All across Missouri, large trucks travel the highways and carry heavy freight loads throughout the region. Although truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to strict laws regarding regular maintenance, training, checkups, and drug testing, many companies and drivers fail to comply with these laws, which subjects other motorists to the risk of severe harm.
One of the most common types of big rig accidents involves brake failure. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, nearly 30% of commercial vehicle collisions are due to brake failure.
Assert Your Right to Compensation After a Truck Accident
To recover compensation for a truck accident in Missouri, the first step generally requires establishing that the trucking company owed the victim a duty of care.
Trucking companies owe motorists on the road a duty to ensure that their equipment is in proper working order. A failure to adhere to this standard generally renders the trucking company liable for any injuries that result from an accident that involves a brake failure. There are many mechanical issues that can lead to a brake failure in a large truck, including overheated brakes, overly thin brake pads, brakes tainted with oil and grease, and tires that are worn.
After establishing that the trucking company engaged in inadequate maintenance and inspection, the plaintiff must prove that the company’s breach caused his or her injuries. In many cases, an accident reconstructionist will be brought in to study the collision and determine how it happened. In a brake failure case, the expert will typically examine components from the truck and other vehicles struck in the collision. Based on this analysis, the expert can determine whether the truck’s brake failure was the cause of the accident or whether some other factors were involved.
The final step of a truck accident case requires the plaintiff to submit supporting evidence and documentation of the costs and losses that he or she sustained as a result of the collision. Since trucks are enormous and carry heavy loads, the injuries involved are often severe and devastating for victims. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even death, unfortunately, are common outcomes of collisions that involve trucks, especially when their brakes fail at high speeds. In many cases, the victims will require surgery and physical therapy, and they may be prevented from returning to their usual occupations for a substantial period of time, or even indefinitely.
If the trucking company is found negligent, it will likely be required to compensate the victim for both economic and non-economic damages. These tend to include medical bills, the costs of future treatment, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering, among other possible examples.
Seek Legal Representation from a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries as the result of a trucking company’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury lawyer Matt Uhrig asserts the rights of truck accident victims throughout mid-Missouri, including Columbia, Ashland, and Jefferson City. Our team understands how devastating this experience can be for you and your family, and we approach each case with the compassion and dedication it deserves. If you need a trusted lawyer on your team, don't hesitate to reach out.
