If I’m injured in an accident with a semitruck, who can I sue in Missouri?

 Here are the most common parties who may be held liable:

1. The Truck Driver

You can sue the truck driver if their negligence directly caused the crash — such as driving while distracted, speeding, fatigued, or under the influence. Violations of traffic laws or federal safety regulations can also establish liability.

2. The Trucking Company or Owner

Even if the driver is primarily at fault, the trucking company may share responsibility under Missouri’s vicarious liability doctrine. A company can also be directly liable if it:

• Failed to properly hire, train, or supervise the driver
• Ignored safety or federal trucking regulations
• Neglected truck maintenance
• Pushed drivers to violate hours-of-service rules or unrealistic schedules

3. Logistics Brokers or Third-Party Freight Companies

Freight brokers or logistics firms that arranged the haul may be liable if they hired unsafe carriers or failed to properly vet or supervise contractors.

4. Cargo Loaders or Shippers

If a crash occurred because of an improperly loaded or unsecured shipment (causing a rollover, jackknife, or spilled cargo), the company that loaded the truck can be held liable.

5. Parts or Truck Manufacturers

If a defective component—like brakes, tires, or steering parts—contributed to the crash, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or parts supplier.

6. Maintenance or Repair Providers

Independent mechanics or maintenance shops may be liable if poor repairs or missed inspections caused the truck to fail on the road.

7. Other Motorists

Truck accidents sometimes involve multiple vehicles. If another driver’s reckless or negligent actions contributed to the crash, that driver can be sued under Missouri’s comparative fault system.

8. Government Entities (Rare but Possible)

A government agency may bear responsibility if unsafe road conditions—like poor design, lack of signage, or hazardous maintenance—played a role. Claims against government entities have strict notice and filing deadlines.

Missouri Fault Rules and Filing Deadlines

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault—but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

• Personal injury claims: 5 years from the date of the accident.
• Wrongful death claims: 3 years from the date of death.

Insurance Considerations

Commercial trucks are required by law to carry high liability insurance limits, often across multiple policies. Injury claims may involve negotiations with several insurance companies representing the driver, trucking company, and other responsible parties.

I would recommend speaking with an attorney / firm that has significant experience at your earliest opportunity.  Feel free to reach out - this isn't our 1st rodeo. 

If you've been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck or commercial vehicle in Missouri, you may have more legal options than you realize. Unlike a typical car accident, trucking cases often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for your injuries.

Potentially liable parties include:

The Truck Driver — If the driver was negligent (speeding, fatigued, distracted, impaired, or violating traffic laws), they can be held personally liable.

The Trucking Company — Under a legal theory called respondeat superior, employers can be held liable for their employees' actions on the job. The company may also be independently liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.

The Cargo Owner or Loader — If improperly loaded or secured cargo contributed to the accident, the company responsible for loading the truck may share liability.

The Truck Owner — If the truck is leased or owned by a party separate from the carrier, that owner may bear responsibility for maintenance failures.

The Manufacturer — If a defective part (such as faulty brakes or tires) caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under a product liability claim.

A Maintenance or Repair Company — Third-party mechanics who serviced the truck negligently can also be named in a claim.