A jury recently awarded $35 million to the family of a woman killed in Missouri in 2006, according to KansasCity.com. The woman was one of four who died in an accident while stopped on Interstate 70, east of Columbia. Their car was stopped for an accident, and a tractor-trailer slammed into the rear of the vehicle.
The attorneys for the family argued that the truck driver was fatigued as he drove, and he lied on his trucking logs in order to show that he had rested a sufficient amount. The driver’s cell phone records showed that he was in Illinois when his log said he was in Missouri. At trial, attorneys for the family argued that the trucking company behaved recklessly by ignoring the truck driver’s driving record and his failure to obey company policies.
By law, truck drivers are limited to a maximum of 11 hours of driving between 10 consecutive hours off duty. They also cannot drive more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days. These regulations are intended to prevent Missouri tractor-trailer accidents caused by drowsy drivers.
The families of the other three women who were killed settled the case in April 2008, and received a total of $18 million combined. The $35 million verdict is expected to be appealed.
Trucking companies who allow their drivers to ignore federal laws intended to protect the public are liable for all damages those drivers cause. If you have been injured by a negligent tractor-trailer driver, contact the Missouri truck crash attorneys at Page Law, LLC today at 314-488-2433.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is sponsoring Brake Safety Week between September 12 and 18. During the week, commercial truck safety organizations across the U.S. will be inspecting commercial trucks to make sure they are in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, according to the Boonville Daily News.
Experts say that braking systems are one of, if not the most important piece of safety equipment on a vehicle. Commercial motor vehicle inspectors, including those with the Missouri Dept. of Transportation, the Missouri Highway Patrol and city police departments typically pay a lot of attention to the braking systems of commercial trucks.
Braking systems on commercial trucks are particularly important. In 2009, the most frequent problems cited by inspectors were brakes that were out of adjustment, and brake hose or tubing problems. In 2009 alone, 40,000 violations were recorded during Missouri commercial truck inspections. However, officials do note that motor carriers do a good job of maintaining braking systems.
Trucks with improperly maintained brakes can have devastating accidents. Because commercial trucks are so much larger and heavier than any passenger vehicle, a commercial truck will typically cause a large amount of damage to any vehicles and passengers it comes into contact with.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri truck accident, the trucking company that owns the truck may be liable for a large compensation award that could include damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, and lost current and future wages. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact the St. Louis truck accident attorneys at Page Law. They will provide you with a free consultation of your case. Contact them today at 314-322-8515.
A tractor-trailer driver recently hit a pole south of Centralia in an accident, reports a recent article in the Columbia Tribune. The truck ran off the road, hit the utility pole, and ended up in the center of Route Z near Old Highway 124. The Missouri trucking crash occurred at about six o’clock in the morning. Other than the utility pole, the accident caused no property damage.
The utility pole with which the semi truck collided was knocked down, but power company employees were able to repair the downed utility pole quickly, and no one in the area reported an electrical outage. The truck was carrying a load of electrical transformers, but these were still secured to the truck when emergency personnel arrived. The driver was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for the injuries he sustained in the accident and then released. His injuries were minor.
Fire department officials who investigated the Missouri single truck accident and assisted the driver did not say what factors may have played a part in the crash. It is unknown whether the driver was speeding, for example.
Country roads pose an especially high risk to truck drivers and the motorists who share these roads with tractor-trailers. The often narrow, winding roads can deceive a driver into believing the truck is not going too fast until it is too late to slow down. Hazards like wildlife and water can also play a part in Missouri tractor-trailer accidents.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, please contact the experienced Missouri truck accident attorneys at Page Law. Our skilled lawyers will examine the details of your case and help you win the compensation you need from the parties responsible for your injuries and associated damages. Call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
