Missouri tractor trailer trucks putting you at risk? Know the facts.
Tractor trailer trucks serve a valuable purpose. They transport many of the products we use every day. But these large trucks pose serious risks to everyone on the road, especially as the number of trucks continues to climb higher.
In the last 40 years, the number of tractor trailers has more than doubled. In 1970, there were 905,082 tractor trailers. By 2008, that figure had skyrocketed to 2,215,856. The number of all large trucks (vehicles over 10,000 pounds) has also increased sharply in recent years, from 7.7 million in 1998 to 9 million in 2007.
Not surprisingly, large trucks are involved in many accidents. One out of nine traffic fatalities in 2008 resulted from a collision involving a large truck, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Missouri, 117 large trucks were involved in 9.3 percent of all fatal accidents statewide in 2008. Just recently, a Missouri tractor trailer truck driver killed 10 people in an accident on a crowded highway.
In an effort to prevent such accidents, numerous laws exist governing the trucking industry. Drivers must undergo rigorous training to obtain a license. Strict rules govern exactly how many hours drivers can operate a truck. Weigh stations make sure trucks do not exceed legal limits. And this year, the federal government banned texting while driving for all commercial truck drivers nationwide.
But accidents happen. Truck drivers flaunt the law and send text messages. Others ignore rest breaks and fall asleep at the wheel. Some drivers overload their truck and lose control of the vehicle. Such irresponsible behavior is unacceptable.
What would you do if you were involved in an accident with a large truck or tractor trailer? How will you make sure you are justly compensated for your injuries or your family’s loss? You need someone who knows how to thoroughly investigate such complicated accidents. You need someone who will take on large trucking companies and insurance providers fighting to deny your claim. You need Castle Law Office of Kansas City.
Serving clients throughout Missouri and Kansas, Castle Law Office has years of experience working hard for victims of large truck accidents. Let our team of seasoned attorneys defend for your rights.
Don’t be a victim. Fight back. Contact Castle Law today. We mean business.
