St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

When a semi-truck crash happens, a corporate insurance response activates before you’ve processed what hit you, designed to pay as little as possible. Thompson Law steps in immediately, preserves the evidence, and handles the fight so you can focus on recovery.

Why Choose Thompson Law for Your St. Louis Truck Accident Case

Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law

Tyler Thompson is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a credential held by a small percentage of practicing attorneys that reflects demonstrated courtroom skill, not just years in practice.

Knowledge of Federal Trucking Regulations

Federal law governs commercial truck cases, including FMCSA compliance, hours-of-service requirements, and driver qualification standards. We understand where violations occur and how they affect liability.

Every Case Is Built for Trial

Most cases resolve before trial. But insurers negotiate more seriously when they know the other side is prepared to go to court. We approach every case with that preparation.

No Upfront Costs

Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our interests are fully aligned with yours throughout the process.

What To Do After a Truck Accident in St. Louis

The hours after a commercial truck crash can be confusing. If you are physically able, consider taking these steps to protect your health and your claim.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Truck crashes can cause serious injuries that may not be obvious right away. Get emergency treatment if needed and follow up with your doctor, even if you feel okay at the scene.

2. Call 911 and File an Accident Report

Report the crash and cooperate with the responding officers. The police report can document the vehicles involved, trucking company information, and initial observations that may be important to your case.

3. Document the Scene

If it is safe, take photos or videos of:

The truck and your vehicle
Vehicle damage
Road and weather conditions
Skid marks and debris
Traffic signs and signals
The surrounding area
Any visible injuries

4. Get the Truck Driver and Company Information

Collect the driver’s name, license, and insurance information, along with the trucking company’s name, DOT number, and other company details. Truck crashes often require more information than a typical car accident.

5. Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Companies

The trucking company’s insurer may contact you soon after the crash. Avoid giving a recorded statement or signing broad medical authorizations until you understand your injuries and the facts of the accident.

6. Keep Records of Your Expenses

Save records of medical treatment, bills, prescriptions, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. These documents can help support your claim.

7. Contact an Attorney Promptly

Truck accident cases can involve important evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and inspection records. Some of this evidence may be lost or overwritten. An attorney can help preserve it and explain your legal options

How Thompson Law Can Help With Your Truck Accident Case

Investigating the Crash

Commercial truck accidents require a deeper investigation than a typical collision. We examine driver behavior, vehicle maintenance history, cargo loading, road conditions, and compliance with federal regulations to build a complete picture of what caused the crash.

Identifying All Responsible Parties

The truck driver is often just one piece of a larger liability picture. We investigate whether the carrier, a staffing company, a cargo loader, a maintenance contractor, or another party shares responsibility.

Preserving Important Evidence

Black box data, driver logs, hours-of-service records, and inspection reports can be overwritten or withheld quickly after a crash. We move immediately to preserve the evidence trucking companies would prefer not to produce.

Establishing How the Crash Happened

Trucking companies and their insurers will develop their own version of events early. We counter that with accident reconstruction, federal compliance records, witness accounts, and physical evidence to establish an accurate account of liability.

Calculating Your Losses

Truck accident injuries are often severe and long-term. We document current and future medical costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and the broader impact the crash has had on your life and your family.

Handling Insurance Negotiations

We handle all contact with the trucking company’s insurer. No recorded statements, no premature offers, no pressure to settle before the full picture is clear.

Preparing for Litigation When Necessary

We build every case as though it will go before a jury. If the insurer will not offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take the next steps and pursue your claim in court.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in St. Louis, Missouri

Truck accidents can occur for many different reasons. Common contributing factors include:

Driver Fatigue

Violations of federal hours-of-service rules can leave truck drivers too tired to safely operate their vehicles.

Distracted Driving

Phone use, GPS adjustments, and other distractions can prevent drivers from noticing hazards in time.

Speeding

A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Excessive speed increases stopping distance and crash severity.

Following Too Closely

Trucks need significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. Tailgating can make rear-end collisions difficult to avoid.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Large trucks have substantial blind spots. Failing to check mirrors or signal can lead to sideswipe collisions.

Improper Turns

Wide turns can put nearby vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians at risk.

Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo

Shifting or unsecured cargo can affect vehicle control and create hazards for other drivers.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering defects can cause crashes. Carriers or maintenance contractors may share responsibility.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can affect a driver’s ability to safely control a commercial vehicle.

Trucking Company Negligence

A trucking company may be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, unsafe delivery schedules, or poor vehicle maintenance.

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle in St. Louis

Thompson Law evaluates cases involving all types of commercial truck accidents, including:

- Semi-truck accidents
- 18-wheeler accidents
- Tractor-trailer accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
- Garbage truck accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Underride accidents
- Rear-end truck collisions
- Head-on collisions
Each collision type involves different evidence and legal liability issues.

Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

A collision with a commercial truck can cause severe injuries due to the vehicle’s size and force.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Truck crashes can cause concussions and serious brain injuries affecting memory, cognition, and daily life.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal damage can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or permanent paralysis.

Neck and Back Injuries

Crashes can damage muscles, discs, and nerves, with some symptoms appearing days later.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of a truck collision can cause multiple fractures that may require surgery and extended recovery.

Crush Injuries

Being trapped beneath or alongside a truck can cause severe damage to tissue, nerves, and bone.

Internal Injuries

Organ damage may not be immediately noticeable, making prompt medical evaluation important.

Burns

Fuel fires or hazardous cargo can cause severe burns requiring extensive treatment.

Amputations

Severe crashes can cause traumatic limb loss or injuries requiring surgical amputation.

Psychological Trauma

Serious crashes can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress, which may be compensable under Missouri law.

Wrongful Death

Fatal truck crashes may give surviving family members legal rights under Missouri law.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident?

Establishing liability in a commercial truck accident requires examining the role each party played before, during, and after the crash:

Truck Drivers

Drivers may be liable for unsafe driving, impaired driving, following too closely, or violating hours-of-service rules.

Trucking Companies and Carriers

A trucking company may be responsible for its driver’s actions or for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or scheduling.

Cargo Loading Companies

Companies responsible for loading may share liability when overloaded or improperly secured cargo contributes to a crash.

Maintenance Contractors

Parties responsible for truck maintenance may be liable when brake, tire, steering, or other mechanical failures cause a crash.

Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers or sellers may be strictly liable under Missouri’s product liability statute (§537.760 RSMo) when a defective part contributes to a crash.

Multiple Liable Parties

When more than one party contributed to the crash, §537.067 RSMo governs how fault is allocated. Liability in commercial truck accidents frequently extends across several defendants simultaneously.

Critical Evidence in Truck Accident Cases

Commercial truck accidents often involve evidence that isn’t available in typical car accident cases. Much of it may be controlled by the trucking company and needs to be preserved quickly.

Black Box (ECM) Data

The truck’s electronic control module can record speed, braking, acceleration, and engine activity before a crash. This data may be overwritten if not preserved promptly.

Driver Logs and Employment Records

Hours-of-service logs, training records, work history, and qualifications can help establish whether the driver or carrier violated safety requirements.

Inspection and Maintenance Records

These records can reveal known mechanical problems, missed inspections, or inadequate maintenance before the crash.

Dash Camera, Surveillance, and GPS Data

Video and GPS records can help establish how the crash occurred, where the truck was, and how it was traveling.

Police Reports and Witness Statements

Police reports document initial observations, while witnesses can provide independent accounts of the collision.

Medical Records

Medical records document your injuries, treatment, and prognosis and help establish the value of your damages.

Some evidence has a short preservation window. We move quickly to preserve records and data the trucking company controls before they disappear.

Missouri Laws That May Affect Your Claim

Commercial trucking is subject to federal safety rules enforced by the FMCSA. Violations may be relevant when determining negligence and liability.

Hours-of-Service Rules (49 CFR Part 395)
Federal rules limit how long commercial drivers can operate without rest. Records showing violations may support a truck accident claim.

Driver Qualification Requirements (49 CFR Part 391)
Carriers must keep records showing that drivers meet federal qualification requirements. Failures in screening or qualification may support a negligent hiring or supervision claim.

Comparative Fault
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system. If you share responsibility for a crash, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

FMCSA Violations and Negligence
A federal trucking violation does not automatically establish liability. The driver’s actions, crash circumstances, and available evidence all matter.

An insurer’s fault assessment is not necessarily final. The evidence and applicable law ultimately determine how responsibility is evaluated.

Compensation Potentially Available After a Truck Accident

The damages available in a truck accident case depend on the facts, the injuries, the evidence, and applicable law. Potential compensation may include:

Medical Expenses
Emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, and other treatment related to crash injuries.

Future Medical Care
Rehabilitation, therapy, medication, specialist care, and future procedures for ongoing injuries.

Lost Income
Wages, overtime, and benefits lost while injuries prevent you from working.

Loss of Earning Capacity
Compensation when permanent limitations reduce your ability to work or earn income in the future.

Pain and Suffering
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact of the crash and recovery.

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
Damages for lasting physical limitations, scarring, or loss of independence.

Property Damage
Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged personal property.

Wrongful Death Damages
When a truck accident results in death, qualifying family members may have legal rights under Missouri law.

How Much Is a St. Louis Truck Accident Case Worth?

There is no standard settlement amount for a commercial truck accident case. The value of a claim can vary substantially based on factors such as:

Severity and type of injuries sustained
Immediate and future medical treatment required
Lost income and long-term impact on earning capacity
Permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement
Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
Strength of liability evidence against the driver, carrier, or other responsible parties
Number of liable parties involved
Available commercial insurance coverage and policy limits, which are typically higher in truck cases than standard auto claims
Missouri comparative fault considerations
The broader financial and personal impact on your life and family

Because truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants and larger insurance policies, the range of potential outcomes varies significantly. We evaluate each case individually based on the specific evidence, medical documentation, and coverage available.

FREE Case Evaluation

"*" indicates required fields

16 yrs

of legal experience

$6M+

Recovered for clients

100+

Cases resolved

MO + IL

Licensed to practice

Client Reviews

After a very negative experience with our first personal injury lawyer, Tyler Thompson renewed our faith in the legal system and exceeded our expectations as our represention. Tyler was very communicative, compassionate, diligent in moving our case along, and found us the right specialist who finally was able to give us an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. We highly recommend Tyler and the Thompson Law STL Firm! “

After being unsatisfied with my initial representation, I contacted Tyler who was determined, informative and confident in my case from start to finish. Through the process, he offered updates and was able to get the matter resolved to satisfaction. Beyond this, he was personable and a pleasure to be represented by- after my case finally settled, he called me that day and offered to drop the check off to me at my work. I'll be sure to share his contact with anyone who may need representation. Thank you, Tyler!

Can't speak highly enough of Tyler! He always kept me up to date on the case and was able to get my settlement higher than what the other party wanted to pay. He was timely and all around a nice guy. He even picked me up on the way to mediation. He always listened to me and I really feel like at every step of the way had my best interest at heart. I wish I could give him 10 stars out of 5!

Tyler Thompson was my attorney during a car accident situation where I was injured. He worked for a different firm at the time I hired him originally, but I liked him so much and felt he had strong character and integrity, I made the decision to stick with him as my attorney when he no longer worked there. Well, I couldn't have made a better decision. Tyler is not just a good attorney who delivers when he says he will, he is also a good person.

Injured in a Truck Accident

You don’t have to handle the claim alone. Contact Thompson Law for support.

Meet Your Attorney

Choose an Attorney Who Understands the Insurance Claims Process From Both Sides

Meet Tyler Thompson, an experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney with more than 12 years of legal experience. Before focusing on representing injured individuals, Tyler worked in insurance defense, including serving as in-house counsel for a national insurance company.

That experience gives Tyler a firsthand understanding of how insurance companies evaluate personal injury claims. He knows the questions insurers may ask, the factors they consider, and the issues that can affect the value of a claim.

Today, Tyler uses that experience to build strong cases for injured clients and negotiate with insurance companies from a position of knowledge. His goal is to help clients understand their options and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

What should I do after a truck accident?

Get medical attention first, then call 911 and document the scene if you can. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer before speaking with an attorney. Evidence like black box data has a short window, so acting quickly matters.

Who can be held liable after a truck accident?

Liability can extend beyond the driver to the carrier, cargo loading company, maintenance contractor, or parts manufacturer. We look at every party involved, not just the person behind the wheel.

How is a truck accident different from a car accident?

Truck cases involve federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, electronic vehicle data, and multiple potentially liable parties. They require a different investigation approach from the start.

Can the trucking company be held responsible even if the driver caused the crash?

Yes. A carrier can be independently liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers beyond legal hours, separate from what the driver did.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

The driver’s account is one piece of evidence, not the final word. We use black box data, dashcam footage, and federal compliance records to establish what actually happened.

How long will my truck accident case take?

Most cases resolve within several months to a year. Cases involving disputed fault or serious injuries can take longer. We give you a realistic timeline during your free consultation.

Should I accept the trucking company's settlement offer?

Early offers are typically made before the full extent of your injuries is known. Accepting one permanently closes your right to further compensation. Tyler reviews all offers before you sign anything, at no charge.

How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?

Thompson Law works on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Tyler walks you through the full fee structure during your free consultation.

What if my loved one was killed in a truck accident?

Missouri’s wrongful death statute allows certain family members to bring a claim. These cases are time sensitive, so contact Thompson Law as soon as possible to understand your options.

Get Your Free Case Review with a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win. Speak with our experts today and secure the compensation you deserve.