St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys

Let Us Provide the Support You Need After a Big Rig Accident

Big rigs and semi-trucks are dangerous—and if you’ve been injured, our St. Louis truck accident lawyers are here to help. If you or someone you love has been injured in a St. Louis truck accident that was not your fault—or if you have lost a loved one in a fatal tractor-trailer accident—Meyerkord & Kurth wants to review your case to see if our truck accident lawyers can help. 

Our truck accident law firm is committed to fighting on behalf of victims and families harmed by others' negligent and wrongful acts, and we always strive to recover the maximum compensation possible.

Ready to start fighting for the compensation you deserve after a big rig accident? Contact us at (800) 391-4318 for a free case evaluation with a truck accident attorney near you today.

Why Choose Us for Your Truck Accident Case?

Commercial trucks are massive machines that can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Because of their size and weight, 18-wheelers are difficult to maneuver, slow to stop, and an ever-present danger on our roadways. An analysis of crash data gathered between 2012 and 2016 found that 9% of the state’s accidents involved commercial vehicles. However, these vehicles accounted for 14% of fatal accidents.

Having a team of strong litigators on your side is important, especially when you will be fighting big corporations and insurers. A trucking attorney who just plans to settle your case may not deliver the results you were hoping for.

Our team is well-known in the St. Louis area for providing quality representation.

• $450 million in compensation recovered
• Over 100 years of combined experience
• Named to the Missouri Super Lawyers® list
• No fee unless we win your case

Contact our truck accident lawyers in St. Louis at Meyerkord & Kurth if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a trucking accident. When a trucker or trucking company is negligent, you deserve compensation to help you receive treatment and provide a financial safety net while you adjust to the changes in your life. Additionally, the parties behind your accident should be held accountable.

Holding Truck Drivers & Companies Accountable in Missouri

Pursuing compensation after a big rig accident can be difficult, especially if more than one party was at fault. Working with commercial insurers takes a lot of time—which you may not have if you’re still recovering. Our team of St. Louis truck accident lawyers can investigate to find evidence and liability in your case. Although trucking companies may fight these claims aggressively, we have the resources and experience to stand up to them on your behalf.

Backed by a proven record of success, our St. Louis truck accident attorneys have the experience and resources to handle even the toughest cases. As part of every case we handle, we focus our efforts on determining the underlying cause and ensuring the at-fault party is held responsible. Because there are many potential causes of truck accidents and many factors at play, liability can vary depending on the issues involved.

For example, the following parties can all be liable for a truck accident:

• Drivers – Statistics show that driver error is a leading cause of truck and commercial vehicle accidents, which is why truckers must abide by a number of regulations. These include regulations that prohibit them from using drug and alcohol, hours-of-service (HOS) rules that limit the amount of hours they can drive consecutively or in a given day, and more. Truckers also have a legal obligation to safely operate their vehicles, and can be held liable for any violations or acts of negligence that lead to preventable wrecks.
• Operators – Trucking companies are ultimately responsible for their fleet and their employees. Should they commit violations, including those regarding vehicle maintenance, HOS rules, cargo loading and securements, and more, they increase risks of accidents. They are also responsible for ensuring they hire and retain properly trained and qualified drivers and employees. Trucking companies are often held liable in truck accident cases where their negligence or prioritization of profits over people causes preventable harm.
• Product Manufacturers – Not every trucking accident stems from the negligence of drivers or trucking companies; some are the result of defective and unsafe products or auto parts. For example, defective tires, faulty brakes, and other parts of a truck can malfunction or fail and cause wrecks. In these cases, victims may be able to hold the product manufacturer liable for their damages.
• Third Parties – The trucking industry is comprised of many companies that work to transport goods, which means third parties that contract with trucking operators may sometimes be liable for damages resulting from their own negligence. This may include distributors or shippers who violate cargo loading and securement regulations or maintenance companies that fail to address potential hazards on trucks. In cases where a truck accident is caused or contributed to by another motorist, those drivers may also be held liable.
• Government Agencies – When commercial truck and vehicle accidents involve motor vehicles operated by government agencies, such as public utilities or public transportation, victims may need to hold the appropriate government agency liable for their damages. Personal injury cases against the government are subject to different rules and procedures than other types of injury cases, however, which is why victims need to work with proven lawyers and bring their case to the attention of qualified attorneys as soon as possible.

Our attorneys have helped more than 40,000 victims and their families. We are prepared to help those harmed in big rig accidents throughout St. Louis, Missouri, Illinois, and beyond. Contact us to discuss your potential case in a FREE consultation.

What Are Commonly Suffered Injuries in Truck Accidents?

Any type of motor vehicle collision is capable of causing life-changing injuries, but this is especially true of accidents involving semi-trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It is not uncommon for the victims of such accidents to suffer injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crushed or severed limbs
• Severe burn injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractured bones
• Internal organ damage
• Fatal injuries

Whatever type of injury you have suffered, you should not be forced to pay the price for the trucker's negligence. Let us fight for your right to fair compensation. With our help, you may be able to secure an insurance settlement or jury verdict to pay for all of your medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing rehabilitative care and any type of equipment or medication you may require. You can also receive compensation for your lost income and reduced earning power, as well as damages for your pain, suffering and mental anguish.

Fighting Against Trucking Insurance Companies

Insurance is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and the company responsible for paying on your claim has vast resources for defending its bottom line. For example, trucking insurance companies typically have their own team of investigators who travel to the scene of the accident, evaluate the road conditions, inspect the physical damage to the vehicles, and collect statements from the accident victims.

Their goal in everything they do is to gather evidence that will minimize or eliminate the insurance company's liability to pay on claims such as yours. In light of this fact, it is advisable to hire an attorney at the outset of the case. You should at all costs avoid speaking directly with an adjuster, investigator, or claims representative, as you are at risk of saying things that would make it difficult or impossible for you to recover a fair settlement.

Ready to fight for your rights after a truck accident? Contact our firm to start your truck accident claim as soon as possible.

Rules and Regulations to Prevent Truck Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for enforcing a number of different regulations. These rules are in place to reduce the number of accidents, and failure to abide by them may be used as grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Hours of Service Regulations

The driver is only permitted to drive for a maximum of 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time and may not be on duty for more than 14 hours consecutively. The hours of service rules also place limits on the total number of hours a driver can spend behind the wheel in a seven- or eight-day period, as well as imposing conditions on whether he or she rests in a sleeper berth in the truck cab or elsewhere. The FMCSA reports that approximately 16% of roadside truck driver inspections resulted in a citation for hours of service violations in 2011.

Cell Phone Use

The FMCSA has recently enacted a ban on all use of handheld cell phones or handheld personal electronic devices for truck drivers who carry loads of hazardous materials. This includes using the phone to talk or text. Violations can result in the driver being subjected to steep fines ranging into the thousands of dollars.

Alcohol and Drug Testing

Under federal law, trucking companies are required to perform pre-employment testing, random testing, and post-accident testing of their drivers to screen for possible drug or alcohol abuse. Such tests are also required when there is a basis to suspect the trucker of drunk driving or using drugs on the job.

Cargo Securement

The loads and cargoes of semi-trucks are required to be fastened in such a way that they will remain secure and not fall off the truck or interfere with its operation. The fastenings must be able to withstand at least 80% of the full cargo weight when braking, 50% of the weight when accelerating or turning, and 20% of the weight when traversing a bump or cresting a hill.

Inspection and Maintenance

The FMCSA imposes numerous regulations concerning the routine inspection of commercial trucks, such as a requirement that the driver conduct a visual inspection of the vehicle before taking it out on the road. Any defects or worn components that are discovered must be repaired at the earliest convenience, as failure to maintain the truck can lead to accidents.

Our St. Louis Truck Accident Legal Services

• Accident Investigation: Our legal team conducts a detailed investigation into the truck accident, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage to establish liability.
• Determining Liable Parties: Truck accidents can involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, drivers, and manufacturers. We identify all potentially liable parties to ensure a comprehensive legal strategy.
• Negotiations with Insurers: Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure fair and just compensation for our clients. Our goal is to maximize your recovery and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Litigation if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, Meyerkord & Kurth is prepared to take your case to court. Our trial lawyers have the skills and experience to present a compelling case before a judge and jury.
• Ongoing Support: Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers understand that the aftermath of a truck accident can be challenging. Meyerkord & Kurth provides ongoing support, keeping you informed about the progress of your case and addressing any concerns you may have.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in St. Louis, don't hesitate to seek legal representation. Meyerkord & Kurth is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a consultation with one of our experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyers. Your rights matter, and we are committed to advocating for justice on your behalf.

To learn more about how a truck accident lawyer near you can help, call us at (800) 391-4318. Our trucking lawyers serve clients throughout the states of Missouri and Illinois.