Critical Issues Related to Truck Accidents

One of the top issues is driver fatigue and the hours of service that are performed. 

Missouri and Illinois drivers share the road with large commercial trucks every day. In 2010 there were more than 500,000 large truck accidents in the U.S. Over 100,000 sustained serious injuries, while more than 5,000 people were killed. These numbers show an increase from the previous year. The number is expected to be higher in 2012 as it is estimated that there are over 20% more trucks on the road.

There are many issues with truck drivers and trucking companies that continue to make sharing the road with large trucks dangerous. While the trucking industry is highly regulated, some companies and their drivers are either looking for ways around these regulations, or are ignoring them altogether. This puts everyone else on the road in danger of being in a serious collision with one of them.

It is important to be aware, as a motor vehicle driver, of some of the critical issues that continue to cause these accidents. While the U.S. Department of Transportation lists a number of issues, one of the top issues is driver fatigue and the hours of service that are performed.

Many truck drivers drive while fatigued. There are many regulations that attempt to reduce the amount of fatigue drivers have but unfortunately there is a lot of controversy around these regulations and they are widely violated.

Obviously the longer a truck driver spends on the road, the more tired and stressed he becomes. The FMCSA has investigated the role that fatigue and alertness plays in truck accidents. The two are often related.

What To Do If You Are Involved In A Truck Accident

The Zevan and Davidson Law Firm is a trial law firm with a track record of obtaining results in catastrophic truck accident cases in Missouri and Illinois. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek the advice of a truck accident attorney. The time allowed by law in which you may file a truck accident lawsuit is limited.

Contact the St. Louis truck accident lawyers at the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation by calling (314) 588-7200.

photo credit: tm-tm