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708 N. Locust, Suite B, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762
Contact Us For A Free Consultation 620-308-6692 620-308-6692

Hardworking Pittsburg Truck Accident Attorney Assists Victims

Proven Kansas trial lawyer pursues maximum compensation for injuries

In 2016, Kansas was the site of 3,195 crashes involving heavy commercial trucks, resulting in 934 injuries and 74 deaths. Although large trucks accounted for only 5.3 percent of all traffic accidents in the state, they produced 18.9 percent of all the state’s traffic fatalities due to their size, weight and strength. Patrick C. Smith, Attorney at Law understands how destructive truck accidents can be, especially on high-speed roads such as U.S. 69 and U.S. 160. In 30 years of practice, I’ve met with the victims of horrific truck accidents, so I’ve seen their suffering up close. I am determined to help you obtain the maximum level of compensation possible in your accident case.

Knowledgeable adviser outlines common causes of commercial truck crashes

One of the most important elements in a truck accident case is determining what caused the crash. This can be a difficult process, because 18-wheelers can leave a broad path of destruction. I consult with knowledgeable accident reconstruction experts who have had extensive experience with all types of commercial truck crashes, including:

  • Head-on collisions
  • Rear-end collisions
  • Sideswipe impacts
  • Lane-change accidents
  • Jackknifes
  • Rollovers
  • Undercarriage accidents

The most common causes of truck accidents are:

  • Aggressive driving
  • Brake failure and other mechanical defects
  • Driver error
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Drowsy driving
  • Tire failure
  • Overloaded or poorly loaded cargo
  • Poor road conditions or road design

Sometimes a violation of a trucking regulation allowed the accident to happen. For example, the vehicle  might not have had scheduled maintenance or could have been put back on the road even though its brakes needed repair.  Rules pertaining to drivers are also broken frequently, raising the likelihood of an accident caused by too many hours behind the wheel in a given period of time. I use the discovery process to demand company documentation to find these types of violations.

Once my experts and I have determined the cause of the accident, I can pinpoint the party or parties who should be held accountable.

Who is liable for a truck accident in Kansas?

If a truck driver error caused the crash, the trucking company is responsible under the longstanding legal principle of respondeat superior. The trucking company can also be liable if broken commercial vehicle rules caused the accident. Other parties who could be liable depending on the facts of the accident include:

  • Manufacturers of trucks and truck parts
  • Tire manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Cargo-loading companies
  • Government entities that construct and maintain highways

When a party is held liable for an accident that causes personal injury or wrongful death, they must pay appropriate damages to the injured parties. Your personal injury damages in a trucking accident case can include:

  • Medical bills, present and future
  • Loss earnings, present and future
  • Physical pain
  • Mental suffering
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

When you retain my services for your truck accident case, you can count on my legal ability and my determination to win full compensation.

Contact an accomplished Kansas attorney for your truck accident case

Patrick C. Smith, Attorney at Law provides determined and compassionate representation in trucking accident cases throughout Kansas and Missouri. To schedule a free initial consultation, call me at 620-308-6692 or contact me online. My firm is located close to the courthouse in Pittsburg, and free parking is available. I can provide a Spanish interpreter upon request.