Client Review by Trucker Injured in 3 Semi CrashWhen an 18-wheeler crash turns your world upside down, you need dedicated legal representation. Lawrence Flick, of Flick Truck Accident Law, has been fighting for truck accident victims in the Kansas City area since 1993. Flick Truck Accident Law’s focus on commercial truck cases gives it the specialized knowledge and resources needed to take on big trucking companies and their insurers.
Lawrence Flick has earned recognition as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer from the Trucking Trial Lawyers Association and has secured millions in compensation for truck crash victims. Flick Truck Accident Law represents 18-wheeler accident clients on a contingency fee arrangement which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
If you have been injured in an accident with an 18-Wheeler, call an experienced lawyer at Flick Truck Accident Law today at (816) 221-0501 for a free consultation.
How 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents
Most collisions involving 18-wheelers are more complicated than typical car accidents. Here’s why:
Higher Stakes and Severe Injuries: The size and weight difference between 18-wheelers and smaller vehicles often makes these crashes more severe. According to the NHTSA, large trucks accounted for 5% of all registered vehicles but were involved in 11% of all motor vehicle fatalities in 2021.
Sophisticated Defendants: Trucking companies and their insurers often have teams of lawyers and investigators who start working immediately after a crash to reduce their liability.
Complex Federal Regulations: Unlike typical car accidents, commercial trucks and their drivers are often subject to extensive Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) including driver qualification standards, hours of service rules, and maintenance requirements.
Specialized Insurance Coverage: Commercial trucks typically carry much higher insurance limits than cars and may have multiple layers of coverage. Successfully navigating these policies requires specialized knowledge.
Evidence Preservation: Important evidence like driver logs, black box data, and dashcam video can be lost or destroyed if prompt steps aren’t taken to preserve it.
Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Crashes
The massive weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means people in smaller vehicles are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 72% of fatalities in large truck crashes involve occupants of other vehicles.
18 wheeler crash injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Crushed or amputated limbs
- Back and neck injuries
These injuries often require extensive or ongoing medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation and may cause permanent pain or disability.
Leading Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Kansas City
Driver fatigue remains a major factor despite federal hours-of-service regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that driver fatigue plays a role in approximately 13% of commercial motor vehicle crashes.
Other common causes include:
Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, eating, or other distractions that take attention off the road can have disastrous consequences given the long stopping distances required for big rigs.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Trucking companies often pay by the load, creating incentives for drivers to cover more miles in less time through dangerous driving practices.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failure to properly inspect and maintain critical safety components like brakes, tires, and steering systems can result in equipment failure.
Inexperienced or Dangerous Drivers: Some trucking companies hire drivers with poor safety records or inadequate training for the conditions they encounter on the road.
Damages You Can Recover in Kansas City 18-Wheeler Cases
Truck accident victims in commercial vehicle collisions may be eligible for compensation that includes:
- Current and future medical costs
- Lost income and diminished earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and trauma
- Permanent disability and scarring
- Reduced quality of life
- Vehicle and property damage
- Punitive damages (when recklessness or disregard for safety is involved)
Your potential recovery amount varies based on the unique circumstances of your accident.
Establishing Fault in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Proving responsibility in an 18-wheeler collision requires a detailed investigation. Key evidence may include:
- Police crash reports containing essential information about the scene, drivers, witnesses, and the trucking company
- Video evidence from dashcams, traffic cameras, or surveillance cameras
- Electronic data from truck “black boxes” that record speed, braking, and other critical information
- Driver logs showing compliance with or violation of hours-of-service regulations
- Physical evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns
- Expert accident reconstruction analysis
Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” rule under Missouri Revised Statute 537.765. This means fault is assigned to all parties involved, and damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, if any. Even if you are partly at fault, you can still recover compensation under Missouri law.
Filing Deadlines for Your 18-Wheeler Accident Case
Missouri law generally provides a five-year window from the accident date to file personal injury claims. For fatal accidents, surviving family members usually have three years from the date of death to pursue a wrongful death case.
However, waiting can significantly damage your case because:
- Evidence disappears over time
- Building a strong case requires time-consuming investigation and expert analysis
- Insurance companies use delay tactics to their advantage
- You may inadvertently harm your case by dealing directly with insurance companies
Why Choose Lawrence Flick for Your Kansas City Truck Accident Case?
Attorney Lawrence Flick brings more than 40 years of legal experience to every injury case he handles.
- Attorney Lawrence Flick is a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer recognition from the Trucking Trial Lawyers Association
- Attorney Lawrence Flick is a Top 100 Trial Attorney by the National Trial Lawyers
- Attorney Lawrence Flick has a 10/10 “Superb” rating on Avvo
- Attorney Lawrence Flick has specialized U.S. Department of Transportation training on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and truck crash investigation
- Attorney Lawrence Flick is a member of the Association of Plaintiff’s Interstate Trucking Attorneys and Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
Proven Results: Lawrence Flick of Flick Truck Accident Law has successfully recovered millions of dollars for truck accident victims, including:
- $900,000 for a rear end 18 wheeler crash on Interstate 70 in Kansas City, MO
- $650,000 for a nighttime 3-semi crash on Kansas Turnpike
- $600,000 for an 18-wheeler rear-end collision on Interstate 435 in Kansas City area
The Flick Truck Accident Law Approach to Truck Accident Cases
Unlike general personal injury attorneys, Lawrence Flick focuses almost exclusively on truck crashes. This focus gives him deep knowledge of:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
- Commercial vehicle technology and safety systems
- Trucking industry practices and standards
- Specialized motor carrier insurance rules
- Trucking company record-keeping requirements
Lawrence Flick has successfully represented clients in both state and federal courts. Since 1999, Lawrence Flicks has been filing truck accident cases in federal court when it can produce better results for our clients.
Common Questions About 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Cases
What is the deadline for filing an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit?
Missouri law generally gives you five years from the 18-wheeler collision date to file personal injury litigation. Fatal 18-wheeler accident cases usually require filing within three years of the victim’s death.
Can I recover compensation if I share some blame for the 18-wheeler crash?
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system that permits damage recovery even when you bear partial responsibility for the 18-wheeler accident. Any compensation awarded will be adjusted downward by your degree of fault in the collision.
What are the costs for hiring an 18-wheeler accident lawyer?
Our firm represents all 18-wheeler accident clients on a contingency fee structure. You pay zero legal fees until we secure compensation for your semi-truck crash case.
Why are 18-wheeler accidents more complex than regular car crashes?
18-wheeler accidents involve federal trucking regulations, specialized commercial insurance policies, sophisticated trucking company legal teams, and can easily result in more catastrophic injuries due to the massive size difference between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles.
What federal regulations apply to 18-wheeler accident cases?
Commercial 18-wheelers often must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) including hours-of-service rules, driver qualification standards, vehicle maintenance requirements and electronic logging device mandates. Violations of these regulations can be important evidence in your case.
How do I deal with the trucking company’s insurance after an 18-wheeler crash?
Trucking companies typically carry high-limit commercial insurance policies and have experienced legal teams working immediately after a crash. Generally you should not speak to their representatives without an attorney, as they will try to minimize their liability and your compensation.
Contact Kansas City’s Experienced 18 Wheeler Accident Law Firm
Flick Truck Accident Law has the experience, resources, and track record to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Attorney Lawrence Flick has been focused on truck and car accident cases for more than 30 years and as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer with millions of dollars recovered for truck crash victims, he has the specialized knowledge needed to take on big trucking companies and win.
Call (816) 221-0501 to talk to an experienced lawyer at Flick Truck Accident Law.
Flick Truck Accident Law serves clients throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Independence, Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, and all surrounding communities in both Missouri and Kansas.