Truck Accident Attorneys in Kansas - Warner Law Offices Knows How to Get Results

Trucks are a common sight on Interstate 35, U.S. Route 400 and other well-traveled roadways in Kansas. But while most drivers of smaller passenger vehicles may not think twice about sharing the road with large trucks, car accidents involving semis and other large commercial vehicles happen every day in Wichita and across Kansas. When truck drivers or trucking companies make the conscious decision to place profits over safety, a serious truck accident can occur in only a moment's notice.

In accidents involving a commercial truck and a passenger car, the passenger car usually sustains horrific damage and its occupants suffer catastrophic and potentially fatal injuries. In such cases, the truck driver often walks away from the scene without a scratch. While the federal government has enacted safety regulations covering the entire trucking industry, the costs associated with meeting these regulations often cut into the profits of both truck drivers and trucking companies.

At the Warner Law Offices, located in Wichita, we have significant experience representing clients who have been seriously injured or who have lost a loved one in a trucking accident. Chances are you did nothing wrong to cause your accident. We believe you shouldn't have to face the long-term physical, emotional and financial effects of a truck accident alone. Contact us today. Call 866-584-1032 for a free case consultation.

Click on the following links to learn more about Kansas truck accidents:

Common Questions about Truck Accident Claims
Top 5 Most Common Injuries Linked to Truck Accidents
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Common Questions about Truck Accident Claims

Q: What vehicles are considered "commercial vehicles?"

A: A number of different vehicles are considered "commercial trucks" in Kansas. Any large vehicle used for business or transport purposes can be considered a commercial vehicle. This includes 18-wheelers, tractor-trailer trucks, dump trucks, delivery vehicles, tanker trucks and other large freight trucks.

Q: Are truck drivers required to have a special driver's license?

A: Yes. Commercial truck drivers are required to carry a commercial driver's license (CDL). To obtain a CDL, drivers must take special training courses and pass a driving skills test. Truck companies are responsible for hiring only licensed and accredited drivers and conduct background checks on drivers before they are hired.

Q: Are there limits on the time a truck driver can spend on the road?

A: Yes. Hours-of-service rules, as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, regulate the amount of time a trucker can spend on the road. Truckers may not spend more than 70 hours a week on the road, are required to rest a minimum of 34 consecutive hours (or sleep at least two nights) and must take mandatory breaks during the first eight hours of their shift. While log books are required to document trucker activity, they may be fabricated or destroyed by a trucking company after a crash.

Q: What kind of damages can I recover in a Kansas truck accident?

A: There are a variety of damages - compensation available to accident victims - who were injured in truck accidents throughout Kansas. Damages are designed to help injury victims recover financially for their losses and get life back on track. Damages include medical expenses and cost of future medical care, lost wages from missing work, loss of future earning capacity, damages for pain, suffering and emotional distress. In some cases, an accident victim may be eligible to receive punitive damages, which may be awarded when an at-fault driver or trucking company shows outrageous conduct. These damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

Truck accidents are rarely minor. Due to the vulnerability of passenger vehicle occupants and motorcyclists who share Kansas roads and highways with commercial trucks, an accident involving a semi-truck and a smaller vehicle can lead to catastrophic injuries. In many instances a truck driver is unharmed, while occupants of smaller vehicles are hospitalized and face skyrocketing medical bills due to ambulance and emergency room costs and long-term costs associated with their accident.

The following are some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents:

Traumatic brain injury. Sudden, violent movement of the head can lead to injuries ranging from a mild concussion to permanent brain damage. These cases can be difficult to diagnose without the help of experienced medical professionals and a Wichita truck accident lawyer.
Spinal cord damage. Injuries to the back and spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of use of certain arms or legs. Somebody who sustains paralyzing injuries may not be able to work or function normally for the rest of their lives or require a wheelchair and other special accommodations after a crash.
Broken bones. The impact of a truck accident can result in broken bones and fractures. Such injuries may seem minor. But the effects can often be more serious than you think. Medical expenses add up fast and your injuries may require months of physical therapy.
Internal injuries. The force and trauma of a truck accident may lead to broken ribs, internal bleeding and damage to the spleen, kidneys, liver, stomach and other internal organs. These injuries can be hard to detect immediately after an accident. That's why seeking medical attention immediately after a crash is so important.
Injuries to fingers, toes, arms and legs may result in catastrophic damage that requires the amputation of a limb. In serious cases an accident victim's injuries - such as when he or she suffers burns or crushing injuries - may result in the loss of multiple limbs.
Injuries that lead to death: Truck accidents can be fatal. If you lost a loved one, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver and/or the trucking company. At Warner Law Offices, we take every trucking accident case seriously and fight aggressively for our clients' rights.

Passengers in cars involved in semi-truck accidents often have lifelong conditions as a result of their injuries. Medical bills may add up fast. An accident victim may no longer be able to work or provide for his or her family. If a victim dies, the surviving family members may have lost not only a loved one, but someone who provided emotional and financial support. Our job is to hold the negligent drivers and companies accountable.

From a rear-end accident on U.S. 400 caused by a fatigued driver to a semi-truck rollover accident caused by malfunctioning brakes or overloaded trailers, there are many different types of truck accidents in Kansas. Warner Law Office understands that while no two accidents - or injury victims - are the same, many truck accidents that occur in Wichita and throughout Kansas have a number of common causes.

The following are some common causes of truck accidents in Kansas:

Speeding
Drunk driving, or driving under the influence of drugs
Drivers who are poorly trained or inexperienced
Trucks with mechanical problems, such as malfunctioning tires, brakes or lights
Drivers who are distracted, such as sending or receiving text messages
Overloaded trailers

The trucking industry is highly regulated. Truckers must limit the amount of time spent behind the wheel to avoid becoming fatigued. However, truckers are often under tremendous pressure to quickly move their cargo. They sometimes try to cut corners to move their products faster. At Warner Law Offices, we are familiar with how the trucking industry works. We're prepared to investigate the trucking company that caused your accident and find out if any violations played a role in the crash.

You should understand that the trucking company and its insurance carrier typically will send investigators to the accident scene within hours of the crash. They will begin investigating and looking for ways to minimize the driver and company's role in causing the accident. That's why it's critical to contact an Wichita truck accident lawyer promptly. Call 866-584-1032 now for a free consultation.

Results-Driven, No-Nonsense Truck Accident Attorneys

The experienced legal team at Warner Law Office has more than 50 years of combined experience protecting the rights of accident victims in Wichita and throughout Kansas. Attorney Thomas M. Warner was admitted to the Bar in 1985 and has a track record of obtaining large, multi-million dollar settlements for clients. Attorney Anne H. Pankratz, a licensed registered nurse, was admitted to the Bar in 1986. We take your case personally. Contact Warner Law Offices today at 866-584-1032 for a free case evaluation with one of our team members.