Kendall Law Group LLC
Skilled Truck Accident Injury Lawyers in Kansas City, Missouri
Here to Help You Put Your Life Back Together
Compassionate Guidance When You Need It Most
If you or your loved one has suffered serious injuries in a car wreck caused by a semi-truck or commercial vehicle in Kansas or Missouri, you need skilled legal representation. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Truck Accident Trial Lawyers, Kendall Law Group, boasting over thirty years of dedicated personal injury representation, is committed to helping you rebuild your life. Our seasoned team is equipped to handle the complexities of your case, ensuring your rights are upheld and you receive the support and advocacy necessary in this pivotal time.
Understanding the Severity of Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents, especially those involving commercial vehicles, stand apart in their potential for severity and the profound impact they can have on individuals and families. These accidents often result in catastrophic consequences due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. The injuries sustained are typically more severe, ranging from traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage, and can lead to long-term or permanent disabilities. The emotional and financial toll on victims and their families can be overwhelming, as they face a challenging road to recovery, often laden with substantial medical expenses, lost income, and life-altering adjustments.
Truck Accident Injuries v. Car
Accident Injuries
Semi-truck accidents in Kansas and Missouri are far more likely to result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries than accidents among passenger vehicles. Due to their weight and size, commercial trucks require longer distances to stop and impact with harder force. Enormous size combined with excessive speed is often disastrous. Semi-trucks hauling hazardous material also pose higher risks for fires and explosions. The most common injuries sustained in semi-truck accidents are head and neck trauma, broken bones, burns, cuts and lacerations, internal bleeding and spinal cord injuries. Such catastrophic injuries require extensive medical treatment, resulting in mountains of medical bills, time away from work, and in some cases, permanent disability and/or disfigurement.
Being seriously injured in a semi-truck accident can be physically, mentally, and financially devastating for many individuals and families.
Kansas City Truck Accident Causes
In our experience, many Kansas City semi-truck wrecks have common causation factors. These include excessive speed, distracted driving, driving too fast for conditions and/or traffic levels, fatigued drivers, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and mechanical failures.
Many trucking companies fail when screening new employees, and hire drivers with questionable driving histories, such as repeat traffic violations, histories of alcohol and drug abuse, and those with minimal driving experience. Other companies offer little to no safety training and do not have a functional safety program to prevent or reduce the number of preventable accidents. Other companies fail to properly maintain
their equipment.
In some cases, the truck driver is also a victim and has been taken advantage of by their employer, being pushed past the point of exhaustion to meet unrealistic delivery expectations. A tired and stressed-out driver behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer is clearly unsafe.
Kansas City Truck Accident, Who is Liable?
After a Missouri or Kansas heavy truck accident, if the driver is an independent operator, you may have a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the operator is employed by a commercial carrier, in some cases, the carrier may also be held liable for their employees’ (drivers’) actions. This is accomplished through the negligent hiring doctrine and respondeat superior.
The negligent hiring doctrine also extends to company employees who intentionally harm someone in circumstances of road rage. For the doctrine to be applicable, the carrier must have known or reasonably should have known that its employee posed a risk of inflicting harm. This comes into play when drivers are hired with a criminal record or a history of traffic violations or drug and alcohol abuse. This doctrine also extends to other commercial vehicles, such as company vans, trucks, buses, and box trucks.
The Legal Journey for Truck Injury Victims
Navigating the legal aftermath of a truck accident can be a complex and daunting journey for victims. We are dedicated to guiding you through every step of this process with clarity and compassion. This journey typically begins with a comprehensive case evaluation, where we listen to your story, gather crucial details, and assess the full impact of the accident on your life. We then move forward with gathering evidence, which may include accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies to build a strong foundation for your claim.
Understanding the nuances of trucking regulations and laws is crucial, and our team diligently works to identify any violations or negligence that contributed to the accident. As we navigate through the legal intricacies, we keep you informed and involved, ensuring that you understand your rights and the legal options available to you. Whether it involves negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, our goal is to advocate for your best interests, aiming to secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Throughout this journey, we prioritize open communication and empathetic support, recognizing the emotional and physical challenges you face. We strive to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects. With our guidance, the path toward justice and recovery becomes more navigable, providing a sense of closure and the means to move forward after such a life-altering event.
What to Do After a Kansas City Truck Accident
Being involved in a truck accident can be an overwhelming and disorienting experience. It's crucial to know the right steps to take immediately following the incident, not only for your safety and health but also to protect your legal rights. Here’s a guide on what to do in the aftermath of a truck accident:
- Ensure Safety: First and foremost, check for injuries and ensure everyone's safety. If it's safe to do so, move to a secure location away from traffic.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s crucial to get police and medical personnel to the scene. Police will document the accident, and medical staff will attend to any injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention: Don't underestimate your injuries. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, might not be immediately apparent. It’s essential to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
- Document the Scene: If it’s safe, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any injuries. Collect names and contact details of witnesses.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). However, limit your conversation about the accident with them. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be factual about the details but refrain from admitting fault or giving more information than necessary.
- Keep Records: Document everything related to the accident. This includes medical bills, repair estimates, time off work, and any other expenses incurred due to the accident.
- Avoid Quick Settlement Offers: Be cautious of quick settlement offers from insurance companies. These initial offers might be less than what you’re entitled to for your injuries and damages.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult with a truck accident attorney, preferably one with experience in handling commercial vehicle accidents. An attorney can offer guidance, help you understand your rights, and provide representation in dealing with insurance companies and any legal proceedings.
- Follow-up on Medical Treatment: Continue to follow up with medical treatment as advised by healthcare professionals. This is crucial for your health and serves as documentation of your injuries and recovery process.
Following these steps can help ensure your safety and well-being while also laying a solid foundation for any legal actions you may need to take. Remember, your actions immediately following the accident are critical, and seeking professional legal advice can be a wise decision to protect your interests.
Tailored Legal Support for Truck Accident Injury Victims
At Kendall Law Group LLC, we recognize that each truck accident victim's situation is unique, with its own set of challenges and needs. Understanding this, we offer tailored legal support that is specifically designed to address the individual circumstances of each client. Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of your case, considering all the nuances of your specific incident. We delve into the details of the accident, the extent of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the long-term repercussions you may face. By doing so, we can develop a personalized legal strategy that not only seeks to secure the compensation you deserve but also aligns with your personal recovery goals and the specific challenges you encounter. Our commitment is to provide not just legal representation, but a supportive partnership that guides you through the complexities of your case while respecting your journey and prioritizing your well-being.
Truck Accident Injury Lawyers Near Me
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a commercial vehicle collision, Kendall Law Group LLC is here to support you. With over 30 years of experience in handling such cases, we are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation and support you deserve.