Truck Accident Lawyer in West Plains

Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident? Call (800) 526-1949 

According to the United States Department of Transportation, there are more than 500,000 truck accidents every year. Approximately 5,000 people die each year in accidents with a semi-truck/tractor trailer. Sixty-eight percent of truck accidents in the United States happen in rural areas, which makes our region especially vulnerable.

While truck accidents occur for many reasons, they almost always result in serious injuries or fatalities. When someone is involved in a collision with a truck that may weigh up to 40 times more than their vehicle, the risk of severe or fatal injury increases dramatically. According to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2009, approximately 296,000 large trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds were involved in crashes, and truck accidents accounted for 12 percent of all traffic accident deaths.

What sets our personal injury team apart:

• You don’t pay us a penny unless we win
• Free consultations provided
• Committed to delivering high-quality representation
• More than six decades of combined legal experience
• Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®
• Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®
• Highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards from Martindale-Hubbell®
• Top Trial Lawyers in America®

Get the representation you need if you have been injured - call (800) 526-1949 for your free consultation! Our supportive truck accident lawyer in West Plains, MO, can help.

Investigating Fault After a Truck Accident

A truck accident often requires a thorough investigation, including police involvement and legal evaluation. These investigations help determine the true cause of the accident and establish fault. This process can be complex because the truck driver may not always be at fault, or they may share blame with other parties. Gathering evidence involves reconstructing the incident, reviewing driver records and logbooks, collecting data from the scene, and retrieving information from electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs).

The at-fault party is likely one of the following:

• Truck Driver: Truckers must follow hours-of-service rules, perform inspections, adjust for severe weather, and follow all safety regulations. Failure to do so may make the driver liable for accidents caused by fatigue, negligence, or recklessness.
• Trucking Company: Companies are responsible for enforcing safety policies, conducting background checks, preventing intoxicated driving, and ensuring vehicles are properly inspected. Negligence in these areas can make the company partly or fully liable for accidents.
• Truck Manufacturer: Faulty manufacturing, such as defective brakes or other parts, can lead to accidents even when the driver and company follow all safety precautions. In such cases, liability may fall on the manufacturer.

Our 18-wheeler accident attorney in West Plains can thoroughly investigate your case and gather evidence to hold the at-fault party responsible. With us at your side, you can rest easy knowing you have a dedicated professional fighting for you.

What Are the Trucking Regulations?

Both federal and state governments enforce regulations that govern truck drivers and the companies that employ them. These Motor Carrier Safety (MCS) regulations set standards for vehicle maintenance, driver hours, and a range of safety issues. When companies or drivers ignore these standards, accidents become more likely, making compliance especially important on busy roads and highways.

Commercial trucking rules limit driving hours per day and per week. Companies must keep clear records of each driver's hours and frequency on the road. Truck drivers and their employers must inspect their vehicles before each trip and sometimes after long travel intervals. Ignoring these regulations increases the likelihood of truck accidents and can affect liability in a crash.

Common Causes of Truck Crashes

Several risk factors increase the chance of crashes involving commercial trucks in and around West Plains. Since West Plains has routes like US Highway 63 and Route 160, this can increase the number of accidents. Drivers on the road may be fatigued or distracted, leading to truck crashes.

Other causes of truck accidents can include:

• Speeding
• Impaired driving
• Aggressive driving
• Poor road conditions
• Poor weather conditions

Mechanical problems such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and maintenance lapses can also trigger crashes. No matter what caused your truck accident, our truck accident attorney in West Plains can assist you.

80+ Years of Collective Legal Experience

Let our West Plains MO injury attorneys review the circumstances to determine if regulations were followed and advise on what legal recourse may be appropriate if standards were ignored. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation and are Life Members of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums®, which reflects our dedication and consistent success for injury victims in Missouri.

Contact Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C.for your free consultation! No fees unless we recover. Our 18-wheeler accident lawyer in West Plains, MO, can help you during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of compensation might be available after a truck accident?

Compensation can include payment for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. In some cases, damages may also address pain and suffering and ongoing healthcare needs following the crash. The available compensation depends on the details of each case and the injuries involved.

How long do I have to pursue a claim after a truck accident in Missouri?

Missouri law gives most people five years to pursue an injury claim after a truck or commercial vehicle accident. However, for injuries on or after August 8, 2025, the time limit is two years. Starting the process as soon as possible helps preserve evidence and strengthens your claim.

Are truck accident lawsuits different from car accident cases?

Truck accident claims often involve more complex factors than car accidents, such as federal and Missouri trucking laws, commercial insurance coverage, and multiple liable parties. The size of the vehicles and the potential for greater damage mean truck accident cases often require more investigation and specific legal knowledge.