Missouri Truck Accident Blog » Law & Regulations

Congress Considers Raising Tractor-Trailer Weight Limit

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:00:10 +0000

The U.S. Congress is considering a bill that would allow the limit on tractor-trailer weight to rise from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds. The bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Michael Michaud and known as the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act.

If passed, the bill would allow individual states to increase their interstate vehicle weight limit to 97,000 pounds for any truck with a sixth axle. Supporters of the bill state that the required sixth axle would help the heavier trucks stop within the same distance and would distribute the additional weight more evenly over the truck’s tires. The bill also includes a separate fee for the sixth axle, which would be used to fund interstate bridge repairs.

Supporters claim that raising the weight limit to 97,000 pounds can be done safely and would decrease the need for additional trucks on the country’s interstates. However, opponents believe that the additional weight cannot be made safe. Opponents also point out that many U.S. bridges and highways are not built to support heavier trucks. There is also concern about the cost of updating these bridges and highways and about the safety of drivers who share these stretches of road with heavier trucks.

Truck accidents threaten the lives of hundreds of U.S. citizens each year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri truck accident, consider contacting the experienced Missouri tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Page Law. Our attorneys will review the details of your case and stand by you in the fight to get you just compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. If you’ve had an accident involving a truck, don’t hesitate to call Page Law at (314) 322-8515 today for a free consultation.

Source:http://bulktransporter.com/fleet/trucks/transportation_coalition_presses_congress0701/

Federal Texting Ban Takes Effect for Truck Drivers

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:00:57 +0000

The federal government has issued a ban on texting while driving, especially targeted at commercial truck drivers and bus drivers. According to a news report in USA Today, the new restrictions will take effect immediately and apply to interstate truckers and operators of vehicles carrying at least eight passengers. Those who violate this new rule could face penalties of up to $2,750. So far, 19 states and the District of Columbia prohibit texting while driving for all drivers.

Distracted driving is one of the biggest traffic safety issues we have on our roadways today. It is unsafe for all drivers – whether they are driving a compact car or an 18-wheeler – to text or use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Recent studies show that those who text while driving, take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. A vehicle traveling at highway speed can traverse the length of two football fields within that time.

However, when drivers of large trucks and commercial buses text, they are putting many more lives in danger than just their own. When the driver of a large big rig takes his eyes off the road, it can result in catastrophic accidents that have the potential to cause major injuries or deaths. Federal officials have themselves admitted that this is a tough law to enforce. But, it is a good first step, especially considering the devastation that distracted truckers have brought on the traveling public.

If you have been the victim of a serious truck accident – whether it is due to a distracted, reckless or negligent driver – please contact a skilled Missouri big rig accident lawyer who will analyze your case thoroughly and make sure you secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Call Page Cagle today for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your claim. We can help.

Source:http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-01-26-texting-driving-commercial-ban_N.htm

Missouri Tanker Spill Leaves Three Hospitalized

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:25 +0000

Three people were hospitalized after a tanker truck carrying hydrochloric acid flipped, spilling some of its load and sending a cloud of hazardous gas up in the air. According to a CBS news report, the truck was carrying about 45,000 pounds of the acid on Interstate 35 when it ruptured. About 250 gallons of hydrochloric acid spilled from the tanker. The acid cloud threatened the nearby Isle of Capri casino. However, no one was evacuated. One person in the casino was transported to an area hospital with respiratory issues. The truck driver and two police officers were also taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries as well as skin and throat irritation.

Trucks often transport hazardous materials and when the big rig crashes, the chemicals inside can spill, thus exposing hundreds or thousands of people to serious harm. In this particular case, it is not clear what caused the tanker to rupture and the acid to spill. However, if the materials were not stored properly or if proper safety measures were not taken, the trucking company and the truck driver may be held liable for the accident and injuries caused.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a truck accident, you would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced St. Louis MO truck crash injury lawyer at Page Cagle. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys will make sure that important evidence or records relevant to your claim are not destroyed. We will fight for your legal rights every step of the way and make sure that you get the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. We are always on your side. Call Page Cagle at 1-866-620-5757 for a free consultation and evaluation of your Missouri truck accident case.

Source:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/30/national/main5837884.shtml

Drug Use among Truck Drivers Prevalent, Study Finds

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:00:31 +0000

A recent investigative report by the Associated Press showed that tractor-trailer and bus drivers who tested positive for illegal drugs continue to get hired and return to work without the required treatment or testing. According to a study performed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), 19 out of 37 commercial drivers who had a positive drug test in the last two years were hired elsewhere less than a month later. Their previous test result was not revealed and employers, apparently, never asked them about it or even tested them before hiring them.

How did these tractor-trailer and bus drivers who tested positive for cocaine or amphetamine use get around a pre-employment drug test? The study says that they either did it by “quickly going clean” or using products such as synthetic urine to clear the test. Federal drug regulations for truck drivers require prospective employers to request drug testing records, with the driver’s consent, from previous employers. But it seems as though trucking companies are hardly investigating new employees. They are apparently just too eager to put them to work.

The findings of this study are deeply disturbing. Alcohol and drug use is one of the causes of devastating truck accidents. It’s frightening to imagine a truck driver under the influence of cocaine or methamphetamine handling an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer.

If you have been injured by a drunk or negligent truck driver, you can file a claim against the trucking company to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and loss. Trucking companies will try to protect their employees and shift the blame on innocent victims. The skilled and experienced Missouri truck accident lawyers at Page Cagle will fight for your rights and make sure you get fairly compensated for your tremendous loss. Call Page Cagle today at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation.

Tired Truckers Rule the Road

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:00:56 +0000

The Obama administration is reconsidering a poor decision made by the Bush administration to extend truck drivers’ hours of service. This previous decision has placed the driving public at the mercy of fatigued truckers who are a genuine threat to public safety. According to a news report, the Bush administration, urged by the trucking industry, issued a federal rule allowing truck drivers to put in up to 11 hours a day and cut down the rest time they must get between work weeks as well. Before this rule was passed, truckers were allowed to work only 10 hours behind the wheel each day. Going over opposition by federal courts and the government’s own Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the White House passed the rule anyway in October 2008.

This situation existed until the Obama administration worked out a deal recently with several safety advocacy groups to reconsider the Bush administration’s 11th hour rule. But here’s the worrisome part. Until the government is done reconsidering this rule, public safety is still in jeopardy because of tired truckers.

Missouri truck accident lawyers know that truck driver fatigue is a significant factor in many tractor trailer versus car, motorcycle, or other auto accidents. When a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel while operating an 80,000-pound vehicle, there is no question about the damage and devastation such a situation has the potential to cause. In a recent survey, 20 percent of long-haul truck drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel. That statistic in itself should tell us how often these dangerous situations are created on our roadways.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a tired, sleepy or fatigued truck driver, please contact Page Cagle to get more information about your legal rights and options. Our personal injury law firm can immediately alert our truck accident team and begin taking the same action as the truck company and their insurance company. Failure to file your claim promptly may forever bar your claim. The statutes of limitations vary from state to state and could limit the amount of time that a personal injury victim has to file a lawsuit. Please do not let this happen to you. Call skilled attorney John Page today at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Source:http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/5188/driving_their_lives_away/

Missouri Truckers and Texting Don’t Mix

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:06 +0000

The State of Missouri enforced a texting ban for drivers in August. According to a recent news report, this texting ban may affect truckers as well. Truckers are being especially careful because they cross several state lines and the laws change as they do so. Apparently, most truck drivers have CB radios to get information about road conditions and closures. But some say that the information from the radios doesn’t come quick enough. So the newer and younger drivers are turning to their cell phones for information.
Distracted drivers cause a number of deadly accidents in Missouri. Truck drivers are no exception. In fact, when a truck driver is texting, checking e-mail on a handheld device or talking on the phone, he or she can create a lot more opportunities for truck accidents because a big rig is a much bigger, heavier vehicle. A driver certainly needs to have two hands on the wheel to maneuver a tractor trailer safely.

If a truck driver is texting or talking on the cell phone and causes an accident, then he or she, as well as his or her employer – the trucking company – may be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries or fatalities. The victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover their injuries, damages and loss. Not paying attention to the road while driving amounts to truck driver negligence in Missouri.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Missouri truck accident, please contact an experienced Missouri truck accident attorney at Page Cagle for a free consultation and evaluation of your truck accident claim. We will fight for your rights and make sure the negligent party responsible for causing the injuries or wrongful death is held accountable. Call Page Cagle today at 866-620-5757.

Source:http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=91855

Man Injured in Missouri Truck Accident

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:59 +0000

Missouri tractor-trailer accidents can cause serious injuries such as brain and spinal cord injuries. Very often large truck accidents also result in death. Most of the time, it is the occupants of the passenger vehicle who get catastrophically injured or killed. According to the Department of Transportation’s truck accident statistics for 2007, there were 4,363 truck accidents reported in the state of Missouri involving injuries and fatalities. During the same period, 139,321 truck accidents were reported in the United States that involved injuries and deaths.

A recent news article in the Joplin Globe reports a two-vehicle accident on the Interstate 44 near Joplin involving a car and a tractor trailer. A 56-year-old man reportedly drove his westbound vehicle into the back of a westbound tractor trailer. The accident occurred as the truck driver slowed down to pull into a weigh station, Missouri Highway Patrol officials said.

In any truck accident case, it is extremely important to analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the person whose negligence caused the accident and injuries is held accountable. In a commercial truck accident case, if the driver’s negligence caused the accident, the injured victim may seek compensation to cover expenses such as medical costs, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization and other related damages. The trucking company, which employs the negligent driver, can also be held liable especially if the accident involves Missouri trucking law violations.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri truck accident, please contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Page Cagle. Our skilled attorneys may be able help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries, damages and loss. We always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families. Our knowledgeable attorneys have won millions in compensation for seriously injured truck accident victims as well as for families that have lost loved ones in truck accidents. Call Page Cagle today at 866-620-5757.

Source:http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_280233925.html

CDL Suspension Can’t Combat All Negligence on the Road

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:00:31 +0000

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 Cagle, 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

Cargo Loads Point of Concern in MO Revised Statutes

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:00:50 +0000

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 Cagle 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

Beer Spill on Highway 63 Caused by Tractor Trailer Accident

Missouri Truck Accident Attorney — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:00:25 +0000

Thousands of cases of Anheuser Busch Bud Light beer flowed through the northbound lanes of highway 63 across the northern Missouri border in Iowa today when a tractor trailer semi truck lost control and flipped over on the highway. Highway 63 runs north of Columbia, Missouri to the Iowa border and south of Columbia through Jefferson City, Missouri.

The tractor trailer semi truck tipped over after the driver lost control of his truck. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the semi truck overturned onto its side when the driver ran off the road going around a curve. He was unable to regain control of the massive truck, spilling Bud Light beer products across the highway.

The semi truck driver is from Normandy, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Reportedly the driver suffered only minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

It took crews about 6 hours to clean up the mess. Thousands of cases of beer were unloaded from the wrecked truck and moved to another tractor trailer for transport. Some of the beer that was not able to be saved was sent to a landfill and the rest was recovered for use.

In a tractor trailer accident in Missouri and throughout the U.S., the product salvaged is required by regulation to be itemized and disposed of in a manner that will protect both the carrier and the client. A claim filed must include a loss number assigned to the salvage, any money recovered from the disposition of the property, and the date the money was transferred to the client.

In this case, Anheuser Busch will not receive any monetary reimbursement from salvage because the product was too damaged to recover and sent to a landfill. The remaining product will be transported and Anheuser Busch will receive their compensation for those Bud Light products that are still able to be sold.
Tractor trailer accidents rank number one in Missouri in truck accidents. While this semi truck accident resulted in only minor injuries to the truck driver, serious injuries and even death are often the result of tractor trailer accidents on Missouri highways. These injuries and deaths can be emotionally, physically, and financially draining for those injured.

In times like these you need a personal injury lawyer that will stand up for you and your interests. You need someone to fight for your rights against the trucking and insurance companies. The experienced St. Louis truck accident attorneys at Page Cagle will protect your rights and make sure you have a powerful advocate on your side.

If you are in a truck wreck, contact truck accident attorney John Page to make sure your rights are protected. He is a personal injury truck accident lawyer at Page Cagle and he can be reached at 314.322.8515. The consultation is free and Page can be reached 24 hours a day. You can also visit the Page Cagle website at www.injuredclient.com for more information.