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If it wasn't for the fact that Trucks are so important to the economy of the United States, many residents of Clayton, MO would probably prefer to remove them from the roads completely. Trucks are simply one of the most dangerous types of vehicles on the road.
There seems to be an ever-increasing number of trucks driving up and down major highways as they transport goods from one state to another. The sometimes extremely long distances that truck drivers have to travel, combined with the long hours spent behind the wheel, contribute to making trucks a dangerous road hazard.
Some of the most horrific accidents, which resulted in serious injuries, have involved trucks that were carrying hazardous materials, such as gasoline, chemicals, acids, or flammable liquids. The nature of these accidents has resulted in truck accidents being classified as different from accidents involving other vehicles.
Truck accident cases need to be handled by a St Louis semi accident attorney who is familiar with the law on truck accidents. At Powell Law Firm, we have some of the best Clayton truck accident lawyers to be found anywhere in the state of Missouri.
We have years of experience helping victims who have sustained truck accident injuries to receive huge payouts from trucking companies. When looking for the quickest and most effective handling of truck accident claims, call our St Louis offices today and arrange a free consultation with one of our truck accident attorneys.
Common Types of Trucks on the Road
Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, and this is usually what determines how serious a car accident involving a truck turns out to be. The reasons why they are so different are because of the wide variety of goods that are shipped across the country using trucks.
Anything, from gases, liquids, metal sheets, timber, food, or even livestock and animals, can be transported using a truck. Some common types of modern commercial trucks are:
Tankers
Semi-trucks
Flatbed trucks
Tow-trucks
Garbage trucks
Trucks fitted with a tractor-trailer
Eight Types of Truck Accidents That Can Occur
Due to the seriousness of truck accidents, a great deal of investment has been made by trucking companies and state authorities in investigating the different types of collisions that normally occur on US highways. As a result, truck accidents can usually be classified into one of the following categories:
T-Bone
This type of accident occurs when a truck fails to stop at a red light or stop sign and is hit at a perpendicular on the side by crossing traffic. This can be particularly dangerous if the truck is carrying hazardous material.
Tire Blowouts
Blown tires are common with any kind of vehicle. In the case of a truck, the weight can cause it to swerve haphazardly across the road posing a serious danger of a head-on collision.
Wide Turn
This happens when a driver fails to negotiate a corner properly thus not leaving enough room for the trailer to fit.
Jack Knife
When emergency brakes are applied while traveling at high speed, the weight of the trailer can push against the traction so the cab. This forces it to bend, so folding the rig at a perpendicular angle.
Truck Rollover
A sudden slide to the side due to loss of control by the driver will result in a change in weight distribution that will force the truck into a roll. There is an added risk of trapping the diver inside the cab.
Under Ride
Suddenly stopping the truck driver can cause whoever might be driving behind to collide into the rear of the truck and get partially wedged underneath it. This type of car accident is, statistically, one of the deadliest for the passengers in the smaller vehicle.
Rear-End
When not enough space is allowed between the truck and the vehicle ahead a rear-end collision can occur. The weight of the truck makes this type of accident very dangerous for those in the front car.
Blind Spot
If a driver cannot see the other vehicles slightly behind and to the side, attempting a passing maneuver at that moment will result in a crash.
Causes of Truck Accidents
To fully prepare for the presentation of an insurance claim case for an accident involving a truck, it is important for the truck accident lawyer to fully understand the cause of the accident.
It is also for the purpose of truck accident claims, that the cause of a trucking accident is usually classified by truck accident lawyers as either a driver-related cause or a Non-driver-related cause. Here is a closer look at the two types:
Driver-Related Causes
Fatigue
Driving for too long without proper rest is one of the leading causes of car accidents involving haulage trucks. Usually, drivers only take short naps before driving again, and research shows that this is not enough to give the body enough time to recover fully. As a result, drivers run the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Drunk driving
Ask any truck accident attorney what the leading cause of fatal truck collisions is, and they will tell you it is drunk driving. Despite massive efforts to reduce incidents of drunk driving, truck drivers continue to drink while on the job and endanger the lives of other road users.
Reckless Drivers
Diving without due caution and overspeeding are common, especially when truck drivers are trying to meet a deadline to receive a bonus or to avoid a pay cut. In such cases, the drivers do not usually put enough thought, or care into the safety of others.
Distracted driving
The constant need to be on social media platforms is the biggest contributor to distracted driving. A lot of accidents are caused by drivers who go off the road or encroach into the path of oncoming because they are on the phone texting.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
It is the responsibility of every truck driver to ensure that their truck is in good condition and roadworthy. Things like brakes and tires cannot afford to be overlooked without risking a serious accident.
Insecure Cargo
Improperly secured cargo has a very negative effect on the stability of the truck, and if it is heavy enough, a slipping load can pull a truck off balance and cause a terrible crash.
Non-Driver-Related Causes
Road Conditions
Potholes, slippery surfaces, objects on the road, and very steep slopes can all result in the truck being involved in a collision with another vehicle.
Bad Weather
A truck accident can also be the result of very bad weather, such as when there is a snowstorm that reduces visibility, while at the same time making the roads slippery.
Unrealistic Time Constraints
Sometimes, a trucking company can impose delivery targets on its drivers that are difficult, if not impossible to meet. This increases the chances of a truck accident occurring as drivers rush to reach their destination on time.
Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can be, and usually are, fatal but those lucky enough to survive might experience one or more of these common injuries:
Head injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Severe neck and back pain
Dislocated, fractured, or broken bones
Disfigurement
Burns
Lacerations
Organ damage or internal bleeding
What to Do After a Truck Accident
When a truck accident happens, or any car accident for that matter, the people involved are often left in a state of shock where it becomes difficult to think clearly. That is why it is best to know beforehand exactly what to do in such a situation. Before even considering calling a car accident lawyer, here are some useful tips:
Check for Injuries
Start by checking yourself for any deep cuts or lacerations that may cause excessive bleeding. Also, check for head wounds as these can be very dangerous.
If it is safe to do so, check on the safety of the other drivers/passengers involved in the car accident.
Call for Help
The survival of those involved in the truck accident might depend on how quickly help can arrive on the scene, so it is very important to call the paramedics and the police as soon as possible.
If the truck accident happened in a remote area, calling for help from other motorists might be quicker.
Get All Necessary Evidence
The next important decision to make concerns preparing for any future insurance claims, lawsuits, etc. The following are very important:
Photographs of the scene
Police reports
Medical reports
Witness statements
Contact Powell Law Firm
Once the safety of everyone is assured, and all the evidence is collected, it is time to seek legal advice from the best truck accident attorneys in Clayton, MO.
Other Clayton Practice Areas
Why You Need to Call Powell Law Firm Today!
Powell Law Firm is one of the most highly recommended truck accident attorneys in Clayton, MO. When it comes to handling disputes with an insurance company over personal injury lawsuits involving a truck accident, there is simply no one better.
Whether the victim is the truck driver, the driver of the smaller vehicle, or even a pedestrian, at Powell Law Firm, we can help! Give us a call, or better yet, come to our offices in St Louis, Missouri, and let's sit down for a free consultation.