St. Louis Truck Accident Support Resources – St. Louis is one of the largest cities in the region and it’s no surprise that it has a lot of truck traffic, especially on the highways and interstates. The high number of trucks means a greater risk of being involved in a truck accident. Truck accidents can be a traumatic experience and result in severe injuries. Victims of truck accidents need all the support they can get. Fortunately, St. Louis has excellent resources to support truck accident victims. This includes emergency support at the accident scene and other resources to help victims recover from the incident.
St. Louis Emergency Services
If you get involved in a truck accident, you need to call the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) as soon as possible. The 911 operator will dispatch police officers to the accident site for assistance. They can also transfer calls to the EMS and the Fire Department.
If there have been severe injuries or significant property damage, you must call the police. The police will arrive at the accident scene and make a police report, also referred to as an incident report. If the other party is at fault, this report can help support your insurance claim or lawsuit to recover compensation for your damages. Generally, a copy of the police report can be obtained from your local law enforcement agency, such as the county sheriff’s office.
Medical Care
Your top priority in the aftermath of a truck accident is to ensure you and others involved in the crash get the medical attention they need. St. Louis is home to several medical care facilities that support victims of truck accidents.
The most reputed hospitals include the Mercy Hospital St. Louis, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and the St. Louis University Hospital. There are also several smaller hospitals and clinics that can provide medical care.
Some injuries are so severe that victims are rushed to an emergency care center; however, minor injuries often go untreated. Even if you think that your injuries are mild and you don’t need a medical check-up, it is always best to see a doctor. Getting medical attention is also an essential part of documenting your injuries so you can use them as evidence to recover compensation.
Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)
The Missouri Department of Transport also offers support through its emergency response operations. Their operators are trained professionals who work with other emergency services to support victims of auto accidents. The support provided by MoDOT includes roadside assistance for issues with vehicles to debris removal after an accident.
MoDOT can also play a key role in supporting truck accident investigations to help establish liability for the accident. The Missouri State Highway Patrol can also help in the investigation if the accident happened on a state highway or interstate.
The MoDOT Motor Assist operators often patrol accident hotspots in St. Louis, including interstate exit and entry points. MoDOT can be reached by calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).
Emotional and Psychological Support
The impact of a truck accident can often leave victims in shock. While some recover in a few days after the accident, others might need emotional and psychological support. St. Louis has a wide range of counseling services and support groups for accident victims. Some of the top hospitals in the city also offer services for emotional and psychological support. The St. Louis Center for Trauma Recovery (CTR) specializes in trauma-focused therapy to support victims of catastrophic incidents, such as truck accidents. These resources can help victims recover from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and other conditions caused by the truck accident.
Missouri Department of Insurance
As St. Louis is located in Missouri, the at-fault rules apply to all auto accidents. This means that the person at fault for the accident pays for the other parties’ injuries or property damage. Missouri residents are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance.
Truck accident victims who have questions about the laws and rules regarding auto insurance in St. Louis can contact the Missouri Department of Insurance. Not only do they offer consumer information, but they can investigate consumer complaints about insurance companies. The department can review the insurance company’s response to your complaint and check if they comply with the state’s insurance rules and regulations.
In addition, the Missouri Department of Insurance can guide you on the course of action to take to resolve your insurance dispute; however, the department may not have the regulatory authority to resolve the issue on its own. You may need to contact a truck accident lawyer to file a lawsuit.
Truck Accident Lawyer
Perhaps the best resource you have as a truck accident victim is the service of a skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer. This makes it vital to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible after the truck accident. The sooner you involve an attorney, the greater impact they can have on your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
As truck accident cases are often more complex compared to car accidents, a truck accident lawyer can guide you through the steps. A St.Louis Missouri personal injury lawyer can investigate the matter and gather crucial evidence such as witness statements and accident reports. They will also negotiate with the insurance companies and the legal team of the opposing party. Insurance companies and defense lawyers may try different tactics to minimize their clients’ financial payout for truck accidents.
The support you get from your lawyer can allow you to focus on recovering from the accident or helping a loved one recover from the accident. As truck accidents often result in a significant financial burden, lawyers can help reduce it by getting you compensated for your damages.
READ: What To Do After An Accident At Work
Common damages available in truck accidents include compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and a loss of earning potential. Missouri follows the pure comparative negligence law, which means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation for your damages. The compensation awarded to you will be adjusted according to your share of the fault.
