St. Louis and Southern Illinois Big Rig Accident Attorney
St. Louis Big Rig Accident Lawyer
Big Rig Accident Lawyer St. Louis, MO. If you have suffered injuries and sustained damages due to another person’s recklessness in a big rig accident, you should call Halvorsen Klote as soon as possible at 877-51-HKLAW or contact us for a free case review. Due to the probability of severe injuries and damages, you and your family need a St. Louis big rig accident lawyer on your side immediately, fighting for you and your family.
It is no secret that any motor vehicle crash can be terrifying and cause prolonged feelings of vulnerability and anxiety. But the potential for devastation in a big rig accident is particularly high. Just by sheer size, the destruction a big rig can cause in an accident, at any speed, is alarming, but particularly so at highway speeds. On average trucks are 20-30 times heavier and take 20 to 40 percent longer to stop than passenger vehicles.
The St. Louis big rig accident lawyers at Halvorsen Klote work for our clients. If you or a loved one has been in a big rig accident, and you have sustained severe injuries and have lost work and wages because of those injuries, you need a HK Law big rig accident lawyer in St. Louis to protect your interests. We do whatever it takes to make sure that you and your family are taken care of in the aftermath of a big rig accident.
Our St. Louis big rig accident lawyer will stand in your corner and guarantee that you have someone looking out for you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to you receiving a great settlement. We hold the responsible drivers accountable so that we get complete compensation for you and your family. Call us today at 877-51-HKLAW. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Call 877-51-HKLAW for a Consultation and Case Review | St. Louis Big Rig Accident Lawyer.
Big Rig Accident Resources from Halvorsen Klote in St. Louis, MO
- Policy Advice: Disturbing Truck Accident Statistics
- National Safety Council: Large Trucks
- The Large Truck Crash Causation Study
- Truck Driving Industry Statistics
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- American Trucking Associations
St. Louis Big RIg Accident Lawyer: Big Rig Statistics
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2019 there were 164,731 crashes that involved big rigs, which resulted in 81,272 injuries and 5,074 deaths. Despite making up only 2.4 percent of total motor vehicle traffic crashes, big rig accidents accounted for 15.3 percent of total fatalities and 4.2 percent of all injuries.
St. Louis Big Rig Accident Lawyer: Who is at Fault in My Big Rig Accident?
Each truck crash is different and the St. Louis big rig accident lawyer team at HK Law will be able to determine fault relatively quickly in your initial complimentary consultation. In most big rig accidents, according to a recent FMCSA study, the driver is at fault. Some instances of driver error found by our St. Louis big rig accident lawyer include:
- Distracted driving or Drowsy driving, such as:
- Texting and driving
- Looking at directions
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Being preoccupied or daydreaming
- Looking at something on the side of the road
- Speeding or driving too fast for weather conditions
- Drunk driving or drug impaired driving
- Not accounting for road conditions
- Overcompensating for road conditions
- Making illegal maneuvers
St. Louis Big Rig Accident Lawyer: Other Causes of Big Rig Accidents
Some other causes of St. Louis, MO-area big rig accidents include poor maintenance and improper loading of a big rig, or another driver.
Our St. Louis big rig accident lawyer at HK Law has seen every type of truck crash and knows precisely how to determine liability and prove negligence in your case. Call us today at 877-51-HKLAW or contact us.
The Difference Between Big Rig Accidents and Regular Vehicle Accidents
The aftermath of a truck accident is markedly different from that of a regular vehicle mishap. The sheer size of big rigs means that the scale of damage and potential for serious injury is exponentially increased, posing unique challenges for truck accident victims. When it comes to legal implications, a truck accident lawyer must navigate a web of federal regulations that govern commercial trucking—regulations that often do not apply to smaller, non-commercial vehicles.
Louis truck accident lawyers are well-versed in these specific federal mandates, which include hours of service regulations, maintenance requirements, and stringent licensing standards. These rules can significantly impact liability and the strategy an experienced truck accident lawyer will employ. Moreover, in truck accidents, liability often extends beyond the driver. A Louis truck accident lawyer can explain how vicarious liability may hold the trucking company responsible for the actions of their employees, an avenue of recourse not commonly available in regular vehicle accidents.
Retaining a truck accident lawyer who understands the multifaceted nature of these collisions is crucial. Truck accident lawyers not only have the expertise in federal trucking laws but also the acumen to effectively represent and advocate for the best interests of those who have been thrust into the turmoil by such devastating events.
Building Your Case: The Evidence That Counts
In the realm of a truck accident case, the bedrock of a successful claim is the evidence collected. A skilled truck accident lawyer will meticulously gather proof that speaks to the cause and effect of the collision. The significance of such evidence is paramount—it not only substantiates the claims of truck accident victims but also delineates the narrative of the accident.
A Louis truck accident attorney delves into a range of materials: from the truck driver’s logbooks, which reflect hours of service compliance, to maintenance records that could unveil neglect. One vital piece of technology is the truck's black box data, which can provide critical details such as speed, braking, and driver behavior before the crash. These digital footprints are invaluable for a truck accident lawyer, offering insights that go beyond eyewitness accounts or police reports.
Every truck driver is required to maintain accurate logbooks and adhere to strict maintenance protocols. Discrepancies in these records can be a significant focus for a Louis truck accident attorney, pointing to potential regulatory violations. The confluence of this evidence can pivot a truck accident case, shaping the trajectory of litigation and underpining the pursuit of justice for victims.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Navigating the labyrinth of insurance negotiations following a truck accident can be as complex as the collision itself. Truck accident lawyers bring to the table proven strategies for engaging with formidable trucking and insurance companies. These corporations are often equipped with teams of lawyers skilled at minimizing payouts, underscoring the necessity of having an equally savvy truck accident attorney in your corner.
Truck accident attorneys are familiar with the challenges that arise when dealing with commercial insurers. These entities are adept at protecting their financial interests and require a truck accident lawyer who can counteract these efforts with tenacity and expertise. A truck driver's insurance firm is likely to be experienced in deflecting liability and undervaluing claims, tactics that a seasoned Louis truck accident attorney knows all too well.
A proficient truck accident attorney is more than just a legal advisor; they are skilled negotiators who can advocate for the rightful compensation that a truck accident case merits. Their negotiation acumen can be the deciding factor in the settlement offered, making their role indispensable. Truck accident lawyers understand the stakes and possess the negotiation prowess essential to stand up to insurance companies, ensuring that victims' rights are not just recognized, but vigorously defended.
The Compensation You Deserve
Victims of Louis truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, reflecting the multifaceted impact these traumatic events can have on their lives. The compensation typically covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some instances, punitive damages intended to punish particularly negligent behavior.
A truck accident attorney is instrumental in evaluating the full extent of your damages to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Louis truck accident attorneys are adept at compiling a comprehensive claim that takes into account immediate medical expenses and the often-overlooked cost of long-term care and rehabilitation. This foresight is crucial, as the repercussions of a Louis truck accident can span a lifetime.
Moreover, in the wake of a truck accident in St. Louis, a skilled truck accident attorney will work relentlessly to maximize your claim. By providing expert legal guidance and representation, they strive to secure a settlement or court verdict that reflects the true cost of your injuries and losses.
In cases of Louis truck accidents, the experience of your truck accident attorney matters immensely, especially when you consider the complexity of navigating insurance claims and the negotiation process. Their goal is to ensure that the compensation reflects not just your current needs, but also your future wellbeing following a truck accident in St. Louis.
St. Louis Big Rig Accident Lawyer: What About Big Rig Drivers?
Many people think of big rig drivers as a severe risk to people in normal-sized cars, but the truck drivers are actually in high-risk situations themselves. Big rig drivers have a workplace fatal injury rate of 24.3 per 100,000 workers, more than 7 times higher than the overall workplace average, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our St. Louis big rig accident lawyers at HK Law find those numbers appalling. While the majority of big rig accidents may be the driver’s fault, there are still dangerous crashes where the driver is a victim. Almost 30% of big rig drivers’ fatalities come from collisions with other vehicles and 70% of overall truck driver deaths involve roadway incidents of some sort.
Big rig drivers that operate as employees should be covered by workers’ compensation. However, in some cases in both Missouri and Illinois, that may not be a cut-and-dry proposition. But your St. Louis big rig accident lawyer knows the ins and outs of all the applicable St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois truck accident laws and statutes. According to data from the BLS, almost 15% of the big rig workforce is self employed and would not be covered under workers’ comp. The big rig accident lawyer team at HK Law has worked on numerous cases for truck drivers. Call us at 877-51-HKLAW to talk about your case or contact our St. Louis big rig accident lawyer for a no-cost consultation.
Your St. Louis Big Rig Accident Lawyer | Halvorsen Klote in St. Louis, MO
Halvorsen Klote is an industry leader when it comes to protecting your interests in a big rig accident case in the St. Louis area. Our St. Louis big rig accident lawyers work for you and your family’s best interests. We do not simply want to win your case, we want to provide you with the best physical, emotional, and financial future possible. Expect nothing less than our best.
Call Halvorsen Klote today at 877-51-HKLAW or contact our St. Louis big rig accident lawyer to get started on your case and begin on your road to recovery.
Joel Halvorsen
Attorney at Law
Joel Halvorsen and his partner Greg Klote founded the Halvorsen Klote law firm on the principle that injured people and their families should have access to the same quality legal representation as large insurance companies.
Greg Klote
Attorney at Law
Greg Klote is a partner and founder of Halvorsen Klote.
Greg has successfully fought for people who were injured through no fault of their own. He became a lawyer to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been wronged and treated unfairly.
Samantha Orlowski
Attorney at Law
Samantha Orlowski is a practicing attorney Halvorsen Klote.
Samantha joined Halvorsen Klote in 2018 as a law clerk and has since become a practicing attorney. Sam's number one priority is to provide individualized experiences for each client to achieve the best results.
