Frequently Asked Questions | University City 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

What is the difference between a commercial truck and an ordinary truck?

Commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles used for interstate and intra-state commerce for the transport of commercial goods. A semi truck, big rig, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, tanker truck, or dump truck involved in an accident in University City are examples of commercial trucks. These kinds of vehicles are governed by federal, state, and local regulations that do not apply to non-commercial vehicles like pickup trucks or SUVs.

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What is the difference between an University City truck accident lawyer and a regular car accident lawyer?

An University City truck accident lawyer who practices law in St Louis County, Missouri, is qualified to handle truck accident law in Missouri and is familiar with the various rules and regulations that apply to commercial vehicles. If you become involved in an accident with a semi truck or other commercial vehicle and you suffer property damage or injury, you need to protect your rights. Because of the nature of truck accident law, it is imperative that you select an University City truck accident attorney who is skilled in handling truck accident cases.

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When would I need an University City truck accident lawyer and why is it so important?

There is a big difference between handling legal cases involving commercial vehicles and those involving non-commercial vehicles and passenger cars. A qualified University City truck accident lawyer will be able to protect your rights and will know how to conduct a proper investigation. He or she will be able to check for compliance with the many regulations that apply to commercial vehicles. A good University City truck accident attorney will also know how to select the proper venue, the party against whom the claim should be made, and whether multiple parties may be joined as defendants.

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What should I look for in an University City truck accident attorney?

Select a lawyer who has a track record of being successful in obtaining compensation for clients in truck accident cases. Your attorney should also care about clients, display compassion for your situation, and listen to your concerns. Select an University City truck accident lawyer who is trustworthy and has a good reputation in the community. Also, it is important to select a lawyer or law firm that has the resources to go the distance in a long and involved case.

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Do I have to come up with money to pay for an attorney in a truck accident case?

In most cases, you should be able to retain a truck accident attorney in University City on a contingency basis without having to pay attorney fees out of pocket. Usually, any attorney fees will be paid out of the proceeds of a settlement or court case result. This means that you only pay your University City truck accident lawyer if you win! To be certain, make sure to ask your attorney beforehand.

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Why is it so important to conduct an investigation after an University City truck accident?

It is crucial to collect evidence and do a thorough and competent investigation after an accident with a semi truck or commercial truck. Trucks are bigger and heavier than passenger cars and require greater stopping distance. Commercial trucks are required to have proper maintenance, for example, adequate and fully functioning brakes. Additionally, truck drivers are only permitted to drive a certain number of hours per day and their hours must be properly logged and recorded. Only a complete and accurate investigation, including investigation of all logs and maintenance reports, will reveal the facts necessary to support your case.

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Who exactly would be sued if there is a lawsuit resulting from University City truck accident?

It depends on the circumstances of the case. Sometimes a claim should be filed against the trucking company. In other cases, a claim may be filed against the truck driver. It is also possible that the loading facility where the contents of the trailer were secured could be a responsible party, or even the owner of the trailer's contents. Who should be sued can also depend on whether or not there was negligence involved on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company, or whether any traffic violation occurred and contributed to the accident. Some other factors that may be involved are responsibility for truck maintenance, brakes, driver fatigue, recklessness, improper loads, and drug and alcohol use.

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Where should the lawsuit be filed for a truck accident in University City or St Louis County?

When a truck accident occurs and a lawsuit is filed, the selection of where to file that lawsuit is referred to as