After a collision with a commercial truck on Highway 60, Highway 67, or other major routes through Southeast Missouri, many accident victims assume only the truck driver bears responsibility. The reality is far more complex – trucking companies operating through the Missouri Bootheel region often share significant legal liability for these devastating crashes. Federal and Missouri state regulations place substantial duties on commercial trucking operations. These trucking companies must maintain their fleet vehicles properly. Additionally, trucking companies must conduct thorough driver screening. They must also ensure compliance with hours-of-service rules. As a result, when trucking companies cut corners on these requirements, the results can be catastrophic for families throughout Butler County, Scott County, and surrounding areas.

Trucking Company Responsibility in Missouri Trucking Accidents

Federal and Missouri state regulations place substantial duties on commercial trucking operations. These trucking companies must maintain their fleet vehicles properly. Additionally, trucking companies must conduct thorough driver screening and ensure compliance with hours-of-service rules. As a result, when trucking companies cut corners on these requirements, the results can be catastrophic for families throughout Butler County, Scott County, and surrounding areas.

Consider a couple of common scenarios we see in Southeast Missouri: a delivery truck with faulty braking systems traveling through Poplar Bluff, or a long-haul driver pushed beyond safe driving limits to meet unrealistic delivery schedules speeding on I-55. Trucking company decisions regarding equipment repairs or pushing a driver to get somewhere faster often create dangerous conditions. These dangerous conditions endanger everyone sharing our local highways.

Building Your Case: Collection and Preservation of Time-Sensitive Evidence

Successfully pursuing a trucking company requires demonstrating their direct role in causing your accident. Our experienced truck accident attorneys gather comprehensive evidence, including:

Electronic logging device records showing driver fatigue violations
Vehicle inspection and repair documentation
Company policies regarding driver qualification and training
Traffic camera footage from accident scenes
Expert accident reconstruction analysis
Testimony from witnesses familiar with the crash

Companies routinely destroy records after short retention periods. Therefore, crucial electronic data from truck computers may be wiped within 30 days. Physical evidence at crash sites along busy Southeast Missouri corridors vanishes quickly due to weather and traffic. An experienced truck accident attorney knows how to get this information preserved.

Multiple Parties May Share Responsibility

Depending on your specific accident circumstances, liability might extend beyond to include equipment manufacturers, maintenance contractors, or cargo loading companies. Our personal injury attorneys in Poplar Bluff investigate all potential sources of compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

At Kennedy, Robbins, Yarbro & Henson, LC, we understand the unique challenges facing truck accident victims in Southeast Missouri. Contact us or call (573) 686-2459 for a free consultation to discuss your case and  protect your rights against trucking company negligence. We’re here to help.