The #1 St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

How Can a St. Louis Truck Accident Attorney from THL Help You?

TorHoerman Law (THL) is here to help if you’ve been injured in a truck accident through no fault of your own.

Our team of St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers and legal staff develop and implement a strategic approach to help victims of truck accidents receive the full compensation and support they deserve.

We begin by conducting a thorough investigation of your truck accident case, gathering evidence such as trucking logs, vehicle maintenance records, police reports, and witness testimonies to establish the cause of the accident and determine liability.

We also carefully evaluate the full scope of your losses (damages), including medical expenses, future rehabilitation needs, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

An experienced Truck Accident Lawyer from THL is prepared to negotiate with the trucking company and insurance company of the at-fault party to pursue compensation.

If negotiations fail, our Truck Accident Lawyers are fully equipped to take your case to court and fight for your rights.

TorHoerman Law’s team of accident lawyers prioritize open communication and transparency with our clients.

We are here to answer your questions, provide regular updates, and offer actionable guidance throughout the legal process.

We understand that recovering from a truck accident is both physically and emotionally demanding, and we are committed to supporting you through every step.

Our firm is built on respect, compassion, and a deep understanding of how truck accidents and other motor vehicle accidents can seriously disrupt your life.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a St Louis Truck Accident Attorney from THL?

It costs nothing to hire the St Louis Truck Accident Attorneys from TorHoerman Law.

THL operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

We believe that a person’s financial situation should never prevent them from accessing top-tier legal representation.

Our priority is to secure justice and compensation for you, so we take on the financial risk, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

Meet Our St Louis Truck Accident Attorneys

Eric Terry leads the St. Louis Truck Accident Legal Team at TorHoerman Law (THL).

With extensive experience in handling truck accident cases and car accident cases, Eric is known for his thorough and strategic approach in advocating for clients injured by the negligence of trucking companies and truck drivers.

At TorHoerman Law, we take a distinctive approach to personal injury cases, especially truck accident claims.

Rather than assigning a single attorney to manage your case, we assemble a team of experienced attorneys, each contributing their unique expertise to tackle the specific challenges found in truck accident lawsuits.

By leveraging the knowledge and skills of multiple attorneys, we provide a comprehensive legal strategy that is both detailed and aggressive.

This allows us to seek fair compensation and provide victims with the most robust and thorough representation possible.

Here are some of the other key attorneys at THL who handle truck accident cases:

• Steve Davis: With over 30 years of legal experience, Steve Davis has dedicated his career to representing those harmed at no fault of their own. Steve’s deep commitment to justice is reflected in his extensive litigation experience, making him a powerful advocate for truck accident victims in the region.
• Ken Brennan: Ken Brennan is a trial attorney with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in personal injury and mass tort litigation. Known for his research skills, Ken understands the intricacies of defense strategies, which allows him to effectively counter the tactics of insurance companies in major personal injury cases.
• Chad Finley: Chad Finley brings a unique blend of legal and medical knowledge to TorHoerman Law, with over a decade of experience in assessing the long-term impacts of injuries on clients. His expertise in understanding the medical ramifications of trucking accidents enables him to assess damages and pursue compensation for victims.
• Tyler Schneider: As the managing partner of TorHoerman Law, Tyler Schneider plays a pivotal role in the firm’s success. With more than a decade of experience, Tyler’s strong leadership and deep connections within the St. Louis community underscore his commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients.
• Alexis Robinson: Alexis Robinson is a rising star at TorHoerman Law, bringing a fresh perspective to the legal team as a recent graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Alexis assists in all phases of the discovery process and supports the senior attorneys throughout litigation.

Our Experienced Support Staff

Our dedicated support staff, including paralegals and legal assistants, play a vital role in shaping the client experience at TorHoerman Law.

They are often your first point of contact, providing clear, timely, and informative communication to make sure you are fully supported throughout your truck accident case.

With years of experience in personal injury law, they are experts in coordinating with our trucking accident attorneys, organizing evidence, and keeping clients updated at every stage of the legal process.

You can rely on them to answer your questions, address any concerns, and provide the support you need during this challenging time.

Our Founder: Tor Hoerman

The founder of our firm, Tor Hoerman, is a nationally recognized attorney with more than 20 years of experience.

He has built his career on advocating for people harmed by negligence, particularly in complex mass torts and personal injury cases.

His leadership and commitment to justice have earned him a reputation as a relentless advocate for his clients, securing significant settlements and verdicts throughout his career.

Tor’s innovative approach and focus on client service have positioned TorHoerman Law as a leader in personal injury law.

In addition to his legal work, Tor is actively involved in community initiatives, demonstrating his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the courtroom.

Under his leadership, the firm has recovered more than $4 billion in settlements and verdicts across various practice areas.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in St Louis, MO

St. Louis is a centralized hub where much of the nation’s cargo and freight moves through.

There are over 140,000 trucking-related jobs in Missouri – 1 in 17 jobs in the state.

While commercial logistics and freight bring business and jobs to St. Louis – it also means that many of the city’s highways are often filled with semi-trucks.

As a result, there are has been a steady increase of trucking accidents taking place in and around the city throughout the years.

The aftermath of a truck accident can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming, particularly for victims dealing with severe injuries.

In the chaos that follows a truck crash, it may be difficult to focus on anything beyond immediate recovery.

For those unable to manage the necessary tasks, seeking help from an experienced Truck Accident Lawyer can provide much-needed support.

Steps to take after a truck accident in St Louis include:

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately and seek medical care. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get evaluated by a medical professional as some conditions may not be immediately apparent.
2. Call the Police and File a Report: Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. A police report will document the incident and can serve as critical evidence later. Be sure to provide accurate details about the accident, but avoid admitting fault.
3. Document the Scene: If possible, gather as much information as you can from the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles, damages, injuries, road conditions, and any visible evidence. Collect contact information from witnesses and the truck driver, including their insurance and trucking company details.
4. Exchange Information: Exchange names, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers with the truck driver and any other parties involved in the accident. Be sure to note the truck’s license plate and the company it operates for.
5. Do NOT Admit Fault for the Truck Accident: Even if you believe you may be partially responsible for the accident, avoid admitting fault at the scene or in any conversations with the truck driver, police, or insurance companies. Fault will be determined through an investigation, and premature statements can be used against you in a truck accident claim.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company: When notifying your insurance company, provide only the necessary details about the truck accident without speculating on fault or the extent of your injuries. Stick to the facts, and let your St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer handle further communication to ensure your legal rights are protected.
7. Contact a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer: After ensuring your immediate safety and documenting the scene, contact a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you through the legal process for truck accident claims, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

We understand that if your loved one has suffered severe injuries in a commercial truck accident, they may not be able to complete these steps on their own.

In such cases, it’s important for family members or legal representatives to assist with gathering information and seeking legal counsel.

Our Truck Accident Lawyers are here to help you through this and to make sure that your loved one’s rights are protected.

Reach out to us today.

Gathering Evidence for a Truck Accident Claim

Gathering strong evidence is critical to building a successful claim.

Accidents involving trucks often require detailed documentation to prove liability and the extent of damages.

Without proper evidence, it can be challenging to hold responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Evidence in a truck accident claim may include:

• Police reports documenting the accident
• Medical records and treatment history related to your injuries
• Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
• Truck driver’s information, including licenses, insurance, and employment details
• Trucking company records, such as maintenance logs and safety violations
• Witness statements from bystanders or other drivers
• Black box data from the truck, which may show speed, braking, and other important details
• Surveillance footage or dashcam videos capturing the accident
• Proof of lost wages and other financial losses due to the accident
• Expert testimony from experts and accident reconstructionists

Damages in a Truck Accident Case

In a legal context, damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to a victim to account for the harm they have suffered due to someone else’s negligence.

In truck accident cases, these damages can cover a range of losses, from physical injuries to emotional distress and financial burdens.

Properly identifying and documenting your damages is essential to receiving fair compensation and rebuilding your life after the accident.

Damages in a truck accident case may include:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
• Future medical costs for ongoing treatment or long-term care
• Lost wages from time missed at work due to injuries
• Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or career
• Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
• Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life
• Disability or disfigurement resulting from severe injuries
• Loss of consortium for spouses or family members affected by the accident
• Punitive damages in cases where the truck driver or company acted with extreme negligence or recklessness

The Legal Process for Truck Accident Claims in Missouri

The legal process following truck crashes in St. Louis and the state of Missouri involves several key steps, with each being crucial to securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Knowing what the truck accident lawsuit process entails can help you better understand your truck accident claim and help make sure that you meet all necessary legal requirements.

Missouri follows a comparative fault system, meaning that compensation awarded in a truck accident lawsuit could be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for the truck wreck.

Working with an attorney who understands the process following St. Louis truck accidents can be highly beneficial, as they can help with everything from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements with insurance companies.

Below is a step-by-step outline of the legal process for truck accident claims in Missouri:

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Your truck accident case begins with a consultation where an attorney evaluates the merits of your claim, gathers basic details, and discusses potential legal strategies and timelines.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your attorney will investigate the accident by collecting key evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and video footage. They may also work with experts like accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your case.
3. Filing the Complaint: Once enough evidence is gathered, your attorney will file a formal complaint, outlining your legal claim and damages. This step officially starts the lawsuit.
4. Discovery and Settlement Negotiations: During discovery, both parties exchange relevant information, including depositions and documents. Settlement negotiations often occur during or after this phase to potentially resolve the case without trial.
5. Trial and Post-Trial: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where both sides present evidence. After the verdict, post-trial motions or appeals may follow, and if you win, your attorney will work to collect the judgment.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Injury Claim in St. Louis?

The deadline in which you are able to file a St. Louis truck accident claim is known as the statute of limitations.

The statute of limitations in the state of Missouri is generally five years from the date of the accident.

This means you must file your lawsuit within this time frame, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

However, there are potential exemptions that could extend this deadline.

For example, if the injured party is a minor or if the defendant leaves the state of Missouri after the accident, the statute of limitations may be tolled, or paused, until the minor reaches the age of 18 or the defendant returns to the state.

Additionally, in cases where the injury is not immediately discoverable, the statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to understand how these rules apply to your specific case and ensure your claim is filed on time.

Determining Liability in St Louis Truck Accident Claims

Liability in truck accident claims can be more complex than in typical car accident cases due to the involvement of multiple parties.

In addition to the truck driver, liability may extend to the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even third-party maintenance providers.

For example, a truck company might be held responsible if they failed to properly maintain their fleet or pressured drivers to ignore safety regulations.

Similarly, the truck’s cargo loaders could be liable if improperly secured freight caused the accident.

Determining liability requires a thorough investigation of the accident, including reviewing the truck’s black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.

An experienced St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer will help identify all responsible parties to maximize your compensation.

Holding multiple parties accountable aims to guarantee that accident victims receive the full financial recovery they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Trucking accidents often result in a range of serious injuries.

The sheer size and weight of large commercial trucks make these accidents particularly devastating, with victims facing long-term recovery, permanent disabilities, and significant disruptions to their daily lives.

Whether the injuries are immediately visible or develop over time, the impact of a truck accident can leave individuals and their families struggling to regain a sense of normalcy.

Common truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): A TBI can result from a strong impact to the head, leading to cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments that may be temporary or permanent.
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or full paralysis, severely limiting mobility and often requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
• Broken bones and fractures: The force of a truck accident can easily cause bones to break, leading to significant pain, limited mobility, and the need for surgery or prolonged recovery.
• Severe lacerations and deep cuts: Sharp objects or debris from the crash can cause deep cuts, which may result in significant blood loss, scarring, and the risk of infection.
• Internal injuries, including organ damage: The impact of a truck accident can cause serious internal damage to organs like the liver, lungs, or kidneys, often requiring emergency surgery and long-term treatment.
• Burns from vehicle fires or hazardous materials: Fires or hazardous substances released during a truck crash can cause severe burns, leading to disfigurement, infections, or the need for skin grafts.
• Crush injuries and amputations: When a victim’s body is pinned or crushed in the wreckage, it can lead to severe damage to limbs or tissues, sometimes necessitating amputation.
• Whiplash and other neck injuries: Sudden jerking motions in a collision often result in whiplash, causing pain and stiffness in the neck, along with long-term discomfort and limited movement.
• Soft tissue injuries such as sprains or tears: Sprains, strains, and torn muscles are common after truck accidents, leading to pain, swelling, and limited function, often requiring physical therapy.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional trauma: The emotional impact of a truck accident can be profound, leading to PTSD, anxiety, depression, or fear of driving that affects the victim’s daily life.

These injuries can have lasting effects on victims, impacting their physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability, often requiring extensive medical treatment and legal action to recover the compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in St Louis

Commercial truck accidents can result from a variety of factors, often stemming from negligence, unsafe driving practices, or mechanical failures.

Understanding the causes of these accidents is highly important in determining liability and pursuing compensation for truck accident victims.

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, even minor mistakes can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Both truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to strict safety regulations, but violations and carelessness are unfortunately common.

Below are some of the most frequent causes of truck accidents, which can have devastating effects on all involved.

Common causes of truck accidents in St Louis include:

• Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can lead to truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel or making dangerous mistakes due to exhaustion, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
• Distracted driving: Truck drivers, like all motorists, can become distracted by cell phones, GPS systems, or other in-cab technologies, diverting their attention from the road and leading to preventable collisions. TorHoerman Law has created the Let’s End Distracted Driving advocacy campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while distracted.
• Speeding or reckless driving: Driving too fast for road conditions or making aggressive maneuvers with a large truck significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, as trucks require more time to stop or maneuver safely.
• Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo: Cargo that is improperly loaded or exceeds weight limits can cause a truck to become unstable, leading to rollover accidents or causing the driver to lose control.
• Mechanical failures or lack of maintenance: Trucks that are not properly maintained are prone to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, which can result in devastating accidents.
• Poor weather conditions: Adverse weather like rain, snow, or fog can make driving large trucks even more hazardous, especially if drivers fail to adjust their speed and behavior to accommodate the conditions.
• Driver inexperience or insufficient training: Inexperienced or poorly trained truck drivers may lack the skills needed to safely operate a large truck, making critical errors that can result in accidents.
• Alcohol or drug impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a truck driver’s judgment and reaction time, leading to dangerous and often fatal accidents.
• Blind spot or no-zone accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, or “no-zones,” where smaller vehicles can go unseen by the driver. Accidents occur when drivers fail to check these areas before changing lanes or making turns.
• Jackknifing: Jackknifing occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out of alignment with the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery conditions, leading to severe collisions with other vehicles.

Understanding these common causes of truck accidents can help identify responsible parties and prevent similar tragedies.

The varying causes and types of truck accidents also highlight the importance of holding negligent drivers and companies accountable for the harm they cause.

St. Louis Commercial Trucking Rules & Safety Regulations for Truck Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was founded in 2000 and “partners with industry safety advocates, and state and local governments, to keep our nation’s roadways safe.”

Specifically, the FMCSA has enacted strict laws regulating the trucking industry in hopes of reducing the number of accidents.

Federal regulations state that each driver:

• Adheres to strict driving hour limits
• Maintain a logbook of distance and hours driven
• Ensure the truck is properly maintained
• Follow speed limits
• Follow weight limits for trucks

Weight limits are to be strictly followed, but if carrying a tractor load that is overweight, special permits can be issued by the chief engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation either for a single trip or a definite time period.

It is required by law that all semi-trucks undergo routine “systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance” – but how often is dependent on the fleet and type of vehicle.

If the company fails to properly maintain the truck, they could be held liable for any accidents that occur.

In Missouri specifically, drivers must first pass a skill and knowledge test before obtaining their commercial driver’s license (CDL).

While drivers must be 21 to cross state lines while transporting goods in a large truck, each state can pass its own state laws regulating the age of an individual driving only on state roads.

In Missouri, 18 is the legal age a person can drive a semi-truck.

Complying with OSHA Guidelines

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ran by the U.S. Department of Labor since 1970, sets strict regulations for many industries, including trucking.

OSHA works alongside other trucking regulators such as FMCSA and the U.S. Department of Transportation – it often depends on the incident and where it happened to decide which regulator will handle the investigation.

While companies are required to follow OSHA guidelines, violations can and do occur.

As a driver on the roadways, you have no way of knowing what kind of cargo is in the truck’s cargo hold.

If a trucking company or warehouse violated safety regulations, those actions can have implications on the roadways.

For example, if the cargo catches fire, the fire poses a great risk to other vehicles.

The legal team working on your truck accident claims will evaluate the police report and previous OSHA citations to decide on further action.

St. Louis Truck Accident Statistics

Understanding the prevalence and impact of truck accidents in the St. Louis area is crucial for raising awareness and promoting safety measures.

In recent years, Missouri has experienced a notable increase in traffic fatalities, with truck accidents being a significant contributing factor.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reported a 12% rise in truck accident deaths from 2019 to 2020.

While comprehensive data for 2023 is still being compiled, preliminary reports indicate a slight decrease in traffic fatalities compared to previous years.

Despite these trends, truck accidents remain a significant concern due to the substantial size and weight of commercial vehicles, which can lead to severe consequences in collisions.

Recent Truck Accident Statistics in Missouri:

• Total Traffic Fatalities: In 2021, Missouri recorded 1,007 traffic fatalities, marking a 2% increase over 2020 and the second consecutive year of rising fatality numbers after nearly a decade of decline.
• Commercial Vehicle Involvement: In 2021, 6.24% of commercial motor vehicle accidents in Missouri occurred on roadways other than highways, with a total of 985 such accidents reported.
• Crash Severity: In 2019, Missouri reported 881 traffic fatalities, which increased to 989 in 2020, indicating a rising trend in traffic-related deaths.
• Nationwide Crash Involvement: Large trucks are frequently involved in fatal crashes, with 5,837 large trucks implicated in such incidents nationwide in 2022.
• Contributing Factors: The Missouri State Highway Patrol identifies speeding and alcohol use as the two leading contributing factors in traffic crashes statewide.
• Economic Impact: Traffic crashes, including those involving trucks, impose significant economic costs on Missouri, estimated at approximately $12.8 billion annually.

These statistics highlight the critical need for targeted safety initiatives, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks associated with truck accidents in Missouri and the St. Louis region.

TorHoerman Law: Your St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

TorHoerman Law is committed to helping truck accident victims secure compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.

Our team of experienced Truck Accident Attorneys understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that truck accidents in St Louis can take on your life.

We are committed to holding negligent trucking companies and truck drivers accountable and making sure that you are compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and other relevant damages.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident at no fault of your own in the St. Louis area, you may be eligible to take action and file a St. Louis Truck Accident Claim.

Contact the experienced St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers at TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a truck accident victim claim instantly.