging from longer stopping distances to load imbalance. While federal laws are in place to control commercial vehicles’ weight limits, many trucking companies push these limits. When an overweight truck is involved in an accident, the company or owner may be legally negligent and responsible for any damage caused.

Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 316-4300!

What is an Overloaded Truck?

The United States Federal Highway Administration strictly controls the maximum weight limits for all commercial vehicles. For example, the weight limit for a single-axle truck is 20,000 pounds. For dual-axle trucks, the weight limit increases to 34,000 pounds.

Overloaded Trucks – The Potential Dangers

The federal laws exist for a reason. The Department of Transportation calculates the forces that affect when a truck travels at a certain speed. Then, they calculate the distance needed for that truck to come to a full stop. This calculation depends on the truck weighing an appropriate amount. When a truck exceeds the maximum weight, it takes longer for the truck to stop. When a truck driver finds him or herself in an emergency situation and has to come to a sudden halt, the result can be catastrophic.

Also, a truck that exceeds the legal weight limits can struggle to navigate curves properly. When a truck carrying an excess load goes around a curve, it may be top-heavy and can tip over.

The Legal Consequences

When two or more vehicles are involved in a collision, the drivers’ actions are taken into consideration when determining who is at fault. However, when one of the drivers violates the law, this changes the situation.

If one of the parties caused an accident because they violated a law intended to prevent an accident, the law would assume the violator as negligent.

The negligent party may be required to compensate injured plaintiffs for all their damages. The compensation would include medical costs as well as any financial and emotional damages resulting from the accident.

St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys

If you have been involved in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, every aspect of the accident must be examined closely to assign blame and effectively demand compensation.

Being involved in an accident involving a commercial truck can have catastrophic effects on your life. On top of your physical injuries and damage to your vehicle, you may experience financial losses or mental anguish.

At The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we will examine all of your case’s facts to determine which course of action will lead to the best chance for a positive outcome.

Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 316-4300!

How Overloaded Truck Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

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Trucking companies need to be held responsible for an accident caused by improperly loading its cargo.

There is a good reason why weight limits exist for trucks. A tractor trailer could easily roll over if it is overloaded. In addition, overloaded trucks are harder to stop. The result in either case can cause serious injuries and even fatalities.

People who are injured in overloaded truck accidents may face hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, therapy, and medication. They may be left temporarily or even permanently disabled. Serious truck accident injuries may include internal injuries, multiple fractures, TBI, burns, and spinal cord injuries.

There are several factors that affect how much cargo can be safely carried by a truck: the gross weight of the truck, its working load limit, the braking ability, and the number of axles on it.

How a Truck Can Be Improperly Loaded

Trucks that haul loads which exceed the gross vehicle weight ratings can lead to equipment and brake failures, as well as increased stopping distances. When there is poor weather conditions and dangerous road features such as steep downgrades, the problems can easily escalate causing an accident.

If cargo is piled or stacked too high, it can affect handling and cause a roll-over accident. This is especially the case when a truck has to turn or where drivers need to make a sudden maneuver to avoid a hazard.

In some cases, the load on the truck may not have been properly fortified by either the trucking company or the truck driver. In other cases, the load may be unsafe simply because there is no cargo restraining device in place to secure the load.

Every trucking company must adhere to the safety protocols when either loading or securing a tractor trailer. They must ensure that there are no safety risks or hazards.

Improper Loading Truck Liability

If you have been involved in an accident involving a tractor trailer, it may be the result of an overloaded or improperly loaded truck. If liability can be established, you may be able to hold the trucking company or the driver responsible for your injuries.

In most truck accident cases, the defendant’s liability is typically based on negligence. Trucking companies need to be held responsible for an accident caused by improperly loading its cargo.

St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers

For more than 20 years, the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann has provided truck accident victims with the necessary information to make the right choices so that they can receive the best medical care, benefits and income. We have the experience and resources necessary to assist you in recovering the damages you may be entitled to receive.

Call Now! (314) 361-4300
Free Truck Accident Consultation

What Should You Do Following a Truck Accident?

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Being involved in a truck accident is a scary situation. The amount of confusion immediately after an accident like this can be great.

Accidents involving tractor trailers and smaller passenger vehicles are often complex and will likely involve many factors and many parties. So, if you or a loved one is involved in a tractor trailer accident, it is important to follow the steps necessary to protect your rights.

Stop and Report the Accident

Anyone who is involved in the accident needs to remain at the scene of the crash. It’s important to make sure you and you’re passengers stay safe and if possible, remove your car from the road. Then, call 911 immediately, especially if there are severe injuries.

Emergency personnel will assist with any injuries that the victims have incurred. The police will take extensive notes and statements from the victims and any witnesses. In addition, they will take photos as part of their accident report. However, if you are able, take as many notes and pictures as you can. Doing so can greatly help your case.

Seek Medical Treatment

Truck accidents involving passenger vehicles often end it serious, even life-threatening injuries. Therefore, it is often urgent to get medical attention. However, even if you have minor injuries, or seem to have no obvious injuries at all, seek medical attention. After an accident, adrenaline could prevent you from feeling pain or noticing an injury.

If you are not immediately transported to the hospital, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Seeking medical treatment is not only important for your physical health but it also imperative to you receiving compensation for any and all injuries.

Document as Much as You Can

Do as much as you are able to do after being involved in an accident with a tractor trailer. Exchange information with the other party or parties while at the scene of the crash. Find out as much as you can about the trucking company. Check for witnesses and get their contact information.

Use your phone to take photos as they can be used as evidence to prove who was at fault. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, your injuries, damage to the vehicles and the surrounding area. Take pictures of the road and anything else you may think is important.

Be Careful of What You Say

Do not say the accident was your fault! Even if you think it was. You may not be thinking clearly after the accident, you may not understand exactly what happened.

You will eventually be contacted by an insurance adjuster. Be careful of what you say to them because they can use anything you say against you. The conversation will likely be recorded. In fact, before talking to the adjuster contact a truck accident attorney. They can advise you on what you should and should not say. While you are required to cooperate with the insurance company, you are not required to give a statement.

Contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann

For more than 25 years, the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann has provided truck accident victims with the necessary information to make the right choices so that they can receive the best medical care, benefits and income. We have the experience and resources necessary to assist you in recovering the damages you may be entitled to receive.

Call us today at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our case evaluation form to request a free consultation.

What are some of the Most Common Reasons Why Tractor Trailer Accidents Occur?

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For more than 25 years we have been helping accident victims receive the benefits they need and deserve.

Each year thousands of people die in accidents involving tractor trailers. A majority of the victims are people in passenger vehicles in which they are not equipped to withstand that type of collision. When a tractor trailer is fully loaded, it can weigh up to 40 times as much as the average passenger vehicle. Therefore, just a simple mistake can lead to an accident causing serious and even fatal injuries.

What are the Most Common Reasons Why Truck Accidents Occur?

There are a number of factors that contribute to truck accidents. Most truck accidents result from driver error on the part of the truck driver. Some of the most common causes of this are:

  • Reckless Driving – When a truck driver speeds or fails to follow traffic laws, it puts others in danger. Many accidents are the result of excessive speed combined with unsafe lane changes. Truckers often follow too closely to smaller passenger vehicles, which creates a very unsafe driving environment.
  • Driver fatigue – The NHTSA has warned people about the seriousness of driver fatigue, especially for truck drivers. In fact, they report that drowsy driving killed 795 people in 2017. Because truckers often drive thousands of miles in a relatively short period of time, they are very susceptible to fatigue.
  • Improper Maintenance – Federal regulations are in place which require semis to be kept in good condition. This is because when the parts and components of trucks aren’t properly maintained, it leads to serious accidents. Trucking companies are required to keep up with these regulations, but sometimes they fail to do so.
  • Distracted Driving – A distracted driver is one that operates their vehicle while their vision, hands, or concentration is off the vehicle and task of driving. Using a cell phone while driving is the most common distraction, but others include eating, drinking, fiddling with the radio, and talking to other passengers. Because truckers drive long hours, they may engage in any of these habits to stay awake. While they may be trying to avoid drowsy driving, they may be doing something else that is just as dangerous.
  • Substance Abuse – Many truck driver abuse drugs and alcohol to cope with their lifestyle and its demands. Unfortunately, this leads to serious consequences for them and for those they share the road with.
  • Improper Loading – When a semi-truck is not loaded correctly, it can result in the truck jack-knifing or being difficult to maneuver. If the truck is loaded too quickly or if the workers are inexperienced or not properly trained, this can lead to it being loaded incorrectly. In this case, the trucking company may be liable for your accident.

Get Help from a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

There are so many potential causes of trucks accidents. As a result, these cases are complex and contentious. The trucking industry is very tricky to go up against. They and their insurance companies will attempt to deny responsibility for the accident and may offer to settle for much less than they should.

To make sure that your rights are fully protected, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann as soon as possible. For more than 25 years we have been helping accident victims receive the benefits they need and deserve.

When Trucking Company Negligence Leads to a Truck Accident

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A trucking company may be held legally liable for the accidents, injuries, and costs that result from engaging in any of these acts.

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Each year there are more than 5,000 fatalities as a result of truck accidents. In addition, 150,000 people are seriously injured. A negligent trucking company is often to blame for causing the accident. Litigating a truck accident case for the victims is almost always complicated because there can be a number of different factors to consider. The truck driver, loading company, trucking company, or maintenance company may be liable for the accident.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, you no doubt having many questions concerning your case. At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we will fight to make sure that the trucking company is held responsible when it is their fault.

Trucking Company Negligence

What are some of the ways that a trucking company could be responsible for an accident? Trucking company negligence is more of a “behind the scenes” type of negligence, as this type of carelessness happens throughout the process of running a company. Some common examples of this include:

  • Negligent hiring practices
  • Hours of service violations
  • Failure to maintain vehicles properly
  • Failure to train employees

A trucking company may be held legally liable for any accidents, injuries, and costs that result from engaging in any of these acts. Determining this fault can be very difficult so what should you do?

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. Trust our St. Louis truck accident lawyers to work to make sure trucking companies are held responsible for their failure to protect your safety.

Our attorneys have handled very complicated truck accident cases. We have experience with victims who have sustained severe injuries such as head, neck, spinal cord, and back injuries. We have helped family members who have lost a loved one receive the financial compensation they may desperately need after suffering such a devastating loss.

Call us today at (314) 361-4242 or fill out our online case evaluation form to request a free consultation.