TRUCK ACCIDENT CAUSES
St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City, Missouri
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established extensive trucking regulations in order to minimize the number of truck accidents. However, accidents still occur and are often caused by truck companies skirting these regulations.
After a big rig accident, it is essential to contact an experienced truck accident attorney who can advise you as to your legal rights. If you have a valid claim, it is best to start the investigation as soon as possible.
Truck Driver Negligence as a Cause of Truck Accidents
Truck driver error accounts for approximately one fourth of all trucking accidents. Even though truckers are required to undergo extensive training, mistakes still occur on the roads. When they occur because a trucker ignores regulations, juries typically award larger amounts of compensation to victims. Some examples of truck driver negligence are:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Forging truck logging sheets
- Driving more hours than legally allowed
- Not checking the truck’s load
- Reacting poorly to other driver decisions
Trucking Company Negligence Causing Truck Accidents
Trucking companies often impose unrealistic deadlines on drivers and break trucking regulations in order to maximize their profits.
Unnecessarily putting others at risk is inexcusable. Common examples include:
- Poorly maintaining 18-wheelers
- Imposing unrealistic schedules
- Hiring an inadequately trained driver
- Using a defective semi truck
- Failing to thoroughly investigate trucker backgrounds
Other Common Truck Accident Causes
A variety of other factors can cause a big rig accident, including:
- Other driver error, such as darting in front of a truck to exit a freeway
- Defective roadways
- Poor weather conditions
- Inadequate road signage or lighting
Negligence in Truck Accidents
Depending on the cause of a truck accident, one or more parties may be negligent in their professional duties and obligations, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company that loaded the truck
- The big rig maintenance company
- Third party vehicles
- Local government officials
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is best to immediately contact a truck accident attorney who can investigate your accident’s cause. The Bradley Law Firm offers free consultations and serves the St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri area. We also serve residents of Jefferson City and rural parts of Missouri.