Trucking Accident Attorneys after St. Louis Accident
Truck accidents in Missouri are particularly dangerous for several reasons:
- Severity of impact: Due to their immense size and weight, trucks can cause far more devastating injuries and fatalities compared to car accidents. Even a seemingly minor collision with a truck can result in serious consequences.
- High number of trucks on the road: Missouri is a major transportation hub, with a high volume of truck traffic traveling across the state. This increases the chance of accidents.
- Unique road challenges: Missouri has various geographical features that pose challenges for truck drivers, including:
- Curvy, hilly roads: These can be difficult for large trucks to navigate, especially when carrying heavy loads.
- Rural highways: Many rural roads in Missouri have only one lane in each direction, with limited shoulders. This makes it harder for cars to share the road safely with large trucks.
- Driver error: Similar to car accidents, driver error is a major factor in truck accidents. Causes include:
- Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may be drowsy behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving: Using cell phones or other electronic devices can divert a driver's attention.
- Speeding: Speeding is particularly dangerous for large trucks due to their increased stopping distance.
- Driving under the influence: Impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents.
- Truck maintenance issues: Poorly maintained trucks can have mechanical failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, leading to accidents. Overloaded trucks can also be a hazard.
Here are some additional resources you might find helpful:
- Missouri Department of Transportation: https://www.modot.org/
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/