If you have been hurt in an accident with an 18-wheeler, delivery truck, or other large commercial vehicle in Gladstone, you are likely dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, and a long recovery road ahead. A Gladstone truck accident lawyer can help you investigate the crash, determine who is liable, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Trucking accidents are different from standard car crashes, as they involve federal regulations, multiple parties, and tough insurance defense. At Northland Injury Law, we understand the unique challenges victims face after a serious trucking accident. We work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
At Northland Injury Law, our lawyers have over 50 years of collective experience handling serious truck accident cases in the Northland, including Gladstone. We are familiar with the unique legal and practical complexities of these cases, including federal safety regulations, commercial insurance coverage, and multi-party liability issues.
We take pride in our comprehensive investigation and case-building efforts, as well as our focus on compassionate and client-centered advocacy in high-stakes, injury-related claims involving large commercial vehicles.
Truck accidents are different from most car accidents for two main reasons. First, there may be multiple parties who can be held legally responsible for your injuries. For example, federal trucking regulations (FMCSA) might apply, which place strict requirements on drivers regarding rest periods, load sizes, vehicle inspections, and driver qualifications.
The motor carrier, the people or company that loaded the cargo, a third‑party maintenance company, or even the leasing company may also be liable. Secondly, large commercial trucks produce more potential evidence than a regular car. This might include driver log books or GPS/ELD records, black box recordings onboard the truck, and maintenance records.
Pursuing a serious truck accident claim requires a Gladstone truck accident attorney who understands the technical details of industry regulations and the legal aspects of truck accident cases. These cases are high stakes and require accuracy and attention to detail. A truck accident lawyer familiar with industry specifics is essential to protect your rights and fight against insurance and trucking companies.
Common causes of truck accidents in Missouri reflect national trends. Driver fatigue, speeding, overloading, and the lack of maintenance are leading causes, with driver negligence contributing to most semi-truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 5,419 large trucks involved in fatal & non-fatal crashes in Missouri in 2024. As of June 2025, there have already been incidents involving 1,929 large trucks.
Heavy freight increases stopping distance, so following too closely or slamming on the brakes can trigger a fatal crash. Awareness of these factors can help you understand liability, pinpoint potential evidence, and prove your claim after a catastrophic crash in Gladstone.
In 2023, 153,452 injuries occurred in crashes involving large trucks, a 4.4% decrease from the previous year. In the same year, 5,472 people were killed in large‑truck crashes. Of the fatalities, about 70% were occupants of other vehicles, 18% were occupants of trucks, and 12% were non‑occupants, such as pedestrians or bicyclists.
Truck crashes are more likely to cause catastrophic or long-term injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries. Compensation needs to include not only coverage for medical and rehabilitation bills, but also months or years of lost income and earning capacity.
Even pain and suffering from psychological trauma and physical agony can continue to mount over time. If your loved one is killed, then you, as the family, also have the right to file a wrongful death claim against the truck driver or trucking company for funeral expenses and loss of companionship, among other factors.
Some truck accident hotspots in or near Gladstone are I-29, Highway 152, and North Oak Trafficway, which have significant commercial traffic volumes and have had numerous fatal and serious accidents. If you have been injured in a crash on one of these major highways, taking photos of the accident scene and knowing common traffic patterns in the area where you were injured may help to prove your case and establish liability.
Truck accidents are unique from car accidents in size, damage, and legal complexity. The main difference between trucks and cars lies in their size because commercial trucks may reach weights of 80,000 pounds. Collisions involving large trucks can produce devastating and destructive forces.
Truck cases also involve federal safety regulations, multiple insurance policies, and company records that are not part of an ordinary car crash claim. Victims of truck accidents need legal strategies that integrate these additional considerations.
If the trucking company’s insurance attempts to blame you, this does not imply your case is over. Missouri has a comparative fault system, which means that even if you are partially at fault, you can recover damages. Your truck accident attorney can develop a compelling case that demonstrates how and why the truck driver or organization caused the accident. Insurance companies frequently try to decrease settlements. Therefore, legal representation is crucial.
Examples of evidence that help prove a truck accident case include black box information, logbooks, truck inspection reports, dash camera video, and witness testimony. Additionally, if drug or alcohol testing was performed, these reports may be used in support of your claim. Unlike in a typical automobile accident, trucking companies may maintain internal information that will be useful to prove liability. It is therefore critical to preserve evidence in a truck accident case as soon as possible.
Northland Injury Law represents victims of serious truck accidents in the Gladstone area. A consultation can help you determine who may be responsible, what evidence is significant, and how to proceed. If you are injured, contact us to explore your options with a team of professionals experienced in complex truck crash cases.