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St. Louis, Missouri, witnesses high truck traffic due to its centralized location in America. That’s why you’ll see various commercial vehicles driving through the highways, especially the dangerous I-70.
The St. Louis roads were originally designed to handle the traffic produced by only one million residents. Hence, this high truck traffic can sometimes lead to bottlenecks during rush hours.
Most of these truck drivers exercise caution and follow safe driving practices when going through St. Louis. However, driver fatigue, the truck’s weight, overspeeding, and equipment failure can sometimes lead to road accidents. When that happens, innocent pedestrians, motorists, and car drivers suffer the consequences. These include severe physical injuries and property damage.
In this blog, we will discuss how a lawyer could help you seek the rightful compensation after a truck accident and tips for choosing one.
The Role of a Trucking Accident Lawyer in St. Louis
Statistics suggest that 14,000 people were injured in traffic crashes, and 178 St. Louis residents died in 2021. While the exact number of trucking accidents is unknown, the media is always covering such crashes.
For example, in November 2023, a man died after being trapped inside a burning pickup truck after a crash. Similarly, in October 2023, a T-bone crash occurred involving a school bus and a semi-truck.
These instances prove that trucking accidents are common in St. Louis and can occur due to anyone’s negligence. Usually, small vehicles, bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians suffer severe consequences like injuries and property damage. Hence, you are highly vulnerable to these accidents if you regularly drive or walk through St. Louis streets.
When that happens, the liable parties will try their best to avoid giving the victims compensation. They might use aggressive and illegal tactics to protect their interests and minimize liability. However, victims are usually unaware of their rights because they feel overwhelmed by the legal aspects.
That’s when a St. Louis trucking accident lawyer comes into the picture. An attorney understands the complexities of the St. Louis truck accident laws. Hence, they’ll advocate for justice and help you navigate the legal system without any hurdles.
According to TorHoerman Law, lawyers registered in Missouri will protect the St. Louis trucking accident victim’s rights and maximize their eligible compensation. They will negotiate the payouts with the insurance companies, truck drivers, and trucking companies.
Overall, they have a better understanding of truck accident laws than regular personal injury lawyers. With their help, victims can receive individual payouts between USD 20,000 and USD 100,000 or more.
Selecting a Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Louis: 3 Things to Consider
A lawyer’s expertise could make or break your case. Ideally, their success rate will determine the payouts you receive for your losses. Hence, you must follow these tips to find a trucking accident lawyer to navigate the St. Louis legal path seamlessly:
#1. Legal Experience
You should look for a lawyer registered in Missouri with specific expertise in handling St. Louis truck accident cases. They should have the necessary legal records and technical know-how about trucking accident law.
With years of experience in this area, your lawyer can easily build a strong case and maximize your winning chances. For that, they’ll investigate the accident scene and assess the evidence provided. Ideally, an experienced lawyer will meet strict deadlines and regularly communicate with you.
#2. Customer Testimonials
The next thing you should look for is client testimonials. Positive reviews will give you confidence in the lawyer’s ability to represent your case. That’s why you should hire someone with a good reputation among your fellow St. Louis residents.
Try to go through online reviews and pay attention to what other people have to say about similar lawsuits. Customer testimonials act as a valuable insight to determine the lawyer’s reputation. These will help you understand whether they are effective in handling and resolving truck accident cases.
#3. Success Rate
According to Fox Magazine, assessing a lawyer’s success rate and track record is a crucial step before hiring one. Most lawyers will have a database of their legal battles to keep track of their successes. Hence, you can check their track record to understand the rate at which they can obtain compensation for truck accident clients.
Technically, you can calculate their success rate based on the compensation amount they drew out from defendants compared to the number of claims they’ve won. An experienced and reputed St. Louis truck accident lawyer will be happy to share their success rate with you.
In summary, St. Louis roads aren’t safe for the residents due to the high number of truck traffic. In 2021, the city witnessed 24 fatalities for every 100,000 residents due to vehicular crashes. While you cannot predict on-road behavior, you can always try to be safe from truck accidents. For instance, you must keep away from blind spots, keep a safe distance while driving, avoid speeding or overtaking, and use your seat belts.
Moreover, you can seek legal action if you get into a truck accident, even after being careful. Remember to check the lawyer’s experience, past testimonials, and success rate before hiring. Only then can you receive the rightful compensation.
