Lake of the Ozarks Truck Accident Lawyer
Duckworth Injury Law
Stands Up Against Trucking & Insurance Companies to Fight for the Compensation You Deserve After a
Truck Accident at the Lake of the Ozarks
18-Wheeler Accidents Are Catastrophic & Often Deadly. Contact Truck Accident Attorney EC Duckworth to Seek Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
Truck collision attorney EC Duckworth is an experienced legal advocate for Lake of the Ozarks families who have been harmed as a result of a semi-truck accident. Contact Duckworth Injury Law for a free case review today
When a truck accident devastates your life or the life of someone you love, you deserve a powerful advocate who can tip the scales of justice in your favor. At the Lake of the Ozarks, known locally as “LOZ,” residents and visitors alike turn to EC Duckworth, a trusted truck accident attorney committed to helping victims rebuild their lives.
With nearly a decade of legal experience and millions of dollars recovered for deserving families, EC Duckworth brings unmatched determination and skill to every case. He understands the complexities of truck accident litigation and navigates the challenges of settlements and courtroom trials with confidence and precision. If an insurance company’s offer falls short, EC will not hesitate to take your case to court to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a commercial truck accident, contact EC Duckworth, truck accident attorney, today. He will act swiftly and tenaciously to protect your rights and fight for your financial recovery. Call now or send a message to begin your path towards justice and peace of mind after a catastrophic truck accident at the Lake of the Ozarks.
The timeline of a truck accident case at the Lake of the Ozarks – from the moments after the crash to receiving compensation for damages
Have you been injured in a truck accident at the Lake of the Ozarks? Here’s what to do after a commercial truck crash
Immediately following a truck accident, if you are able, you should call 911, assess yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries, and move to a safe location if possible. If you are unable to move safely, wait for medical help to arrive. If you are not immediately transported to the hospital, document the scene if you are able and avoid speaking with anyone outside your own party. Give your report of the incident to the authorities, which may include police officers from either Camdenton, Lake Ozark, Laurie, Linn Creek, Osage Beach, or Sunrise Beach, depending on your location. Depending on where the accident occurred, the Camden County, Miller County, or Morgan County Sheriff, or the Missouri State Highway Patrol, may also respond to the crash. Regardless of which law enforcement agency arrives, it is imperative that they take a detailed crash report.
Once you’ve been cleared to leave the scene, you should seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Underlying issues may appear once the shock and adrenaline have worn off, so evaluating any potential injuries is crucial. After receiving emergency medical care, follow up with any prescribed medical appointments and/or make an appointment with your primary care physician for a checkup.
Finally, after ensuring your immediate physical injuries have been addressed, consult with a truck accident law firm as soon as possible. Your truck accident lawyer will want to begin locking down crucial evidence to hold the truck driver or trucking company accountable for their negligent actions in causing the crash.
How to find a good truck accident attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks
After a truck accident, contacting an experienced trucking attorney quickly is crucial. Missouri’s statutes of limitation give you only five years for the filing of a personal injury case and three years for the filing of a wrongful death case, so acting promptly ensures your legal right to bring a claim is protected. Just as important, however, acting quickly in retaining a lawyer helps preserve vital evidence that could be critical to your claim. Crucial evidence such as “black box” data from the semi-truck, witness statements, and scene conditions can be lost forever if not preserved in the days following a crash.
When searching for the best truck accident lawyer at the Lake, start by asking friends, family, or colleagues for referrals. If someone you know has been through a personal injury or wrongful death truck accident case locally, they can likely provide valuable guidance – including which attorneys to consider and which to avoid. Once you have a list of potential attorneys, research their experience and focus. Truck accident cases require specialized knowledge in state and federal law applicable to commercial motor operators and carriers, as well as acumen surrounding personal injury and wrongful death law. Attorneys who primarily practice family or real estate law are likely not equipped to secure the compensation you need. Don’t forget to check the firms’ online reviews and
case results. If an attorney’s track record is weak or clients rarely leave positive reviews, it’s best to move on.
Before committing to a lawyer, schedule a consultation with your top choice(s). Discuss your accident in detail and pay attention to their feedback. A trustworthy attorney will give an honest assessment of your case and your likelihood of success. Sometimes, the circumstances of a truck accident, such as who shares
fault, make a case difficult to pursue, and it’s important to know this upfront.
EC Duckworth, a local truck accident attorney, brings a compassionate and strategic approach to every case. He listens carefully, identifies opportunities for a strong claim, and pursues maximum compensation, whether through settlement negotiations or, if necessary, a lawsuit. While not all cases go to court, EC is unafraid to stand up against large trucking and insurance companies to protect the rights of his clients.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident or have lost a loved one, EC Duckworth is dedicated to helping the people of the Lake of the Ozarks navigate the legal process and secure the financial recovery they deserve.
How will my truck crash lawyer investigate my claim & determine the value of my case?
Uncovering evidence in your truck accident claim must begin swiftly. Your attorney will collect crucial photographs, videos, police and investigative reports, witness and expert witness statements, medical records, accident reconstruction data, and more. They will then use this to build a powerful case and/or settlement demand. The total amount requested will depend on numerous factors but will largely depend on the economic and non-economic damages associated with your case. These damages often include the following:
- Medical Expenses
- Future Medical Care
- Damages for Wrongful Death
- Lost Wages
- Damaged Property
- Pain & Suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- & More
Once your attorney has determined the ultimate value of the damages you suffered, they will submit this demand to the at-fault party’s insurance company. While some settlements may be reached quickly, that is not always the case. Make sure your attorney isn’t willing to settle for less just to make their life easier. Instead, they should be ready to face negotiations and, if necessary, litigation, mediation, and trial. Because he fights for the Lake of the Ozarks, EC Duckworth is never afraid of pursuing the money you need and deserve.
What happens when a settlement agreement can’t be reached in a truck accident case at the Lake of the Ozarks?
Should settlement negotiations fail and neither party can agree on an amount they deem appropriate, the case will move into litigation. Litigation is the process whereby a lawsuit is filed, and the parties engage in discovery and motion practice prior to a trial before a judge or jury. During the “discovery” phase of a truck accident case, both parties will have the opportunity to share evidence, take depositions of witnesses and parties, and gain insight into the position of the other party.
During litigation, a judge may require (or the parties may agree on their own) to attempt to resolve the case via mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third party acting as a “mediator”, who works with the parties to try to settle the case before it becomes necessary to take the case to trial. However, before mediation begins, each party is given the opportunity to review the other’s claims. During
mediation, the parties are typically separated into different rooms, whereby the mediator will go back and forth discussing the respective claims and positions of the parties. This allows the mediator to hear both sides and review evidence without the disruption of having both parties present together. While the mediator does not have the authority to force the parties to enter into a settlement agreement, the mediator will do their best to facilitate dialogue between the parties and encourage the parties to reach an agreed upon resolution. The mediator is typically an independent, seasoned attorney or a retired judge with experience in trucking cases in mid-Missouri. To understand more about this process, explore
what to expect during a mediation in Missouri.
Should mediation fail and no party can reach an agreement, the truck accident lawsuit will move on to the trial phase, where a judge or jury will ultimately determine the financial outcome of your case. It’s important to understand that all cases are different, and some may take years to conclude. Through it all, you can trust EC Duckworth. He has proven time and time again that he can win cases for victims of truck accidents, and he would be proud to represent you in your case, no matter how difficult the process may be.
To schedule your free consultation, reach out to EC Duckworth today.
Common injuries resulting from a Lake of the Ozarks truck accident
- Amputation
- Broken Bones
- Burns
- Cuts, Lacerations, & Abrasions
- Disfigurement
- Road Rash
- Spinal Injuries – Paralysis
- Torn Ligaments & Injured Joints
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Wrongful Death
- & More
Put your trust in Duckworth Injury Law, the Lake’s truck accident attorney
EC Duckworth is honored to represent victims of truck accidents at the following Lake of the Ozarks Communities:
- Osage Beach
- Camdenton
- Laurie
- Lake Ozark
- Gravois Mills
- Sunrise Beach
- Eldon
- Linn Creek
- Rocky Mount
- Village of Four Seasons
- & More
What you need to know about personal injury & wrongful death statutes at the Lake of the Ozarks
Those injured or killed in a truck accident have the right to seek justice and compensation, but how it is awarded will depend on the details of your case. Important questions to consider in a LOZ truck accident case include the following:
- Was someone injured or killed?
- What is the age of the victim(s)?
- Who is eligible to file a claim for wrongful death?
- Where should a case be filed?
What compensatory damages may be awarded to victims of a Lake of the Ozarks truck accident?
- Medical Expenses
- Physical Therapy Costs
- Occupational Therapy Costs
- Lost Wages
- Damaged Property
- Pain & Suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Wrongful Death Damages
- & More
Was someone injured or killed in a Lake of the Ozarks truck accident?
In truck accident cases where someone is injured, you will need to file a personal injury claim. If someone is killed on impact or they pass later as a result of their injuries, you will need to file a wrongful death claim. Determining who is eligible to file the claim depends on the age of the victim (minors under 18 years old will need a “Next Friend” to pursue the claim) and whether the victim survived (wrongful death cases must be brought by those permitted under Missouri law).
How old was the victim of the truck accident when they were injured or killed?
Those who suffer a personal injury as a result of a truck accident will typically have five years to file a personal injury case at the Lake of the Ozarks. Family members of someone who passes away as a direct result of a truck accident will only have three years to file a wrongful death case.
However, if the victim was under 21 years of age, a parent (“Next Friend”) may submit a personal injury claim on their behalf at any time before the minor reaches their 21st birthday. Or if no claim is brought on their behalf, the minor victim may file the case themself within five years after turning 21. If you have questions about how the age of a truck accident victim affects their legal rights to pursue a personal injury case, contact EC Duckworth to learn more.
Who can file a wrongful death claim for someone who died as a result of the truck accident?
The person or party eligible to bring a wrongful death claim forward depends on their relationship to the deceased. In accordance with RSMo. § 537.080, the first eligible group to bring a wrongful death case includes the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. The second group consists of surviving siblings (or nieces and nephews of any deceased sibling). Finally, if no person from the first or second group is available, the court may appoint a “plaintiff ad litem,” typically someone who was close to the deceased and will represent their best interests.
Where should I file a personal injury or wrongful death claim at the Lake of the Ozarks?
Typically, you must file a case in the county where the accident took place. At the Lake of the Ozarks, this often means Camden, Miller, or Morgan County, Missouri. In some cases, you may be eligible for a “change of venue.” If you are curious about your options as to where you may file a personal injury or wrongful death case, reach out to Duckworth Injury Law to learn more.
Take action swiftly to seek the compensation you deserve after a serious 18-wheeler accident at the Lake of the Ozarks. Call Duckworth Injury Law to begin the process
At Duckworth Injury Law, founding attorney EC Duckworth is recognized for his dedication to securing full and fair compensation for truck accident victims. With a strong record of success in cases involving 18-wheelers, delivery vehicles, and other commercial trucks, EC Duckworth has helped clients recover up to millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries and losses. His firm proudly represents victims and families in personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout the Lake of the Ozarks and across Missouri. From Osage Beach to Laurie to Camdenton - when you need a proven advocate after a severe truck accident at the Lake, trust Duckworth Injury Law to fight for the results you deserve.
