Missouri Truck Accident FAQ

The list of contributing causes of accidents involving 18-wheelers, semis, semi-trailers, flatbeds, tankers and other tractor trailers include driving too fast for conditions, speeding, tailgating, improper lane change, driver fatigue, use of over-the-counter drugs, distracted driving, cell phone usage, equipment failures and braking failures. Some truck accidents may have multiple contributing causes. An experienced truck accident lawyer can evaluate a truck crash, identify all the contributing factors and explain your legal rights whether you are in Missouri or Illinois.

Federal hours-of-service rules do limit the number of hours per day and per week that a truck driver can operate an 18-wheeler. See 49 C.F.R. §395. The rules are in place because driver fatigue is an occupational hazard for truck drivers and a contributing cause to many truck accidents. Unfortunately, truck drivers may feel they can overcome fatigue with over-the-counter stimulants and pep pills. Truckers may drive until they are dangerously fatigued and unresponsive to sudden changes in traffic conditions and cause a serious accident. A skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyer can use trucker logs, toll receipts, and cell phone records to determine whether a driver stayed behind the wheel too long and violated hours-of-service regulations.

Yes, unsecured loads are a serious hazard to public safety. A truck driver has a duty to ensure that a load is properly secured before setting out on a trip. An improperly secured load can shift and cause a big rig to overturn. Or an unsecured load can fall off and cause a motorist to swerve to avoid it and cause an accident. A motorist injured by a load that fell off a large truck and caused an accident may have a cause of action against the truck driver and trucking company. A knowledgeable St. Louis truck accident lawyer can advise you.

Yes, you may have a legal case. Under Missouri’s pure comparative fault doctrine, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries from an at-fault truck driver even if you were partially at fault. In Illinois, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries if you can show the other driver was at least 51 percent at-fault in the accident. Illinois has a modified comparative fault law. We need to review the specific facts of your accident to advise you of your legal options. Determining the percentage of fault of each driver is critical to your ability to recover damages.