Missouri Truck Accident Litigation

Transportation companies and the drivers they hire have a responsibility to make sure that they do everything possible to protect other drivers on the road by avoiding accidents and following the laws.

Accidents involving trucks, tractor trailers, and semis can cause catastrophic injuries and immense devastation. Crashes involving tractor trailers can be complicated not only because they can be potentially devastating for those involved, but also because these accidents touch on issues that involve both state and federal laws.

Changing legislation means that it is in the best interests of anyone involved in one of these major accidents to contact a Missouri truck accident attorney who has experience handling these complex cases and is up to date on current legislation and laws regulating the trucking industry. Experience handling truck accidents is very important, because the issues involved in truck accidents are far more complex than other auto accidents. An attorney who specializes in handling large truck accidents is going to be far better equipped to win the case and get a settlement amount that is appropriate. Specialized truck accident attorneys know what goes into the successful litigation of a truck accident. They understand the possible underlying causes, and have access to experts and resources who can help you to get a successful settlement or jury verdict.

When truck drivers and trucking companies are negligent and are not compliant with federal and state safety regulations, there is a greater possibility of catastrophic injuries to other drivers, their families and loved ones. Accidents with large vehicles are far more likely to result in death or major injury and can be life-changing. These accidents happen all too often, are usually avoidable, and therefore all drivers should be aware of what they can do to avoid accidents with large vehicles. Drivers need to understand the prevalence and the causes of these accidents so that they can protect themselves. In the event of an accident it is important to understand how to handle the aftermath.

The National Highway Safety Administration reports that more than 25% of fatal truck accidents involve a truck driver who has been cited previously for speeding. When drivers of large vehicles speed the potential for an accident becomes enormous. The immense size of the vehicles and their heavy weight makes them very difficult to stop in time to avoid an accident.

Common causes of truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue

• Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. There are state and federal regulations that put limits on the amount of time drivers can be behind the wheel, but fatigue accidents are still common. If a driver exceeds the amount of allowable hours, the employer can be held liable.

Failed Inspections or Improper Maintenance

• Thorough inspections are required to keep a vehicle road-ready before a trip. And regular vehicle maintenance is extremely important.

Speeding

Driving While Intoxicated

• Periodic drug testing is supposed to help avoid intoxicated drivers causing accidents. But this issue is still very prevalent and incredibly dangerous.

Poorly loaded vehicles

• These heavy vehicle trailers need to be loaded properly before they can safely be on the road. If the trailers are loaded improperly the trucks can rollover more easily and can be more difficult to control.

Missouri truck accident attorneys

Trucking companies and drivers who violate the law need to be held responsible for their actions in order to make the road a safer place for other drivers. It is not acceptable for truck drivers to operate their vehicles while intoxicated, fatigued, or to violate other traffic laws.

If you have been involved in an accident with a large vehicle, contact a Missouri truck accident attorney. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you to get the settlement you deserve.

At the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm our lawyers have a proven track record of obtaining results in trucking lawsuits in Missouri. Call us at (314) 588-7200 or fill out our free online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

photo credit: erik.aldrich