Missouri Truck Accident Blog

Missouri Tractor Trailer Accident

A Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department deputy escaped without any injuries after a tractor trailer struck his patrol vehicle on Interstate 29, according to a recent news report. The deputy was helping a driver on the highway when the tractor trailer hit the left side of the officer’s Chevy Tahoe SUV. Apparently, the deputy was inside the vehicle at the time of the collision, but the crash only took-out the SUV’s mirror and scratched the fender. The large truck driver did not stop and reportedly continued traveling south on the highway swerving and running another car off the road in Platte County. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers stopped the tractor trailer eventually in the Missouri-Kansas state line. An investigation is underway.

It is indeed fortunate that the sheriff’s deputy involved in this big rig accident did not suffer serious injuries. It is also fortunate that the other motorist who was run off the road by the driver of the tractor trailer was not badly injured. The officials will hopefully look into why the truck driver was driving recklessly and prosecute those concerned to the fullest extent of the law.

These types of Missouri truck accidents can be caused by many factors. The truck driver could have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He may have been fatigued or tired. He may have been speeding to meet a delivery deadline or may have just been driving recklessly. Furthermore, every motorist who is involved in an accident is required to stop at the scene of the accident. Failing to do so could result in hit-and-run charges.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Missouri, please contact an experienced St. Louis Missouri tractor trailer accident lawyer at Page Law for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our skilled truck accident attorneys have obtained significant compensation for victims of commercial truck accidents. Call Page Law today at 866-620-5757 to find out how we can help.

Source:http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/sep/22/deputy-unhurt-crash-tractor-trailer/

CDL Suspension Can’t Combat All Negligence on the Road

Not just anyone can be a commercial truck driver. Extensive training is required, driving exams must be passed, and certification must remain in good standing in order for a truck driver to legally control a large big rig or semi-tractor trailer truck. The Missouri Department of Revenue, in association with the Department of Motor Vehicles and federal guidelines, sets the educational requirements that are necessary for an individual to become legally certified to operate commercial vehicles on Missouri’s roads and highways.

A Missouri commercial driver’s license (CDL) may be suspended for a number of reasons. Driving a vehicle while intoxicated, accumulating too many points on one’s driving record for reckless driving practice, refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test, or failing to stop at the scene of an accident, are all reasons why a motorist should not be allowed on the road. In particular, these reckless practices are significant factors in determining suspension of a CDL. In order to curb such suspension, the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) was passed to help “ensure higher training standards for commercial drivers and reduce the number of accidents involving commercial motor vehicles.” Furthermore, roadside inspections are randomly conducted in order to ensure that the trucks themselves are in compliance with weight restriction laws in reference to load size.

With such stringent laws in regard to commercial vehicles and their operation, it would be logical to assume that instances of reckless driving resulting in personal injury are a relatively rare occurrence. Unfortunately for Missouri motorists, reckless driving is fairly commonplace on our roads and highways. Even though their CDLs may be expired or suspended, negligent truck drivers may continue to operate their rigs, all so that deliveries can be made and salaries can be met. In some instances, a trucking company may be aware that a driver’s CDL has been suspended, but turn a blind eye to the matter. In any event, negligent business practice amongst truckers and trucking companies does not equate to safety on Missouri highways. All instances where reckless driving practice leads to personal injury should be appropriately dealt with by a legal professional.

If you have been injured in a traffic accident with a large truck in Missouri, and the truck driver’s CDL was invalid in some way, you’ll need a skilled St. Louis truck accident attorney on your side to examine the details surrounding your accident so that proper blame can be attributed to negligent parties involved. At Page Law, our personal injury lawyers have the experience necessary to successfully litigate your truck accident case. We will see to it that your rights are not infringed upon in a court of law. Call us today at 866-620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.dmv.org/mo-missouri/cdl-faqs.php

Tractor-Trailer Injures Many in Chain Reaction Crash

A chain-reaction crash occurred in a construction zone on Interstate 44 near St. Robert. According to a waynesvilledailyguide.com report, the collision was caused by the driver of a tractor-trailer when he failed to stop in time and plowed into the back of a 1994 Toyota, which in turn hit a 2003 Toyota, 2008 Chrysler, and a 1999 Ford Pickup. Seven people were injured in the accident, including the 59-year old tractor trailer driver and a passenger.

Reckless driving led to these injuries. As we all know, construction zones require an extra degree of attentiveness from motorists. Disregard for traffic laws in relation to construction zones can appropriately be deemed a negligent act, in which all motorists, large truck drivers included, should be held accountable for all instances where their negligence causes an accident.

Driver inattention is especially problematic amongst truck drivers. Whether drivers are communicating on their radios with other truckers, are weary from having driven an extensive amount of hours, or are possibly under the influence of an illicit substance, inattention to the road and posted speeds limits will almost always lead to an accident. All instances of personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death caused by a negligent truck driver should not be overlooked.

If you have been injured by a reckless truck driver in Missouri, you’ll need a St. Louis skilled truck accident attorney to examine the details surrounding your crash to determine where negligence played a determining factor, and whom the negligence can be attributed to. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Page Law have the necessary experience to successfully litigate your personal injury trucking accident case. Call us today at 866-620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.waynesvilledailyguide.com/news/x772316203/Teacher-among-injured-in-wreck

Majority of Truck Accident Deaths Don’t Belong to Truckers

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the majority of deaths occurring in traffic accidents that involve large trucks are suffered by motorists of passenger cars, motorcycles, or other smaller vehicles. Unfortunately, no vehicle stands much of a chance against a big rig.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), “4,008 people died in truck accidents in 2008, with only 15% of those deaths being attributed to large truck occupants. The remaining 85% of deaths afflicted motorists in smaller passenger cars, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.” Furthermore, “97% of vehicle occupants killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a passenger vehicle and a large truck in 2008 were occupants of the passenger vehicles.” Needless to say, even the most experienced driver cannot compete with the immense power of semi-tractor trailers and other large trucks.

Drivers of large trucks have an obligation to exhibit safe driving practices at all times. Negligent behavior is responsible for the vast majority of traffic accidents involving large trucks. Sadly, this negligence is entirely preventable.

If you have been injured in a traffic accident with a large truck, or if a loved one was killed in a truck accident, you’ll need a skilled truck accident attorney on your side to examine the details surrounding the accident in order to help determine whether or not a trucker’s negligence played a determining factor in causing the injury or wrongful death. At Page Law, our Missouri truck accident wrongful death lawyers have the experience necessary to successfully litigate your wrongful death truck accident case. Call our skilled St. Louis tractor trailer accident lawyers today at 866-620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.iihs.org/research/fatality_facts_2008/largetrucks.html

Truck Rollover Kills Motorist on Route 8

According to a recent article posted on stltoday.com, a 45-year-old motorist was killed in a vehicle turnover crash that also seriously injured his passenger. The driver of the truck involved in the accident was reportedly not wearing his seatbelt, nor was his 38-year-old passenger. The incident occurred in the early morning hours on Route 8.

Investigation into the cause of the accident did not specify any possible explanations as to why the man lost control of his vehicle, which traveled off the road and overturned several times down an embankment. While trucks are certainly more prone to turnover than smaller passenger vehicles are, dangerous vehicle design, in this particular case, does not seem to have contributed towards its fatal outcome. However, the question as to why the truck left the confines of the road is still in need of being answered.

A truck does not have a very good turn radius. While driving under ideal conditions and in adherence to all rules of the road will both undoubtedly aid a motorist in remaining injury free, the possibility of faulty vehicle design still needs to be taken into consideration in all instances where loss of vehicle control, under seemingly benign conditions mind you, takes place. Truck manufacturers are responsible for creating vehicles that are safe to drive under all circumstances, and truck part manufacturers have a duty to provide consumers with effective products, such as brake pads, that do not fail and instead perform in such a manner that the likelihood of personal injury befalling an unsuspecting motorist is greatly diminished. Though further investigation into this crash will certainly reveal its cause, it is important for motorists everywhere to realize that not all vehicle accidents are the fault of the involved drivers.

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a truck accident, please do not hesitate to contact the St. Louis truck accident attorneys at Page Law. Our skilled lawyers will examine the details of your crash, and will help determined whether or not negligence of some kind played an unfortunate role in causing your accident. If negligence on the part of a vehicle or car part manufacturer did play any sort of role, we will help you hold negligent parties accountable for their actions, so that you can obtain compensatory damages. Call us today at 866-620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/commutingtraffic/story/A346FB711D571B2B8625762E005A0E47?OpenDocument

18-Wheeler Strikes Vehicle, Flees Scene

Lawrence County police enforcement have asked for the public’s assistance in finding the driver of a tractor-trailer truck that collided with a passenger vehicle and proceeded to flee the scene of the accident. The crash occurred near the intersection of Highway of 39 and Highway 96. The tractor trailer accident in Missouri involved the 18-wheeler striking the passenger vehicle so hard that it pushed the small car into the intersection, causing it to almost be hit by a second vehicle. While more details are not available at this time, the driver is being sought for hit-and-run charges.

Witnesses at the scene were able to give police a possible license plate number, as well as a description of the tractor-trailer, which included the name of the trucking company. While this particular case blurs the line between criminal offense and personal injury, it is still a matter of property damage, personal injury, and utter recklessness emblematic of negligence. In all instances where negligence of some kind plays a determining role in causing an accident, the negligent party can be held liable for monetary damages associated with the accident.

It should also be noted that in addition to drivers of large trucks being held accountable for their actions, trucking companies can sometimes be just as much at fault as a reckless truck driver. In instances where improper and inadequate upkeep of a big rig plays a significant role in causing a traffic accident, such as if the truck’s brakes are poorly worn or taillights fail to function properly, then it is the responsibility of the owner of the truck (typically the trucking company) to accept accountability for allowing a dangerous vehicle to operate in the first place.

If you have been injured in a big rig collision, you’ll need a skilled truck accident attorney to examine the details surrounding your crash to determine whether or not the trucker’s negligence alone caused the traffic accident, or if the trucking company contributed to the cause of the incident as well. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Page Law have the necessary experience to successfully litigate your truck accident case. Contact the skilled Missouri tractor trailer accident attorneys at Page Law today by calling 866-620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=181742

Big Rig Rear Ends SUV On I-44

According to an article from news-leader.com, a tractor-trailer crashed into a Ford Explorer driven by a 37-year-old woman while traveling westbound on Interstate 44. The woman was seriously injured, while the 54-year-old driver of the truck was not. Although both drivers were wearing their seatbelt, the sheer power of the tractor-trailer was simply too much for even the large SUV to handle.

This crash is emblematic of the tremendous power that large trucks wield. Whereas many passenger cars would certainly succumb to the power of an SUV in a crash, an SUV, like all other vehicles on the road, is no match for a big rig. While the article does not reveal what caused the crash, truck drivers are often responsible for causing such collisions due to some form of negligent behavior.

Truck drivers are under great pressure to deliver goods on time, and often bend the rules when doing so. Despite the fact that federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from being mobile on the road for more than 11 hours on any given day, many operators of large trucks ignore these regulations. Some truck drivers may utilize illicit materials and over-the-counter medications to help combat fatigue and to stay alert, even though they know it is against the law to do so. However, once the effects of these substances wear off, truck drivers are left seriously impaired as fatigue sets in and judgment becomes clouded. As a result, other motorists on the road are put in danger of suffering serious injury and even death.

If you have been injured in a big rig accident, you’ll need skilled legal counsel on your side to ensure that your rights as a motorist are not trampled upon by negligent truck drivers or trucking companies. Irresponsible trucking companies often turn a blind eye to reckless driving practices so that shipments can continue to be made and profits can continue to grow. These trucking companies need to be held accountable for their negligent actions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Missouri, the experienced St. Louis truck accident attorneys at Page Law can help you. As a skilled personal injury law firm, for many years we have been assisting truck accident victims receive compensation for pain and suffering, property damage, medical bills, loss of wages, and much more. Call Page Law today at 866-620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.news-leader.com/article/20090827/NEWS01/908270361/Woman+seriously+injured+in+crash

Cargo Loads Point of Concern in MO Revised Statutes

According to Missouri Revised Statutes, “every person operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of this state shall drive the vehicle in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person and shall exercise the highest degree of care.” While such driving practice is required of all motorists on Missouri roads and highways, it is especially critical for operators of semi-trailer trucks to follow this important statute. However, for a variety of reasons, truck drivers don’t always exhibit the best driving practice, and the results can often leave other motorists injured.

In addition to unsafe driving practice, other factors can lead to motorist injury at the hands of negligent truck drivers. The condition of a big rig, specifically whether or not it is reasonably safe to drive, can play a factor in accident causation. Faulty breaks, inoperable lights, and even worn trailer hitches have all been known to cause accidents.

Another important factor in accident causation pertains to hauled cargo. Missouri Revised Statute 307.010.1 states that “all motor vehicles, and every trailer and semitrailer operating upon the public highways of this state and carrying goods or material or farm products which may reasonably be expected to become dislodged and fall from the vehicle, trailer or semitrailer as a result of wind pressure or air pressure and/or by the movement of the vehicle, trailer or semitrailer shall have a protective cover or be sufficiently secured so that no portion of such goods or material can become dislodged and fall from the vehicle, trailer or semitrailer while being transported or carried.” Just like with all vehicles, large trucks need to properly contain their cargo, which correlates directly with the safety of not only the truck driver, but all other motorists on the road.

If you have been injured in a big rig accident and you believe that improper upkeep or other reckless behavior played a determining role in your injury, you’ll need skilled legal counsel on your side to ensure that negligent behavior is appropriately accounted for. The experienced Missouri truck accident lawyers at Page Law have the skills and resources to successfully litigate your truck accident case. Call us today at 866-620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source article:http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C300-399/3040000012.HTM

Big Rig Blunder Takes Life of IL Motorist

According to St. Louis’ local Fox affiliate KTVI channel 2, Interstate 55 played host to a deadly five vehicle crash that took the life of one female motorist from Illinois and injured several others. The accident resulted when the driver of an out-of-state semi-truck and trailer failed to properly bring the truck to a complete stop, crashing into a Volkswagen that was being driven by the now deceased woman. Both the truck and the Volkswagen caught on fire after the crash, which also involved three other vehicles.

According to police investigation, traffic may have been significantly slowing down, or already have come to a complete stop when the semi-truck struck the 36-year-old deceased woman’s car. The crash caused a chain reaction that resulted in a total of five people being seriously injured. While charges have not been filed against the driver of the semi-truck and trailer, further investigation will undoubtedly reveal whether or not this incident was truly an accident or if reckless driving practice played a determining role in the injury and death resulting from the crash.

Scrutiny over the driving practice of large truck operators raises the question as to whether or not the truck driver was fully in control of the semi-truck at the time of the accident. That is, many truck drivers, in foolish attempts to stay awake and alert long hours to accommodate longer stretches of driving their rigs, resort to the use of caffeine supplements and even illicit materials that can seriously alter their ability to operate the extremely large and dangerous vehicles. Driving under the influence of any substance is a blatant disregard for not only one’s own safety but the safety of all other motorists on the road.

In the event that truck driver inattention and reckless behavior result in a crash, then the driver of the truck can be held liable for damages associated with the accident. In some cases, the owner of the truck or the trucking company may also be held liable for damages, particularly if the large truck involved in the collision was not regularly inspected to ensure proper functioning of all parts. In all instances where large trucks or big rigs are involved in an auto accident, it is important to have a skilled Missouri truck accident attorney on your side to see to it that your rights are not trampled upon in a court of law.

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced St. Louis tractor trailer accident lawyers at Page Law. Our skilled truck accident lawyers will examine the details of your crash, and will help determine whether or not negligence of any kind played an unfortunate role in causing your accident. If negligence did a play a role, we will seek compensatory damages on your behalf that can help assist with the costs associated with your accident, such as medical bills, physical therapy fees, or vehicle repair/replacement. Call us today at 866-620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.fox2now.com/news/ktvi-fatal-axe-i55-park-082509,0,7234066.story