The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that in 2016, there were approximately 12.5 million commercial large trucks and buses in the United States. In 2017, 4,889 large trucks and buses were involved in deadly crashes. An even larger number of large trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in injuries. When large trucks are involved in accidents, victims are often left facing severe injuries and a challenging battle for compensation. The following explores some of the factors that distinguish truck accidents in Missouri from car crashes.
Trucks Accidents are Much Deadlier
Due to their size and weight, large trucks present dangers that small passenger vehicles do not. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, or 40 tons, while an average passenger vehicle weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. As a result, when large trucks are involved in collisions with smaller vehicles, the amount of force of the large truck is often enough to cause serious injuries and even fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Also due to their large size and great weight, trucks are more challenging to navigate than smaller passenger vehicles. When a smaller vehicle enters a truck’s blind spot, the truck driver cannot see it. In addition, trucks are more difficult to bring to a stop suddenly or maneuver around tight curves.
More Parties are Involved in Truck Accidents
When crashes occur involving passenger vehicles, the only parties involved are often just the drivers and their respective insurance carriers. When truck accidents occur, there are almost always more parties involved. Many times, the cab and the trailer are separately owned and insured. It is also often the case that the truck’s cargo is separately owned and insured. Other parties might include truck parts manufacturers, truck drivers, cargo loaders, and trucking company owners. While so many potentially liable parties make these cases more complicated, the advantage is that there are often more ways to pursue compensation.
Federal and State Laws Apply
Unlike passenger vehicle accidents, truck accidents often involved federal laws and regulations. Various federal laws address complex trucking issues including hours of service, or how long truck drivers can spend behind the wheel. These federal regulations were established to keep motorists safe. To meet deadlines and save money, however, trucking companies often urge drivers to reach their destination as soon as possible which often means ignoring these regulations.
Speak with a Missouri Truck Crash Attorney
Missouri truck accidents can leave victims facing countless serious complications. One of the best ways to respond if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash is to promptly retain the assistance of an experienced accident attorney. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Tags: car accidents, truck crash claims
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