St. Louis, Missouri Truck Accident Attorney
The Law Offices of Kevin J. Dolley, located in St. Louis, Missouri, works alongside individuals and families injured in the large vehicle accidents and strive for the compensation that you and your family deserve.
Due to the average size and weight or the vehicle, 18 wheelers, tractor trailers, and trucks can be the most dangerous vehicles on the road. These larger vehicles are often involved in the most destructive and often fatal accidents. Missouri families suffer from approximately 150 accidents involving 18 wheelers, tractor trailers, and trucks. When one of these devastative collisions occurs, many families are left wondering what to do next.
Specific St. Louis Truck Accidents
A "jackknife" accident is when the truck is moving slower than the cargo or tailor causing the cab of the truck to be pushed into extreme angles potentially transforming the truck into a dangerous driving liability for every vehicle around it. This type of accident is quite common in adverse weather conditions but also can occur when the driver of the truck has to break quickly carrying heavy cargo.
When a truck rear-ends or runs over the back of another vehicle it is called an "override". The sheer momentum that can be involved means that the larger vehicles take 40% longer to come to a stop and when a truck is traveling at a high speed, quick braking with limited area to stop can mean serious accidents. These types of accidents typically involve large amounts of vehicle damages, personal injury, and potentially start a "domino-effect" involving many cars ahead of the truck.
The opposite type of an "override" is when a car rear-ends a truck when the vehicle typically gets wedged under the trailer and sometimes can tear off the top of the car exposing the passengers. The height difference alone makes an "underride" a common accident that results in serious vehicle damage, personal injury, and even death.
Specific Causes of Truck Accidents
Due to the overall size and weight of these types of vehicles, it takes a great deal of training and a skilled attentive driver to operate a truck and even then, mistakes happen. An average tractor trailer can weigh approximately 5,000 pounds while a fully loaded truck can reach close to 80,000 pounds. These trucks, traveling the same speed as the other vehicles on the road, have a severe size advantage and can cause serious damage. There are several specific types of causes for these types of accidents.
- Mechanical failure
- Brakes
- Lights
- Wipers
- Wheels and Axles
- Driving at an unsafe speed
- Lack of skill of experience
- Unfamiliarity with the surroundings and/or route
- Long driving shifts/Lack of concentration
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Distractions, including the use of electronic devices
Victims: What to do now?
It is easy to see, based on the sheer size difference, that truck, 18 wheelers, and tractor trailers can cause catastrophic accidents that can leave victims and their families wondering what to do next. Along with severe vehicle damage, personal injuries may quickly put a family or individual in a financial crisis. Injuries that are typically involved in this type of accidents are:
- Broken bones
- Contusions (Body/Head)
- Concussion
- Loss of limbs
- Burns and lacerations
- Spine and back injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
Take the necessary steps to protect you and your loved ones in this critical time. The Law Offices of Kevin J. Dolley is here to make sure you receive the compensation that you are rightfully entitled to.
Free St. Louis Truck Accidnet Consultation
To set up a free consultation regarding your 18 Wheeler accident, please contact Attorney Kevin J. Dolley at (314)645-4100 or by email at kevin@dolleylaw.com. All legal consultations are held strictly confidential.