Kansas City Flatbed Truck Accident Lawyer

Flatbed truck accidents are a problem on Kansas City roads as freight transportation continues to grow in Missouri. These specialized commercial vehicles present specific dangers due to their open cargo design, heavy loads, and detailed requirements for securing cargo. When accidents occur involving flatbed trucks, the consequences can be catastrophic for other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Flick Truck Accident Law focuses on handling commercial vehicle accidents including those involving flatbed trucks in the Kansas City area. With 30+ years of experience, Flick Truck Accident Law’s Lawrence Flick brings his expertise to the complexities of flatbed truck cases and works hard to help victims recover the compensation they deserve.

If you were injured in a flatbed truck accident in Kansas City and need legal representation, call Flick Truck Accident Law at (816) 221-0501.

The Problem of Flatbed Truck Accidents in Kansas City

Large truck accidents are at high levels nationwide. According to the National Safety Council, 5,375 people died in large-truck crashes in 2022, representing a staggering 43% increase over the last 10 years. 

With millions of tons of freight moving on Kansas City’s highways daily, flatbed trucks play a critical role in this transportation network. In 2024 there were 495 flatbed truck accidents in Missouri, or more than one each day, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data. 

Causes of Flatbed Truck Accidents

Flatbed truck accidents happen many for the same reasons as other truck accidents. However, flatbed truck are a greater risk for certain kinds of accidents:   

Cargo Securement & Placement Failures

Flatbed trucks must be loaded, balanced and secured to prevent cargo from moving forward, backward, upward, left or right. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) include detailed rules on properly securing cargo on flatbed trucks.  Poorly loaded, unbalanced or inadequately secured cargo can move during transit causing loss of vehicle control. Flatbed truck equipment like cargo straps and chains can fall or fly off if not properly secured. Cargo that falls or flys off flatbed trucks can create deadly road hazards for other vehicles.

Overloaded Vehicles/Oversize Loads

Flatbed trucks can carry extremely heavy or large loads or that exceed typical size and weight limits. Overloaded vehicles or oversized loads can be harder to control, take longer to stop and put excessive stress on braking systems, tires and other parts. The weight distribution on flatbed trucks is particularly critical since the load sits directly on the trailer deck.

Speeding

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates that speeding is a leading cause of truck accidents. Stopping time and distance increase as speed increases. Higher speeds increases the risk of rollover crashes and danger when improperly secured cargo flys or falls off a flatbed truck.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Flatbed trucks cargo securement equipment like tie-down points, chains, straps, and winches require specialized inspection and maintenance. When these systems fail due to poor maintenance, cargo can become unsecured during transport.

Inadequate Training

Operating a flatbed truck requires specialized knowledge of cargo securement regulations, load distribution, and weight limits. Drivers without proper training may not understand how to safely secure different types of cargo or recognize when a load has shifted.

Weather and Road Conditions

Flatbed trucks are vulnerable to wind due to their open design and often tall cargo loads. High winds can cause loaded flatbed trucks to become unstable or tip over, especially when carrying lightweight but bulky cargo.

Categories of Flatbed Truck Crashes

Flatbed truck crashes in Kansas City occur in several different ways, presenting distinct legal and factual challenges:

Load-Related Crashes

Improperly loaded, secured or balanced cargo can fall from the truck or trailer hitting or landing on another vehicle. Falling cargo can also create dangerous obstacles that can lead to additional crashes. Steel beams, construction materials, and machinery can become deadly projectiles when they fall or are thrown from moving trucks.

Rollover Accidents

Flatbed trucks with high or unstable loads are prone to rollovers, especially when taking curves too quickly or in windy conditions. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that half of all large truck occupant fatalities in 2022 happened when the truck overturned.

Rear-End Collisions

These typically happen when flatbed trucks are following too closely or traveling too fast. The heavy weight of loaded flatbed trucks makes these collisions particularly devastating.

Intersection Accidents

Flatbed trucks carrying oversized loads may not clear intersections properly or may have difficulty making turns, leading to collisions with other vehicles or infrastructure.

Bridge and Overpass Strikes

Improperly measured cargo heights can lead to flatbed trucks striking bridges or overpasses, causing serious accidents and infrastructure damage.

Injuries from Flatbed Truck Accidents

The size and weight of flatbed trucks, combined with the potential for cargo to become projectiles, can lead to severe injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Multiple bone fractures
• Severe lacerations from cargo debris
• Internal organ damage
• Crush injuries
• Burns from hazardous materials
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Even minor-seeming injuries can have long-term consequences. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention after any flatbed truck accident, as serious injuries may not  manifest symptoms immediately.

Legal Complexities in Flatbed Truck Accident Cases

Flatbed truck accident cases involve complex legal issues that require specialized knowledge such as:

Federal Cargo Securement Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has detailed requirements for securing different types of cargo on flatbed trucks. These regulations specify minimum numbers of tie-downs, working load limits, and securement methods for various commodities. Violations of these regulations can help establish liability in accident cases.

Multiple Potentially Liable Parties

Flatbed truck accidents may involve several liable parties, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loading company
• The shipper

Truck Insurance Policies

Flatbed trucks typically carry higher insurance limits than regular passenger vehicles, but insurance companies often fight harder to minimize payouts on large claims. Additionally, truck insurance policies are typically more complicated than standard car insurance. For example, under federal regulations most commercial truck insurance policies are required to have the specialized MCS-90 endorsement.  

Specialized Evidence

Building a strong flatbed truck accident case requires gathering specific evidence, like:

• Cargo securement information
• Loading procedures and documentation
• Weight distribution information
• Maintenance records including for securement equipment
• Driver employment and training records
• Driver and law enforcement inspection reports

How Flick Truck Accident Law Can Help

Lawrence Flick, Senior Attorney at Flick Truck Accident Law, brings specialized expertise to flatbed truck accident cases. Attorney Lawrence Flick is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer by the Trucking Trial Lawyers Association and designation as a Top 100 Trial Attorney from the National Trial Lawyers demonstrates his qualifications and expertise in handling complex truck cases.

Advanced Training and Qualifications

Attorney Lawrence Flick has obtained U.S. Department of Transportation training in commercial vehicle regulations and crash investigation, encompassing:

• Motor Carrier Safety Compliance Requirements 
• Commercial Vehicle Inspection & Crash Analysis
• Truck accident investigation methods

Additionally, Attorney Lawrence Flick belongs to the Association of Plaintiff’s Interstate Trucking Attorneys and the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, This gives him access to some of the best truck accident lawyers in the country to consult with on case strategy, cutting edge truck accident litigation information and updates on evolving truck accident law. 

Thorough Investigation

Flick Truck Accident Law conducts comprehensive investigations of flatbed truck accidents, which may include:

• Analyzing police reports, scene photos and witness statements
• Working with accident reconstruction specialists
• Reviewing cargo securement information
• Examining driver logs and company records
• Consulting with cargo securement experts
• Investigating vehicle maintenance histories

Proven Results

Flick Truck Accident Law has successfully represented clients in numerous truck accident cases, recovering significant compensation including:

• $1,675,000 for semi-truck running a red light and colliding with a pickup
• $900,000 for semi-truck rear ending another truck
• $650,000 for a nighttime 3-semi crash on Kansas Turnpike
• $600,000 for an 18-wheeler rear-end collision on Interstate 435

Federal Court Experience

For over 30 years of experience Lawrence Flick of Flick Truck Accident Law has handled complex truck accident cases in federal court when circumstances warrant. This additional skill  and expertise can lead to better results in appropriate cases.

Damages Available in Flatbed Truck Crash Cases

Those injured in flatbed truck crashes may recover damages for several types of harm, including:

Financial Losses:

• Healthcare costs (current and future)
• Income loss and diminished earning potential
• Damage to personal property
• Physical therapy and recovery expenses
• Necessary home and vehicle adaptations

Personal Injury Damages:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Mental anguish and trauma
• Reduced quality of life
• Spousal relationship losses

Punitive Awards: When severe negligence or intentional wrongdoing is proven, additional punitive damages may be awarded to penalize the defendant and prevent future misconduct.

Missouri Time Limits for Legal Action

In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for a flatbed truck accident. Missouri’s Revised Statute 516.120 provides this generous time frame, which is longer than most states.The time limit for death claims when someone dies in a truck accident are shorter.

However, don’t wait to seek legal help. Important evidence can disappear, witness memories fade, and trucking companies are only required to keep certain records for limited periods. Starting your case early gives your attorney the best opportunity to gather crucial evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a flatbed truck accident in Kansas City?

Missouri allows five years from the accident date for filing personal injury lawsuits. This applies to flatbed truck accidents and other motor vehicle crashes. But if your case involves a government agency (like a municipal or state vehicle), you might need to file a claim notice within just 90 days. Additionally, there is a shorter time limit to file suit for someone’s death in a fatal truck accident.  

While five years may seem like a long time, it’s critical to start the legal process immediately. Critical evidence may be lost, witness recollections can become unclear, and transportation companies might dispose of vital documentation. Taking prompt action helps safeguard your legal rights and builds a stronger case.

What makes flatbed truck accidents different from other truck accidents?

Flatbed truck accidents present unique challenges due to cargo securement issues. Unlike enclosed trailers, flatbed trucks carry exposed cargo that can shift, fall off, or become projectiles during accidents. This creates additional dangers and liability issues.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration  has specific regulations for securing cargo on flatbed trucks, including requirements for tie-downs, chains, straps, and load distribution. Violations of these regulations can help establish liability in accident cases.

Who can be held liable in a flatbed truck accident?

Multiple parties may share liability in flatbed truck accidents. Some are:

• The driver – If negligent driving caused the accident
• The trucking company – Under employer liability principles
• The shipper – If they improperly loaded or secured cargo
• Loading companies – If they failed to follow proper procedures

Determining all liable parties requires thorough investigation and legal expertise.

What types of cargo securement violations lead to accidents?

Common cargo securement violations that can cause flatbed truck accidents include:

Violation Description	Regulation
Cargo not properly secured to prevent leaking/spilling/blowing/failing	393.100(b)C
Truck equipment not properly secured (like chains and other securement equipment)	392.9(a)(2)C
Cargo leaking/spilling/blowing/failing from the truck	393.100(b)
Insufficient number of tie-downs for the cargo	393.104(b)
Using damaged or inadequate securement equipment	393.104(b)

The FMCSA requires specific securement methods for different types of cargo, and violations of these rules can help establish negligence.

How much compensation can I recover in a flatbed truck accident case?

Missouri does not cap damages in most personal injury cases, so compensation depends on the specific facts of your case. Factors that influence the value include:

• Fault of the truck driver, trucking company and others
• The degree of negligence involved
• Severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Flatbed truck accidents often result in higher settlements due to the severe nature of injuries and the commercial insurance coverage typically carried by trucking companies.

Choose Experienced Truck Accident Representation

Flatbed truck accidents require specialized legal knowledge that goes beyond typical car accident cases. Understanding federal cargo securement regulations, commercial vehicle operations, and the complexities of multiple-party liability can make the difference between a successful case and an inadequate settlement.

At Flick Truck Accident Law, we focus exclusively on truck accident cases. Attorney Lawrence Flick, has over 35 years of experience and specialized training in commercial vehicle regulations. Lawrence Flick is a top-rated truck accident attorney with a proven track record of successful results and has the expertise to handle your flatbed truck accident case.

Flick Truck Accident Law operates on a contingency fee arrangement, meaning you owe no attorney fees unless we secure a recovery for you. 

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.