Who Pays When Multiple Vehicles Are Involved in a St. Louis Truck Crash?
The aftermath of a St. Louis truck accident involving multiple vehicles can be chaotic and confusing. Beyond the physical injuries and emotional toll, determining who is financially responsible for the damages becomes a significant hurdle.
FindLaw notes that Missouri operates under a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault is shared proportionally among all parties involved. A plaintiff who bears some responsibility for their injuries can still receive damages, but only in proportion to the defendant’s level of fault. Also a truck accident lawyer specializes in representing individuals injured in collisions involving commercial trucks, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
Unlike the “contributory negligence” doctrine, which bars any recovery if the plaintiff is even minimally at fault, Missouri does not apply this stricter rule.
In this article, we’ll discuss how liability is determined in these complex situations and what steps you can take to ensure fair compensation.
Determining Liability in Multi-Vehicle Crashes
According to ConsumerAffairs, St. Louis is ranked among the top five cities in the U.S., with the worst drivers and multi-vehicle accidents, which are unfortunately common. When there’s a multi-vehicle St. Louis truck accident, the sequence of events is analyzed to assign a percentage of fault to each driver. This often involves reviewing police reports, witness statements, and accident scene reconstruction.
Traffic violations, speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving are all common factors considered. For instance, if a car is stopped at a red light and is rear-ended by another car, it may then crash into a truck.
In such a scenario, the driver of the second car, who caused the chain reaction, will likely be found mostly at fault. However, the driver who rear-ended the stopped car may also share some liability if they were following too closely or speeding.
Expanding Liability Beyond the Crash
Driving for Better Business notes that truck drivers have a heightened duty of care due to the size and weight of their vehicles. Investigating potential truck driver negligence goes beyond the immediate collision.
Driving while intoxicated, driving over the permitted driving hours, and improper vehicle upkeep are a few examples. Evidence of these factors can significantly increase the truck driver’s share of liability.
For example, if a truck driver falsifies rest period records, they may be held liable for significant damages if their fatigue caused the accident. A trucking company that fails to perform regular maintenance checks on its vehicles could be held responsible if a mechanical failure caused the crash.
Seeking Legal Guidance After a Multi-Vehicle Crash
The complexities of shared liability in St. Louis truck accidents involving multiple vehicles necessitate seeking legal counsel. An experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer can navigate the investigation process, gather evidence to support your claim and fight for your compensation.
These lawyers keep themselves up-to-date with any major accidents in their area. They draw insights from the proceedings and verdicts of these cases and use their knowledge to form compelling arguments in similar cases.
KSDK reported one such accident occurred in May 2024, where a multi-vehicle truck accident in St. Louis County resulted in a man’s death on I-55. These kinds of accidents often become pivotal in shaping legal strategies.
Don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance to ensure a fair outcome in this challenging situation. TorHoerman Law notes that a qualified lawyer can help you understand how Missouri’s comparative negligence law applies to your case. They can also determine what percentage of damages you may be entitled to recover.
Third-Party Liability
It’s worth noting that in some cases, parties beyond the drivers may share liability. This could include the trucking company for failing to properly maintain the vehicle or a parts manufacturer for creating a defective component. It could also involve a cargo loading company for improper weight distribution.
Identifying and pursuing claims against these additional parties can maximize potential compensation. A defective braking system on a truck could be traced back to the parts manufacturer, making them liable for a portion of the damages. Additionally, a cargo loading company that improperly secures cargo on a truck could be responsible if the shifting load contributed to the accident.
FAQs
What is the negligence standard in Missouri?
In Missouri, the negligence standard is based on comparative fault. This means a plaintiff can recover damages proportionate to the defendant’s degree of fault, even if they are partially responsible. The court will determine the percentage of fault for each party involved in the incident.
What is the meaning of shared liability?
Shared liability refers to a situation where multiple parties are held responsible for damages in proportion to their level of fault. Each party pays for their share of the damages based on their contribution to the incident. This concept ensures fair compensation and accountability among all involved parties.
Is it hard to drive in St. Louis?
Driving in St. Louis can be challenging due to heavy traffic and frequent accidents. The city’s roadways, including I-55, often experience congestion and unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, St. Louis ranks among the cities with the worst drivers, which can further complicate driving.
Multi-vehicle truck accidents in St. Louis can leave victims confused about who is liable for damages. Missouri’s pure comparative negligence law allows for shared liability based on fault. This means even partially at-fault victims can recover compensation.
However, navigating the complexities of these cases and maximizing compensation often requires seeking legal guidance from an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer. These lawyers can fight for your fair share of damages from the truck driver and their company.
