With the high percentage of truck traffic in St. Louis, Missouri drivers need to be extra careful and follow safe driving practices.
The size and weight of commercial trucks make them dangerous, and any collision with them can cause serious injuries and severe property damage.
An accident with a truck could be anyone’s fault; however, smaller vehicles tend to suffer more damage.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are even more vulnerable to serious injuries if they have a collision with a commercial truck.
Statistics Of The Devastating Impact of Truck Accidents in St. Louis
With a population of over 300,000, St. Louis has a lot of people on the road. It also has a lot of trucks on the road, which means there is a high risk of truck accidents in the city. Three major interstate highways cross St. Louis. This is another reason why there is a high percentage of trucks in St. Louis. While the U.S. fatality rate for a car accident is 11.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, the ratio is double in St. Louis.
According to a 2020 report by St. Louis Public Radio Station (SLPRS), the total number of fatalities in all auto accidents in Missouri increased by 19% from 2019, with speeding causing 40% of the fatalities. For the St. Louis region, speeding resulted in 48% of fatalities.
According to the NHTSA, in 2021, there were 5,788 deaths in crashes involving a large truck in the U.S. That is a 17% increase from 2020. A staggering 72% of fatalities in large truck accidents were occupants of other vehicles. This further highlights the devastating impact of truck accidents on small vehicles and other road users.
In 2021, there were 119 fatalities due to truck accidents in Missouri. There were also 2,756 injuries sustained in truck accidents in the same year. While these numbers are a decrease from the prior year, they are still high given the lower frequency of truck accidents compared to car accidents.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in St. Louis
While the trucking industry is heavily regulated by the FMCSA and state laws, negligence of trucking companies and truck drivers is a leading cause of truck accidents in St. Louis. We have already established the devastating impact of speeding in a truck accident, but truck driver fatigue is another common cause of such accidents. It is the responsibility of the trucking company to ensure its drivers get proper rest and are not overburdened with work. There are strict hours of service (HOS) regulations that truck drivers must follow.
Truck drivers must avoid distractions and keep their focus on the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can have catastrophic consequences, especially for other vehicles or road users involved in the accident.
While the trucking company and truck driver can be held liable for the accident, several other parties could also be responsible. This includes the freight loader, truck mechanic, truck manufacturer, or a government agency.
Compensation Available in St. Louis Truck Accidents
There are different types of damages in a personal injury claim. You can pursue compensation for all your economic and noneconomic damages. The economic damages include your present and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and property damage. Non-economic expenses include reduced quality of life, mental anguish, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Several factors will have to be considered to determine the amount of compensation in a St. Louis trucking accident. Local state and traffic laws will also have an impact on how you may be compensated. This includes what type of injuries you sustain, your share of fault in the accident, the long-term consequences of the accident, and how much it will cost you to repair or replace your damaged property.
Consult with an Attorney to File a Claim
St. Louis truck accident statistics show their devastating impact. Not only do truck accidents result in fatalities, but they can also leave victims with lifelong disabilities, mental health conditions, and other types of injuries. If you suffered damages in a truck accident, you have the right to pursue compensation. Beware of each states statute of limitations on claims.
St. Louis Truck Accidents in a Nutshell
A St.Louis, Missouri personal injury lawyer can assess the facts of your case and evidence to guide you to the best course of legal action.
Some truck accident cases can be resolved through settlement; however, the insurance companies may try to make you settle for an unreasonably low offer.
With an attorney to guide you through negotiation with the opposing parties, you can be confident in making the right decision on whether to accept the settlement or take the case to court.
Trucking accident cases can take a long time to resolve, but an attorney can help expedite the legal proceedings.
