Trucking industry regulations help ensure the safety of all road users. From enforcing hours of service (HOS) for truck drivers to requiring regular vehicle inspections, state and federal regulations for commercial trucking can reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths. However, these regulations are effective only when drivers and trucking companies comply.
You should understand your legal rights if you get hurt in a commercial truck accident in Missouri. You need an attorney after a truck crash involving a compliance violation of commercial vehicle safety requirements in Missouri. Violations of these laws can impact injury cases. The trucking accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are ready to review your situation and determine what role violations of trucking regulations played in the crash that injured you.
Contact us now for a free consultation about your legal options after a truck crash in Missouri.
Why You Need Our Lawyers After a Truck Crash Related to a Compliance Violation
A truck accident case can be complex when the crash results from violations of trucking regulations. That’s why having our experienced lawyers on your side is essential. Our knowledge of Missouri trucking compliance laws and industry standards could make a crucial difference in your case.
Truck accident cases tend to be more complicated than other traffic crash cases. The trucking industry includes multiple individuals and companies, a large quantity of evidence is involved, and trucking companies often have layered insurance coverage. Our lawyers have experience handling these cases and can help you by:
- Investigating the cause of the crash and gathering evidence to determine who is liable for your injuries and other losses
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation to seek maximum financial relief
- Assessing your injuries and losses and calculating the compensation you are owed
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf for a fair settlement
- Representing you at trial if litigation is the best way to pursue the compensation you deserve
How Inspections Help Prevent Truck Accidents
Regular inspections are a vital component in preventing truck accidents in Missouri. They ensure that trucks adhere to the state’s trucking industry regulations, helping to reduce the risk of equipment failure and related accidents. Regular inspections can help catch potential dangers, such as:
- Worn brakes and braking equipment
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Malfunctioning steering mechanisms
- Broken or burned-out bulbs in brake lights, turn signals, and headlights
- Balding, worn-out, or improperly inflated tires
- Missing or insufficient emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and warning triangles
Missouri Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
A common cause of truck accidents is truck driver fatigue. Hours of service (HOS) regulations from the federal government help reduce the number of accidents caused by drowsy truck drivers by limiting the number of hours a driver can be on the road. HOS regulations include the following:
- Drivers can drive for 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty.
- Drivers may not drive after 15 hours on duty following 8 consecutive hours off.
- Drivers may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days.
Weight Limits and Cargo Regulations in Missouri
Weight limits and cargo regulations aim to decrease truck accidents caused by overloaded commercial vehicles and improperly loaded cargo. The following can occur when truck drivers and trucking companies fail to follow these regulations:
- Loss of control of the truck
- Run-off-the-road accidents
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Cargo spills
- Rollover accidents
- Acceleration issues
- Loss of downhill control
- Possible bridge and road damage
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and Accident Prevention
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) have become essential for truck accident prevention. By automatically recording driving hours, they ensure compliance with HOS regulations, reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigued drivers. Because these devices track drivers’ hours, carriers are less likely to pressure tired drivers to operate beyond legal limits.
ELDs can also help prevent accidents by:
- Eliminating errors and preventing false entries in paper driver logs
- Monitoring drivers in real time
- Improving accountability and transparency
- Identifying risky behaviors so that carriers can develop training programs to address them
- Enhancing the ease of access to information for maintenance and safety inspections
How Violations of Trucking Safety Compliance Laws Affect Injury Cases
Truck accident victims may have a stronger legal claim when truck crashes occur due to violations of trucking safety compliance laws. Many injury cases are based on the legal theory of negligence, which occurs when someone breaches a duty of care, resulting in harm to others.
All motorists owe a duty of care to other road users and must obey traffic laws and regulations. A truck driver or trucking company that breaks the law could be found negligent and liable for injuries and other losses resulting from a crash.
Missouri Truck Accident Stats: Have Regulations Reduced Crashes?
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, fatal crashes and personal injury crashes involving commercial trucks have decreased over the recent decade. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has implemented several state trucking regulations and safety initiatives to reduce crashes statewide, including the following:
- To address “run-off-the-road” crashes, MoDOT installed thousands of miles of shoulders and rumble strips on rural highways, reducing severe crashes on these roads by 30 percent.
- High-grip surface treatments have also led to a 20-percent reduction in run-off-the-road crashes.
- Improvements to electronic truck screening allow prequalified trucks to bypass weigh stations safely.
These efforts have resulted in $7.1 billion in total customer savings and saved more than 650 lives, according to MoDOT.
Get Help Today from Our Experienced Missouri Truck Accident Lawyers
Were you injured in an accident with a truck driver or trucking company that violated industry regulations? If so, you have a right to pursue compensation for your injuries and other crash-related losses.
The dedicated lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC want to help you seek the financial relief and justice you deserve from the responsible parties. For over 30 years, we have advocated for the rights of injury victims in Missouri. We are ready to do the same for you. Our legal team has a strong track record of handling the state’s most complex truck accident cases.
Contact our office today for a free initial consultation with an experienced Missouri truck accident lawyer and learn more about your legal options.
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