Truck Accidents
Injured in a Commercial Truck Crash in Southeast Missouri?
Accidents involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles are often more severe — and legally complex — than a typical car wreck. If you’ve been injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler or work vehicle, you need an attorney who understands both the laws and the stakes.
With 25+ years of experience, Dan Rau has helped victims across Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri recover after life-altering truck crashes. He knows how to take on commercial insurance carriers, corporate defense attorneys, and transportation companies — so you don’t have to do it alone.
Truck crashes can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial damage. Dan Rau is here to help you rebuild.
Common Truck Accidents Dan Handles
- Rear-end collisions and rollovers
- Accidents involving fatigue, speeding, or overloaded cargo
- Jackknife and underride crashes
- Crashes caused by poor vehicle maintenance
- Accidents involving delivery trucks and company-owned vehicles
- Fatalities and wrongful death claims (see Wrongful Death)
What Dan Does for You
- Investigates the crash and obtains black box data and driver logs
- Reviews trucking company maintenance and safety records
- Communicates with corporate insurers and legal teams
- Calculates your full damages: medical bills, lost income, pain & suffering
- Prepares your case for court if a fair settlement isn’t offered
“Commercial trucking cases are rarely simple. I take the pressure off my clients so they can focus on getting better.”
— Dan Rau
Missouri Law: Quick Guide
- Statute of Limitations (Injury): Generally 5 years from the crash; Wrongful Death: generally 3 years. Act early to preserve evidence.
- Comparative Fault: Missouri uses pure comparative fault — you may still recover even if partly at fault; recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Evidence to Preserve: Truck cases often turn on ECM/black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and dispatch communications. Spoliation letters help preserve this.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Potential defendants may include the driver, the trucking company, a freight/shipper, a maintenance contractor, or a parts manufacturer.
- Federal Rules Matter: Hours-of-Service, qualification files, and inspection requirements (FMCSA) can be critical to proving negligence.
This is a quick overview—not legal advice. Dan can explain how Missouri rules apply to your case.
25+ Years Experience
Local to Cape Girardeau
No Fee Unless You Win
Dan has successfully represented injury victims from Cape Girardeau, Dexter, Poplar Bluff, and beyond. With deep roots in the region and a reputation for personal, honest legal service, Dan handles every case with care and confidence.
After a Truck Accident, Take These Steps
- Move to safety; call 911
- Request medical attention for yourself and any passengers
- Do not discuss fault with the other driver or trucking company reps
- Photograph vehicles, scene, and injuries
- Get a copy of the police report
- Call a truck accident attorney right away
Because commercial trucking accidents often involve corporate insurance policies and federal regulations, early legal help is critical.
If your crash happened while you were driving for work, Workers’ Compensation may also apply to your case.
Get In Touch
Dan is available to answer your questions 24/7.
Missouri Truck Accident FAQs
Is a truck accident claim different from a car accident claim?
Yes. Trucking companies have aggressive legal teams and larger insurance policies. These cases often involve federal regulations, which make them more complex.
What if the truck driver was working at the time?
If the driver was on the clock, the company may be liable for your injuries — not just the individual driver.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Missouri’s pure comparative fault allows compensation even if you share some blame — though your award may be reduced.
How long do I have to file?
Personal injury claims are generally 5 years from the crash; wrongful death is generally 3 years. Don’t wait — evidence can disappear quickly.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck crash?
Commercial carriers act fast to protect their interests. Having a lawyer early helps preserve key evidence and level the field.
Contact Us
Visit My Office in Cape Girardeau
Not Sure Where Your Situation Fits? That’s normal. Dan will help you sort it out in a free, no‑pressure consultation and explain the best path forward.