When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences are often devastating. Victims may suffer catastrophic injuries, long-term disability, or worse. Unfortunately, even when liability seems obvious, trucking companies and their insurers rarely make it easy to get the compensation you deserve.
At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott in Wichita, we represent Kansans who have been seriously injured in truck accidents. We know the strategies trucking companies use to reduce or avoid payouts—and we’ve built a reputation for holding them accountable. If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler, a box truck, or another commercial vehicle, here’s what you need to know.
1. Denying Fault or Delaying Responsibility
One of the first tactics trucking companies use is to deny fault—no matter how clear the facts. Their legal teams often shift blame to other drivers, road conditions, or even you. These companies may drag out investigations, delay communications, or dispute your version of events.
Our legal team immediately investigates the crash to preserve crucial evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and eyewitness accounts. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that key proof may disappear or be altered. We act quickly and decisively to put facts on record and protect your right to fair compensation.
2. Hiding Behind Complicated Business Structures
Many trucking companies set up complex ownership or leasing arrangements to avoid direct liability. For example, the truck might be owned by one company, leased to another, and operated by an independent contractor hauling for a third. These layers are designed to confuse and delay legal claims.
We dig through these arrangements to identify every party who may be liable. Whether it’s the trucking company, the broker, the manufacturer, or the cargo shipper, we work to ensure all responsible entities are held accountable in your case.
3. Withholding or Destroying Evidence
Key information such as logbooks, inspection reports, GPS records, and maintenance history can be used to prove that a trucking company violated safety protocols or failed to maintain its vehicles. In some cases, companies have been known to delay turning over this evidence—or even destroy it.
As your attorneys, we immediately issue legal holds and preservation letters to prevent spoliation. If they continue to refuse to cooperate, we take formal legal action to compel the release of records. We use every available tool to secure the documents and data that prove fault.
4. Offering Fast, Low Settlements
After a serious crash, the trucking company’s insurer may contact you quickly with a settlement offer. While the amount may seem generous at first glance, it rarely covers your total losses—including long-term medical care, lost income, or pain and suffering.
These companies hope you’ll accept before speaking to an attorney. We advise all injury victims to avoid signing anything without legal review. Our firm calculates the full scope of your damages—including future expenses—and negotiates for compensation that reflects the true value of your case.
5. Blaming the Victim
Trucking company attorneys often try to argue that you caused or contributed to the accident. They may claim you were speeding, distracted, or failed to take evasive action—even in situations where their driver clearly made a mistake.
Kansas follows a modified comparative fault system. If the court finds you were 50% or more responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced attorney who can counter these claims with strong evidence and expert testimony.
Why Trucking Cases Are Different from Car Accidents
Truck accident cases involve added complexity due to federal and state regulations. Commercial truck drivers and their employers are subject to safety standards enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These include limits on drive time, mandatory rest periods, load restrictions, and more.
We use these regulations to your advantage. Violations—such as driving while fatigued or skipping required maintenance—can strengthen your case significantly. In addition, the injuries from truck crashes tend to be far more severe than typical auto accidents, making it even more important to build a thorough and well-documented claim.
How Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott Fights Back
We approach every truck accident case with a strategy tailored to expose the tactics used by trucking companies. Here’s how we work:
- Immediate Action: We launch an independent investigation, secure crash data, and contact witnesses as soon as possible.
- Evidence Preservation: We issue legal demands to prevent tampering with electronic logs, black box data, or inspection records.
- Expert Resources: Our team works with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and industry experts to build a compelling case.
- Aggressive Negotiation: We fight for a full and fair settlement, and we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if the defense won’t cooperate.
- Client Focus: We communicate with you every step of the way, answering questions, explaining your rights, and giving you the confidence to pursue justice.
What You Deserve—and How to Protect It
When you’re injured in a truck crash, the insurance company is not on your side. They’re focused on minimizing losses—not helping you recover. Without legal representation, you may not even know what your case is worth or what legal deadlines apply.
At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, we make sure your voice is heard and your injuries are fully documented. We account for:
- Emergency and long-term medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage and rehabilitation costs
We handle every legal detail so you can focus on healing. Trucking companies have their attorneys—make sure you have yours.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident in Kansas, contact us today. At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, we fight for Kansans against big insurance and trucking corporations—and we don’t back down until justice is served.
