HURT BY A COMMERCIAL DRIVER?
NO FEES UNLESS YOU COLLECT
In the last 3 years, we’ve made TopVerdict’s annual Texas “Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times.
YOU CAN TRUST OUR FAMILY TO FIGHT FOR YOURS™
If you were hurt in a commercial vehicle or big truck accident, our skilled St. Louis attorneys fight tenaciously to ensure the maximum available settlement while offering you the lowest contingency fee. We handle your case the way we would want our own case handled.
Mullen & Mullen is consistently recognized by TopVerdict for obtaining some of the largest recoveries in the entire state of Texas. In the last 3 years our firm made the Texas “Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times. One of those years we had 19 of the “Top 50” results and all of them were for clients injured in motor vehicle accidents. Our stellar results allow us to offer a below industry standard 29% pre-suit contingency fee which means more money in your pocket.
Our experienced local team has an incredibly strong work ethic and truly cares. We’ve been privileged to serve North Texas for over 40 years. This is our backyard. Call (314) 465-8733 now for a free consultation and some excellent advice.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles demand swift action. Insurance companies often dispatch defense attorneys and specialized “crisis teams” to accident scenes, aiming to limit their exposure and influence the investigative outcomes. If you’ve suffered injuries in a commercial vehicle collision, they are likely devising strategies to delay, deny, defend, or even dismiss your claims.
It’s not uncommon for crucial evidence to conveniently go missing or be entirely lost. That’s why, as soon as you engage Mullen & Mullen for commercial cases, we promptly send comprehensive spoliation letters and preservation demands to safeguard specific evidence.
Unlike many firms that wait until a lawsuit is filed, we proactively engage experts such as accident reconstructionists, life care planners, and vocational rehabilitation consultants. We routinely conduct inspections and retrieve data from the electronic control modules of the involved vehicles. Our pre-litigation efforts significantly enhance your chances of securing an early insurance policy limits settlement, sparing you the stress and costs associated with protracted litigation.
Surprisingly, some attorneys only get involved in personal injury cases when they are ready for evaluation and presentation. By that time, the die is cast, and any missing elements can’t be rectified. At Mullen & Mullen, our clients have direct access to their attorneys from the outset and throughout the entire case development process. In fact, most of our clients have their attorney’s personal cell phone number for direct communication.
Moreover, you deserve a legal team with profound medical expertise. Establishing the causal link between your injuries and the accident might seem straightforward, but it’s often anything but. Some injuries remain invisible on imaging studies, while at other times, your MRI may reveal substantial issues alongside pre-existing conditions like spinal disc protrusions, bulges, herniations, minor joint tears, or arthritis. Commercial insurance companies will likely argue that your pain and discomfort result from these pre-existing conditions rather than the actual injury, especially if there are no acute, objective findings on imaging studies.
We recently handled a case involving a client with a completely normal MRI. We successfully argued that the absence of findings was consistent with her clinical diagnosis of facet joint syndrome, not reliant on imaging. Additionally, we presented prior medical records demonstrating her lack of similar symptoms before the accident. Subsequently, she underwent a rhizotomy procedure, and we retained a certified lifecare planner expert to calculate her future medical costs. Even though her pain had temporarily resolved, we secured the full remaining liability policy limits of $968,844.03 without resorting to litigation. We are highly confident that this represents one of the most substantial recoveries in the state for facet joint injuries, made possible through our profound understanding of our client’s specific injury.
Gross Settlements Before Fees & Expenses
We have achieved numerous multimillion-dollar settlements across all practice areas, but we are restricted from displaying some very large results due to settlement confidentiality. Here are a few recent results without confidentiality agreements:
$6,150,000.00
Work Accident
$4,000,000.00
Wrongful Death
$2,978,104.95
Vehicle Accident
$2,550,000.00
Vehicle Accident
$2,550,000.00
Vehicle Accident
$2,250,000.00
Premises Liability
According to TopVerdict.com, our Dallas attorneys consistently achieve some of the highest recoveries in the state of Texas. As a matter of fact, in the last three years we’ve made their “Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times. For example, in 2021 one of our claims made the Top 10 list, eight made the Top 11-20 list, and ten made the Top 21-50 list. When you factor in our reduced 29% contingency fee, we are confident we will help you recover more. At Mullen & Mullen, we pride ourselves on routinely recovering full policy limits for our clients without the necessity of costly and time-consuming litigation.
We have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic technology through well-established relationships with medical doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, neurologists, counselors, and other healthcare providers in the entire DFW Metroplex. You receive the quality medical attention you need from local providers near where you live or work. These providers specialize in treating people hurt in accidents of all kinds and they know how to properly document injuries to meet the legal burden of proof in your personal injury case. These providers are also willing to delay billing collections until after your case is resolved so you can focus on recovering without additional stress. Physicians that don’t routinely treat accident victims as part of their practice usually turn away patients over fear of being involved in the legal process or fear of health insurance companies refusing to pay accident-related healthcare bills. Please call us at 214-747-5240 for a free consultation and some advice.
Even if you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford your deductible, Mullen & Mullen will secure you the quality healthcare and state-of-the art diagnostics you deserve with no upfront out of pocket costs.
Shane, Joseph and Regis have almost 100 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law. That doesn’t even include the combined experience of the attorneys that serve as of-counsel to Mullen & Mullen at no additional cost to our clients. Our firm continues to evolve, but we never forget our Core Values. We do the right thing, handle cases the way we would want our own case handled, and we truly listen to clients. We have over 40 years of local knowledge, and that matters!
Some lawyers forget that they represent the client, but we never have. Our legal team will make YOU the priority. You are the boss, and we will respond quickly to your requests for case updates and assistance. We guarantee that when you need to speak to your counsel, you will speak directly to your counsel, not to a paralegal or secretary, because that’s the way it should be.
Most firms hire an investigator to help develop evidence on your case and charge you back for that service. Our firm, however, has 2 full-time accident investigators on staff and we offer their services to you for free. This is another way we will maximize your compensation.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Video footage is worth a lot more. Our in-house videographer allows us to capture the true impact the accident has on your life beyond mere words on a piece of paper.
When necessary, Mullen & Mullen Law Firm uses cutting edge technology like 3D imaging videos to fully demonstrate the extent of our clients’ injuries to the insurance companies. This also helps maximize the value of your claim.
Mullen & Mullen’s attorneys live and work right here in Dallas, and always have. We believe in paying our success forward by helping people in the North Texas community, and are dedicated to supporting these local charities.
Our Managing Partner, Shane V. Mullen, has been handling personal injury cases for 21 years. He is “Top-rated” by Thompson Reuters who named him as a Texas Super Lawyer 3 consecutive years. Shane is also a lifetime member of both the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, solidifying his expertise in handling significant cases. He is also an esteemed member of Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America, further attesting to his exceptional legal prowess. Shane brings hard-won, battle born knowledge to your case.
With 18 years of personal injury experience, Attorney Joseph R. Morrison has established himself as a highly skilled legal professional. Notably, he served as counsel of record in a case that garnered recognition from VerdictSearch.com as a top 5 Premises liability (slip and fall) verdict in Texas. The defendant in this case was a Fortune 500 company with an annual revenue exceeding 11 billion. The specific case, Jeffrey Young v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., showcased Joe’s exceptional abilities in achieving favorable outcomes.
Joe is a distinguished member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers, solidifying his standing among the nation’s most esteemed legal practitioners. Furthermore, his membership in both the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums further attests to his expertise in handling substantial cases.
Both Shane and Joseph are lifetime members of the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, meaning they have each settled cases in excess of two million. This solidifies their expertise in handling significant personal injury cases.
Our Founder, Attorney Regis L. Mullen, has 56 years of personal injury experience. Regis received his Admission to practice law in 1967. Previously a Litigation Supervisor at Allstate Insurance Company, he knows all the tactics liability carriers use to deny or reduce personal injury settlements. Drawing upon his profound comprehension of the inner workings of the insurance industry, Regis established a law firm dedicated to meeting the legal needs of injured individuals in North Texas.
For a compelling demonstration of our legal expertise in action, take a moment to delve into this concise account of how a client secured a settlement of $962,500.00 for a neck injury sustained in a commercial truck accident:
On a typical day, a truck driver was traveling westbound on US 287. Unfortunately, a lapse in attention led to an ill-advised lane change, resulting in a collision with another motorist who subsequently suffered a neck injury. It’s worth noting that the injured motorist had a significant history of prior spine surgery.
Regrettably, insurance companies often employ pre-existing conditions as grounds to reduce their liability. It was fully anticipated that they would contend that at least a portion of the injuries sustained by the driver were attributable to her earlier major spine surgery.
While it’s true that a previous surgery can potentially influence current injuries, it’s essential to recognize that Texas law operates under the principle known as “The Eggshell Doctrine.” Under this principle, the injured party must be taken as they are, and compensation is owed for all injuries resulting from the accident, even if pre-existing conditions exacerbate them.
To bolster the client’s case, Shane Mullen recommended that all new and exacerbated symptoms be meticulously documented. This entailed obtaining medical records confirming any fresh symptoms that emerged following the accident. Subsequently, the client underwent multiple laminectomies to address the damaged vertebrae.
When negotiations commenced with the insurance company, they predictably contested that the accident’s impact could not have necessitated surgery. In response, Shane Mullen drew attention to the documented new symptoms and emphasized that even a moderate accident could exacerbate pre-existing injuries.
Ultimately, the insurer was compelled to provide a settlement of $962,500.00. Furthermore, our client benefited from substantial savings, with a reduced 29% case fee, as her claim was resolved without the need for litigation.
“I have three children under the ages of 6, the youngest one is disabled. I was unable to care for my children, after I was hit by an 18-wheeler. My financial support was lost. When I hired the Mullen & Mullen Law Firm, they immediately earned my trust. They made it easy for me.”
“I was hit by a commercial vehicle… They made sure all my medical needs and expenses were taken care of. I have recovered from my injuries. Shane is a great attorney and I was awarded the maximum. I highly recommend this law firm. They were very professional & sincerely cared about me.”
“I was hit by a commercial truck while stopped at a stop light. Joseph did his absolute best to get me what I deserved. Mullen and Mullen are the best.
“Joseph Morrison did a fabulous job with handling my accident with a commercial vehicle. I was injured and required surgery. Joseph made sure all my bills were covered and handled my case with a caring attitude making sure I received a good settlement. I truly appreciated Joseph and his staff! I would recommend Mullen and Mullen to family and friends.”
“My aunt had met with an accident when a truck rammed into her car. She had suffered severe injuries and had to be kept in the hospital for a long time. Needless to say, the expenses added up to quite a bit, so I was determined to fight for adequate compensation from the other party. It was my friend who recommended your firm to me. Mullen & Mullen is certainly different from the other law firms that I have come across so far. They offered me a free consultation and the contingency charges were very lenient. The best part is that they helped me through all the procedures and ensured that we received the money that was due.”
“Mullen and Mullen was incredible in terms of both how understanding they were to my problems as well as in settling my case quickly and fast. A truck from a local construction company ran into my parked car and pretty much totaled it a few months back. Initially they refused to pay me a dime, and even threatened to bury me in litigation. But as soon as Mullen & Mullen took up my case up, things went so much better. I was compensated for my loss, and I didn’t even have to go to court for it. Those guys do an incredible job.”
We believe we offer as much value as any firm in DFW based on the following factors:
We offer access to state-of-the-art medical diagnostics and maintain strong connections with a network of healthcare professionals, including doctors, chiropractors, surgeons, and various medical specialists in St. Louis. Our recommended providers specialize in treating individuals injured in accidents of all kinds and are willing to postpone billing until your case is fully resolved. This means you won’t have to bear the burden of medical expenses until your claim is settled. Many healthcare providers are hesitant to treat accident victims due to potential legal entanglements.
Accidents involving large vehicles like semi-trucks and commercial vehicles often result in severe injuries, sometimes even fatalities. Unfortunately, such major injuries can lead to a mounting pile of medical bills. The good news is that we can connect you with top-notch medical professionals and healthcare institutions who are willing to defer payment until you successfully resolve your claim. This ensures that you won’t have to make any upfront payments for the essential medical care you require.
Concerned about how to handle your existing medical bills? No need to worry. We can assist you in resolving those as well. While your claim is pending, we can guide you on setting up manageable payment plans with healthcare providers to prevent any collection efforts that might negatively impact your credit.
In 2021, our distinguished St. Louis attorneys secured a notable achievement by achieving a “Top 10” truck accident personal injury settlement in Texas, as documented by TopVerdict.com. In fact, an impressive 19 of the “Top 50” personal injury settlements in Texas for that year were attained on behalf of Mullen & Mullen clients. Among these, one of our claims earned a place in the prestigious Top 10 list, while eight others ranked in the Top 11-20 list, and an additional ten appeared in the Top 21-50 list. A significant portion of these accomplishments involved commercial vehicle accidents. This track record instills us with unwavering confidence that we can secure your maximum compensation, particularly when considering our reduced contingency fee structure.
The lawyers at Mullen & Mullen possess the precise skills and extensive experience required to adeptly handle your commercial vehicle accident case. With a comprehensive grasp of trucking laws, regulations, and industry norms, our legal team has successfully managed numerous such claims, consistently delivering favorable outcomes for our clients. We possess a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved in these cases, including conducting thorough accident investigations, identifying parties at fault, gathering compelling evidence, and constructing a robust legal strategy.
In St. Louis truck accident cases, Mullen & Mullen’s accomplished attorneys bring to bear a wealth of experience and an unparalleled level of expertise. Our deep familiarity with trucking laws, regulations, and industry practices, combined with our impressive track record, ensures that you will receive exceptional legal representation. Our legal team excels in navigating the complexities of these cases, encompassing everything from meticulous accident investigations to pinpointing liable parties, gathering compelling evidence, and crafting a compelling case on your behalf.
In the realm of trucking and insurance, reluctance to settle claims is common. These entities engage in tenacious battles and frequently obstruct or dismiss valid claims. Fortunately, you have the support of our team, with over 95 years of combined experience. For four decades, we’ve stood by victims of commercial accidents, often anticipating the insurance carriers’ next moves. They recognize us and understand that we will go to great lengths to ensure your fair treatment.
An unforeseen accident can wreak havoc on your life, necessitating immediate financial assistance to stay afloat. We have established relationships with major “law loan” companies that typically offer advances of 5-10% of your potential final settlement value. We’ve negotiated lower interest rates for Mullen & Mullen clients, granting access to loans once liability and insurance coverage are confirmed. These law loan companies trust our case assessments due to our proven track record. It’s an invaluable option if you lack other financial resources.
The responsibility to prove your claim falls on your shoulders. Failure to do so means no compensation for your injuries or financial losses. The compensation you obtain hinges heavily on your attorney’s experience and dedication to maximizing your compensation. With over 95 years of combined experience, we, as a non-volume firm, concentrate on fewer cases. This ensures your case receives the time and attention it requires to secure full compensation for your damages.
A commercial truck accident is undeniably stressful and can turn your world upside down. Our firm maintains relationships with counselors who specialize in helping you cope with the aftermath. It’s common for injury victims to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a motor vehicle collision. A counselor can assist with stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issues you may be facing.
Mullen & Mullen Law Firm in St. Louis is steadfast in providing comprehensive legal support throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your truck accident case, we stand by your side, offering guidance, support, and vigorous representation. Our lawyers take the time to comprehend the specifics of your case, assess your damages, and craft a personalized strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. We are not a high-volume firm; there is no “assembly line” here.
Investigating a commercial truck accident necessitates specialized knowledge and resources. Our proficient team will, when necessary, conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene, interview witnesses, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability. Mullen & Mullen Law Firm consistently collects vital evidence, including black box data if available, to build a compelling case from the outset. In litigation, we can obtain other crucial evidence such as logbooks and maintenance records.
Commercial truck accidents frequently involve multiple parties, each potentially accountable for the damages. Our seasoned lawyers diligently assess the circumstances surrounding your case to identify all responsible parties, which may include the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance providers, and others. Holding all liable parties accountable is essential to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Mullen & Mullen will engage in aggressive negotiations with insurance companies and opposing counsel to secure a fair settlement covering your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment, and other damages stemming from the truck accident. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our top-rated lawyers are prepared to take your case to court, continuing to fight tirelessly on your behalf. Mullen & Mullen Law Firm attorneys possess their own proven track record of success in the courtroom and maintain relationships with top litigators across the State of Texas.
At our St. Louis law firm, you are not just a case number. We acknowledge the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may be confronting following a commercial truck accident. That’s why we prioritize transparent and candid communication with our clients, keeping you informed about your case’s progress and addressing any concerns or questions you may have along the way. Mullen & Mullen Law Firm provides compassionate support and personalized attention, always placing your best interests at the forefront of our legal strategy.
You won’t have to worry about any upfront costs when you choose our legal representation. You only pay when we secure your settlement. What’s more, Mullen & Mullen Law Firm charges a mere 29% contingency fee, which is significantly lower than the industry standard of 33.3% to 35% for cases settled without litigation. This 4.3% difference can make a substantial impact. For instance, on a $500,000 truck accident settlement, it translates to an additional $21,500 in your pocket.
Trucking accidents can lead to catastrophic outcomes due to the vast size and weight disparities between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. These incidents frequently result in severe injuries that can have enduring physical, emotional, and financial repercussions for victims. Familiarizing oneself with the most typical injury types sustained in commercial truck accidents is vital for both accident survivors and their legal advocates in the pursuit of compensation and justice.
Truck accidents can give rise to traumatic brain injuries, spanning from mild concussions to severe brain damage. The abrupt impact or violent jolt can cause the head to collide with objects within the vehicle, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, concentration difficulties, personality alterations, and long-term complications. Timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention are imperative for managing and treating TBIs.
The forceful impact during a truck accident can result in damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries may entail loss of sensation, impaired motor function, and a significant impact on an individual’s daily life. Rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and long-term care are often necessary to support individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Whiplash, herniated discs, spinal fractures, facet joint syndrome, and other back and neck injuries are common in truck accidents. The sudden jerking motion during a collision can strain or damage muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term discomfort. Recovery may necessitate physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgical interventions.
The immense force involved in truck accidents can result in fractures and broken bones throughout the body, including limbs, ribs, pelvis, and the skull. Prompt medical attention, surgical intervention, immobilization through casts or braces, and extensive rehabilitation are often needed to restore functionality.
Truck accidents can lead to significant internal injuries due to the collision’s impact. Organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs may be damaged, resulting in internal bleeding, organ failure, and life-threatening conditions. Immediate medical evaluation and treatment are vital to address internal injuries, which may not manifest immediately.
The shattered glass, debris, and objects within the vehicle can cause cuts, lacerations, and severe bruising. These injuries can range from minor wounds to deep lacerations requiring stitches or reconstructive surgery. In some cases, scarring or disfigurement may result, leading to both physical and emotional distress.
Truck accidents involving fires or explosions can lead to burn injuries. The severity of burns can vary, ranging from first-degree burns to more severe third-degree burns that affect deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissues. Burn injuries often require specialized medical treatment, including wound care, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation.
Truck accidents can have a profound psychological impact on those involved. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias are common psychological consequences. Victims may experience flashbacks, nightmares, social withdrawal, and difficulty resuming daily activities. Psychological support and therapy are vital for their recovery.
It’s important to note that the severity and type of injuries can vary depending on various factors, including the collision’s speed, angle of impact, use of safety restraints, and the size of the vehicles involved. Seeking immediate medical attention after a commercial truck accident is crucial, even if injuries may not initially appear severe, as some injuries may exhibit delayed onset symptoms.
When dealing with claims involving commercial truck accidents, the implications are often significant. Our seasoned attorneys possess the necessary expertise, abilities, and financial resources to challenge trucking companies and their insurers to secure fair compensation for you. Mullen & Mullen Law Firm is dedicated to ensuring that the responsible driver and their employer are held accountable for your injuries.
As you recover, it’s important to be cautious of your surroundings. Insurance companies often exploit any opportunity they can against you – especially when large commercial vehicles are involved. Trucking companies usually have liability insurance policies of at least $1 million and many prominent insurers have specialized departments to handle these types of potential large loss injury claims.
Our attorneys are diligent in conducting interviews and securing affidavits from witnesses, alongside performing searches in public records databases, and applying the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to gather pertinent records related to the accident, the semi-truck driver, and the employing company.
When it comes to pursuing claims for injuries and damages following a commercial truck accident, timing is crucial. It’s essential to initiate various insurance claims promptly, as simply receiving an apology from the truck driver at the scene doesn’t guarantee that the trucking company or its insurance carrier will accept liability. Commercial truck drivers often operate under a point system and are, therefore, incentivized to avoid being truthful to protect their commercial driver’s license (CDL).
After an 18-wheeler accident, there may be multiple insurance claims you can file which our team will assist you with:
Most commercial policies provide insurance coverage of at least $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident. Often, these limits are higher, such as $1,000,000 per person and $2,000,000 per accident. For instance, if three individuals are injured in the same semi accident, and the at-fault driver’s policy limits are $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident, each person could receive a maximum of $250,000, and the total liability payout would not exceed $500,000, even if the combined damages of all three injury claims exceeded that amount.
It’s crucial to explore all potential sources of insurance coverage if you’ve sustained severe injuries in an 18-wheeler accident. Our lawyers are skilled at identifying whether the semi-tractor-trailer may be covered under separate insurance policies (such as for the trailer) or an umbrella policy – maximizing your potential recovery.
Yes, the driver’s employment status does matter. Employers are generally not held liable for the negligent actions of independent contractors but are liable for the negligent actions of employees under the doctrine of Respondeat Superior if the employee was in the course and scope of their employment at the time of the collision. For example, if you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident involving a Swift Transportation truck, both the driver and Swift Transportation would be appropriate Defendants in a lawsuit.
The available insurance proceeds could depend on whether the semi-tractor-trailer driver was an independent contractor (coverage for the driver only) or an employee (coverage for the driver and the trucking company). Our lawyers are well-versed in the factors used to determine the driver’s status and can make legal arguments to establish that the driver was an employe even if the trucking company attempts to claim the driver was an independent contractor.
When dealing with companies with significant assets, the company’s policy limits may not be a primary concern. For instance, if you suffered severe injuries due to a JB Hunt 18-wheeler, you need not need to worry about their insurance limits since JB Hunt has substantial assets to satisfy a judgment exceeding their insurance limits.
Is It Advisable to Take My Vehicle To The Repair Shop Suggested By The Trucking Company’s Insurance?
Absolutely not. The repair shops suggested by the insurance company were chosen because they tend to charge less for repairs. This is beneficial for the trucking company and their insurer as it helps them argue that the collision was “minor” by keeping the cost of vehicle repairs artificially low. It’s best to get an estimate from an auto dealership or choose a body shop yourself.
Yes, but typically only if your vehicle can be repaired and is not considered a total loss. If your vehicle can be fixed and is still drivable, you are usually entitled to a comparable rental vehicle for the duration it takes to repair your car. If your vehicle is a total loss, you might only receive compensation for its fair market value, and insurance companies often do not cover the cost of a rental vehicle once your car is declared a total loss – although most carriers give you a grace period to return the rental.
Our attorneys are ready to assist in arranging a rental car for you while your car is being repaired or while it’s being determined whether your vehicle is a total loss by the trucking company’s insurance carrier.
If you vehicle is repaired you may be entitled to diminished value. Proving diminished value typically requires an expert report. Our law firm is willing to cover the cost for this report on your behalf if your vehicle’s diminished value damage justifies it.
Should your vehicle be declared a total loss after an accident involving an 18-wheeler, you are entitled to the fair market value of your car. This value is determined by the selling price of similar vehicles in the market, not by sources like Kelly Blue Book or NADA Book Value.
Do companies exist that loan money based on securing an interest in your settlement?
Yes, but many of these law loan companies charge a ridiculous interest rate. Most law loan companies require you to be represented to qualify for a loan. Our legal team routinely help clients secure loans that charge a flat fee, as opposed to a continuously compounding loan. This sometimes saves our clients thousands of dollars.
Should you get examined at the hospital following a commercial vehicle wreck? Yes, unless the wreck is truly minor. Given the massive weight of semi-tractor-trailers, it’s wise to error on the side of caution and undergo a thorough medical examination to be safe. This precaution is not only for your safety but also crucial in dealing with insurance claims, as the trucking company’s insurance provider may try to minimize your injuries if you delay seeking care / do not seek emergency medical care.
When your health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid covers costs for injuries sustained in a commercial truck accident, they typically have the right to be reimbursed from any settlement you receive—a process known as subrogation. The reimbursement amount varies, but our team at Mullen & Mullen often successfully negotiates lower reimbursements for health insurance or workers’ compensation claims.
Yes, some healthcare professionals specialize in treating victims of truck accidents, despite others being hesitant due to potential legal entanglements. At Mullen & Mullen, we leverage our 40+ years of experience and strong connections with healthcare providers to ensure you receive the necessary medical attention post-accident. We can also arrange for you to see doctors who will defer billing until after your case is resolved, including specialists in various medical fields relevant to your care needs.
Yes, it’s possible to recover lost wages due to the accident. However, it’s important for these losses to be thoroughly documented. Our attorneys have extensive experience in establishing a legal basis for such damages, employing various forms of evidence to support your claim.
Absolutely. Compensation can cover not only immediate lost wages but also future losses in earning capacity, calculated to their net present value. Our legal team collaborates with economists and vocational rehabilitation experts to accurately quantify these damages.
Beyond lost wages and past medical expenses, you may also be eligible for additional compensation, including:
For cases involving significant, life-altering injuries requiring long-term care, Mullen & Mullen employs life care planners to ensure comprehensive coverage of all future needs, shouldering the expense of these expert reports on behalf of our clients.
If you’ve experienced a commercial truck accident, you might be eligible for compensation beyond just the financial losses. Available damages include:
Unlike economic damages, which are directly linked to tangible financial losses (like lost wages), non-economic damages are more subjective and not as straightforward to quantify. For instance, calculating lost earnings is a matter of simple math, but assessing the depth of someone’s suffering or the extent of their physical impairment requires a much more nuanced approach, often left to the discretion of a jury.
At Mullen & Mullen Law Firm, we enhance case presentations using “day in the life” videos, crafted by our in-house videographer. This powerful tool can vividly convey the profound impact of injuries on your daily life which is likely to lead to a significantly better settlement outcome. Our attorneys are skilled in drawing out the details of your unique situation to fully represent the impact of the collision on your life.
It is absolutely critical to consult with your attorney to identify all possible compensable damages in your specific situation.
Punitive damages aim to penalize the Defendant for particularly reckless or egregious behavior. These damages are not easily awarded and require a detailed, individualized review. Circumstances that might justify such damages include:
The primary factor impacting the amount of recovery is almost always the severity of your injuries. Be mindful, however, that aggravating actors – like evidence of distracted driving at the time of the accident – can also significantly impact the recovery amount.
Mullen & Mullen Law Firm commits to providing an honest, thorough evaluation of your claim’s potential value, post a comprehensive review of all pertinent case documents and arguments.
We believe in setting realistic expectations, akin to a surgeon who reviews all relevant medical information before forming an opinion.
Claims involving clear, objective injuries (e.g., fractures, herniated discs, or conditions requiring surgical intervention) typically hold greater value, reflecting the serious nature and long-term consequences of such injuries.
In instances where you’re deemed partially at fault in a Missouri commercial truck accident, the proportion of blame attributed to you affects your compensation. For instance, should a jury award you $50,000 but find you 20% responsible, your compensation would decrease to $40,000.
In Missouri you can recover damages unless you are found to be 100% at fault. You can still obtain compensation even if the Defendant is only 1% at fault and you are 99% at fault. Keep in mind, however, that most attorneys are unlikely to accept a case unless the Defendant’s percentage of fault is much, much higher.
Under Missouri law, you can seek reimbursement for medical expenses deemed reasonable and necessary. Trucking companies often challenge the necessity or reasonableness of treatments, typically enlisting doctors for a peer review to scrutinize the medical bills.
Our firm proactively gathers your pre-accident medical records. This enables us to effectively apply the “Eggshell Plaintiff” doctrine, where necessary, and often unveils crucial evidence about your pain, suffering, mental anguish, and physical limitations.
You maintain the right to file a lawsuit against the driver and their employer if you opt to refuse their last settlement proposal.
Every injury claim is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. Sometimes, accepting an offer of $50,000 before going to court could be more beneficial than a $70,000 proposal after filing a lawsuit, considering several factors:
Carefully weighing these considerations can guide you in choosing between settlement and initiating legal proceedings.
Commercial truck drivers are subject to regulations limiting their driving hours to ensure safety. The truck’s daily log reveals the distance driven in a day, while the driver management system provides detailed information on the truck’s location, hours of operation, load distribution, and stability, among other critical data.
The Driver Qualification File, mandated by Title 49 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (parts 382, 383, and 391), is pivotal in verifying a driver’s eligibility and competency to operate the vehicle safely. This file, enriched by the driver’s historical and personnel records, is a key resource in establishing accountability.
GPS data, if accessible, becomes a powerful tool in litigation, offering precise insights into the truck’s whereabouts, movements, and chosen paths at specific times. To ensure this data is preserved for your claim, it’s crucial to engage legal representation promptly. This enables the issuance of a spoliation letter, which formally requests the safeguarding of crucial evidence, including GPS information. Please note many commercial vehicles also have dashcams and it is absolutely critical that you promptly retain counsel to issue a spoliation letter instructing the trucking company, driver, and their insurance carrier to preserve this critical evidence.
Call (314) 465-8733 to talk to a St. Louis truck accident attorney right now. We won’t put any pressure on you to hire us on the spot. Simply learn how we’ll approach your case and get some excellent free advice. Make your decision only when you feel 100% ready. Do remember though, that the Missouri statute of limitations gives you just 5 years from the date of your accident to file a claim. BUT if you wait to contact a lawyer it may be too late to gather evidence. It’s critical to your potential claim to ACT FAST.
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ST. LOUIS OFFICE
Mullen & Mullen Law Firm in St. Louis
100 S 4th St #550
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 465-8733
By Appointment Only
The Mullen & Mullen family is here to address your concerns and make the path to recovery smooth. There are no fees to get started and you pay $0 if we don’t settle your case.
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LICENSED BY THE STATES OF TEXAS & MISSOURI FOR THE GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW. The information on this website is not intended to be legal advice. That can only come from a qualified personal injury lawyer who is familiar with all the circumstances and facts of your specific case and the law relevant to it.
