Truck Accidents

Kansas & Missouri Trucking Accident Attorneys

Accidents involving commercial trucks—including 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and other large commercial vehicles—often result in severe, life-altering consequences. Due to their size and weight, these collisions are frequently catastrophic, leading to serious injury, extended hospitalization, permanent disability, or loss of life.

Statistics from the Kansas Department of Transportation reflect the serious nature of these crashes, with thousands of truck-involved collisions reported statewide each year, resulting in significant injury and fatalities.

When a truck accident is caused by negligence, victims and families may be entitled to pursue financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Early legal guidance is critical in protecting those rights.

Crabtree Law Offices represents individuals and families affected by serious trucking accidents throughout Kansas and Missouri. The firm carefully evaluates each case, identifies all potential sources of liability, and develops a focused legal strategy aimed at holding responsible parties accountable and securing fair compensation.

Serving Clients Across Kansas & Missouri

Crabtree Law Offices serves clients throughout the Kansas City metro area, including Johnson County, Wyandotte County, North Kansas City, Independence, and surrounding communities. Consultations are available to discuss potential claims and legal options.

Laws Affecting Truck Accidents in Kansas

Under Kansas law, drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 are required to report the crash to law enforcement. In addition, commercial drivers are obligated to stop, assess for injuries, and ensure that appropriate medical assistance is provided or arranged when necessary.

Statute of Limitations 

The statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Kansas is two (2) years from the date of the accident or injury. This means that the injured person must commence a civil action to recover damages within two years of the truck accident. 

Assessing Liability  

Additionally, a number of different parties or entities may be held accountable for a truck accident, depending on the surrounding circumstances. These include: 

• The truck driver 

• The trucking company 

• The truck manufacturers 

• The cargo loaders—the persons who loaded or shipped the cargo 

• Maintenance personnel or company 

• Government agencies for failing to fix or maintain damaged roads. 

• The loading company—the company that ensures that equipment or containers are balanced and secured correctly 

• Equipment and parts manufacturers 

A dedicated attorneys can evaluate the magnitude of your damages, identify the liable party or parties, and help file your accident claim or lawsuit. 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim 

Kansas is a no-fault auto insurance state. According to the state's no-fault rule, victims turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to recover medical costs, lost wages, and other accident-related financial losses that they suffer from the truck accident, irrespective of the at-fault party. 

What Does the PIP Policy Cover? 

In Kansas, PIP coverage offers the following minimum benefits: 

• $4,500 per individual for medical expenses 

• $900 per month for wage loss (up to 12 months or $10,800 total) 

• $4,500 for rehabilitation expenses 

• $25 per day for help around the house (up to 365 days or $9,125 total) 

• $2,000 for funeral, burial, or cremation expenses 

If You're Representing an Incapacitated Loved One 

If you’re representing a loved one who was incapacitated by the truck accident, you will need to establish guardianship. Once the court appoints you as the legal guardian of the incapacitated person, you can file a personal injury claim on their behalf to help recover their rightful compensation. 

If You're Representing a Deceased Loved One 

If the truck accident caused the person's death, their surviving loved ones may pursue wrongful death benefits. According to Kansas law, the decedent's "heirs at law"—including the surviving spouse, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents—who have suffered a loss from the person's death may be entitled to commence a wrongful death action. Keep in mind that they must file the wrongful death claim with the 2-year statute of limitations. 

Work With Compassionate Personal Injury Attorneys 

Being involved in a truck accident or losing a loved one in a truck wreck can be overwhelming, to say the least. These kinds of incidents can impact you physically and financially—but you don't have to suffer in silence. If you’re injured in a truck accident, you need to hire a personal injury attorney for proper guidance. 

Over the years, our attorneys at Crabtree Law Office have successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims and their loved ones. With our extensive knowledge, we can walk you through the complex procedures involved in filing truck accident claims. Above all, we will fight with zeal and compassion for your rights.