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What Happens if I Was Partly to Blame for a Semi-Truck Crash?

Your payout will decrease based on the level of your fault.


Car accidents are often complex issues. Since many vehicles on the road travel at different speeds and in different directions, it is almost impossible to determine who actually caused certain accidents. If you were caught in the middle, you may be partly – but not entirely – to blame. So what happens now? Can you still sue even if you were involved in the crash? Can you still get compensation for your injuries? These are some of the most common questions for truck accident victims.

If you have been injured in a semi truck accident in Missouri, you need to contact an experienced, experienced truck accident attorney. lawyers fast forward. Until you contact an attorney, you’re just playing the guessing game. Internet research is a good start, but it can only get you so far. To start working to get good results, you need to request a consultation and start creating a clear plan of action together St. Louis injury lawyers. These legal professionals can carefully review your situation during the consultation.

Missouri’s “Pure Comparative Error” Explained

In Missouri, drivers are subject to the “pure” negligence system – otherwise known as plain fault.1. This means that even if you were at fault for your accident, there is a strong possibility that you can still get a settlement. This system is said to be “pure” because there are no limits to it. In other words, you can be 99% responsible for your own injury and still find a solution.

Here’s the catch

The catch is simple: Your payment amount drops based on the level of your fault. If you were responsible for 25% of the risk, you would only receive 75% of your normal payout. If you were 50% responsible, you would get half. If you were 75% responsible, you would receive 25% of your payment.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

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Depending on the rules of this system, it makes sense to prove that your error is as low as possible. An attorney can help you find that instead of being 50% at fault, you were actually 25% at fault. This can greatly increase your satisfaction.

An Example of a Pure System of Comparative Liabilities
Let’s say you drove past a truck stop and were hit by a semi-truck. You may have been at fault, but what if the pickup truck driver also ran a stop sign? What if they were drunk or confused at the time of the crash2? If you can prove these facts to be true, you can still walk away with a great deal.

Where Can I Find a Lawyer Near Me?

If you have been looking for qualified St. Louis truck accident attorneys, there are many options available. Take your time when choosing the best lawyer you can find – but don’t wait too long. If you are not careful, you may lose the ability to sue when the statute of limitations has expired. Remember, you may still be able to get a settlement even if the other party was at fault for your accident. The only way to find out for sure is to contact an attorney today and start the legal process.

Sources:

  1. https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=537.765
  2. https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/lawmakers-hope-to-change-missouris-distracted-driving-law

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