The accident occurred when the SUV swerved into the path of the tanker truck as both were traveling on Highway 6. The truck’s driver tried to avoid hitting the SUV, but his emergency maneuvers caused the truck to roll sideways, landing on its side on the edge of the highway. The accident also caused a leak in the tank the truck was hauling, releasing approximately 8,000 gallons of gasoline until rescue workers specializing in hazardous materials spills could arrive with a second tanker to drain the leaking truck of its cargo.

The driver of the SUV suffered moderate injuries in the crash, but medical workers say that he will likely survive. A sudden medical emergency is most likely what initially caused the man to swerve in front of the tractor-trailer, according to investigators. The driver of the truck was not injured in the accident, despite the tipping of the truck.

Missouri ranks highly among U.S. states when it comes to regulating trucks hauling hazardous materials. Unfortunately, when an accident occurs, the release of hazardous materials cannot always be prevented, and serious injuries can result. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, the experienced Missouri truck accident lawyers at Page Law can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need. To learn more, call us today at 314-322-8515 for a free consultation.

A recent news report on KWQC illustrates that truck drivers don’t always pay attention to what’s going around them on the roadway. Investigators in Scott County, Missouri, are looking into a bizarre accident on the Interstate 80 that sent a semi tractor trailer onto a road below the highway. Officials say the semi tractor-trailer was going west on Interstate 80 when it passed a minivan.

As the big rig tried to move back into the right lane, the driver realized he did not have enough clearance. It was too late. The truck hit the van. The van veered into a ditch and the semi went flying off the highway and down onto a road under the overpass. Miraculously, neither the truck driver nor the van driver was hurt. However, officials say that the semi driver is facing several citations for driving recklessly.

It is extremely fortunate that no one got hurt in this Missouri truck accident. However, that’s not always the case. Recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows just how deadly truck accidents can be. Although trucks make up less than 4 percent of all passenger vehicles on U.S. roads, they are involved in 12 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities. More than 4,000 people die every year in truck accidents and more than 80,000 are seriously injured, according to the federal safety agency that monitors trucking companies.

If you have been seriously injured in a Missouri truck accident, please contact an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer at Page Law today. Trucking companies will usually get their insurance carrier and attorneys on a case right away. As a victim, you need a skilled truck accident attorney on your side, fighting for your rights and protecting your best interests as soon as possible. Contact John Page at Page Law today by calling (866) 620-5757 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source:http://www.kwqc.com/global/story.asp?s=11539959