Ryan Bradley | March 14, 2025 | Tractor Trailer Crash \ Truck Accident
Tractor trailer accidents are some of the most destructive incidents on Missouri’s roads. The extreme size and weight of these vehicles mean collisions often result in severe, life-altering injuries. Tackling the complex legal challenges of catastrophic trucking accidents takes a lot of work, from understanding specific regulations to identifying all liable parties. At Bradley Law, we are dedicated to guiding victims through this intricate process to secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Makes Tractor Trailer Accidents So Complex?
Several factors contribute to the complexity of tractor trailer accident cases, from strict trucking laws and regulations to the many different parties that may be held liable. Understanding these factors is the key to building a strong case and alleviating the financial burden for accident victims.
Missouri Trucking Laws and Regulations
Missouri governs commercial trucking with stringent laws that ensure road safety. Drivers are subject to Hours of Service (HOS) limitations, which include a maximum of 14 hours on duty and 11 hours driving before a required 10-hour rest period. Additionally, trucks must adhere to specific weight and size restrictions, such as a maximum width of 102 inches and height limits of 14 feet on interstates and designated highways. Regulation violations can impact a legal case’s outcome significantly.
Multiple Liable Parties
Determining liability in tractor trailer accidents is often complicated, as multiple parties may be responsible beyond just the truck driver. For instance, the driver’s employer can often be held liable too if they provided inadequate training or encouraged unsafe driving practices. A vehicle parts manufacturer or loading company could even be held liable if, for example, the crash results from a brake malfunction or uneven weight distribution.
Higher Insurance Policy Limits
Trucking companies typically carry higher insurance policy limits because trucking accidents are more likely to result in severe damages than other vehicle accidents. While this means more coverage is available for compensation, it also leads to more aggressive defense strategies from insurers aiming to minimize payouts.
Severity of Injuries
The massive size and weight of tractor trailers often result in catastrophic injuries for those involved in collisions. Victims may face extensive medical treatments, long-term rehabilitation, or permanent disabilities, all of which necessitate comprehensive legal strategies to ensure adequate compensation.
What Causes Tractor Trailer Accidents in Missouri?
As previously mentioned, tractor trailer accidents can be caused by a variety of individuals and entities, ranging from truck drivers to a party that wasn’t present during the actual collision. Here are some of the most common causes of tractor trailer crashes in Missouri:
- Driver Error: Fatigue, distraction, impaired driving, and speeding are significant causes of accidents. In some cases, driver error occurs because the employer pressures the driver to exceed safety standards in order to meet deadlines.
- Loading Errors: Improperly loaded cargo can cause imbalance, increasing the risk of rollovers or losing control. Ensuring that cargo is correctly loaded and secured is crucial for safe transportation.
- Defective or Failing Parts: Blowouts, brake malfunctions, powertrain components, and even headlights can all lead to accidents if they fail. These may occur due to a design or manufacturing defect or simply a lack of proper maintenance.
- Poor Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads with potholes, uneven pavement, or inadequate lighting can contribute to tractor-trailer accidents. Hazardous road design or lack of proper signage can also make it harder for truck drivers to react safely.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Heavy precipitation, including rain, snow, or fog, reduces visibility and road traction, which increases the likelihood of skidding or jackknifing. All drivers on the road must adjust their driving accordingly for these conditions.
- Inadequate Driver Training: Trucking companies must ensure drivers receive appropriate instruction on vehicle handling, defensive driving, and emergency response. Insufficient training raises the likelihood of driver error.
Dangerous Roads in St. Louis, Missouri: Where Truck Accidents Are Most Likely to Occur
Certain roads and intersections in St. Louis have higher incidences of accidents than others. According to the 2023 St. Louis City and County Crash Report, Grand Boulevard has consistently been the most dangerous street in St. Louis for multiple years. Unsurprisingly, the majority of accidents occur where major roads such as this one intersect with others. The most dangerous intersections in the city include:
- Exit from Interstate 64 and Grand Boulevard
- Jefferson Avenue and Interstate 44
- Interstate 70 and Salisbury Street
- Interstate 64 and Kingshighway Boulevard
- Grand Avenue and Interstate 70
- Hampton Avenue and Interstate 64
- Union Boulevard and Bircher Boulevard
- Interstate 55 and Park Avenue
- Hampton Avenue and Interstate 44
Common Types of Tractor Trailer Accidents
Tractor-trailer accidents come in many different forms, each posing unique dangers to those on the road:
- Head-On Collisions happen when a truck strikes another vehicle head-on, frequently leading to serious injuries due to the force of the impact.
- T-Bone Accidents happen when the front of a semi strikes the side of another vehicle, commonly occurring at intersections.
- Rear-End Collisions occur when a tractor-trailer strikes the rear of another vehicle, which may happen when a truck driver is distracted or fails to maintain a safe distance.
- Jackknife Accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings out to create a 90-degree angle with the cab, often resulting in multi-vehicle collisions.
- Rollover Accidents happen when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, which can occur due to high speeds, sharp turns, or uneven loads.
- Underride Accidents involve smaller vehicles sliding underneath the rear or side of a tractor trailer.
Common Tractor Trailer Accident Injuries
Victims of semi-truck accidents may suffer from a range of serious injuries. Some of the most common that we see in truck accident cases are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs may result from severe head impacts and can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and other long-term effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries can heal, but spinal cord injuries are often permanent. The most severe of these injuries is paralysis, which can be complete or incomplete, and potentially permanent.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of an impact can cause numerous fractures, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Amputations: Critical injuries may necessitate surgical limb removal, which can profoundly influence a victim’s everyday life and functionality.
- Internal Injuries: Harm to internal organs can be life-threatening, often requiring urgent and prolonged medical attention.
- Burns: Fires resulting from semi truck accidents can cause severe burns, leading to permanent scarring and the need for reconstructive surgeries.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons may lead to ongoing pain and limited mobility.
What to Do After a Tractor Trailer Accident
If you’re involved in a tractor trailer accident, consider these steps to preserve your health and strengthen a potential truck accident claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be the top priority. Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, a medical evaluation is essential.
- Call Law Enforcement: Police officers can create an official accident report, which can be crucial for your truck accident claim.
- Gather Evidence: If you are physically capable, take photos of the accident scene, any damage to your vehicle, the tractor trailer, injuries, and road conditions.
- Collect Information: Obtain contact details from the truck driver, witnesses, and other involved parties. Make sure to note the trucking company’s name and insurance provider.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may try to downplay your claim. Do not give recorded statements without first consulting a truck accident lawyer.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: Legal representation can simplify the truck accident lawsuit process and increase your accident settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I consult a lawyer for a truck accident?
If you have been injured in a tractor trailer crash, it is advisable to contact our truck accident lawyers as soon as possible. Trucking companies and insurers often begin their investigations immediately, and having legal representation early can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a tractor trailer truck accident in Missouri?
According to Missouri law, you typically have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain situations, such as claims against government entities, may have shorter deadlines. Consulting a tractor-trailer accident lawyer as soon as possible ensures you do not miss crucial filing deadlines.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
At Bradley Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We collect our fees only if we win your case and secure compensation for you.
How much are most truck accident settlements?
Truck accident settlements vary widely based on several factors, such as how severe your injuries are and the degree of negligence involved in the accident. Some cases settle for hundreds of thousands, while catastrophic injury cases may reach millions. Each truck accident case is unique, so a consultation is recommended to discuss your case specifics.
How long does it take to settle a semi truck accident case?
The timeline for settling a semi truck accident case depends on its complexity, the severity of injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or longer, especially if litigation is necessary.
Why Choose Bradley Law for Your Tractor Trailer Accident Case?
Bradley Law has a proven track record of successfully representing victims of tractor trailer crashes throughout Missouri, with millions of dollars recovered for our clients through verdicts and settlements. When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- Aggressive Representation – We do not back down against powerful trucking companies and insurers.
- Proven Results – Our firm has obtained some of the largest settlements in Missouri truck accident cases.
- Personalized Attention – We treat our clients like family, offering compassionate, dedicated legal support.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck wreck, do not wait. Contact Bradley Law today for a free consultation.