Joplin Truck Accident Attorneys
Holding Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable in Missouri
At Bishop & Hayes, we know that an unexpected accident can derail your health and financial security in a heartbeat. From requesting time off work to affording life-saving medical care, there can be a lot to worry about after a wrongful injury. That's why our truck accident lawyers are committed to safeguarding the rights of the wrongfully injured and their loved ones in Joplin and beyond.
With extensive knowledge of personal injury law and over $100 million recovered for clients throughout Missouri, you can rely on our trusted advocates to prioritize your needs from start to finish. If you were wrongfully injured by a negligent truck driver on the road, our Joplin attorneys can aggressively protect your rights while advocating for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Bishop & Hayes is committed to holding truck drivers accountable for negligence. Contact us online to discuss your case. Pay nothing until we achieve a fair settlement.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
While any motor vehicle accident can lead to serious injuries, the stakes can be much higher in accidents involving large commercial trucks, such as eighteen-wheelers and large semi-rigs. If you were wrongfully injured in a truck accident, securing skilled representation is imperative to recover damages for medical expenses, treatment costs, lost earnings, and more.
At Bishop & Hayes, we have over 50 years of combined experience pursuing justice for truck accident victims.
We represent clients in various types of trucking accidents, including:
- Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents happen when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle, causing the truck to slide or roll over. Common causes include driving too fast, especially in areas where the road curves, declines, or inclines.
- Jackknife truck accidents: This type of truck accident occurs when a commercial truck begins to fold around itself. It’s often caused by early braking, causing trucks to drift into other traffic lanes or block parts of the road.
- Underride accidents: This type occurs when the truck driver brakes too quickly, causing following drivers to collide with the back of the tractor and get stuck.
- T-bone accidents: This type of truck accident occurs when a truck driver violates traffic regulations, such as running a red light or failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Blind spot accidents: Commercial trucks have large blind spots, increasing the risk of accidents due to negligence.
- Spilled cargo accidents: When cargo is improperly loaded in commercial trucks, it can fall off the truck during operation, posing a serious hazard to other drivers sharing the road.
- Wide turn accidents: Also known as “squeeze play” accidents, this truck accident occurs can occur when drivers fail to check carefully before turning right.
OUR VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
MORE THAN $100,000,000 RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS
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$1.5 Million Auto Accident Rollover
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$1.1 Million Motorcycle Accident
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$1 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$500,000 Semi-Truck Failure to Secure Load
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$400,000 Uninsured Motorist Red Light Accident
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$350,000 Semi-Truck Head-On Collision
The Keys to our success
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Exclusive Focus on Auto Accident Recovery Law
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Over $100,000,000 Total Recovered for Our Clients
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50 Years of Combined Experience in Car Crash Recovery
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Same-Day Returned Phone Calls and Emails from Our Clients
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Partners Who Handle Your Claim from Consultation to Recovery
Do I Have a Valid Truck Accident Claim?
To successfully recover damages in a truck accident lawsuit, you must first establish liability. The mere existence of injuries isn’t enough to pursue compensation, making it crucial to seek sound counsel from a qualified attorney who can help you navigate the legal intricacies of filing a claim and maximize the compensation available to you.
At Bishop & Hayes, our lawyers have decades of experience to ensure all negligent parties are held responsible for the harm they’ve inflicted. As the plaintiff, you bear the burden of proof in your case, meaning you must show by a preponderance of the evidence (in other words, that it is “more likely than not”) that the defendant’s negligence led to the accident.
Our Joplin attorneys can help you meet the standard of proof in your case by establishing the four key elements required to collect compensation, including:
- Duty of care: First, you must establish that the truck driver owed you a duty of care. This refers to the legal obligation of a truck driver or trucking company to operate their vehicle in a reasonably safe manner and abide by all applicable traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: Next, you must prove the negligent truck driver breached their duty of care by acting negligently, such as engaging in reckless driving, violating traffic laws, or failing to properly maintain the truck.
- Causation: Then, you must establish the defendant’s breach of duty as the proximate cause of your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you must prove you suffered compensatory harm or “damages” as a direct result of the truck driver’s negligence. These refer to the financial and non-financial losses you suffered as a result of the truck accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
Recovering damages in a truck accident lawsuit can be complex. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can identify all liable parties and work to maximize the damages available to you. At Bishop & Hayes, our Joplin lawyers can carefully evaluate the unique circumstances of your claim to determine your eligibility for damages and pursue justice.
There are three primary types of recoverable damages in a truck accident lawsuit, including:
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for concrete financial losses suffered in the truck accident.
Common examples of recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and ongoing care costs.
- Lost wages from being unable to work due to your injuries.
- Loss of future earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to work due to permanent disabilities or reduced functionality.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses that result from a truck accident. Common examples include:
- Physical pain and suffering endured due to injuries sustained in the truck accident.
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of quality of life if your injuries have significantly impacted your ability to participate in daily activities or enjoy life as you did prior to the accident.
3. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious, such as drunk driving or intentional harm. They are meant to punish the defendant and prevent similar behavior from occurring in the future.
Hear from our clients
WE PUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR RECOVERY FIRST
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“If you need an attorney that is going to look out for your needs give them a call first.”- Jen F.
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“Two times now we have needed them.”- Kasandra S.
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“There aren't enough words to say how much I appreciate my first meeting with Tim Hayes!!”- Jeanette B.
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“Professional, caring, answered every question, staff very understanding, and they made it easier going thru an accident.”- Campbell C.
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“My husband, family and I are very grateful for the compassion and the help in navigating all the parts.”- Renee T.
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“They made it so easy! Super friendly staff and beautiful office!”- Allie E.
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“They guided me through a confusing time and went above and beyond to help me.”- Bailey D.
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“Their service, communication and professionalism, that's what makes them great!”- Vlad L.
Why Partner with Bishop & Hayes?
If you were wrongfully injured by a truck driver, our experienced lawyers can help you navigate every aspect of your case. When you hire Bishop & Hayes, you'll put over five decades of shared experience in your corner.
Our firm can assist with:
- Filing your claim: We can walk you through the complexities of the claims process, guiding your steps with care to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and procedures.
- Gathering evidence: We can help fortify your claim with relevant evidence, from witness testimonies to security camera footage to medical records.
- Negotiating effectively with insurers: As top-rated litigators, our seasoned attorneys can ensure your rights are protected by effectively negotiating with insurers and other opponents on your behalf.
- Representing your best interests in litigation: Our attorneys prepare every case for trial to ensure our clients are compensated fairly, allowing you to rest assured that your needs are being prioritized. We can represent your best interests in litigation if that’s what it takes to achieve a fair settlement.
If you were harmed in a truck accident, turn to our Joplin attorneys for the fierce advocacy you deserve. Call (417) 479-3510 to schedule a free consultation.
