Truck Accidents

Mark Cantor is featured as an expert on Fox2 discussing Truck collisions

St. Louis Truck
Accident Lawyers

Winning Missouri Truck Accident Claims for 30 Years

Trucks are huge and when a truck hits a car, the car loses. Cantor Injury Law knows how to win the most money possible for car accident drivers with life-altering injuries after truck accidents. Cantor Injury Law is a recognized leader in STL and is well-known to insurance companies as a law firm that wins truck injury cases routinely. If you have been involved in a truck accident in St. Louis or the surrounding area, you need to protect yourself and your family.

It’s important for you and your family to get the best possible lawyer to represent you and seek the maximum compensation and money damages available for you. The sooner you can get a local lawyer on your side, the better because the trucking company started defending the case the second after it happened! Insurance companies always try and pay as little money as possible. With the help of a St. Louis truck accident lawyer from Cantor Injury Law, LLC, we can help you preserve evidence, including black box data that records speeds and braking, airbag deployment, and other data, along with any video and phone records.

Cantor Injury Law is AV rated preeminent.  That is the highest possible rating for both skill and integrity. Cantor has a proven success record in trucking accident cases. Recently, our firm helped win $5 million for a deserving family in a trucking death case. If you were injured, we are here to protect your best interests throughout the legal process.

Trucking accidents often result
in serious injuries, including:

See also: Car Accidents and other injuries.

Not seeing your injury type here? We handle all types of car accident cases, contact us today to learn more about how we can represent you.

Let Us Guide You Through the Difficult Road Ahead

Although you may think that filing a truck accident claim is simple, the process can be quite time-consuming and complex. At Cantor Injury Law, we have won tens of millions of dollars for those harmed by negligent trucks and we are here to help you understand every step of this process so you know what to expect. We are known for our dedication to our clients and for our compassionate representation.

Our founder, Mark Cantor, is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest level possible for ethics and ability, and has been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers®. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has a perfect 10 Rating on Avvo. When you choose Cantor Injury Law, Mark Cantor will personally meet and represent you.

Why should you work with Cantor Injury Law?

  • We have been serving the local community since 1993
  • We have represented thousands of truck accident victims in St. Louis
  • We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients
  • You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case

We know you need a good lawyer who will win you the most money in your accident case, so we invite you to compare reviews, fees and victories.   We are known to be the best and we take a smaller percentage of your recovery than many of our competitors, so you get more money when the case is won.

Helping You Pursue Compensation for Your Injuries

At Cantor Injury Law, we believe that accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for their medical bills, missed wages, hospitalization, and pain and suffering. When you work with our St. Louis truck accident lawyers, you can rest assured that a high-quality legal representative will be by your side through every step of the process.

Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers Will Help If A Semi Pictured Here Hits You.

Common Causes of Trucking
Accidents in St. Louis

Trucking accident cases in St. Louis tend to be more complex than ordinary car accidents because of the many federal laws governing trucking, and the fact that each state has its own trucking laws. Many of these large tractor-trailers travel through every state. Therefore, different laws may apply, depending on exactly where the accident occurred.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Tired, distracted, or unskilled drivers – Often, the negligence of a truck driver is to blame for a collision. Truck drivers will travel for hours at a time, contributing to potentially dangerous fatigue. Driving a semi-truck requires a great deal of skill, and an inexperienced driver can make mistakes that endanger others. Distracted driving is just as hazardous in a truck as it is behind the wheel of any vehicle.
  • Speeding – Since large commercial motor vehicles are not as nimble as small passenger cars and require much longer distances to safely stop, trucks are subject to strict speed limits to protect other motorists and pedestrians from harm. In Missouri, commercial trucks may not exceed 70 mph on rural interstate roads, 60 mph on urban interstates, or 65 mph on any other limited access roads.
  • Alcohol Or Drug Intoxication – Driving a commercial truck is a dangerous task even under perfect conditions; adding alcohol or drugs into the mix can be a recipe for disaster. Truck drivers are subject to strict government regulations regarding drinking and driving. While the standard blood alcohol limit for motorists is 0.08%, the limit for commercial drivers is cut in half at 0.04%.
  • The Condition Of The Truck – If a semi-truck is not properly maintained, this can directly contribute to an accident. Like any vehicle, a malfunction with the engine, brakes, or another important system can cause the driver to lose control. This is particularly dangerous when dealing with a vehicle so large.
  • Weight That Is Not Properly Distributed – An important component of proper truck handling is loading cargo in a way that evenly distributes the weight of the items. If a truck is not properly loaded, the uneven weight can cause issues for the driver, or cause the truck to jackknife. Jackknifing is when an unevenly weighted trailer bends, which can, in some cases, propel the truck to spin around.

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What to Do After a Trucking Accident

If you have been involved in a trucking accident in St. Louis:

  • Stop and attend to anyone who is injured. Call for an ambulance if anyone is seriously injured and needs immediate medical attention.
  • Call the police and report the crash. The responding police officer will help get the situation under control and inform you of your immediate next steps. They will also create an accident report will be important evidence later on when building your case. Tell them your account of what happened, speak truthfully, but do not admit fault in any way.
  • Exchange information with all involved parties. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, insurance policy numbers, vehicle registration information, and driver’s license numbers with the truck driver and all other involved motorists. If you can, get the name and badge number of any responding police officers. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the crash as well.
  • Collect as much evidence as you can. Take photographs of all damage to your vehicle, the truck, the positioning of the vehicles, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and any injuries you may have suffered.
  • Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. The adrenaline rush of the crash may be delaying your injury symptoms. If you do not receive treatment at the scene of the crash or are not immediately taken to a hospital, seek a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Tell the doctor you were involved in a truck accident and inform them of any and all pain you may be experiencing.
  • Inform your insurance company of the crash. You generally must report the crash to your insurance company within a few days of the collision. Report the crash but do not admit fault or make any statements without first speaking to an attorney.
  • Contact an attorney. ​​Due to the immense damage and financial liability associated with trucking accidents, these cases are often heavily scrutinized by insurance companies and require the skills of a seasoned attorney. Having a knowledgeable legal advocate by your side can help ensure your rights are protected during this time and maximize your chances of securing the compensation you need.

Statute of Limitations for Trucking Accident Lawsuits

Personal injury lawsuits in Missouri related to trucking accidents are subject to a five-year statute of limitations, meaning truck accident victims typically have up to the fifth anniversary of the date of their crash to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties in pursuit of compensation. If you try to file a lawsuit after this time period has passed unless a rare exception applies that grants you more time, the courts will almost certainly dismiss your case.

While five years may seem like a lengthy amount of time, trucking accident cases can be extremely complex and involve long investigation periods which can take months or even years to complete. Even if you believe that your case will be resolved through an out-of-court insurance settlement, it is important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after a trucking accident to keep your options open and give yourself enough time to meet all deadlines that may apply to your case.

Holding the Responsible Parties Accountable

Regardless of the cause of your accident, we believe that the driver who behaved negligently should be held accountable for their actions. A trucking company must be extra careful about which drivers they hire, especially considering the grave consequences of a truck driver’s negligence. When trucking companies fail to properly screen their employees, they can be held liable alongside their drivers using the legal theories of negligent hiring.

If you have questions about your case and how our firm can help you, we encourage you to meet with our St. Louis truck accident attorneys. Get started by contacting Cantor Injury Law at (314) 628-9999 to arrange your free initial consultation.

Truck collisions cause catastrophic injuries because of their weight. Commercial trucks are vital for logistical and delivery work, but because of the risks involved with negligent truck drivers, the law requires that trucks have more insurance available.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Missouri you need to hire a truck accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Cantor Injury Law is here to help. We are located in Missouri and Southern Illinois, so if you need a truck accident attorney, call Cantor Injury Law today.

Truck accidents can cause an incredible amount of damage and injuries, and because many of these accidents happen on freeways at high speeds, determining fault can be difficult. Cantor Injury Law has the experience to help you win. We’ll do everything in our power to ensure that you can recover from your accident as quickly and smoothly as possible and win the Big Bucks

Call us today at 314.628-9999  to hire the best professional truck accident attorney.

St. Louis Truck Accident FAQ

How much are most truck accident settlements?

Truck accident settlements can vary widely based on factors such as the severity of injuries, property damage, and liability. On average, settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial to evaluating the specific details of your case.

What is the number one injury for truck drivers?

The most common injury for truck drivers is musculoskeletal injuries, often related to the physical demands of long hours of driving and handling cargo. Back injuries, strains, and sprains are prevalent due to the nature of their work.

Who is most often at fault in crashes between cars and large trucks?

Determining fault depends on the circumstances of each accident. In some cases, car drivers may be at fault for unsafe maneuvers, while truck drivers could be liable for issues like fatigue or equipment failure. Investigations are essential for accurate fault attribution.

Where do most truck accidents occur?

Truck accidents often occur on highways and major roads where large trucks frequently travel. Intersections, construction zones, and areas with complex traffic patterns are also common locations for truck accidents.

How do truck accidents differ from car accidents?

Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several ways. Trucks have longer stopping distances, higher blind spots, and different maneuvering capabilities. Additionally, trucking regulations, such as weight limits and driver hours, contribute to distinctions in the causes and outcomes of accidents.

Who is more at risk during a large truck collision?

In collisions involving large trucks, occupants of smaller vehicles are more at risk due to the size and weight disparity. Smaller vehicles may sustain greater damage, and occupants face a higher risk of severe injuries or fatalities compared to truck occupants. Vigilance and caution are crucial for all drivers on the road.