Experiencing a serious collision can drastically alter your life. Such crashes frequently result in severe injuries, considerable property damage, and deep emotional distress. The path to justice in truck accident cases is complex and calls for knowledge in the nuances of trucking laws – precisely what our team at Monge & Associates offers. Our dedicated team of Wichita truck accident attorneys, armed with a comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and experience handling crash claims, are committed to championing the rights of victims.
Whether your life was disrupted by a collision with a semi-truck, delivery truck, or other commercial vehicle, our attorneys will fiercely fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us at Monge & Associates today to start your journey towards justice. Contact us for your free consultation, and let us help you rebuild your life post-accident, one step at a time.
Wichita Truck Accident Resources
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding links below.
Types of Commercial Vehicle Collisions
Common Causes of Wichita Truck Accidents
Wichita Truck Insurance Requirements
How Much Time is There to File a Claim?
Call a Lawyer Today
Are There Different Types of Commercial Vehicle Collisions?
Truck accidents can occur due in many ways to the size, weight, and unique characteristics of commercial trucks. Some common types of truck accidents that we see here at Monge & Associates includes:
- Jackknife Accidents: Jackknifing happens when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can occur when the truck’s wheels lock up, causing the driver to lose control. Jackknife accidents can result in multi-vehicle collisions and significant damage.
- Underride Accidents: Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath it. These accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, as the top of the smaller vehicle may be sheared off upon impact. A Wichita car accident attorney can assist with your case after this type of collision between differently-sized vehicles.
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. Rear-end collisions involving trucks can be particularly devastating due to the large size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns due to their extended length. When truck drivers fail to account for this and make wide turns without sufficient warning or signals, they can collide with nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or structures.
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks are susceptible to rollover accidents, especially when taking sharp turns at high speeds or when improperly loaded. Rollovers can pose a significant threat to other vehicles on the road and often lead to severe injuries.
- Lost Load Accidents: Improperly secured cargo or negligent loading practices can cause a truck’s load to shift or spill onto the road. This can create hazardous conditions and lead to accidents involving other vehicles.
- Brake Failure Accidents: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained brakes can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in serious accidents. Brake failure accidents may occur due to mechanical issues or inadequate maintenance.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Wichita Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can have various causes, many of which are similar to those seen in other areas. Here are some common factors that contribute to truck accidents in Wichita:
- Intoxication or Substance Abuse: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, leading to accidents.
- Improper Loading or Overloading: Trucks that are not loaded or secured properly can lead to shifting cargo, which can cause the truck to become unstable and increase the risk of accidents, particularly during turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Inadequate Training: Insufficient training or experience can affect a truck driver’s ability to handle unexpected situations on the road. Lack of knowledge about proper techniques for braking, turning, or maneuvering can lead to accidents.
- Tailgating and Improper Lane Changes: Following too closely (tailgating) or making improper lane changes can significantly increase the risk of rear-end collisions or sideswiping accidents involving trucks.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often have demanding schedules and may push themselves to meet tight deadlines. Fatigue can impair their judgment, reaction times, and ability to stay alert, leading to accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, using GPS devices, or even eating while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is a common factor in many accidents, including truck accidents. When large trucks travel at high speeds, it becomes more difficult for drivers to maintain control and stop in time to avoid collisions.
- Mechanical Failures: Defective or poorly maintained truck components, such as brakes, tires, or steering systems, can contribute to accidents. Failure to perform regular inspections and maintenance can increase the likelihood of mechanical failures.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, ice, or fog, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, making it more challenging for truck drivers to control their vehicles and avoid accidents.
- Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, potholes, or inadequate signage can create hazards for truck drivers, potentially leading to accidents.
A Wichita personal injury lawyer can investigate to determine the likely cause of an accident, secure expert witness testimony, and fight to secure a fair judgment or verdict on their client’s behalf.
Wichita Truck Insurance Requirements
In Wichita, truck accident insurance requirements are regulated by Kansas law. Commercial trucking companies and truck drivers are subject to specific insurance requirements to ensure they can financially cover potential damages resulting from accidents. A failure to meet these insurance requirements can lead to increased liability for the truck driver or handler.
Here are the insurance requirements for commercial trucks in Wichita:
- Liability Insurance: Kansas law requires commercial motor vehicles, including trucks, to carry liability insurance coverage. The minimum liability insurance requirements for commercial trucks are as follows:
- For vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more: $750,000 in liability coverage.
- For vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding: $5,000,000 in liability coverage.
These liability insurance limits are higher compared to non-commercial vehicles to account for the increased potential for damage and injuries in truck accidents.
- Cargo Insurance: Trucking companies transporting goods are also required to have cargo insurance coverage. The specific requirements for cargo insurance may vary depending on the type of cargo being transported and other factors. Carriers are generally responsible for ensuring that the cargo they transport is adequately insured against loss or damage.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Trucking companies that employ drivers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This insurance provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
It’s important to note that these are the minimum insurance requirements established by Kansas law. Some trucking companies may choose to carry higher coverage limits or additional insurance policies to provide further protection. Additionally, interstate trucking companies must still comply with the insurance requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
How Much Time is There to File a Claim?
In Wichita, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to a truck accident is an important legal deadline that must be considered. The statute of limitations sets the time limit within which a legal claim must be filed. If the claim is not filed within the specified timeframe, the right to seek compensation may be lost. The statute of limitations for truck accidents in Wichita is generally as follows:
- Personal Injury Claims: If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident and wish to file a personal injury claim, the statute of limitations in Kansas is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you must initiate legal action by filing a lawsuit within two years of the accident.
- Property Damage Claims: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in a truck accident, and you intend to seek compensation for the property damage, the statute of limitations in Kansas is generally two years from the date of the accident. Similar to personal injury claims, you must file a lawsuit within two years to preserve your right to pursue a property damage claim.
It’s important to note that there can be exceptions or variations to these general statutes of limitations, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, if the truck accident resulted in the wrongful death of an individual, a different statute of limitations may apply to a wrongful death claim.
Contact Our Wichita Truck Accident Attorney Today
Dealing with a serious auto accident can plunge you into a maze of complex legal procedures, investigations, and negotiations. But with Monge & Associates on your side, the path to justice and compensation becomes significantly less daunting. Our team of highly skilled Wichita truck accident attorneys will bring a wealth of experience to your case. We are fully committed to safeguarding the rights of our clients.
We leverage our knowledge to navigate legal requirements, conduct thorough investigations, and vigorously pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Our passion for advocacy and empathetic approach allows us to seek justice for you and help you recover what you deserve.
Don’t tackle this journey alone. Reach out to Monge & Associates today for a free consultation, and let our experts guide you towards the successful resolution of your claim. Your rights are worth fighting for, and we’re ready to take on the fight today.