Any type of motor vehicle accident claim can be confusing, but it may be even more so when a commercial vehicle is involved. Worse still is that the driver’s employer, insurance company, and lawyers may try to diminish your claim to protect their profits.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can help you hold negligent parties accountable for the injuries they caused in St. Louis, Missouri. Contact us today or call us at (314) 444-4444 for a free case review with a St. Louis commercial vehicle accident lawyer.
How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in St. Louis, MO
When you are going up against a trucking company, large business, or other powerful defendant, you need an experienced attorney who can safeguard your rights. For 15 years, our personal injury lawyers have been zealously advocating for the rights of accident victims throughout St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas.
Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience and have been recognized as:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America
- Best Lawyers in St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine
- Super Lawyers
- Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Recipients of Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Rating
Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so you can become part of our successful efforts that have resulted in more than $100 million in compensation for our clients.
When you hire Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we help level the playing field by:
- Providing you with tailored legal advice and representation based on the particular circumstances surrounding your case
- Investigating the accident, issuing preservation of evidence letters, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence to help prove liability
- Explaining all legal theories that apply to your case and pathways for compensation
- Handling communication with insurance companies and other parties to protect your claim
- Working with accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, and other experts to support your claim, as necessary
- Monitoring case deadlines and taking timely legal action on your behalf
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
Learn more about your legal rights and options when you call us for a free consultation with a St. Louis commercial vehicle accident lawyer.
What Are Commercial Vehicles?
Commercial vehicles are used for business purposes, such as transporting goods or passengers. These vehicles can include large trucks, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines as any medium or heavy truck, excluding buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds. Commercial vehicles can also include cars, vans, scooters, and specialized vehicles.
Commercial vehicles may include:
- Rideshare vehicles
- Large trucks
- Party buses
- Amazon vehicles
- Taxis
- Delivery vehicles
An experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer can help determine if a commercial vehicle was involved in your accident.
What Makes Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims More Complicated?
Commercial vehicle accident cases can involve different liable parties and legal theories than a typical car accident claim. For example, employers may be responsible for accidents caused by employees based on the legal theory of respondeat superior.
In contrast, independent contractors may be responsible for the injuries they cause. Commercial vehicles may be subject to more stringent regulations that can potentially impact the outcome of the case.
Because of these complexities, you should work with a lawyer who is experienced at handling these claims.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Missouri personal injury victims can seek compensation for the damages they sustained because of the accident, including:
- Payment for medical bills
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of income and benefits
- Costs to repair or replace damaged personal property
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent impairment and disability
- Mental anguish
Our lawyers can help identify all the damages you can claim in your case.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Your case value can be affected by factors such as:
- The identity of the company involved and its insurance coverage
- The circumstances surrounding the accident
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Whether the accident caused permanent disabilities or impairments
- The extent of your pain and suffering
Additionally, if you contributed to the accident, your damages could be affected based on your degree of fault. An experienced lawyer can review all the circumstances surrounding your claim to determine a realistic settlement.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Because commercial vehicles are involved in business activities, accidents may involve factors such as:
- Distractions caused by dispatch radios, apps, phone calls, or messages regarding the business activity
- Shifting cargo that was not properly loaded or secured to the vehicle
- Mechanical failures caused by excessive wear and tear of the vehicle
- Problems with trailers, hitches, couplings, or other attachments to the vehicle
- Unqualified drivers who do not know how to safely operate the vehicle
Of course, these accidents can also be caused by the same issues that cause typical car accidents, such as drunk driving, running red lights, or disobeying traffic laws. An experienced attorney can review your case to determine why it happened and who is responsible.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri has a long five-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. However, it’s imperative that you act immediately following a commercial vehicle accident because valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed if you don’t act quickly. Preserve your rights by contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer today.
Contact Us Today for a Free, No-Obligation Case Review by a St. Louis Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Were you injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle? A St. Louis commercial vehicle accident lawyer from Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We can investigate your case, gather evidence to determine liability and account for your damages, and fight for fair compensation. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation in which we can explain your legal rights and options.
