Missouri Truck Accident Blog

See Unsafe Truck Driving? Report It to FMCSA

Motorists who witness tractor-trailers being driven in an unsafe fashion can report their concerns to the government. The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency of the Department of Transportation (DOT), operates a safety hotline specifically to address safety concerns from motorists, truck drivers, and other individuals relating to the trucking industry. The hotline can be reached at 1-888-DOT-SAFT.

The hotline accepts calls from both motorists and truck drivers who wish to report unsafe conditions. Common calls include truck drivers who are being required to drive more than the Hours of Service rules allow; persons who notice that trucks are mechanically unsafe to drive or truckers appear intoxicated, fatigued, or ill; and motorists who wish to report dangerous driving by large trucks.

When making a call, remember to include your name, address, and telephone number, the specific dates of the alleged violation, and the details of the alleged violation. Persons calling the hotline may report up to three possible violations per phone call.

Upon receiving a complaint, the Department of Transportation records the complaint and investigates it if the DOT determines the complaint meets certain standards. You may be contacted by an agency official for additional information. Within 90 days, the DOT should inform you as to how your complaint was handled.

Reporting unsafe driving helps prevent semi truck accidents from happening by ensuring that dangerous conditions are addressed before they can cause an accident. If you’ve been in a collision involving a large truck, the experienced Missouri big rig injury accident attorneys at Page Law can help. Our skilled legal team will examine the details of your case and help you fight to protect your rights and win the compensation you deserve. Call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 for a free consultation.

Missouri Truck Driver Holds Record for Accident-Free Miles

Hannibal, Missouri resident Hank Thomas was honored recently by the Missouri Trucking Association for breaking a state record: he has driven his tractor-trailer four million miles without a single accident. He was also honored by the Missouri state Senate in April 2010 and the state House of Representatives in May 2010 for his accomplishment, according to a recent article in the Hannibal Courier-Post.

Mr. Thomas’s advice for truckers wishing to challenge his record is simple. Pay attention to the road, the other cars, and your own driving. Get plenty of rest. Don’t talk on a cell phone while driving. Don’t tailgate the vehicle in front of you or speed.

Mr. Thomas began driving trucks at the age of 15, when he drove on his parents’ farm. He began driving tractor-trailers in 1966 and has driven trucks for McNay Truckline of Quincy, Illinois for 29 years. He has also driven trucks for Gully, Recycled Paper Co., and Brown Trucking, also of Hannibal, Missouri. McNay Truckline has been his employer for the longest period of time. The company listens to his concerns as a driver and keeps his equipment in excellent condition, which contributes to Mr. Thomas’s ability to drive safely.

A host of good driving skills, a good team of mechanics, and an employer that cares about the safe driving of its employees have all contributed to Mr. Thomas’s accomplishment. Unfortunately, many truck accidents in Missouri and throughout the U.S. continue to occur each year when truck drivers break one of Mr. Thomas’s recommended driving rules – and possibly break state or federal law as well.

If you have been injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer and you believe the truck driver’s negligence is to blame, please don’t hesitate to call Page Law. Our experienced Missouri truck driver negligence lawyers will examine the details of your case and protect your legal rights. Call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Volvo Recalls 60,000 Tractor-Trailers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced a voluntary recall by Volvo of over 60,000 tractor-trailers due to steering problems. WSLS reports that the recall affects Volvo VNL and VNM trucks with model years 2001 through 2006.

The manufacturer issued the recall due to a defect in the trucks’ TRW-sealed drag link. If the drag link defects are not addressed, they may result in separation of the ball socket at the drag link, resulting in a complete loss of steering control by the driver and presenting a high risk that the truck will crash. So far, 23 crashes and two deaths related to the defect have been reported to NHTSA.

Owners of the Volvo trucks affected by the recall are advised by NHTSA to take their trucks to the dealership. Volvo mechanics will inspect the drag link and ball socket and replace parts if necessary. Owners can also call Volvo at 1-800-528-6586 for more information.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the federal office responsible for overseeing road safety, including tractor-trailer safety issues. Truck manufacturers, owners, and drivers may be held accountable by NHTSA if they fail to meet mandated safety requirements. Manufacturers, truck repair workers, owners, and drivers may also be held liable by other motorists who are injured due to a defective or improperly repaired truck part.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a St. Louis tractor-trailer accident and you know or suspect a defective part is to blame, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced St. Louis truck crash attorneys at Page Law. Our lawyers will help you understand your rights after an accident and help you hold responsible parties accountable for the damage caused by any defective truck part. Call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 for a free consultation.

Bicyclist Injured in St. Charles County Accident with Truck

A local teenager was severely injured after he collided with a trash truck while riding his bicycle, according to a recent article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Missouri truck accident occurred in a neighborhood in St. Charles County, where the trash truck was making its rounds.

The eighteen-year-old was riding his bike on Riverview Lane just west of Highway 94 when he apparently rode into the path of an Allied Waste Services truck, say local police. The accident happened at about 12:30 in the afternoon. The teen’s bicycle became stuck underneath the trash truck, which dragged the bicycle and the teenager at least fifty feet before managing to stop.

The teenager was taken to St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, where hospital staff describe him as being in satisfactory condition given his severe injuries. Police are continuing to investigate the Missouri trash truck accident.

Large truck accidents in Missouri usually occur between a large truck and a passenger vehicle, such as a car or pickup truck. Although accidents between a large truck and a pedestrian or bicyclist are unusual, these accidents can be even more devastating when they do occur. The unprotected and relatively small frame of a pedestrian’s or bicyclist’s body is no match for tractor-trailers and other large trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Severe injury and even death are practically inevitable.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident with a large truck, you have certain legal rights. A skilled Missouri truck accident lawyer at Page Law can help you understand your rights. We will stand up for your rights in court while helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. Please call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 for a free case evaluation.

Callaway County Tractor Trailer Crash Injures Two

Two Columbia residents were injured recently when their car spun out of control and crashed into a tractor-trailer, according to The Columbia Daily Tribune. The twenty year-old driver and his eighteen year-old passenger were traveling toward Lake Mykee at about 2:45 in the morning. The driver attempted to exit Highway 54 in Callaway County at a dangerous rate of speed. While attempting to navigate a curve at 60 miles per hour, the driver lost control of the car and crashed into a truck sitting at the intersection.

Both the driver and the passenger were treated for moderate injuries at Boone Hospital Center and later released. Both were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident. The truck driver, who was also wearing his seatbelt, did not seek medical attention after the accident.

Although no driver who shares the road with tractor-trailers can guarantee his or her own safety, there are a number of steps drivers can take to reduce the risk of an accident, or to reduce the risk of severe injury if a trucking crash in St. Louis occurs. Always travel at or slightly below the speed limit, even when passing a truck, and leave plenty of room between the back of your car and the front of the truck before you change lanes. Also, simply wearing a seatbelt can help protect you from severe injury or death.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri truck crash, you may have the right to seek compensation from a negligent driver. The experienced St. Louis truck injury accident attorneys at Page Law can help you understand your legal rights and will fight to win you the compensation you need to live your life again. Call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 for a free and confidential consultation.