Insurance Available After a Truck Accident in Kansas City
In Kansas City and throughout Missouri and Kansas, there has been a considerable increase in tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers and other heavy commercial trucks on the road along with the dangerous risks that come with them. With over 75,000 pounds of weight, many 18-wheelers and commercial trucks weigh 20 times more than an average car, and as a result, crashes involving these trucks end up with devastating outcomes.
Statistics show that truck crashes claim a significant amount of lives – thousands each year. Undoubtedly, it is easy to see the dangers these vehicles can cause. For this reason, federal and state governments have required commercial trucks to carry much higher insurance limits than regular passenger cars.
Truck accidents typically cause serious injuries. Understanding the insurance that may be available is critical to maximize one's recovery after a truck crash. Fortunately, our truck accident law firm in Kansas City is well acquainted with these types of coverages.
Below is a brief summary of truck insurance coverages, but if you have questions about a particular case or policy, please do not hesitate to call our truck accident lawyer at 816-203-0143. Contacting us is free, and there is no obligation to hire our law firm.
Common Liability Truck Insurance Coverage in MO & KS
When our Kansas City truck accident lawyer reviews a truck accident case, he will first investigate and identify all of the companies and other parties that share in the legal responsibility for causing the accident. After this, we will examine and evaluate all the insurance policies that may cover the accident.
Possible sources of insurance coverage includes:
- Company’s commercial insurance, if the trucker is working with a company as at the time of the wreck (the legal minimum is $750,000.00);
- Driver’s personal insurance, if the truck driver is an independent contractor with personal insurance coverage (the legal minimum is $750,000.00);
- The trailer’s insurance, if it is carrying cargo at the time of the wreck and insured; and
- The insurer of the “broker company,” if the broker company had prior knowledge of a violation of safety rules or previous wrecks by the trucking company it used to carry the freight.
It is also possible that other liability policies be used in cases with serious injury, damages, or death. Such policies include umbrella, secondary, or excess liability policies.
When a Truck Company's Insurance Applies After an Accident
In Missouri and Kansas, a trucking company's insurance can be a potential recovery source when: (i) their truck driver is negligent; or (ii) when the company's own corporate negligence is a contributing factor to the accident. Over our years of practice, we have observed that almost all tractor-trailer accidents involve violations of safety rules and regulations. This is a result of trucking companies prioritizing profits over the safety of the people.
Safety rule violations can include:
- the inadequate training or supervision of drivers,
- failure to maintain the vehicle, or
- when the employee (driver) is forced to work beyond the maximum hours of service.
Hours of service rules are in place for a reason. Truck companies should not force drivers to be on the road for unreasonable amounts because drowsy, tired truck drivers are a public safety risk.
Violations of any of these safety rules place the public at risk. If the driving behavior was reckless or intentional, it may also be possible to recover punitive damages to punish such conduct.
What to Do After a Kansas City Truck Accident
We are committed to obtaining a maximum recovery for all of our clients. While you are recuperating from your injuries, we will handle these legal and insurance issues and work hard to ensure all negligent parties pay for the harm they caused.
In most cases, the insurance companies will ask to take your recorded statement and have you sign health authorizations. The goal of the insurance company is very simple: to pay you as little as possible for your injuries.
You must remember that you only have one opportunity to settle your truck accident injury claim. As a result, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer before giving any statement or signing any forms. This is especially true if your injuries are serious and you expect to require future medical treatment for injuries sustained from the truck collision.
Call Our Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer
Our Kansas City truck accident lawyer stands ready to help individuals and families affected by collisions throughout Missouri and Kansas that involve large trucks, including semi-trucks, tractor-trailors, 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles. Given the seriousness of crashes with trucks and the insurance issues that can arise, you should seek the expertise of a competent truck accident lawyer who can guide you through these issues and ensure you are treated fairly.
Please feel free to call our office today at 816-203-0143, or use the form below. Our Kansas City truck accident lawyer will be glad to provide answers to your questions and try to assist you with your case. Our legal consultations are free and confidential, and there is no obligation to hire our firm. So contact us today, we would be happy to help.
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