St. Louis County Truck Accident Attorneys
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Truck Accidents
Whenever a truck accident in St. Louis County occurs there is the potential for a serious injury or fatality, especially for the occupants of other passenger vehicles. Anyone involved in a St. Louis truck accident may be forced to fight with large transportation companies and insurance corporations to receive compensation for the losses they have suffered. In order to protect their rights, injured victims may have it in their best interests to seek the help of a knowledgeable St. Louis truck accident attorney.
Missouri Truck Accident Statistics
According to the 2009 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), 83 large trucks were involved in Missouri fatal crashes. During that same year, 86 people were killed and 1,623 people were injured in Missouri large truck accidents.
Causes of Truck Accidents
There are a number of potential causes of St. Louis truck accidents. A few of the most common causes include:
- Fatigued driving: Federal regulations limit the number of hours truck drivers can be on the road. It is the obligation of all drivers to ensure that they are properly rested and the obligation of trucking companies to ensure that their employees are obeying the rules. Fatigued driving leads to a number of catastrophic crashes every year in the United States. Truck drivers are also required to maintain an accurate log of the hours they spend on the road.
- Inexperienced driving: Driving a truck that is pulling a full trailer can be extremely difficult. Braking too hard or turning too tightly can lead to a serious accident. It is the responsibility of the trucking firm to provide ample training to drivers before putting them on the road.
- Limited visibility: There are blind spots immediately in front of the truck, behind the trailer and along the rear right and left side of the trailer. It is the responsibility of car drivers to avoid these areas whenever possible and the obligation of truck drivers to ensure that vehicles are not in their blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn.
- Poor maintenance: A poorly maintained truck can put everyone on the roadway at great risk. Mechanics, truck owners and drivers may be held responsible for accidents caused by a failure to properly maintain the vehicle. Trucking firms are required to keep maintenance records for their vehicles as well.
The Rights of a Truck Accident Victim
Anyone harmed in a St. Louis County truck accident may be able to pursue compensation by filing a personal injury claim. At-fault truck drivers may be held liable for the damages they cause. Damages commonly covered by a civil lawsuit include medical expenses, lost wages, and hospitalization and rehabilitation costs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri trucking collision, it is important that you immediately seek medical attention and contact the skilled St. Louis County trucking accident lawyers of Page Law. Our experienced truck accident lawyers know how to obtain critical evidence including driver logs and truck maintenance information. Please contact our law offices to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
St. Louis County Personal Injury Resource Center
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