When a Tractor Trailer Collides With a Motorcycle

An accident involving a tractor trailer and a motorcycle is almost certain to result in a catastrophic injuries.

Motorcycle accidents alone can cause very serious injury to the driver. Now factor in a collision with another passenger vehicle. The motorcyclist is likely to suffer multiple injuries and need extensive medical attention. So what about a tractor trailer? When an 80,000 pound 18 wheeler collides with a 500 pound 2 wheeler it would seem that the end result could only be total devastation for the motorcyclist. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident with a large truck or have recently lost a loved one in this type of accident, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Large commercial trucks pose a unique threat to other vehicles and their owners and drivers are bound to a higher standard of safety laid out by federal law. An attorney can help you sort through those laws to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries or loss.

How These Accidents Happen

Just this month a motorcyclist was struck and killed by a semi truck. After stopping at a stop sign, it seems that the truck driver failed to notice the motorcycle approaching and proceeded to make a left hand turn. As he turned he collided with the motorcycle whose driver was pronounced dead before ever making it to the hospital.

This is a common scenario for motorcycle accidents. Because of their small size, other drivers fail to notice them until it is too late. With truck drivers, one of the leading causes of accidents for them is sleep deprivation or inattentiveness.

Another issue plaguing motorcycles and trucks riding tandem on our highways is the limited visibility to a truck driver. Even with the most state of the art vehicle detection systems installed on the rig, a driver still has blind spots, sometimes right in front of him. A Missouri cyclist was rear ended by a tractor trailer while driving in normal traffic conditions. Again, the small size of the bike played a role, as the driver had failed to notice him. The motorcyclist suffered multiple traumas over much of his body and will require ongoing treatment for the duration of his life. The combined total compensation received from the truck driver and trucking companies’ insurance policies was $6.5 million.

Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer

Thanks in part to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers have an array of options available when attempting to prove negligence. You should make a point to ask yours if they have experience in dealing with the special laws surrounding the trucking industry. An in depth knowledge of the guidelines will be of great assistance in winning your case. They should also be aware that the trucks’ driver may not be the only person or entity responsible for the accident. The company that he was driving for, the actual owner of the vehicle, the loader of the vehicle, or even the truck manufacturer may all be found at fault for the accident depending on the circumstance.

The result of an accident involving a truck and a motorcycle is always always catastrophic. If you or a loved one have been harmed in this type of accident, contact the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm. Our personal injury lawyers have experience handling truck and motorcycle accident claims and have a proven track record of successful case results.

Call (314) 588-7200 to schedule a free and private consultation.

photo credit: aldenjewell