Truck accidents can cause serious harm, including severe injuries, damage to property, and even loss of life. In St. Louis, a city with bustling highways and a significant amount of commercial truck traffic, understanding the common causes of truck accidents is crucial.
Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident or any other personal injury, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable advocate on your side. A personal injury attorney Bradenton can provide the legal expertise and guidance you need, helping you understand your rights and the best course of action to take in your unique situation.
In fact, statistics from the year 2022 reveal that St. Louis County ranked first in Missouri, with a staggering total of 2,462 truck accidents. These numbers highlight the pressing need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
Equally important is recognizing the vital role that a skilled lawyer plays in helping accident victims seek justice and obtain rightful compensation.
It is noteworthy that within the combined area of St. Louis City and County, the average number of trucking accidents surpassed eight incidents per day in the year 2020, emphasizing the ongoing importance of legal assistance for those affected by such accidents.
By understanding the common causes and enlisting the support of a competent attorney, accident victims can navigate the legal complexities, protect their rights, and pursue the compensation they deserve.
In this article, we will explore the common causes of truck accidents in St. Louis and delve into how an attorney can assist those affected by these incidents.
Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. According to statistics provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue is estimated to contribute to approximately 13% of truck accidents nationwide.
Commercial truck drivers are subject to regulations governing their hours of service (HOS) to prevent exhaustion and maintain road safety.
However, it is disheartening that some truck drivers and trucking companies disregard these regulations, resulting in fatigued driving and increased accident risks.
In such cases, a knowledgeable St. Louis truck accident lawyer plays a crucial role. They have the expertise to thoroughly investigate the driver’s logbooks, electronic logging devices, and other records to determine if violations of HOS regulations occurred.
Distracted Driving
In today’s digital age, distracted driving has become a significant concern for all motorists, including truck drivers.
Startling statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reveal that approximately 71% of truck accidents stem from distracted driving, with cell phone use being the primary contributing factor.
Additionally, in the year 2021, there were a total of 967 car accidents in St. Louis attributed to distracted driving.
Distractions like texting, talking on the phone, or using in-cab technology divert a driver’s attention from the road, significantly increasing the chances of an accident.
TorHoerman Law notes that when dealing with truck accidents, a skilled attorney understands the importance of gathering compelling evidence. By obtaining phone records or video footage, they can establish if distracted driving, particularly cell phone use, played a significant role in the occurrence of the truck accident.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Commercial trucks must adhere to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their proper functioning. It is crucial to address negligence in maintaining vital components such as brakes, tires, lights, and other crucial systems, as they can lead to equipment failure and subsequent accidents.
According to statistics, mechanical failure accounts for approximately 10% of all truck accidents. In light of these statistics, a truck accident attorney can play a vital role in investigating and analyzing maintenance records. By gathering expert opinions and scrutinizing the evidence, they can effectively hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can significantly impact a truck’s balance, stability, and maneuverability, thereby elevating the risk of accidents. It is important for trucking companies and cargo loaders to strictly adhere to specific guidelines aimed at securing cargo safely.
Statistics indicate that each year, approximately 5% of truck accidents in the United States can be attributed to overloaded trucks. In cases where a truck accident is caused by improper loading practices, an attorney can diligently investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
By doing so, they can pursue legal claims against the parties responsible for the cargo loading, seeking justice and rightful compensation on behalf of the accident victims.
Intoxicated or Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications poses a grave threat to road safety as it significantly impairs a truck driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Startling statistics reveal that research indicates as high as 12% of drug and alcohol tests conducted on commercial truck drivers detect alcohol use. This emphasizes the urgent need to address the issue of impaired driving among truckers.
In cases where a truck accident involves an intoxicated driver, an experienced lawyer can collaborate with law enforcement agencies and utilize crucial evidence such as a breathalyzer or blood test results.
By leveraging this evidence, they can construct a robust case against the driver who operated the truck while under the influence.
Aggressive or Reckless Driving
Aggressive behaviors like speeding, tailgating, sudden lane changes, and failure to yield are all too common on St. Louis roads. When exhibited by truck drivers, these actions can have disastrous consequences due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.
An experienced attorney can gather witness statements, examine accident reconstruction reports, and establish liability for the truck driver’s reckless or aggressive behavior.
Conclusion
Truck accidents in St. Louis can arise from various factors, as discussed in this article. Therefore, it is imperative for accident victims to seek the assistance of a skilled truck accident attorney. These legal professionals possess the necessary knowledge, experience, and dedication to navigate the intricate legal processes.
If you or your loved one has been involved in a truck accident in St. Louis, it is crucial to consult with a trusted attorney who can protect your interests and help you seek justice in this challenging time.