Truck Accidents from Following Too Closely in St. Louis
Commercial vehicles are heavy, with slower braking systems compared to passenger vehicles. This difference may seem simple, but it can have a huge impact when it comes to truck accident prevention. A tractor-trailer traveling at highway speeds needs about 40 percent more space to come to a complete stop. This dynamic, combined with the force trucks impart on impact, makes them deadly in rear-end collisions. The risk increases significantly when aggressive or careless truckers follow too closely.
The truck accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have extensive experience seeking compensation for individuals hurt in tailgating accidents in St. Louis. If you suffered injuries after a rear-end accident with a commercial truck, we can help you demand the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Do Truck Drivers Tailgate?
A truck driver could tailgate for various reasons. Truckers spend long hours on the road, and it’s far too easy to become distracted or tired without adequate rest. Inattentive drivers may not notice other vehicles slowing down. They may follow too closely without realizing it, leaving them little time to brake once they see the change in traffic conditions.
Rushing to meet tight deadlines is another reason truck drivers in St. Louis may tailgate. Trucking companies sometimes offer incentives to drivers who make early deliveries, motivating some commercial drivers to exceed the speed limit or pressure other drivers by following too closely. Whatever the reason, there’s no question that tailgating is a negligent driving behavior that compromises St. Louis road safety.
How Tailgating Truckers Cause Crashes in St. Louis
Negligence is often a factor in a rear-end truck collision. Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and their air brakes take longer to engage than hydraulic brakes. As a result, they take far longer to come to a full stop than other vehicles sharing the road with them.
Moreover, the time it takes to come to a complete stop increases as the vehicle’s speed increases. The stopping distance also increases in bad weather. If a car ahead slows down or comes to an abrupt stop, a truck driver who fails to maintain a safe following distance may be unable to brake in time to avoid a collision.
Common Injuries Resulting from Tailgating Truck Accidents
A truck accident can cause severe injuries with long-lasting consequences. This is particularly true when it comes to occupants in passenger cars. Common injuries reported in rear-end truck accidents include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other head injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal injuries and organ damage
Not only are truck accident injuries painful, but they can drastically impact a victim’s quality of life, especially if they lead to disabilities. The need for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation can cause considerable financial hardships.
Potential Compensation for Following Too Closely Truck Accidents in Missouri
If you were hit by a truck driver who was following too closely, you could receive compensation for the many ways the crash affected your life. Compensation for tailgating accident victims can include money for:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation like physical and occupational therapies
- Long-term care costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity in cases of permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Proving Liability for a Truck Crash Involving Tailgating
To secure compensation after a truck accident, you must prove that the truck driver or another negligent party caused your injuries and is financially responsible for your losses.
Truck accident attorneys help clients establish liability in rear-end collisions by:
- Gathering evidence – Collecting evidence is crucial to establish liability in cases involving rear-end collisions. Medical records, witness statements, the police accident report, photos of the accident scene, and traffic camera footage can clarify what took place. Physical evidence like debris, skid marks, and the position of the vehicles are also highly beneficial. Expert testimony can help break down technical matters in simple terms that an insurance adjuster, judge, or jury can understand.
- Reviewing traffic laws – Familiarity with traffic regulations in St. Louis regarding safe following distances is essential. However, ignorance of state laws is far from an adequate defense. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry, setting standards for drivers regarding safe driving. Following too closely is against the rules.
- Establishing a chain of events – A truck accident lawyer can use the evidence to create a timeline of the events leading up to the crash and demonstrate how the driver’s unsafe following distance caused your truck accident injuries.
Why You Need Help from Our St. Louis Tailgating Truck Accident Lawyers
Building a solid truck accident claim can be challenging, especially if you must go up against a powerful trucking company, a deep-pocketed insurance company, or their legal defense teams. Putting your case in the hands of an experienced truck accident lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders.
While you focus on resting and recovering, the legal team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC will:
- Thoroughly investigate the rear-end accident and the truck driver’s actions
- Determine whether other parties could also bear liability, such as a trucking company that failed to train or monitor their employee’s driving behavior
- Calculate the value of your losses, including your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate aggressively with liable parties in pursuit of fair out-of-court settlement
- File a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to trial if it becomes the best way to assert your rights and demand fair compensation
Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC has a strong track record of successfully representing clients in complex truck accident cases and is available to seek maximum compensation on your behalf. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.