Accidents involving a large truck often include serious injuries. An empty 18-wheel truck weighs 30,000 pounds. If it is carrying cargo, the weight may increase to 80,000 pounds (40 tons). That’s a considerable mass colliding with a 5,000-pound car and the people inside. Trucking accidents are also are more complex to resolve than car accidents because they not only involve the drivers but the trucking and shipping companies as well.
Many trucks are owned and operated by corporations with corporate lawyers. They will do everything they can to protect their assets. This is why you should contact a Missouri truck injury attorney who has the necessary experience to deal with these types of accidents.
The cause of the accident is not always cut and dry. The accident could have been due to poor road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, improper maintenance, driver fatigue, etc. Possible defendants can include the driver, mechanics, trucking company, or truck manufacturer. Your attorney will investigate the accident to find out the cause and who was at fault.
An attorney who specializes in truck accidents is able to effectively navigate the tangle of state and federal regulations. For an example, the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations (FMCSRs) require commercial trucking operations to ensure compliance by passing a roadside inspection. If the truck is hauling potentially dangerous materials, the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) may apply. These are important points to review in trucking accidents, and the attorneys at Grayson & Grayson know how to do just that.
It is also possible that the trucking company may have skirted safety laws. State and federal laws require truckers to have proper training and licensing, set maximum hours that can be driven in a day, and require background checks. At Grayson & Grayson, the attorneys know how to investigate non-compliance and find any existing negligence.
Adding to the complications, many insurance companies with different insurance policies are likely to be involved. The trucking company will insure the truck, the driver will have their own insurance, and in many cases the cargo may also be insured. Many of these insurance companies will give you a low offer, hoping to settle quickly, which is another reason why you need an attorney on your side. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, contact the qualified Missouri accident attorneys at Grayson and Grayson, LLC at (573) 635-0308 today.