Highly Trafficked Missouri Highways Contribute To Truck Accidents

Victims or their families should contact an experienced Missouri truck accident attorney immediately following an accident.

There is an ever-increasing number of semi trucks traveling on Missouri highways. These huge trucks are intimidating for a reason – they are massive, imposing, and carrying cargo weighing several tons. An accident with one of these huge, heavy vehicles can easily result in serious injury or death. And because these vehicles are oftentimes traveling next to us and our families at very high speeds, it is good to have a healthy amount of trepidation and to always be extra cautious and practice defensive driving techniques.

Causes of Semi Truck Accidents

Truck drivers may not always be operating with the same caution, though there are both state and federal regulations in place which are intended to keep truck drivers and drivers of passenger vehicles safe. Truck drivers feel pressure to stay on schedule and not fall behind. For this reason they may take risks that put other drivers in jeopardy. For instance, truck drivers will sometimes drive too close to other vehicles when driving on highways. This does not leave enough room for these heavy vehicles to stop quickly if there is a need to. This can affect all cars/automobiles in the vicinity, not just cars directly in front of the semi truck.

When a semi driver steps on the brakes, the trailer will most likely swing sideways, crashing into any vehicles to either side. Semi trucks that are not properly loaded or become imbalanced in a crash, are also likely to roll over, which can cause tremendous damage to surrounding vehicles.

Accidents with semis and tractor trailers can be devastating and drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles oftentimes do not stand a chance. The injuries suffered by those in passenger vehicles are far likelier to be catastrophic or life threatening for those in smaller vehicles. Those traveling by car, truck, or motorcycle may suffer serious injuries that can impact the rest of their lives.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Dept. of Transportation Rules

In order to protect travelers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Department of Transportation have many rules that trucking companies and their drivers must follow. These rules are designed to reduce the risk of accidents and include regulations of the number of hours drivers can be behind the wheel, vehicle maintenance, rules prohibiting drug and alcohol use, rules that disallow sick drivers from getting behind the wheel, among many others.

Still, accidents involving semi trucks are not uncommon. Some of the most common accident causes include drug use, driver fatigue, drivers making poor decisions like driving too fast or following another vehicle too closely, and poor driver recognition.

Missouri Truck Injury Attorneys

Victims of semi truck or tractor trailer accidents can suffer catastrophic injuries or even death. Victims or their families should contact an experienced Missouri truck accident attorney immediately following an accident. In order to obtain compensation from a trucking company, accident victims will need to get the help of an experienced truck accident attorney who knows how to handle these cases and is familiar with both state and federal regulations which govern the trucking industry. If the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the trucking company or driver, your attorney will pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses relating to the collision.

Contact the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm at (314) 588-7200 for a free consultation.

 photo credit: greeblie