Kansas City truck accidents are vastly different from regular car accidents, primarily due to the sheer size and weight of these massive vehicles. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs around 3,000 pounds.
This significant weight difference magnifies the force of the collision and increases the likelihood of inflicting catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Victims of truck accidents frequently face long-term or permanent disabilities, extensive medical treatments, and substantial financial burdens.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, contact the Kansas City truck accident lawyers at Empower Injury Law today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
GET HELP FOR YOUR ACCIDENT FROM OUR KANSAS CITY TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER
At Empower Injury Law, we help our clients in Kansas City, Missouri secure compensation for their truck accident injuries:
Rear-end collisions
Head-on collisions
Sideswipe accidents
Jackknife accidents
Rollover accidents
Underride accidents
Tire blowout
COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN KANSAS CITY
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks account for 9.3 percent of all fatal traffic crashes nationwide. Understanding the causes of these truck accidents is important for improving road safety and preventing future tragedies.
Here are the common causes of truck accidents we encounter:
Distracted Driving: Truck drivers can get distracted by phones, GPS devices, or other in-cab technology. Given the size and weight of trucks, even a brief distraction can result in a serious accident.
Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes beyond their regulated limits, leading to fatigue. Tired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel, all of which can lead to serious collisions.
Speeding or Reckless Driving: Due to tight delivery schedules, some truck drivers exceed speed limits or engage in reckless driving to meet deadlines. Speeding in a large truck greatly reduces the driver’s ability to stop or maneuver quickly, increasing the risk of accidents.
Driving Under the Influence: Impaired driving is dangerous for any vehicle but can result in catastrophic accidents for large commercial trucks.
Mechanical or Manufacturing Failures: Trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or faulty engine components can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. In some cases, manufacturing defects in parts or the truck itself can also lead to accidents.
Improper Loading: Trucks carrying improperly loaded cargo pose a significant risk. Unbalanced or unsecured loads can shift during transit, causing the truck to tip over or the driver to lose control.
Inadequate Training: Commercial truck drivers require specialized training to handle large vehicles safely. Insufficient training or lack of experience can result in poor decision-making, especially in critical situations.
COMMON INJURIES IN TRUCK ACCIDENTS
In 2023, 137 people lost their lives in crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, according to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. Sadly, far more people suffer serious injuries in these accidents.
The massive size and weight of trucks can cause devastating injuries that often require extensive medical treatment and have lasting effects on victims’ lives. Here are some of the most common injuries resulting from commercial truck accidents:
RECOVERING COMPENSATION FOR YOUR TRUCK ACCIDENT INJURIES
The consequences of truck accidents go beyond physical injuries. The emotional trauma and financial strain of lost wages and mounting medical bills can be overwhelming.
As your Kansas City truck accident lawyer, we work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation needed to recover and rebuild your life after a truck accident.
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensates for income lost during recovery and potential future earnings.
Property Damage: Reimburses repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and personal property.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort.
Emotional Distress: Covers anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma resulting from the accident.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Accounts for inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Loss of Consortium: Compensates for the impact on personal relationships and support.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
Punitive damages can be awarded in truck accident cases when the at-fault party’s actions are deemed exceptionally reckless or malicious. These damages go beyond compensating the victim—they aim to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases involving extreme negligence, such as driving under the influence, gross violations of safety regulations, or intentional misconduct. However, they are rare and only apply when the defendant’s conduct is deemed egregious.
HOW MUCH IS MY TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?
The value of a truck accident claim can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the specifics of the accident.
Contact the truck accident lawyer at Empower Injury Law for a free consultation to learn more about the potential value of your case.
KANSAS CITY TRUCK ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT
$800,000+ Truck Accident Settlement
Our client was hit on the side of her car by a fully loaded semi-truck when the truck driver made a last-second lane change to avoid taking an exit on the highway.
Our client suffered spinal injuries that were so severe she couldn’t work in her job as a housecleaner anymore, and she didn’t have health insurance to get the treatment she needed to get better.
We were able to help her find medical providers who would work with her insurance situation. Then we got her a settlement that paid off her medical bills and put a large amount in her pocket so she could start a new career as a real estate investor. She’s doing well now.
HEAR FROM OUR SATISFIED CLIENTS
“Kevin helped us with a moto vehicle accident. He was knowledgeable, respectful and truly was concerned with our well-being. Most importantly, he listened to us. He explained the process he would go through in dealing with the insurance companies and handled everything. We didn’t have to worry about dealing with anything except recovering from our injuries and for that we are extremely grateful!”
–Julie
“I would recommend Kevin for your auto accident attorney! He was amazing and did a fabulous job with helping me with my settlement and went above and beyond! I will definitely use your services again!”
–Aracely
DETERMINING FAULT AND LIABILITY IN A KANSAS CITY TRUCK ACCIDENT
Truck accidents are more complex than a typical car accident case. Multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and even truck part manufacturers, can be held liable.
Additionally, trucking companies often have powerful insurance companies and legal teams ready to dispute claims, further complicating the process for injured victims seeking compensation.
When determining who’s responsible in a truck accident case, we consider four main elements:
Duty of Care: The truck driver or trucking company must have a legal duty to act carefully. For example, truck drivers must follow traffic laws, maintain their vehicles, and adhere to hours-of-service regulations to avoid driving while fatigued.
Breach of Duty: We examine whether the truck driver or trucking company failed to meet their duty. Did the driver speed, run a red light, or drive beyond the allowed hours? Or did the company neglect regular maintenance checks? Any of these actions could be a breach of duty.
Causation: It’s important to prove that the breach caused the accident and your injuries. For instance, if a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel due to exceeding driving hours, which led to the crash, the breach caused the injury.
Damages: Finally, we demonstrate that the accident caused actual harm to the injured party. This could be physical injuries requiring medical treatment, lost wages due to the inability to work, and pain and suffering endured after the accident.
The Kansas City truck accident lawyers at Empower Injury Law will investigate your claim to build a strong case. They will review:
Log Entries: Truck drivers must track their driving and off-duty hours, as regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Hours of Service rules. Violating these regulations can lead to driver fatigue, significantly raising the risk of accidents.
Maintenance Records: Many regulations govern the maintenance of 18-wheelers. Failure to follow these guidelines could cause truck parts to fail, leading to an accident. If this is the case, the owner of the truck may be responsible.
Loading Records: If the load was placed in the truck improperly, this could cause the truck to lose control when turning or stopping. If this is the case, the company responsible for loading the truck may be held accountable for the accident.
Training and Safety: All truck drivers require a special license to operate these large vehicles. The trucking company is responsible for ensuring that the drivers have the proper driving and safety training to operate these vehicles on the road.
Breathalyzer and Medical Tests: It is common for a commercial vehicle driver to be tested for alcohol consumption at the accident scene. Further tests may be conducted to check for drug use, and any evidence of impairment could be a key factor in building your case.
COMPARATIVE FAULT LAWS IN MISSOURI
Missouri follows a comparative fault system, which means that multiple parties, including the injured person, can share responsibility for an accident.
Under this law, if you are found partially responsible for a truck accident or other personal injury, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN KANSAS CITY?
If the truck accident was partly caused by a defective or unsafe road condition maintained by a government entity, you must notify the government of your injury claim within 90 days of your injury.
If you miss these deadlines, you lose your legal right to seek compensation for your injuries. Consult with the Kansas City truck accident attorney at Empower Injury Law to ensure you file your case promptly.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT
Truck accidents are scary and stressful, leaving you shaken and unsure of what to do next. Watch this video to learn how to protect your rights after a truck accident.
HOW MUCH DOES A KANSAS CITY TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER COST?
No Upfront Costs
When you partner with Empower Injury Law, you don’t need to worry about paying any fees upfront. Our team covers all the initial costs, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added burden of legal expenses.
Pay Only When We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our payment comes as a percentage of the settlement or verdict awarded to you. The percentage depends on the complexity of your case and how long it takes to resolve. Generally, contingency fees range between 25% and 45%.
If we don’t secure a win, you owe us nothing. This ensures our commitment to achieving the best results for you.
Clear and Transparent Terms
At Empower Injury Law, transparency is a core value. We will clearly explain our fee structure from the outset, so you know exactly what to expect. There are no hidden fees or surprises, ensuring you are fully informed about the financial aspects of your case.
At Empower Injury Law, we are dedicated to providing excellent legal services without adding to your financial concerns. Call us today for a free consultation.
CONTACT A KANSAS CITY TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY
Have you or a loved one been involved in a truck accident on Kansas City’s high-traffic roads, such as I-70, I-435, I-29, or I-35? Due to the high volume of commercial vehicles on these major highways, truck accidents frequently occur.
Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries or even fatalities, so don’t wait to get help. If you’re involved in a truck accident, seek medical attention immediately and consult an experienced truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and pursue compensation.
This page was fact-checked and approved by Kevin Jones, a personal injury attorney with over 15 years of experience and a frequent speaker on personal injury topics. Voted the #1 attorney in the Courier Tribune and Gladstone Dispatch’s “Best of the Northland” annual community survey, Kevin has empowered hundreds of clients to reclaim control of their lives after serious injuries, helping them restore their finances, support their families, and move forward with confidence. His commitment to accurate, trustworthy guidance makes every page a reliable resource for those seeking support on their path to recovery.
I was in a car accident in Missouri and had no idea how to deal with all the medical bills or insurance stuff. Thankfully, I found this amazing personal injury lawyer. Kevin and his team handled everything from start to finish, and not only did they get me a great settlement, but they also got my medical bills reduced and paid off! I even ended up with a nice amount in my pocket. The whole team was super helpful, keeping me in the loop the whole time. If you need a car accident lawyer who actually cares and gets things done, I can’t recommend them enough!
—JM
Kevin went above and beyond to get the max amount awarded to me in a settlement for an automobile accident I was involved in. He guided me through the process and advocated for me until we were able to get the best settlement possible in my case. His experience, knowledge, negotiation skills, communication, and follow through took the stress off my plate and made something that could have been extremely difficult and stressful for me, an easy and stress free process. I would highly recommend Kevin if you are in need of a trustworthy and reliable lawyer who will fight for you.
—HS
After a car accident and a terrible time with the insurance companies, I contacted Kevin Jones. He jumped right in and was able to work with all parties to get a great settlement offer. He made the process easy and gave me great advice about which steps to take moving forward. I am grateful for his help and would definitely recommend him to my family and friends, should they ever find themselves in a similar situation. It is very comforting to have an expert on your side. Thank you!
—SB
I was involved in a car accident that left my life changed forever. Hiring Kevin Jones was the best decision my wife and I made after. He went to battle with the insurance companies and got me the the treatment I needed. His skills awarded my wife and I a substantial recovery along with peace of mind that we were never alone. Thank you Kevin for all the hard work you put in to protect us and keep me moving forward with my recovery.
—CJ
Kevin helped us with a moto vehicle accident. He was knowledgeable, respectful and truly was concerned with our well-being. Most importantly, he listened to us. He explained the process he would go through in dealing with the insurance companies and handled everything. We didn’t have to worry about dealing with anything except recovering from our injuries and for that we are extremely grateful!
—JS
Kevin came highly recommended by another attorney I had worked with, so he’s well thought of in the legal community and is considered an expert in his field. He’s knowledgeable, professional and experienced, so he made a very bad situation manageable. He’s also a very kind person and was so helpful during the entire process.
