Whether you are a passenger in a truck or the driver of the truck, it is important to know that truck accidents can be devastating to the passengers in the vehicle. These accidents can also result in injuries that are serious and long lasting. In this article, we’ll examine some of the common causes and some of the most common injuries that occur in these types of accidents.
Average fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
Counting both fatalities and non fatals, Missouri had a total of 1,012 road kills in 2020. This equates to roughly one fatality every day. Fortunately, 41 days were free of fatalities.
The number of vehicle miles travelled climbed by just under one percent from last year’s total, which is a modest improvement. This is not a surprising trend as Missouri continues to expand its highway system. However, a larger portion of the state’s road kills are attributed to pedestrians. Pedestrians were the most likely to die in a crash in the state, with half of the fatalities occurring in the city of St. Louis and the surrounding metropolitan area.
The number of pedestrian fatalities also increased for the second year in a row. These include a couple of pedestrians in a motor vehicle, two motorcycles, and a handful of non-motorized pedestrians. Despite the overall increase, the pedestrian fatality rate was still below one per day in 2020.
Common causes
Several factors contribute to truck accidents in Missouri. In 2015, 4,067 people died in these crashes. However, only about 16 percent of fatalities were due to truck drivers.
The number of fatal accidents has stayed fairly steady over the past five years. In Missouri, there were 120 large truck crashes that resulted in fatalities. These accidents involve large trucks and passenger vehicles. The resulting collisions can be very severe.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations limit the amount of hours truck drivers can be on duty. They also require the trucks to undergo inspections to ensure that the parts are functioning properly. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in catastrophic injuries.
The largest number of accidents occur in the daytime. Large trucks require well-placed mirrors, and drivers need to keep enough space between themselves and other vehicles. Truck drivers need to signal turns and lane changes. This can prevent accidents.
Comparative negligence rule
Regardless of who is at fault in a truck accident in Missouri, the law of the land will affect the amount of compensation you receive. Some states have a very archaic system, while others have modified comparative fault laws.
Basically, comparative fault laws are designed to determine how much each party is at fault in an accident. This is done to help reduce the amount of damages you receive.
Comparative fault rules also apply to auto collisions. The law allows you to make a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. You may not be able to recover damages from the other driver’s insurance company if you are 50% at fault, but you may still be able to receive compensation from the negligent driver.
Statute of limitations
Generally speaking, the Missouri statute of limitations is five years. This is a bit longer than most people realize. The statute of limitations is set in place to protect the defendants. It also ensures that a court is efficient.
The Missouri statute of limitations also has an exception. The Discovery Rule allows the 5 year clock to start at the time the injury was first noticed. This may be a good thing in a truck accident case.
While the Missouri statute of limitations is five years long, the court may extend this time period in the event that the defendant is no longer in the state. This extension is dependent on the length of time that the defendant was out of the state.
Severe injuries for the people in the passenger vehicle
During an accident with a large vehicle, severe injuries for the people in the passenger vehicle can be a possibility. These injuries can lead to permanent disability or death. It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a truck accident.
The size and weight of the truck will have an impact on the types of injuries a person may experience. Injuries to the head and neck can be serious. These injuries can cause chronic pain and require surgical procedures. Depending on the force and speed of the accident, the neck and back may also be injured.
Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries can linger for days or weeks. They can interfere with a person’s ability to sleep, concentrate and function on a daily basis. Read more: Truck Accident Attorneys in St. Louis, MO
