Large trucks are a common sight on the Missouri roadways. The majority are operated safely within the boundaries of the law by operators who understand the various rules under which they work and adhere to them. However, there are also instances when truck accidents take place and it is due to the trucker not adhering to the laws and rules. For those who are involved in an accident with a truck, the sheer size of these vehicles and speeds at which the travel lend itself to there being serious injuries and fatalities. Those who have been affected by a trucking accident should be aware of their rights to seek compensation in a legal filing.
A fatal accident led to the arrest of a 33-year-old trucker from Texas whose commercial license had previously been suspended. The accident occurred at 1:40 p.m. A 45-year-old man from Mississippi died. Four others were injured. The trucker is said to have failed to stop his Ford F-450 and hit a Ford Focus and Chevy Traverse from behind. The 57-year-old driver of the Ford suffered serious injuries. The 42-year-old passenger in the Ford was also injured, but to a lesser extent. The driver of the Chevy, a 60-year-old man, also suffered non-life threatening injuries. His 61-year-old passenger had minor injuries.
According to the arrest report, the trucker told law enforcement that he was swerving to avoid traffic that had slowed, but could not keep from hitting the vehicles. Witnesses stated that the man got back in the truck and fled the scene. He stopped after the vehicle broke down. His motor carrier’s name was not properly displayed and his brakes are said to have failed when the crash occurred. His license was suspended in Texas because he lacked the medical certificate and a commercial license. The suspensions were renewed in May. He received a ticket in Ohio for driving with a suspended license a week before this crash occurred.
There is an inherent trust with drivers who share the road. This is especially true for professional drivers who are in large trucks and those with conventionally sized vehicles. Truckers are supposed to have all their papers in order and adhere to the rules to ensure safety. When they do not, it can lead to an accident. A truck crash can lead to medical expenses, long-term problems, the inability to work and even death. People can suffer major physical, emotional and financial problems after a truck crash. When these accidents happen, it is vital to discuss the matter with an experienced attorney to pursue compensation in a lawsuit.
Source: stltoday.com, “Suspended trucker from Texas charged in deadly crash in Jefferson County,” Joel Currier, June 27, 2017
