St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

People see their lives forever changed due to crashes with commercial vehicles that caused serious injury.

At Drafahl Law Firm, our legal team understands the pain and suffering resulting from these devastating accidents. Our focus is exclusively on personal injury claims and we have represented many truck accident victims in both litigation and settlement negotiations. 

When you need a compassionate, knowledgeable St. Louis personal injury attorney who will fight for you from day one, we are the firm to call.

Just reach out to (314) 300-6260 to schedule your free consultation to learn how we can help. 

Introducing St. Louis Attorney Nolan Drafahl

Nolan Drafahl is a founding partner at Drafahl Law Firm, where he works alongside his wife Julia to serve clients throughout Missouri and Illinois. He has built a reputation for achieving positive results for individuals and families in St. Louis, Kirkwood, Chesterfield, and beyond.

In addition to his legal practice, Nolan is an active member of the St. Louis community. He volunteers his time with the Fox 2 News Call-A-Lawyer program and serves on the Young Professionals Board of the St. Louis Crisis Nursery. Contact our firm today to schedule your free consultation with Nolan or a member of our team.

Awards & Memberships

Why Trust Drafahl Law Firm When You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

In 2023, 137 people died in accidents involving commercial vehicles in St. Louis. Every one of these deaths was a tragedy that left devastated loved ones behind. When facing the aftermath of a fatal truck accident, having the right legal support can make all the difference in securing justice for your loved one.

At Drafahl Law Firm, you will find attorneys who are both experienced litigators and skilled negotiators. Whether your case settles in or out of court, we can provide the representation you need to maximize your compensation and begin to rebuild. You can trust that your truck accident case is in good hands because:

• Our firm has successfully helped clients recover millions in claims involving commercial motor vehicles. In the past few years alone, a disputed liability case involving a CMV was resolved for $1.3 million.
• Our attorneys know the ins and outs of truck accident claims, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that can affect the outcome of your case. 
• Our past clients describe us as being a “huge help,” going the extra mile, and being attentive to their needs.

Our firm also works on contingency in truck accident claims, which means we charge legal fees only when we get compensation for you.

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How Can a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?

At Drafahl Law Firm, our goal is to resolve your case with the minimum of stress for you and, above all else, to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. When you or a loved one is hit by a truck, the trucking company and their insurer want to pay as little as possible. We won’t let them offer less than you deserve for the damage done. 

Our expert team offers the representation you need to be “made whole” after a truck accident. Some of the services we offer include:

• Obtaining “black box” data that records information about the truck’s status. 
• Obtaining other documents such as truck driver logs to help you prove liability
• Determining if Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations were violated, which creates a presumption of negligence and helps you prove your case
• Helping you to identify all potential defendants, which can often include the truck driver’s employer under Missouri vicarious liability laws
• Negotiating a settlement with the trucking company or their insurer so you can avoid court
• Proving your truck accident claim in a courtroom when no fair settlement is reached

You should receive compensation for all losses resulting from the truck crash, including medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress. If you were hit by a truck driver who was under the influence, contact our drunk driving attorneys in St. Louis to pursue compensation.

Our goal is always to get the funds you need to move forward, and our membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum shows that we have a long and successful track record of getting the verdicts our clients deserve.

What Steps Do I Take After A Truck Accident in St. Louis?

Truck accidents can dramatically impact your life, resulting in physical injuries, financial burdens, and emotional distress. Knowing what to do immediately after such an accident can protect your legal rights and health. 

Ensure Safety and Prevent Further Harm

The first priority after a truck accident is safety for yourself, passengers, and others on the road. If the accident occurred on a busy street or highway, move to a safer location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert approaching vehicles.

If there is no other immediate danger, such as a fire, and it seems safer to stay in your vehicle, that’s okay as well. 

Additionally, if you or others have sustained injuries, avoid unnecessary movement to reduce the chance of further harm. Wait for paramedics to evaluate and assist.

Contact Emergency Services Immediately

Call 911 right away after the collision, even if injuries don’t feel severe in the moment. Police and paramedics will document the accident scene, assess injuries, and create critical official records. First responders also help keep you and others safe by redirecting traffic, checking for risks like fuel leaks, and making sure all parties get urgent medical attention if needed. 

Gather Evidence, If It’s Safe To Do

Only take photos, videos, or witness names if it won’t risk your safety or health. Document the vehicles’ positions, visible damage, any skid marks, nearby traffic signals, and anything that helps recreate what happened. Evidence collected at the scene right after a crash can be used to prove exactly who was at fault and make insurance negotiations much more straightforward.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away 

See a doctor as soon as possible. Serious problems like internal injuries and brain injuries don’t always appear right away and can’t be seen without further testing. A medical evaluation right after the accident creates written proof of your injuries and helps show insurers (or jurors) a direct connection between the crash and your physical problems.

Limit Communication With Insurance Companies  

Insurance companies are often quick to contact accident victims to secure statements. While you need to inform your own insurer, be careful when discussing the accident with adjusters – even ones from your own company. 

Avoid providing recorded statements before consulting an attorney since anything you say can be used to downplay your claim. Politely inform adjusters that any discussions will occur after you’ve spoken with legal representation.

Consult a Legal Professional Experienced in Truck Accidents  

After a truck crash, it’s crucial to talk to an attorney who regularly handles commercial trucking cases. Truck accidents often involve large trucking companies, complex insurance issues, and multiple parties. A lawyer with specific trucking experience can quickly gather key evidence before it disappears. They’ll also know exactly how to push back against aggressive insurance tactics and build the strongest case to protect your rights and financial recovery.

Notify Your Insurance Provider  

Contact your insurance company after the accident to let them know you’ve been in an accident. Just give them the basic information, and never admit fault of any kind. If they ask for any type of recorded statement, tell them you’d like to speak with your attorney first. 

Keep Track of All Accident-Related Expenses  

Make sure you keep track of all of your expenses related to the accident. This should include medical expenses of all kinds, lost wages (including lost vacation, bonuses, and commission), traveling expenses, and anything else you needed to spend out of your own pocket as a result of the accident. 

Follow Through With Long-Term Medical Care  

Always follow up with any treatment the hospital or another doctor has recommended. Not only is this essential for your health but it’s also important for your case. If you don’t get consistent treatment for your injuries, the insurance company is almost certainly going to argue that your injuries aren’t really that severe and/or you’ve made them worse by not following your doctor’s orders. 

Pain Journals

Keep a diary recording pain levels or limitations you experience daily. This personal account adds insight into how the accident continues to affect your life. 

Facing a truck accident in St. Louis can feel overwhelming, but taking these steps can protect your well-being and legal rights.

How To Determine Who Is At Fault After a St. Louis Truck Accident?

When large trucks are involved in accidents, determining fault can sometimes become complicated. A thorough understanding of how fault is determined and what evidence matters can help you safeguard your legal rights and strengthen any insurance or civil claims.

The Role of Police Reports

Police reports offer an impartial record of the accident scene. Officers document their observations, collect initial statements from drivers and witnesses, and may note apparent legal violations, such as speeding or ignoring a traffic signal. If law enforcement issues any traffic citations, like for speeding or drunk driving, it can strongly influence the determination of fault.

Witness Statements

Eyewitnesses provide direct accounts of what they saw moments before and during the accident. Their perspectives can clarify disagreements about who had the right of way or whether a truck made an unsafe maneuver. Gathering witness statements quickly is essential since memories can fade, and neutral, third-party testimony is often persuasive in both negotiations and courtrooms. 

Physical Evidence at the Scene

Physical evidence is sometimes gathered at the scene of the accident, and this can help prove who is at fault. This could include photos of the damaged vehicles and where they were located right after the accident. It might also include pictures of road signs, traffic lights, weather conditions, skid marks, or anything else that might help show what happened. 

Data from the Truck’s Black Box

Modern commercial trucks are required to have electronic logging devices (“black boxes”) that automatically record operational information, such as speed, braking, steering input, and driver hours. This data can show if the truck driver violated their hours of service or if they didn’t take certain actions, like braking in time, that could point to distraction. 

Expert Analysis

For accidents involving multiple parties or complicated factors, accident reconstruction experts analyze available evidence to provide a professional opinion on how the crash occurred. They can help explain to insurance adjustors and the court what really happened and help prove your claim.

Maintenance and Compliance Records

Trucking companies are required by law to keep vehicles in safe working condition and follow rules on driver hours and rest periods. Maintenance logs and compliance records can expose overdue repairs, ignored safety recalls, or illegal driving schedules. Evidence of neglected maintenance or violations of federal or state trucking laws can shift fault from the individual driver to the trucking company, expanding potential liability.

Surveillance Footage

Surveillance video from nearby businesses, traffic intersections, or even dashboard cameras can capture the accident or at least parts of it. This visual evidence shows exactly what happened, establishing what color the traffic light was, lane changes, speed, or other movements the vehicles made. 

Because St. Louis truck accidents frequently involve complicated liability and large insurance companies, legal representation is often necessary. It’s best to reach out for help as soon as possible after an accident.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Claims In Missouri?

Understanding the time limits for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident is crucial. Missouri law imposes a general five year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to file a claim. 

516.120.  What actions within five years. — Within five years:

  (1)  All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section 516.110, and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited;

  (2)  An action upon a liability created by a statute other than a penalty or forfeiture;

  (3)  An action for trespass on real estate;

  (4)  An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated;

  (5)  An action for relief on the ground of fraud, the cause of action in such case to be deemed not to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party, at any time within ten years, of the facts constituting the fraud.

However, there are exceptions to this rule that may alter the timeline, sometimes extending it but sometimes making it shorter.

Discovery Rule 

The statute of limitations may start later if the injury or its connection to the accident is not immediately evident. Under the discovery rule, the clock begins when you discover or reasonably should have discovered the injury. 

Minor Victims 

If the injured party is under the age of 21, the statute of limitations is paused until their 21st birthday. This means anyone injured as a minor in a truck accident should have until they turn 26 to file a lawsuit.

Disabilities 

When an individual has a mental or physical disability that prevents them from filing a lawsuit, the statute of limitations is paused until the disability is removed. 

Defendant Leaving the State 

If the at-fault party leaves Missouri after the accident and before a lawsuit can be filed, the time they spend out of state does not count toward the five-year limit. This ensures victims are not disadvantaged if a negligent party leaves to avoid a lawsuit.  

Government Claims 

For truck accidents involving government entities, the rules are stricter. Victims typically have only 90 days to notify the appropriate entity of their intent to file a claim. 

Fraudulent Concealment 

If the responsible party actively conceals their involvement in the accident, the statute of limitations is paused until the victim discovers or reasonably should have discovered the fraudulent activity.   

These deadlines can be complicated, and if you miss it, you won’t be able to recover any compensation. Make sure you contact one of our truck accident lawyers as soon as possible after your accident so we can help you get started with your claim.

What Is the Average Truck Accident Claim Settlement in St. Louis?

When it comes to truck accident claim settlements in St. Louis, assigning an “average” figure is complicated. Each case is different, with settlement amounts depending on a variety of factors. Below are some of the primary factors that influence settlement amounts to give you a better idea of what you could be entitled to.

Severity of Injuries 

The extent and nature of injuries sustained in a truck accident play a substantial role in the final settlement. For instance, cases involving long-term injuries such as paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, or severe burns typically result in higher settlement amounts due to the significant impact on the victim’s life. 

Medical Expenses 

Truck accident claims take into account the costs of emergency transportation, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. The higher the medical expenses, the more the victim should be compensated. 

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity 

If injuries prevent an individual from working temporarily or permanently, lost wages become an important factor in the settlement. For long-term or permanent disabilities, settlements should consider diminished earning capacity or the inability to return to a previous role. 

Pain and Suffering 

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, are also often included in settlements. These damages are difficult to quantify, but that doesn’t make them any less real. An experienced broken bones injury attorney in St. Louis can help you put a number on this type of loss.

Insurance Policy Limits 

No matter what your losses are, an insurance settlement will be dictated by the insurance limits. Fortunately, trucking companies tend to have higher liability coverage. If you aren’t able to get what you deserve through a settlement, you may have to file a lawsuit.

Evidence Strength 

The evidence you and your attorney are able to gather and how strongly it points to someone else being at fault will play a big part in your settlement offer. If it’s clear that you played no role in the accident, the insurance company is more likely to accept liability and pay what they owe you. If there are disputes about what occurred, your offer may be lower or you may need to take your chances at trial. 

Representation by Legal Counsel 

Victims who work with an experienced truck accident attorney can often negotiate higher settlements. Lawyers understand how to evaluate damages and advocate for maximum compensation during negotiations or litigation. 

Common Causes of St. Louis Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in St. Louis result in serious injuries and property damage every year. Understanding the main causes can help drivers and companies take steps to avoid crashes.

Driver Fatigue

Long shifts and tight schedules can lead to truck driver fatigue. This impairs focus and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.  

Improper Loading

Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can become unstable, making rollovers and other types of truck accidents more likely.  

Equipment Failure

Truck accidents often stem from mechanical failures like brake problems, tire blowouts, or steering issues. Many of these problems are preventable with regular maintenance and inspections by both drivers and companies.

Adverse Weather

Rain, snow, and fog make roads hazardous, especially for large commercial vehicles, which need more time to stop and turn.

Distracted Driving

Distractions such as phone use, eating, or looking at GPS devices take attention off the road. Even brief lapses in focus can cause severe accidents.

Contact Us

Give us a call today at (314) 300-6260 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a St. Louis truck accident lawyer to learn more about the personalized representation we can offer in your accident’s aftermath.