Kansas City, MO Truck Accident Attorney
Accidents involving semi trucks are some of the most serious auto accidents that occur in Kansas City. When a semi truck makes a sharp turn and loses its center or gravity, it can turn on its side and either fall on or slide into other cars, causing large pile ups and serious injuries. Direct collisions can be even worse, resulting in extensive injuries and death.
When you’re injured in a truck accident in Kansas City, you need someone who can help you pay off your medical bills and replace your damaged car. At the Popham Law Firm, we’re dedicated to keeping the highways and roads of Kansas and Missouri safe for all drivers and others who share the road. We treat each of our client’s cases with the utmost respect and do our very best to ensure that our clients receive the best possible outcome for their cases.
Truck-Auto Negligence
When a semi trailer truck collides with a car, the results are hardly ever positive. The size of these trailers is usually enough to cause serious damages to passengers in the smaller vehicles, and they can destroy these cars easily. While drivers and passengers in the other vehicle may be seriously hurt or even killed, many truck drivers walk away from the accidents without a single injury.
In most instances, a plaintiff in an auto accident lawsuit can bring a case against either the driver or the trucking company itself. The most common charge is negligence, which simply means that the driver or trucking company was driving without proper care or attention to the road.
All truck drivers owe a duty of care to other drivers. This means they are responsible for driving safely and responsibly and remaining sober while on the road. If the court finds that this duty has been breached, then the driver may be found negligent.
Like all drivers, truck drivers have a duty to:
- Travel within the speed limit (70 mph for all trucks on Kansas highways and roads).
- Remain sober and alert while behind the wheel.
- Heed all posted signs.
The trucking company can be held responsible in certain instances. If the driver had previous DWI convictions, for example, and the company still hired him, then they may be held partially responsible for the accident. Similarly, if the truck was in disrepair, the company may also be liable for damages owed to the plaintiff.
Damages
When a court orders a defendant to pay off medical bills or compensation for a major loss, this is called a “damage.” Damages are simply monetary amounts that are paid to plaintiffs.
There are two types of damages: economic and non-economic. In a truck and auto accident in Kansas City, plaintiffs can sue for economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and damaged property. When the court awards the plaintiff damages, it will calculate these costs based on evidence provided at the trial, such as the bills themselves or estimations of wages based on what was being earned before the accident.
Non-economic damages are a little more complicated. These damages involve pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other more emotional terms. They are usually a little more difficult to prove and it will be up to the jury to decide just how much a plaintiff deserves for their pain and suffering. For example, a person whose face is badly burned and disfigured in a truck and auto accident might sue for emotional distress, alleging that going out in public with a scared and disfigured face is a true pain
Your attorney will help you decide what you will claim in your lawsuit. If you’re considering filing a lawsuit, speak with an attorney at the Popham Law Firm as soon as possible so we can help you make the best decisions for your case.
Contact the Popham Law Office
Being in a truck accident can be a life-changing experience. Your injuries could be severe, stopping you from enjoying your favorite hobbies or performing simple tasks for yourself. If your car is wrecked, you will need a replacement as soon as possible. There is little time to waste after an accident. It is imperative that you contact an attorney and get started on the fight for the money that is rightfully yours
The Top Truck & Auto Accident Attorneys in Kansas City
If you have a question or would like to get in touch with the Popham Law Firm, please give us a call at (816) 221-2288 today. Also, feel free to schedule an appointment to visit our downtown office.
You matter.
We believe the best legal outcomes happen when lawyers commit to clients, not just results. We’re dedicated to exceeding your expectations in every way— from the way we treat you to the size of your settlement.