Collisions involving semi-trucks are among the most devastating accidents on Missouri roads. The sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries or death — and the legal landscape around these cases is complex.
At Presley & Presley, we help victims and families hold trucking companies and insurers accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, here’s what you need to know:
1. Trucking Cases Are Not Like Car Wreck Cases
Semi-truck crashes involve layers of federal and state law. The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), which govern:
- Driver qualifications & training
- Hours of service (fatigue rules)
- Vehicle maintenance & inspection
- Load securement
An experienced truck accident attorney will investigate whether violations of these rules contributed to your crash — and whether the trucking company can be held liable.
2. The Trucking Company Has a Rapid Response Team — You Need One Too
When a major truck crash happens, the trucking company and its insurance carrier immediately dispatch defense teams to:
- Secure physical evidence from the truck
- Control access to the driver’s logs and data
- Interview witnesses
If you wait to hire a lawyer, valuable evidence may disappear. Our team acts quickly to:
- Send preservation of evidence letters
- Secure black box (ECM) data
- Photograph vehicle damage and the scene
- Interview first responders and witnesses
3. Proving Negligence Requires Expert Investigation
Common causes of truck crashes we investigate include:
- Driver fatigue from hours-of-service violations
- Improper maintenance or defective brakes
- Improper loading causing rollover or loss of control
- Distracted or impaired driving
We work with accident reconstruction experts, trucking safety experts, and medical professionals to build the strongest case possible.
4. The Stakes Are High — So Are the Defenses
Because truck crashes often result in severe injuries or death, trucking companies and their insurers fight hard to limit liability. Typical defenses include:
- Blaming the other driver
- Claiming the injured person was at fault
- Disputing the severity of injuries
- Arguing compliance with FMCSR standards (even if violations occurred)
An experienced legal team is essential to overcoming these tactics and securing the compensation you deserve.
5. Why Presley & Presley?
Our attorneys have successfully handled complex, high-stakes truck accident cases across Missouri and beyond. We understand:
- How to investigate FMCSR violations
- How to prove company-wide safety failures
- How to maximize recovery in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, or lost a loved one, contact Presley & Presley today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.