Were you injured after getting into a collision with a truck? All types of vehicular crashes can be very damaging, but truck accidents are especially frightening given the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
At Foster Wallace, we can only imagine how overwhelmed and stressed out you likely are in the aftermath of a collision like this. While we unfortunately can’t go back in time and stop the crash from happening, we can help you move forward as your Lee’s Summit truck accident lawyer.
Over our more than 45 years of combined experience representing victims as their Lee’s Summit personal injury lawyer, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in compensation. You can trust us to advocate for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf. Your injury. Our fight.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Lee’s Summit
Truck accidents in Missouri can occur for many reasons. They often involve driver error, mechanical failures, and external conditions. Let’s take a closer look at the common causes of truck-related collisions.
Driver Fatigue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours of Service (HOS) regulations that limit the amount of time a truck driver can operate without rest. In Missouri, commercial truck drivers must adhere to these federal guidelines.
This means they must not drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours spent off duty. However, pressures from trucking companies, tight deadlines, and long hauls may push drivers to exceed legal limits, which often leads to fatigue-related crashes.
Distracted Driving
Texting behind the wheel, adjusting GPS devices, eating while driving, or using in-cab entertainment systems can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. Despite a law that prohibits drivers from texting while behind the wheel, distractions are still a leading cause of collisions.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Large trucks require much greater stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver exceeds the speed limit or drives aggressively, it increases the risk of rear-end collisions, rollovers, and jackknife accidents.
Missouri enforces speed restrictions for commercial trucks, particularly in work zones and high-traffic areas.
Impaired Driving
Truck drivers must comply with strict federal drug and alcohol testing regulations. The FMCSA imposes a lower legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.04% for commercial drivers. The limit for passenger vehicle drivers in Missouri is 0.08%.
Despite these regulations, some truck drivers choose to operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs. All of these substances can increase the risk of catastrophic crashes.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies are legally required to maintain their fleets to ensure road safety. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions can cause devastating truck accidents. Missouri law mandates that commercial trucks undergo regular inspections, but negligent maintenance continues to cause accidents.
Improper Cargo Loading
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, which results in unstable trucks that are difficult for even very experienced drivers to maneuver. To prevent this, FMCSA cargo regulations are in place. These regulations dictate weight limits, proper securing methods, and distribution guidelines to avoid accidents caused by shifting loads.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Missouri experiences harsh winter conditions, heavy rain, and intense fog, all of which can make roads hazardous for large trucks. Truck drivers must adjust their speed and braking distance during poor weather. Failing to do so can lead to multi-vehicle pileups and skidding-related collisions.
Missouri Trucking Laws and Federal Regulations
Truck accidents fall under both state laws and federal trucking regulations. Understanding these rules can help your truck accident attorney in Lee’s Summit determine liability as well as the amount of compensation you could potentially receive as the victim of an accident like this.
Missouri’s Fault-Based Insurance System
Missouri follows a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents, including truck collisions. This means that the at-fault party is responsible for covering the damages that are caused by the collision. Victims of truck accidents may file claims against the following entities:
- The truck driver: If negligent behavior contributed to the crash
- The trucking company: If inadequate training played a role
- Truck manufacturers: If a defective part caused the accident
- Cargo loaders: If improper weight distribution led to loss of control
Comparative Fault in Missouri
Missouri also abides by a pure comparative fault rule, meaning that even if a victim is partially responsible for the accident, they can still recover compensation. However, their total damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Commercial Truck Weight and Size Limits
Missouri enforces strict weight and size restrictions for commercial trucks:
- Maximum gross vehicle weight: 80,000 pounds
- Axle weight limits: 20,000 pounds per single axle or 34,000 pounds per tandem axle
- Maximum height: 14 feet
- Maximum width: 8 feet 6 inches
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements
Missouri requires truck drivers to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) before they can legally operate large trucks. Here’s what CDL applicants must pass:
- Written knowledge tests
- Skills tests, including pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving
- Medical examinations to confirm physical fitness
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Types of Truck Accidents in Lee’s Summit
Several types of truck accidents can occur on highways, interstates, and city roads alike. These are examples of collisions that commonly involve trucks:
- Jackknife incidents
- Rollover crashes
- Underride collisions
- Wide turn accident
- Lost load incidents
Reach Out to Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Lee’s Summit for Legal Advice and Advocacy
Truck accidents are often complicated because a mix of state laws and federal trucking rules can impact them. This type of collision usually happens as a result of factors like driver fatigue, distractions, poor truck maintenance, and bad weather.
However, no matter the cause of the crash that left you in pain, you don’t deserve to deal with the aftermath on your own. With truck accident attorneys in Lee’s Summit by your side, your lawyer can take on the legal side of things so that you can focus on what truly matters—your overall well-being.
To learn what the Lee’s Summit truck accident lawyers at Foster Wallace can do for you, give us a call today. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can take a look at the details of your case and let you know what your options are.
