Missouri Truck Wrecks Are on The Rise

Despite significantly reduced travel due to COVID-19, the Missouri collision fatality count increased in 2020. There were 988 Missouri traffic fatalities recorded in 2020. State law enforcement attributes this increase to speeding and encourages slower driving speeds. The Missouri Highway Patrol has ramped up its monitoring of the state’s roadways. Motorists are cautioned, the faster your rate of travel, the more severe a collision will be. It has become commonplace for Missouri drivers to travel at speeds in excess of 90 mph.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), there were 4,951 fatalities involving large trucks in 2018 in the United States. Of these, 19 percent were truck occupants and drivers, but an alarming 82 percent were from other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. Thirteen percent of all traffic related deaths in 2018 were related to large commercial trucks, with 5 percent of these linked to fatigued drivers.

The United States trucking industry continues to grow and is considered to be the most suitable means of transporting goods cross country. Approximately 70 percent of consumer goods are transported by large trucks. It is estimated by 2030, large truck accidents will be the 5th leading cause of death in the nation. Seventy-four percent of all such collisions are fatal, 81 percent involve injuries, and 76 percent involve property damage.

As reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), there was a 52 percent increase in truck wrecks from 2009 to 2017, resulting in 4,102 deaths in 2017. Additionally, over the past couple of years, fatality rates involving trucks over 26,000 pounds have also increased.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been focused on reducing the occurrences of semi-truck collisions. Strides have been made by restricting the number of hours a driver can drive per day to 14 and mandating rest during hauls where the driver did not receive at least 8 hours of rest between trips. Electronic stability control enforcement has also been placed into action, saving thousands of lives.

A study conducted by FMCSA revealed common causes of truck accidents to be mechanical defects, new tour routes, driver fatigue and aggressive driving. Contrary to popular belief, only 0.4 percent of all crashes were attributed to illegal substances and 0.3 percent to alcohol consumption. The most common mechanical failures involve tires, wheels, and brake systems. The sheer size of tractor-trailers is also a contributing factor. For example, a passenger car requires approximately 300 feet to come to a stop, while semis can easily require double that distance to stop.

Statistics show that accidents involving semi trucks are more likely to occur between noon and 3 p.m., and they are more likely to occur during the workweek. Thursday is noted as the most dangerous day to be on the road.

Semi truck wrecks can be life-changing, not only for those involved but also for their loved ones at home. The severity of injuries from such wrecks can cause an individual to be out of work for an extended period, and in some cases, become permanently disabled. Many lose their means of

supporting their family and health insurance. Severe injuries amount to high medical bills and extended treatment periods, often requiring surgeries and treatment by multiple specialties.

If you or your loved one is involved in a semi-truck crash, it is very important that you receive prompt medical treatment. If is also essential to file a police report, and if safe and possible, to take photographs of the scene.

Our team at Kendall Law Group is experienced at handling semi truck accidents involving fatalities and life-changing injuries. We have the know-how required to investigate, determine causation, and provide representation for the injured and their families.

With over 30 years representing the injured in the Kansas City Metro, Attorney Brad Kendall and Kendall Law Group have the proficiency, empathy, and experience required to obtain favorable results for our clients. If you or someone you love has been involved in a severe motor vehicle collision due to someone else’s careless acts and negligence, contact our office today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable team member.