St. Louis
Truck Accident
Attorneys

Trucking companies are heavily regulated, and almost every move a truck makes is documented. However, companies often attempt to manage or hide this evidence immediately following a crash. To prove negligence, our experienced team moves quickly to demand:

• Dashcam Footage: This allows us to see exactly what the driver should have seen through their windshield and peripheral vision.
• Black Box Data: We download speed logs, braking history, and engine data.
• Driver Logs: We review driver logs to check for violations of federal rest regulations.

If you’ve been in a trucking collision, reach out to our team today for a free consultation.

We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees upfront. We only get paid if we secure a settlement or judgment for you. Our goal is to remove the financial stress so you can focus on your recovery.

Yes. In Missouri, there is a strict statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Because trucking companies often handle evidence quickly, it is vital to contact us as soon as possible after the collision.

The commercial trucking industry is driven by speed and profit, often creating a “fast and tired” reality on our highways. Unlike hourly employees, many truck drivers are paid by the load, not by the hour. This payment structure motivates drivers to reach their destination as fast as possible, often leading to fatigue and reckless decision-making.

Common causes include:

• Truck Driver Fatigue
• Distracted Driving
• Use of Drugs or Alcohol
• Speeding
• Illegal Operating Procedures
• Unbalanced or Unsuitable Loads
• Inadequate Truck Maintenance
• Improper Driver Training
• Defective Equipment

For injuries caused by a trucking crash, the amount of compensation that can be recovered depends on many factors. The main considerations are the nature and extent of the client’s injuries and damages. Another factor that will influence the amount of any settlement is whether the trucking company is completely at fault, or if the client has some fault in causing the crash.

A victim’s financial compensation could include payment for these damages:

• Loss of Quality of Life
• Lost Wages
• Medical Treatment and Expenses, including rehabilitation
• Permanent Partial or Total Disability
• Death Benefits

In the event of a Wrongful Death claim or other serious truck collisions resulting from gross negligence, the responsible party may also be subject to pay punitive damages to the victim.

A St. Louis truck accident attorney specializes in representing individuals who have been injured in crashes involving commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers or delivery vehicles. Their key functions include:

• Investigating the crash and gathering evidence
• Understanding and applying federal trucking regulations
• Identifying all parties liable for the collision
• Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation
• Providing litigation and trial representation when necessary

Due to complex industry regulations, limited insurance coverage and the likelihood of pursuing a lawsuit against multiple parties at once, it is critically important to work with an experienced St. Louis trucking accident attorney.

First and foremost, seek medical attention to ensure your well-being and receive necessary care.

Next, hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Trucking companies often dispatch teams to the scene to manage evidence in their favor. You need a dedicated trucking accident lawyer on your side just as quickly. By hiring Padberg Appelbaum Knepper early, you allow us to preserve critical evidence, handle communication with the insurance company, and reduce your stress so you can focus on healing.

Liability often extends beyond the truck driver. An attorney will assess your case to determine who may be found liable for causing the collision. This could likely involve bringing a lawsuit against multiple parties, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The company’s insurer
• The broker or shipper who hired the trucking company
• A parts manufacturer, in the event of faulty equipment
• The government agency responsible for road maintenance where the collision occurred

As experienced commercial trucking lawyers, we investigate every angle to ensure all negligent parties are held accountable.