St. Louis Trucking Accident Lawyers

What About Missouri Trucking Accidents?

Eleven percent of all motor vehicle accidents in Missouri involve a truck. This number has decreased over the past few years, but trucking accidents are still one of the most common causes of car accident deaths.

The Federal Motor Carrier Administration has said that every year there about 4,889 truck accident deaths in the United States. In Missouri, approximately 100 people die each year in a trucking accident.

The average commercial truck weighs about 80,000 pounds when loaded with freight. This is 20-40 times the weight of a standard passenger car. Even at low speeds, the weight of commercial trucks can cause significant damage to you and your vehicle.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in St. Louis?

There are many factors that can lead to a trucking accident in St. Louis. Many motorists on the roadways are in a hurry to arrive at their destinations, especially truckers, who must often meet tight delivery deadlines.  When safety is compromised for speed, accidents happen.

A few of the other most common include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Alcohol and/or Drug Use
2. Cell Phone Usage
3. Driving Too Fast for Road and/or Weather Conditions
4. Drowsiness and/or Fatigue
5. Failure to Obey the Rules of the Road
6. Failure to Remain in the Proper Lane
7. Making an Improper Turn
8. Operating the Truck in a Reckless or Careless Manner
9. Passing Without Enough Room
10. Speeding

What Should I Do If I Was in an Accident With a Truck in St. Louis?

As soon as you are involved in a St. Louis trucking accident, the insurance carrier for the truck is notified.  At that very moment the insurance company is putting in place a plan to inspect their vehicle and start conducting their investigation of the accident.  It is just as important for you to have someone protecting you and taking the exact same steps to ensure the evidence involved in the accident is preserved.

Here are a few steps you can take to help protect yourself:

1. As soon after the accident that you are physically able, call the injury attorneys at Walton Telken Bragee LLC.
2. Don’t give any written or oral statement to anyone associated with the trucking company.
3. Don’t sign anything.
4. Take pictures of the scene including any skid marks, scuff marks, etc.
5. Get the names and contact information from any witnesses.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or you’ve had a loved one killed as a result of an accident with a truck or tractor-trailer, the experienced attorneys at the St. Louis law firm of Walton Telken Bragee Injury Attorneys are here to help you. We offer a free consultation so you can have your case evaluated and know what your options are.

Troy E. Walton

In his two decades of practice, Troy E. Walton has successfully resolved several plaintiff’s personal injury cases resulting in significant recoveries to his clients. Troy’s compassionate client advocacy has also resulted in major successes against powerful entities such awaltons the U.S. Army and the Illinois State Troopers. In recognition of these results and others, Troy was inducted into the Million Dollar Advocate’s Forum – an organization whose members include many of the top trial lawyers in the United States.

Years of experience: Over 25 years
Bar Admissions: Illinois, 2001 and Missouri, 2000
Location: Edwardsville, IL.