Key Takeaways
- Driver fatigue, distracted driving, and speeding are the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Missouri.
- Trucking companies that skip inspections or repairs contribute to brake failures and tire blowouts.
- FMCSA regulations exist to prevent these accidents, but violations remain frequent on I-70 and I-44 corridors.
- Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for truck accident claims, but acting quickly preserves critical evidence.
In Missouri, 18-wheeler accidents are most commonly caused by truck driver negligence. Fatigue, distracted driving, and speeding are frequent behaviors that are factors in truck accidents in the St. Louis trucking corridors of I-70 and I-44.
Most Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Missouri truck accidents involving 18-wheelers are often the result of truck driver behaviors that are negligent. Truckers spend long hours on the road and may also feel pressured to meet deadlines by their trucking company. Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has federal safety regulations designed to prevent truck accidents for hours of service, some truck drivers and trucking companies violate driver fatigue rules that prevent tired truckers from driving, leading to drowsy driving that causes truck accidents.
Like other drivers, truck drivers also become distracted with their phones, eating, or using their GPS system. They may also speed or drive recklessly to make up for lost time spent in heavier traffic on their routes. Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers additionally have massive blind spots, and failing to check them can lead to a serious crash. Learn more about how do blind spots cause truck accidents.
Trucking Company Negligence
Truck drivers are not the only ones who may be responsible when there is a truck accident in St. Louis. Trucking companies must stay on top of fleet maintenance, and when they skip inspections or repairs, brake failures and tire blowouts are a common result. Additionally, common jackknife truck accident causes and injuries can be traced back to both driver error and mechanical failures. At The Bruning Law Firm, our St. Louis truck accident lawyer team helps truck accident victims understand their rights and legal options amid these traumatic incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a truck accident in Missouri?
Always call 911 and get medical attention immediately, even if you think you are not hurt. If you are able to talk to the truck driver, get their name, contact information, insurance information, and the name of the trucking company they work for. Take photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries. Above all, contact an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer since the FMCSA rules along with state laws can make your case incredibly complex.
How are truck accidents different from car accidents in Missouri?
The biggest difference is complexity. There are federal regulations involved from the FMCSA and usually multiple liable parties beyond the truck driver, such as the trucking company, maintenance provider, and cargo loaders. With large insurance policies and catastrophic injuries, the stakes are higher, making the need for legal representation imperative.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri law puts a five-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases like truck accidents. However, evidence that proves what caused your truck accident can be erased or destroyed the longer you wait. Our attorneys encourage you to take action as soon as you stabilize from your medical treatment so we can issue notice to the trucking company to preserve vital evidence from the black box and electronic logging device (ELD).
Contact The Bruning Law Firm
The Bruning Law Firm has helped truck accident victims for over 35 years understand their rights and options in Missouri, fighting for the compensation they deserve. Our St. Louis 18-wheeler crash investigation lawyers charge no fee unless we win, so schedule your free consultation to discuss your case today by calling (314) 735-8100.