Real Trucking Cases. Real Results.
$2 Million
Jefferson County, MO
Our client was severely injured when a tractor-trailer rear-ended their vehicle on a highway in Jefferson County, Missouri. The impact caused multiple spinal injuries that required several surgeries and months of painful rehabilitation. The trucking company initially tried to argue that traffic conditions made the crash unavoidable, but we proved the driver was following too closely and failed to keep control of the semi. By uncovering key evidence and leveraging our experience with trucking regulations, we secured a $2 million settlement before litigation, ensuring our client had the resources needed for ongoing medical care and financial stability.
$1.5 Million
St. Louis County, MO
On I-270 in St. Louis County, Missouri, our client was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer when the truck’s hood flew up, obstructing the driver’s view. The violent crash caused severe spinal injuries requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation. The trucking company attempted to downplay the extent of our client’s injuries and suggested the incident was a freak mechanical accident. We demonstrated that poor maintenance and negligent inspection practices caused the dangerous equipment failure. With our aggressive representation, we achieved a $1.5 million recovery, helping our client cover medical costs, lost income, and the challenges of life after a serious truck accident.
$1.377 Million
St. Clair County, IL
In St. Clair County, Illinois, our client was injured in a collision with a box truck. The driver falsely claimed that our client was at fault, and the trucking company’s insurer quickly sided with their driver. Through an exhaustive investigation, we uncovered video evidence proving the truck driver’s account was untrue. Our client sustained spinal injuries that required significant medical treatment and rehabilitation. By exposing the driver’s dishonesty and proving negligence, we secured a $1.377 million recovery. This result ensured our client had the compensation needed to cover surgeries, lost wages, and the impact of lasting injuries.
I was hit by a semi and didn’t know where to turn. Deme and Tom handled everything. They fought for me — and got me a settlement.
Why Trucking Companies Don’t Want You to Hire Sotiriou Wilmowski
We’ve been on their side — and now we’re on yours
Before representing injury victims, both Tom and Deme defended trucking companies in serious accident cases. Deme worked for one of the nation’s largest trucking insurers, and Tom holds a Class A CDL. That inside knowledge gives us a major advantage when we go up against the trucking industry for you.
We understand how trucking companies operate
We know how freight is dispatched, how driver logs get manipulated, and how carriers use shell companies to hide liability. When trucking companies try to play games, we already know the rules — and how to beat them.
We build strong, trial-ready cases
Trucking companies and insurers know we’re not afraid of the courtroom. Because we know their playbook, they know we’ll prove our case to a jury if we have to — which makes them more likely to pay full value.
You talk to the lawyers with actual trucking experience
Your case won’t be passed to a junior lawyer. You’ll work directly with attorneys who’ve lived the trucking world — not just read about it. We understand the realities of truck driving, safety rules, and how to hold companies accountable.
We uncover the evidence that makes them nervous
Black box data, GPS logs, inspection reports — we know where to look and how to get it fast. We use the evidence trucking companies hope you’ll never find to prove negligence and maximize your recovery.
We don’t back down from big trucking companies
Trucking insurers have deep pockets and teams of lawyers. That doesn’t scare us. With years of inside knowledge and trial experience, we level the playing field and fight until you get the compensation you deserve.
What Our Clients Say
The Sotiriou Wilmowski Insider Advantage™
Truck accidents aren’t like car accidents. They involve federal regulations, trucking company safety standards, black box data, and multiple layers of insurance coverage. Most personal injury firms don’t fully understand how trucking companies defend these cases. We do — because we used to build those defenses ourselves.
Deme Sotiriou worked for one of the largest trucking insurance companies in the country.
She knows how these companies evaluate claims, what makes them nervous, and how they work behind the scenes to reduce payouts.
Tom Wilmowski holds a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and has hands-on knowledge of trucking operations, safety regulations, and the causes of commercial vehicle crashes.
He understands what it’s like to sit in the driver’s seat — and what corners get cut behind the wheel and in the dispatch office.
This combination of legal and hands‑on trucking knowledge gives our clients a real edge — what we call the Sotiriou Wilmowski Insider Advantage™.
Why Our Experience Gives You the Edge
Most law firms treat truck accidents like car accidents. We don’t.
We’re St. Louis truck accident lawyers. We’ve handled crashes on I-70, I-44, I-55, I-64/Highway 40, I-270, and other major trucking routes around St. Louis and across Missouri and Illinois.
We understand how local police departments, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Illinois State Police investigate truck crashes.
We regularly work with crash victims treated at Barnes-Jewish, Mercy, and SSM Health hospitals.
Truck crashes are governed by a complex web of federal regulations, black box data, maintenance records, driver logs, and freight contracts — and they often involve multiple layers of liability.
We know what to look for, what to demand, and how to prove fault using the very tools and arguments the other side hopes you never understand.
We’ve Been in Their War Room — Now We’re in Yours
Our background gives you an unmatched advantage at every stage of the case.
Put Our Experience to Work for You
When your life changes because of a truck crash, you deserve lawyers who’ve seen both sides — and know how to beat the system from the inside.
That’s the Sotiriou Wilmowski Insider Advantage™
Injured by a semi-truck?
Talk to former insurance lawyers who now fight for victims.
Straight Answers from Ex-Insurance Defense Lawyers
We’ve handled these cases from both sides. Now we use that insider experience as St. Louis truck accident lawyers to help you win. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from truck accident victims:
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle
We don’t just handle truck accident cases — we understand them from the inside. Tom and Deme used to represent the trucking companies and their insurers. Now we’re St. Louis truck accident lawyers representing victims. We know their tactics, their pressure points, and what it takes to win.
18-Wheeler & Semi-Truck Collisions
Collisions involving 18-wheelers and semi-trucks in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois are often catastrophic. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles can cause devastating injuries and fatalities, even in low-speed crashes. Victims are left facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and painful recoveries. Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to shift blame and limit payouts. With our background defending these cases, we know their tactics and how to fight back. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys hold trucking companies accountable and pursue maximum compensation for victims across Missouri and Illinois.
Hazmat & Tanker Truck Accidents
Hazmat and tanker truck accidents in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois are especially dangerous because of toxic spills, fires, or explosions. Victims may suffer severe burns, respiratory problems, or long-term health complications. Trucking companies often fight these claims by blaming unavoidable conditions. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers investigate hazmat safety compliance, driver training, and federal regulation violations to prove negligence. We fight for victims throughout Missouri and Illinois to ensure they receive the compensation necessary for medical treatment, lost income, and long-term recovery after these catastrophic accidents.
Fatigued Truck Drivers
Fatigued truck drivers are a leading cause of crashes in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. Truckers often drive long hours under pressure to meet delivery deadlines, leaving them dangerously drowsy. Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction time as much as alcohol. Trucking companies and insurers usually deny that fatigue played a role, but electronic logging devices and driver schedules often prove otherwise. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys know how to expose hours-of-service violations and hold negligent companies accountable. We fight for the rights of victims across Missouri and Illinois injured in accidents caused by exhausted truck drivers.
Overloaded or Unsecured Cargo
Trucks traveling through St. Louis and across Missouri and Illinois must follow strict federal and state cargo securement regulations. When companies overload or fail to secure cargo properly, the risk of jackknifes, rollovers, and multi-vehicle crashes skyrockets. These accidents often cause catastrophic injuries and property damage. Trucking companies may try to blame weather or other drivers, but we know how to uncover the truth. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers review inspection reports, driver logs, and loading records to prove negligence and secure justice for victims throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Speeding and aggressive driving are leading causes of truck crashes in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. When truck drivers tailgate, weave through traffic, or exceed safe speeds, they put everyone on the road at risk. These reckless behaviors are especially dangerous when a fully loaded truck is involved, as it takes far longer to stop and control. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys investigate driver behavior, black box data, and traffic records to prove negligence. We hold trucking companies accountable for pushing unsafe practices and fight for compensation for victims of aggressive or speeding truck drivers across Missouri and Illinois.
Mechanical Failures (Brakes, Tires, etc.)
Mechanical failures involving brakes, tires, or steering systems can cause catastrophic accidents in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. These failures are often due to poor maintenance or defective parts, but trucking companies and manufacturers may deny responsibility. Victims frequently suffer life-changing injuries and need extensive medical care. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys analyze maintenance logs, inspection records, and manufacturing reports to prove negligence. We hold trucking companies, repair shops, and manufacturers accountable when their failures lead to devastating accidents, securing fair compensation for victims across Missouri and Illinois.
Blind Spot / No-Zone Collisions
Blind spot, or “no-zone,” collisions are a common cause of serious truck accidents in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. When truck drivers fail to check blind spots before merging or changing lanes, nearby vehicles can be struck with devastating force. Insurers often argue the other driver was in an unsafe position, but we know how to prove otherwise. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys analyze crash reports, dashcam footage, and expert testimony to hold negligent truck drivers accountable and secure full compensation for victims throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Bridge Strikes by Overheight Trucks
Bridge strikes caused by overheight trucks are a recurring problem in St. Louis and throughout Missouri and Illinois. These crashes often block entire roadways, damage infrastructure, and cause serious injuries to other drivers. Truckers are responsible for knowing their vehicle’s height and following posted clearance signs. When they ignore these warnings, the consequences can be severe. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers investigate GPS use, routing decisions, and driver logs to determine fault. We hold drivers and companies accountable when their negligence leads to preventable bridge strikes and injuries on public roads across Missouri and Illinois.
Negligent Hiring or Inadequate Training
Trucking companies in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois must ensure their drivers are properly licensed, qualified, and trained. When they cut corners by hiring unqualified drivers or failing to provide adequate training, serious accidents can result. These crashes are preventable and often tied directly to company negligence. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys review hiring practices, training programs, and safety audits to uncover the truth. We hold trucking companies accountable for unsafe practices, fighting to secure justice and compensation for victims throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Improper Wide Turns or U-Turns
Improper wide turns or illegal U-turns by large trucks are especially dangerous on busy St. Louis roadways and highways across Missouri and Illinois. These crashes often trap smaller vehicles, strike pedestrians, or cause rollovers. Trucking companies may claim traffic conditions left the driver no choice, but the law requires truck drivers to operate with extreme caution. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers investigate driver conduct, training, and roadway evidence to prove negligence. We fight for victims and families throughout Missouri and Illinois when dangerous truck maneuvers lead to life‑changing injuries.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups Involving Semis
Multi-vehicle pileups involving semi-trucks often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, especially on busy highways in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. These chain-reaction crashes may be triggered by speeding, distracted driving, or following too closely. Once a semi is involved, the size and momentum amplify the danger. Sorting out fault in these crashes can be complex, with multiple insurance companies involved. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts to identify liability, prove negligence, and pursue maximum compensation for victims injured in large-scale pileups across Missouri and Illinois.
Construction Zone Truck Crashes
Construction zones in St. Louis and along Missouri and Illinois highways are particularly hazardous for large trucks. Narrow lanes, reduced speed limits, and heavy traffic demand extra caution. When truck drivers speed, follow too closely, or ignore warning signs, the results can be devastating. Victims of construction zone crashes often suffer severe injuries and long-term disability. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers investigate driver conduct, traffic conditions, and company policies to prove negligence. We fight for fair compensation for victims and families throughout Missouri and Illinois injured in construction zone truck accidents.
Distracted Truck Drivers
Distracted truck drivers pose a major risk on highways in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. Texting, adjusting GPS, or eating while behind the wheel of an 80,000‑pound semi can result in catastrophic collisions. Victims often suffer severe, life‑altering injuries. Trucking companies usually deny distraction, but cell phone records and electronic logs often tell a different story. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys know how insurers try to avoid responsibility and we build strong cases to prove distraction caused the crash. We fight for full compensation for victims throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Delivery Truck Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
Delivery trucks from Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other companies are everywhere in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. Drivers are often under pressure to meet tight schedules, leading to speeding, distraction, and unsafe parking that puts pedestrians and drivers at risk. Even though these trucks may look smaller than semis, they can still cause serious injuries in a crash. Delivery companies often deny responsibility, claiming the driver was an independent contractor. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers know how to navigate those defenses and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable for delivery truck accidents across Missouri and Illinois.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out of control, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These crashes are especially dangerous in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois, where highways are heavily traveled. Jackknife accidents often cause multi-vehicle pileups and severe injuries. They may result from speeding, poor braking, or driver inexperience. Trucking companies may blame weather or road conditions, but we know how to uncover the real cause. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys build strong cases to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable, fighting for victims across Missouri and Illinois.
Commercial Pickup Truck Collisions
Commercial pickup trucks are common in St. Louis construction zones, neighborhoods, and highways throughout Missouri and Illinois. Though smaller than semis, they can still cause devastating injuries—especially when overloaded or operated by inexperienced drivers. Employers may try to avoid responsibility by blaming individual drivers, but companies are often liable for unsafe policies or poor training. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers know how to investigate company practices and hold all responsible parties accountable. We fight for victims across Missouri and Illinois to ensure they receive the medical care, lost wages, and financial recovery they deserve.
Unlicensed or Improperly Licensed Drivers
Trucking companies in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois are required to ensure their drivers are properly trained and licensed. When a company hires someone without the correct commercial license—or fails to verify qualifications—it’s a recipe for disaster. Unlicensed or improperly licensed drivers may lack the skills needed to operate a commercial truck safely, putting others in serious danger. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys dig into personnel files, safety audits, and company hiring practices to expose negligent onboarding. We fight to hold trucking companies accountable when their failure to vet drivers leads to preventable crashes across Missouri and Illinois.
Weather-Related Truck Wrecks
Snow, ice, rain, and fog make truck driving even more dangerous on roads in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. While drivers cannot control the weather, they are required to adjust their speed and use extra caution. Too often, they continue driving recklessly despite hazardous conditions. When weather-related crashes occur, trucking companies often claim the accident was unavoidable. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys know how to prove that negligence—such as speeding or failing to maintain control—played a role. We fight to hold drivers and companies accountable for weather-related truck wrecks across Missouri and Illinois.
Company Negligence or Unsafe Policies
Sometimes truck crashes in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois are not just the result of driver error but unsafe company policies. Trucking companies that push drivers to meet impossible schedules, skip safety checks, or ignore maintenance standards put the public at risk. These practices often lead to fatigue, speeding, and unsafe driving. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys know how to uncover internal documents and policies that show a company prioritized profits over safety. We hold negligent trucking companies accountable and fight for the compensation victims deserve throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Pedestrians Struck by Trucks
Pedestrians hit by large trucks in St. Louis, Missouri, or Illinois often suffer fatal or life-changing injuries. These tragedies typically occur when truck drivers fail to check blind spots, make wide turns in urban areas, or speed through intersections. Victims are especially vulnerable in busy city streets, crosswalks, and loading zones. Trucking companies may try to place blame on the pedestrian, but we know how to prove the driver was at fault. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys fight for injured pedestrians and grieving families to secure justice and full compensation throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Box Truck Crashes
Box trucks are commonly used for deliveries throughout St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. While smaller than semis, they still pose significant risks when drivers are careless or undertrained. These accidents often involve distracted driving, improper loading, or unsafe lane changes. Companies may try to avoid responsibility, blaming individual drivers, but they are often liable for unsafe hiring or poor training. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers know how to prove negligence and secure compensation for victims injured in box truck crashes across Missouri and Illinois.
Poor Fleet Maintenance
Trucking companies in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois are legally required to keep their fleets safe through regular maintenance. When they neglect brake inspections, tire replacements, or other critical repairs, serious accidents often follow. Poorly maintained trucks can cause multi-vehicle wrecks and catastrophic injuries. Insurers often claim mechanical issues were unforeseeable, but maintenance records usually reveal a pattern of neglect. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys obtain and review these records to prove fault. We hold companies accountable and fight for fair compensation for victims of accidents caused by poor fleet maintenance.
Fatal Truck Accidents & Wrongful Death
Fatal truck accidents in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois leave families facing unimaginable grief and financial hardship. When a loved one is killed in a crash with a semi, 18-wheeler, or commercial truck, the impact is devastating. Wrongful death claims can provide compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and the emotional suffering of surviving family members. Trucking companies and insurers often fight these cases aggressively to protect their profits. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys know how to prove negligence, hold drivers and companies accountable, and fight for the justice and financial security families deserve.
Bicyclists Hit by Trucks
Bicyclists struck by large trucks in St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois often suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. Blind spots, wide turns, and driver inattention make cyclists especially vulnerable. Trucking companies may attempt to shift blame, arguing the bicyclist was not visible or in the wrong place. We know how to disprove these defenses with crash reconstructions, witness testimony, and traffic camera footage. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys fight to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable, securing justice and financial recovery for bicyclists and their families across Missouri and Illinois.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Truck accident cases are far more complex than typical auto collisions It pays to hire experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyers. Here’s why:
Without an attorney who understands these complexities, victims risk leaving millions on the table.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Missouri or Illinois
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash, these steps are crucial:
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Every truck accident is different, but here’s what you may be able to recover:
We Handle Truck Accident Cases Across Missouri and Illinois
Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers take on serious truck accident cases across Missouri and Illinois.