Kansas Truck Accident Attorneys

Kansas Truck Accident Attorneys

In Kansas over an eleven-year span, there have been nearly 38,000 accidents reported involving big trucks like 18-wheelers. Of those, 770 fatalities have been reported and more than 11,000 people have been injured.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, contacting a Kansas truck accident lawyer will help insure that you are fully compensated for your injuries. Attorneys who focus on truck accidents are familiar with the specialized regulations that trucks are required to follow as well as the parties who can be sued should you need to bring your claim to court.

Regulations Trucks Must Follow in Kansas

Federal regulations apply to trucks that drive inside and outside Kansas. State regulations, which are similar to the federal rules, apply to trucks that stay within the Kansas borders. Both sets of regulations generally require that trucks or trucking companies:

• Limit the number of hours driven in a day and in a week. This is called the hours of service requirement.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs.
• Limit the weight of cargo hauled.
• License and train drivers.

What Causes Big Rig Accidents?

Rollovers, rear-ending, and jack-knife accidents are all common types of accidents. Many occur when the safety regulations are not followed.

For example, a truck can jack-knife when there is an issue with brakes, which could have been discovered upon proper inspection. Rear-ending can happen when a truck is overloaded or when a driver is too fatigued from exceeding the hours of service limits. Rollovers are especially prevalent when an 18-wheeler is speeding due to time demands.

Things To Do If You Have Been in an Accident

• Put your health first. If you are injured, do not get out of your vehicle. When in doubt, call an ambulance. Always call the police.
• Gather information from the other drivers involved:
  • Names and contact information
  • License plate numbers and DOT numbers
• Do not discuss fault at the accident scene or with anyone else besides your attorney. When speaking with police, stick with the facts. A determination of fault will be made by a professional.
• Document the damage to your car and your injuries. Truck accident injuries may only reveal themselves days or weeks after the accident. Injuries also include emotional or mental difficulties. Keep track of all injuries and the way they affect your life.

Why You Need Truck Accident Attorney

An experienced truck accident is a valuable resource for anyone trying to be compensated for a big rig collision. When you accept a settlement from an insurance company, you lose the right to sue over your accident forever. Thus, your settlement needs to compensate you for all of your damages, even damages you may incur years down the road. A truck accident attorney can have you examined by a doctor who can predict your future medical treatment.

An attorney who focuses on truck accidents also knows the players in the trucking industry and will be able to determine who is liable for your injuries. Is it the trucker, the trucking company, the truck mechanic, an insurer, a parts manufacturer, or a municipal or state government?

Contact one of this website’s featured truck accident attorney for a free consultation to see what your options are in order to be fully compensated for your truck accident.