Missouri Truck Accident Lawyer
Missouri serves as the crossroads of the Midwest and the nation. Federal Highways I-35, I-70, I-44 and I-55, as well as state highways crisscross the state, carrying many thousands of semi-tractor trailers and commercial freight trucks every day. In order to keep the driving public safe while sharing the road with these multi-ton giants, Missouri enforces many state trucking regulations that are often tougher than regulations governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act.
Under Missouri state and federal law, truck drivers are restricted by the number of hours they may drive behind the wheel, without mandatory periods of rest, meals and sleep. In addition, anyone holding a commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to avoid all alcohol and use of some types of legal prescriptions for up to 8 hours prior to beginning a driving shift. The holder of a CDL may face a license revocation for DWI in Missouri for a blood alcohol content of just .04, rather than the .08 for the general public, even when driving off duty in a privately-owned vehicle.
Trucking laws are tough in Missouri for a reason. In a typical year, more than 1,500 people are injured or killed on Missouri roads in accidents involving large commercial trucks. In many cases, drivers in smaller cars become impatient and try to pass unsafely; underestimating the stopping and steering limitations of a fully-loaded 40 ton cab and trailer. In other cases, however, the truck driver is negligent, or simply exhausted by a driving schedule that places too much pressure on meeting a tight deadline. Often, trailers are overloaded, making them uncontrollable in emergency situations. Sometimes, the truck company itself is negligent in meeting required maintenance regulations.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or other commercial truck in an accident in Missouri, talk to an attorney on the Missouri truck accident litigation firm of Bley & Evans, LC, in Columbia. We have in-depth knowledge of federal and Missouri trucking laws and are recognized as a leading personal injury law firm in the area of truck and motor vehicle accidents.
Free Consultation · No Fees Unless You Recover Compensation · State and Nationwide
From our offices in Columbia, we represent clients in communities throughout Missouri and the United States. Contact our office today to discuss your personal injury claim with an experienced Columbia, Missouri, trucking law attorney. Wherever you are, you can reach us toll free at 866-920-4115 or by e-mail. We are available for a free consultation during regular business hours and by appointment evenings and weekends. We handle every case on a contingency basis, which means you don't pay any attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you.
