Commercial Truck Accidents Aren’t Just Bigger Car Crashes. Contact Hoffman Law Firm L.L.C For a Free Consultation
Accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as trucks, delivery vans, and buses, are often more complex than typical car accidents. These collisions can lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and complicated legal battles.
Understanding the differences between accidents involving commercial vehicles and passenger cars is essential for anyone who shares the road with these large and often heavily loaded vehicles.
This legal professional has shown exceptional competence and dedication in their field. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking legal representation that is committed to unwavering advocacy and support throughout the entirety of their case.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner: TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner: Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner: This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner: Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner: Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner: Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner: Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Major car accident injury in St Louis area for a family member. Four different lawyers we know said the same thing - call Chris Hoffmann. On another level.
Response from the owner: This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
Best in St Louis for auto accident cases. Nobody else is even close.
Response from the owner: So kind of you to leave this review. Whether our lawyers are going after big insurance or their lawyers, skill and experience are essential and win the day for our auto accident clients. Thanks!
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner: We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer. At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner: Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner: Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner: Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner: Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner: Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner: Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
I was in a car accident in St.Louis and hired Chris as my lawyer. He was amazing!!! He helped me every step of the way and was able to get me a great settlement!!!Highly, highly, highly recommend him!
Response from the owner: Each step is important in a car accident. Thanks for recommending us for car accidents injury claims.
Buses (public transit, school buses, charter buses)
Company cars or SUVs used for work purposes
Construction vehicles (e.g., dump trucks, cement mixers)
These vehicles are typically larger, heavier, and often subject to different regulations than private passenger vehicles.
Key Differences in Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
Increased Severity of Accidents
Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicles can cause significant damage in a collision. The impact force from a truck or bus is much greater than that of a typical car, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. The risk is even higher in accidents involving hazardous materials, which can cause fires, chemical spills, or explosions.
Complex Liability Issues
Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident is often more complicated than in a standard car accident. Potentially liable parties may include:
The driver of the commercial vehicle
The company that owns the vehicle
The vehicle manufacturer (in cases of mechanical failure)
Maintenance providers are responsible for the vehicle’s upkeep
Cargo loaders, if improper loading contributed to the accident
Different Regulations and Standards
Commercial vehicles are subject to a wide range of federal and state regulations, including:
Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which limit the number of hours drivers can operate without rest
Weight and load limits
Regular maintenance and inspection requirements
Special licensing and training for commercial drivers (e.g., CDL requirements)
Insurance Policies
Due to the higher potential for severe damage and injuries, commercial vehicles are typically covered by larger insurance policies than personal vehicles. These policies often have much higher coverage limits, but dealing with commercial insurers can be more challenging. Insurance companies for businesses are often more aggressive in defending claims, and they may have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Several factors can contribute to accidents involving commercial vehicles, including:
Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to fatigue, reducing reaction times and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Distracted Driving: Commercial drivers may be distracted by GPS systems, dispatch communications, or personal devices.
Improper Maintenance: Failure to maintain vehicles can result in brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Excessive or uneven loads can make vehicles harder to control or cause rollovers.
Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive lane changes, or following too closely can lead to accidents.
Adverse Weather Conditions: Large vehicles are more difficult to maneuver in rain, snow, or ice, increasing the risk of skidding or jackknifing.
Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, follow these steps to protect your rights and build a strong case:
Call 911
Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed. A police report will be an essential document for your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, get checked by a healthcare professional. Injuries from commercial vehicle accidents can be severe and may not be immediately apparent.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the commercial driver.
Obtain the Driver’s and Company’s Information
Get the driver’s name, license details, and the name of the company they work for. Note the vehicle’s license plate and any company logos or identifying numbers.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you consult an attorney.
Consult with an Experienced Attorney
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve complex legal and insurance issues. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
Why You Need an Attorney for Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving commercial vehicles are not only more severe but also legally intricate. Here’s how an attorney can assist:
Investigate the Accident: Attorneys can work with accident reconstruction experts to determine what happened and who is at fault.
Handle Insurance Companies: An attorney can negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Gather Evidence: This may include driver logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage.
File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to court.
Potential Compensation in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses: Current and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you need experienced legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. specializes in handling complex commercial vehicle accident cases.
Contact us today at (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time. Let us fight for your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Us vs TV Lawyers?
Direct Attorney Access
Maximum Settlement Focus
Trial-Ready Cases
Paralegal Handling
Quick Settlement Push
Settlement-Only Focus
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
