When a commercial truck puts you or your loved one in harm’s way, count on Burger Law’s Missouri truck crash lawyers in Cape Girardeau, MO to champion your recovery and stand up for your rights. Talk to a winning truck crash lawyer in Cape Girardeau, Missouri today at (314) 500-HURT or online.
No one should have to fight the insurance companies and try to recover the cost of injury, treatment and lost wages on their own after an accident. You need and deserve knowledgeable, supportive representation from a respected lawyer. The Cape Girardeau, Missouri truck crash lawyers with our firm know firsthand the heavily toll you and your loved ones may be grappling with, and our team protects you and makes you whole.
We handle all aspects of your case, from dealing with the insurance companies to making an argument for the highest available settlement. We keep you abreast of all developments in your case to put your mind at ease. Your Cape Girardeau, Missouri truck accident attorney is available to speak to you when you need them, and we always make time to help you understand the details of your case and answer any questions you have.
From the second you hire us, our top truck crash lawyers and paralegals in Cape Girardeau, Missouri start working for you. We show up to the scene of the crash, come to you in the hospital and begin drafting the necessary motions and legal documents to help us track down the evidence we need to prove your case. We leverage our resources to perform a detailed investigation and build a strong legal strategy to get you maximum compensation for your truck crash damages.
Our top legal services come at no cost to you. We do not get paid unless we settle your case. Start by contacting our Missouri truck crash lawyers for a free consultation now. Call (314) 500-HURT or fill out this form to talk to an attorney about your case.
Free Book: Win Your Truck Crash Case
What Causes a Truck Crash?
What Causes a Truck Crash?
One wrong move, and in the blink of an eye, lives can change forever. Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, but behaviors that often cause them include:
Distracted driving, such as using the navigation app on a smartphone, eating and drinking or thinking about something other than driving
The truck driver attempting to drive longer hours than permitted by law in order to cover more ground and make more money
Driving unsafely in inclement weather conditions, such as failing to use headlights or adjusting speed during precipitation
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is illegal
Speeding and reckless driving
Overloading a trailer with cargo, which can lead the driver to lose control of the vehicle
Negligent hiring, such as hiring drivers with traffic violations
Improper or inadequate training of drivers
Failure to regularly maintain and inspect the vehicle and operating equipment in compliance with federal regulations
Failing to observe or enforce federally mandated break periods or pressuring drivers to forgo them, which can cause fatigue-related accidents
Handling the evidence in your case is just one of the many things your Burger Law truck crash lawyer will do for your Cape Girardeau, Missouri truck accident claim. Identifying the cause of the accident is critical in determining who is at fault and who is responsible for compensating you. If you have been injured in a truck accident, hire a lawyer right away. Our truck wreck attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and build an impregnable case on your behalf. Your recovery depends on it.
>What Kinds of Evidence will My Missouri Truck Crash Lawyer Use?
What Kinds of Evidence Will My Missouri Truck Crash Lawyer Use?
When it comes to truck accident cases, evidence is crucial. We use it to build your case, ensure that you have a legitimate claim, prove the truck driver’s liability and the negligence of any other liable parties, demonstrate the degree to which the accident has impacted your life and demand the total compensation you deserve. As a top Cape Girardeau, Missouri truck accident law firm, we have extensive experience in gathering and presenting evidence to build a strong case for each of our clients. We leverage our expertise and connections to obtain all necessary and available evidence in your truck crash case, which could include the following:
Black box: The truck’s event data recorder, or “black box,” which can provide valuable information about the accident. It records behavior such as the truck’s speed and movements and is triggered to capture unusual behaviors like when the driver abruptly applies the brakes or aggressively accelerates. The timing and other data surrounding this information can help your truck crash lawyer construct the events leading up to the crash and what the truck driver did wrong.
Dash cameras: It is common practice now to utilize cameras on the vehicle’s dashboard to record either the road ahead of the truck (front-facing) or both the road and the driver in the cab (dual-facing), yet federal law does not mandate that commercial vehicles must have dash cams. Many trucking companies believe that dash cams help improve safety and visibility of the driver’s blind spots. If the truck driver in your accident was in a vehicle with dash cams, your truck crash lawyer will obtain footage. We may find evidence of distracted or dangerous behavior by the driver or other displays of negligence.
Log book: Carriers must maintain a logbook containing important details regarding the operation of commercial vehicles. We will obtain a copy of the trucker’s logbook to look for evidence of negligence committed by the driver or the employer. We have won many Missouri truck accident claims by using the logbook to show that, in violation of federal regulations, the driver exceeded FMCSA limits for the number of consecutive hours traveled, insufficient rest time between hauls and other violations that lead to drowsy, unsafe driving.
Maintenance records: Commercial trucking companies must meet a federal equipment maintenance schedule, and the driver is required to perform an inspection of the vehicle before each time they drive. Our Cape Girardeau, Missouri truck crash lawyers scour maintenance and inspection records to determine if the condition of the truck contributed to the accident and who is at fault as a result.
Personnel file: A truck driver’s personnel file may contain information about their qualifications, medical history and alcohol use that could be relevant to the crash. If the driver who hit you had a history of traffic violations or failed to complete a required course for correcting dangerous driving habits, we will assert that the employer was negligent in hiring that individual or failing to provide or mandate legally required education. Likewise, if this driver has a history of past wrecks or does not hold the proper commercial driver’s license, the employer or contractor should not allow that individual to continue driving.
Cell phone records: Cell phones collect a lot of data, and when it may be relevant to your case, our truck crash attorneys obtain the driver’s cell phone records to show any problematic behavior. Text and driving is dangerous as we all well know (responsible for injuring hundreds of thousands of crash victims) and illegal in most states. Unfortunately, texting and driving is only illegal for Missouri drivers under the age of 21, but it is still negligent behavior that makes the texter liable for your recovery.
Alcohol and drug testing: If the driver at fault was noticeably impaired when police and medical responders arrive at the scene, they might submit to a chemical test, like a breathalyzer, which measures their blood alcohol content (BAC), or field tests that are meant to evaluate how intoxicated they are. As your lawyer, we use sobriety test records, results from other drug screenings and recorded statements pertaining to the driver’s condition during the wreck. The evidence will reveal if the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident and illustrate the degree of negligence the driver committed.
Burger Law’s Missouri truck crash lawyers expertly gather and present compelling evidence in truck accident cases. We work tirelessly to obtain all relevant evidence and use it to build a strong case on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
Look Out for the Dangers of Trucks on Missouri Roads
Look Out for the Dangers of Trucks on Cape Girardeau, Missouri Roads
Truck accidents can be extremely dangerous and deadly. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks were involved in over 4,000 fatalities and 100,000 injuries in 2020. These truck accident injury and fatality victims are overwhelmingly the occupants of the other vehicle — not the truck driver. This is why it is so critical to understand the reasons behind the dangers of truck accidents and what you can do to avoid them.
Some of the main reasons why truck accidents are so dangerous include:
Size and weight: Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds (the legal weight limit in Missouri), which makes them much heavier than passenger vehicles. When a truck collides with a car or other smaller vehicle, the impact is likely to be much more severe.
Speed and stopping distance: Commercial trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles due to their size and weight. A truck traveling at high speed may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision with a vehicle in front of it.
Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, which can result in them driving for long hours without adequate rest — even in violation of the law limiting the number of consecutive hours a commercial driver can operate. Long hauls and inefficient rest can lead to driver fatigue, which can impair judgment and reaction time.
Distracted driving: Like all drivers, truck drivers can also become distracted while on the road. Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, trying to get dressed or groomed or even daydreaming can take a trucker’s attention away from the road and increase the risk of an accident.
Poor maintenance: Commercial trucks are enormous vehicles that require regular maintenance to keep them in safe operating condition, which is why trucking companies are required by law to have their equipment regularly maintained. When trucking companies fail to properly maintain their vehicles, it can increase the risk of an accident due to mechanical issues.
Staying Safe Around Commercial Trucks in Missouri
Staying Safe Around Commercial Trucks in Missouri
To keep you and your loved ones safe and reduce the risk of a horrific crash involving a truck, remember to:
Give trucks plenty of space: Remember that trucks have much larger blind spots than passenger vehicles, so be sure to give them plenty of space on the road in all directions. Avoid tailgating, and never try to pass a truck on the right.
Stay alert: Always stay focused on the road and avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. The potential seconds you could save while grooming or doing other tasks on your way to work, school or somewhere else are not worth a lifetime of pain and disability or even death.
Take breaks: If you are on a road trip driving for an extended period of time or simply feel yourself getting sleepy on a normal drive, pull over and take breaks to avoid fatigue. Driving fatigued is just as irresponsible and dangerous as driving drunk.
Slow down and be patient: Speeding is a frequent contributor to traffic accidents. Speeding and other aggressive behavior can be even more dangerous in the presence of a truck or other large vehicle. Never tailgate or try to intimidate a truck driver, and avoid sudden lane changes or other aggressive maneuvers.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seek the help of an experienced truck accident attorney in Cape Girardeau, Missouri right away. As a firm, Burger Law has 25 years of experience getting maximum compensation for our truck crash injury clients and winning tough cases at trial. Call us at (314) 500-HURT today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Resources from Your Cape Girardeau, Missouri Truck Crash Lawyers
Our truck crash attorneys and paralegals have a true and deep understanding of Cape Girardeau, Missouri truck accident laws and statutes and we are available to answer your truck crash injury questions for free at (314) 500-HURT. However, when going through a truck accident claim in Chicago, it can put your mind at ease and help you prepare for the outcome of your case by taking the time to educate yourself and learn more about the civil court process. In addition to our extensive library of answers to frequently asked questions and videos addressing common questions and topics, we have hundreds of blog posts and other online resources to help you in your truck crash injury suit. Check out additional truck accident resources below.
What Should I Look For in my Cape Girardeau, Missouri Truck Crash Lawyer?
What Should I Look For in My Cape Girardeau, Missouri Truck Crash Lawyer?
When choosing a lawyer to represent you in a truck accident case, you should search for someone who has the experience and knowledge to successfully handle your case. Moreover, you want to choose someone you feel comfortable with, someone dedicated to your case and your personal experience throughout the process. Here are some things to look for when choosing a lawyer for your truck accident case:
Experience: Look for a lawyer who has experience handling truck accident cases specifically. Truck accident cases can be complex, and you want an attorney who knows the ins and outs of this area of law.
Results: Check the attorney’s track record of success. A good attorney should have a history of securing significant settlements or verdicts for their clients. Burger Law is an established personal injury firm of trial attorneys. We have recovered large settlements for our clients outside of court and great recoveries in trial judgments, including a recent trial judgment of $113.7 million.
Resources: Truck accident cases can require extensive investigation and expert testimony. Look for a law firm with the resources and staff to handle these aspects of your case.
Communication: Choose a lawyer who is accessible and communicates clearly and regularly with you. They should be supported by a professional, compassionate paralegal who assists in proactive communication to keep you up to date on developments in your case. You should be able to reach your truck crash lawyer when you need them and feel comfortable asking questions and providing input throughout the process.
Compassion: In addition to the above factors, it is important to choose a lawyer who genuinely cares about your well-being and recovery. Look for a law firm that treats you with compassion and respect and prioritizes your needs throughout the legal process. A great way to get a sense of what it is like to work with a particular firm is to check out their reviews and client testimonials. Burger Law has more positive reviews than any other law firm in the area in addition to hundreds of written and video testimonials from our past clients.
The truck crash lawyers of Burger Law in Cape Girardeau, Missouri have more than 50 years of combined litigation experience and have recovered over $200 million for our clients in settlements and at trial. We are intimately familiar with the various challenges and complexities of truck accident cases and have the resources and expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve. Discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys now.
Burger Law’s Cape Girardeau, MO team not only has a history of winning truck crash cases, but also for supporting, advocating for and securing compensation for those harmed in other personal injury cases. Learn more by clicking on an area of specialization below.
Truck Crash Case Results in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Truck Crash Case Results in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Results matter with any type of legal claim. Our clients want to know that we are giving 100 percent to a case and winning the best possible settlement on their behalf. Here are just a few examples of semi-truck and other serious motor vehicle injury claims we have won for clients:
Our Missouri semi-truck accident law firm’s lawyers aggressively investigate and litigate truck accident cases to get victims large monetary recoveries, and when we need to, we present the case to a jury and win in trial.
Burger Law is proud to be the most-reviewed and highest-reviewed law firm in the area. View some of our Google reviews or read up on the details of our recent Missouri truck accident and other personal injury case victories.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Missouri, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. At Burger Law, we are committed to helping our clients recover the damages they are entitled to after a truck crash. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Damages in Missouri Truck Crash Cases
Common Damages in Missouri Truck Crash Cases
When you or someone close to you is injured in a truck wreck, it can feel like nothing will ever be the same. Though there is nothing anyone can do to take away the pain you have had to live through or go back in time to prevent the accident from taking place at all, our Missouri truck crash attorneys can help make you whole again by demanding financial compensation for your damages. At our law firm, we understand the emotional and physical trauma that victims of truck accidents can experience, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
Some of the kinds of damages you may receive compensation for include:
Medical expenses: This includes all costs associated with your medical care, such as doctors’ visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication and physical therapy.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for the wages you would have earned during that time.
Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the accident.
Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you could recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of your future earning capacity.
Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a truck accident, you might be entitled to compensation for the damages both you and your loved one suffered, such as lost income, medical expenses, funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
The exact damages you can recover and the sum of your settlement depend on a combination of variables related to the crash and negotiations with the liable party. Because the trucker’s insurance company is highly unlikely to volunteer to pay you a fair sum, it is imperative that you consult an attorney in Cape Girardeau, Missouri before signing anything or accepting a check. Chances are high that our truck crash lawyers will identify and demand many other types of compensation than you can recover on your own.
You only have one chance to claim your recovery. Remember that laws governing truck accidents in Missouri are complex, and there are strict deadlines for filing a claim, so the sooner you can hire a trusted truck accident lawyer, the better. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an experienced and knowledgeable truck accident attorney who can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Speak to Our Cape Girardeau, Missouri Truck Crash Lawyers
CLAIM YOUR RECOVERY. CALL US NOW.
Hire Burger Law’s Speak to Our Cape Girardeau, Missouri Truck Crash Lawyers
At Burger Law, we have been holding negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable and fighting for truck accident victims for more than two decades. We understand the emotional and financial toll that truck accidents can have on individuals and families and how important it is to truly recover the compensation you deserve. You have only one chance to do so. Our truck crash lawyers demand justice and maximum compensation for our clients. Our hundreds of five-star Google reviews and $200 million in recoveries so far demonstrate our commitment to delivering results for our clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, act now. Time is of the essence in these cases, and evidence can quickly disappear. Contact our experienced truck crash attorneys in Cape Girardeau, Missouri today to get the help you need. We will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and provide you with guidance on your legal options. We fight for you every step of the way.
Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Client Reviews
What our clients are saying about us
Juanita Matthews
Year of 2023
This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!
Shaunda S.
7 months ago
I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.
Emelia M.
3 months ago
Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.
Helen L.
a year ago
We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!
Judy M.
a year ago
They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!
Chelsea C.
5 months ago
Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.
David D.
2 months ago
Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.
Lisa B.
11 months ago
Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!
Genevieve and Laura have assisted me in my personal injury claim and have made the process so much less stressful. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and attentive. Laura is always on top of everything and very sweet. I had no idea how to navigate this process and they have made me feel at ease and like they truly cared about the outcome.
Cara Barton
It has been a long 4 years, but it is finally over! Burger law did a great job handling my case. Grant Doty answered all my questions, promptly returned my phone calls, frequently kept me updated and insured me that he was fighting for me. Jennifer Zini also did a wonderful job, great customer service. It was pleasure getting to know the Burger Law team!
S. Alred
After a driver unexpectedly pulled out right in front of my motorcycle & I suffered injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance company offered me a $10,000 settlement. I hired Burger Law & they won a $109,000 settlement. I was very happy with the outcome. They were easy to work with & fully explained each step of the process & kept me informed along the way.
At Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer, we are a team of personal injury attorneys who have earned many distinctions and peer-reviewed awards for our civil litigation and trial work in Missouri and Illinois. A few of the honors we have earned include the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award, a Martindale-Hubbell AV rating, Super Lawyers selection as one of the top attorneys in the field of personal injury and board certifications in Civil Litigation.
Personal injury lawyers who demand justice in Southern Illinois. The role of a personal injury lawyer in Southern Illinois should be more than just getting you a great settlement…
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Gary Burger who has more than 30 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney. Gary’s robust legal knowledge is recognized by his peers as demonstrated by his industry awards and frequent Continuing Legal Education (CLE) lectures.
NO FEES UNTIL WE WIN YOUR CASE
Get a Free Case Evaluation
We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to take your call. Live chat, text, and virtual meetings are available.