Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in St. Louis

After a truck accident in St. Louis, you should prioritize your safety and health, document the scene, report the crash, seek immediate medical attention, and contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers — reachable at (314) 499-1190 or (314) 621-2005, with an office at 7701 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117 — offers free, no-obligation consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.

1. At the scene — first steps

Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical services. Getting law enforcement to the scene creates an official police report — critical evidence for any future claim.
Get to safety if you can, but do not move anyone who may be seriously injured — wait for EMS.
Document the scene thoroughly: photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, cargo spills, and any visible injuries.
Gather names and phone numbers from any witnesses — their accounts can help establish fault.

Watch what you say. Be cautious about what you tell insurance adjusters, and do not speculate about the cause. Statements made after a crash can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

2. Get medical attention the same day

See a doctor right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries — including internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries — may not be apparent immediately after a crash.

The first 72 hours after a crash are critical for protecting your claim. Acting quickly to preserve evidence, obtain a police report, and consult an attorney can significantly affect the outcome.

Keep every record and receipt — medical documentation is the backbone of an injury claim.

3. Missouri deadlines and disappearing evidence

Five-year deadline. Missouri generally gives injured victims five years from the crash date to file a personal-injury lawsuit (RSMo § 516.120) — but acting promptly is essential.

Evidence can be lost fast. Truck black-box data, driver logs, and surveillance footage can be overwritten or destroyed within weeks of a crash. Prompt legal action helps preserve it.

4. Truck claims are more complex than car accidents

A truck crash can involve several liable parties — far more than a typical car accident. An experienced attorney can identify everyone responsible:

The truck driver — for negligent or unsafe operation.
The trucking company — for hiring, training, or hours-of-service violations.
Cargo loaders — for improperly secured or overloaded freight.
Vehicle or parts manufacturers — for defective equipment.

5. Insurer tactics to watch for

Fast lowball offers. — Do not accept a quick settlement from the trucking company or its insurer — early offers are often far less than what victims are entitled to recover.
Recorded statements. — Be cautious with insurance adjusters; what you say can be used to minimize or deny your claim.
Make three key calls. — After a truck accident: call 911, call your insurance company, and call a truck accident attorney.

6. When to call Cofman Townsley

Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers has served injured victims in St. Louis for over 50 years, has recovered more than $1 billion for clients, and is available 24/7. Consultations are free and the firm works on contingency — you pay nothing unless they win. Call (314) 499-1190 or (314) 621-2005. Office: 7701 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117.