Missouri Truck Accident Blog

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 Cagle. 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