Here are five frequently asked questions about truck accidents:

1. What do you mean by a truck accident?

Truck accidents refer to any accident involving a commercial truck or “semi”. A commercial truck is any vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds that is used in the transportation of goods or related business. These trucks typically pull either one or two trailers. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and regulations establish a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds for commercial trucks. A commercial truck, as a result, may weigh 30 times as much as the average car or passenger truck. Because of the increased weight, a commercial truck may require 20 to 40% more distance to come to a complete stop compared to a passenger vehicle.

2. What are the typical causes of a truck accident?

Several factors may play a role in truck accidents, including:

Lack of training on the part of the truck driver
Overloaded or oversized trucks
Poorly maintained brakes
Poor driving conditions (fog, snow, rain, or smoke)
Fatigued or drowsy driver
Speeding
Aggressive or reckless driving behavior
Failure to yield the right of way
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
Distracted drivers
Inadequate safety systems, reflectors, lights, and other warning devices
Failure of truck to install an under-ride protection under-guard

3. Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

There are many possible defendants in truck accidents, including the truck driver, the owner of the vehicle, and the trucking company. Our Southeast Missouri truck accident attorneys have experience handling these types of claims, so we can investigate your case, determine who was at fault, and help make sure that the responsible parties are held accountable.

4. What steps should I take if I’ve been injured in a truck accident?

First, you need to seek medical treatment and report the accident to law enforcement officials. You then need to consider seeking legal advice before talking with any insurance companies, including your own. Personal injury claims arising from a truck accidents can be extremely complicated. An experienced truck accident attorney can examine the merits of your case, present options and assist you in determining the best way to proceed.

5. What kind of damages can I recover in a truck accident suit?

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, under Missouri and Arkansas laws, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your truck accident, you may be able to recover for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any disability or death of a loved one.

Truck accidents happen far too often. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident that is caused by the negligence of a trucker, a Southeast Missouri truck accident lawyer can help you secure compensation for your losses. Be sure to contact us if you need legal help.