How Do Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Cases in Kansas City?

If you’re injured in a collision involving a commercial truck, your legal claim differs in significant ways from a typical car accident case. Truck accident cases often involve more severe injuries, complex liability issues, and extensive federal and state litigation. When you depend on the counsel of a trusted truck accident attorney in Parkville, MO, you can understand the legal complexities of state law and move confidently forward with your case.

From a Truck Accident Attorney in Parkville, MO: Legal Differences Between a Car and a Truck Accident

Scale and Severity of the Accident

Truck accidents tend to result in more serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicle involved. While a typical car accident may involve minor property damage and short-term medical treatment, a truck accident is more likely to result in catastrophic injuries, long-term disability, or even wrongful death. This makes the valuation of damages more complicated. You must consider not only current medical bills but also future treatment, lost earning capacity, and long-term care needs.

Liability Involving Multiple Parties

In a car accident, liability typically lies with one or both drivers. In a truck accident, multiple parties can share responsibility. You may need to investigate the truck driver, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance contractor, or a cargo loader. Under Missouri law, trucking companies may be held liable for negligent hiring, poor training, or failing to follow required safety procedures. Because of this, truck accident cases require a thorough investigation into employment records, maintenance logs, and shipping contracts.

Federal and State Regulation

Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to federal rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in addition to Missouri traffic laws. These regulations cover areas such as hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and drug testing. If the driver or company violated any of these rules, it can serve as strong evidence of negligence. You must obtain and examine documents such as the driver’s logbooks, black box data, and inspection reports to build your claim.

Insurance Coverage and Policy Limits

Truck accident claims often involve larger insurance policies than car accidents. Federal law requires motor carriers to carry a minimum level of insurance that exceeds personal auto insurance limits. In Missouri, you can pursue compensation from multiple policies if more than one party is liable; however, trucking companies and insurers aggressively defend these claims due to the potential for high payouts. You need to prepare your case carefully with medical documentation, expert testimony, and substantial economic projections.

Filing Deadlines and Legal Strategy

Missouri applies a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck and car accidents. But because of the complexity of truck cases, you should act quickly. Evidence such as driver logs, GPS data, and inspection records may be destroyed if you wait too long. A lawyer can issue a preservation letter immediately and begin collecting necessary materials to protect your right to sue.

Our team is here to help you gather evidence, assess liability, and pursue full compensation for your injuries. Schedule a consultation with us today at Spooner & Perkins Attorneys at Law in Parkville, MO, to speak with an experienced attorney and move forward with a legal case, protecting your rights as you recover.

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