St. Louis Truck Accident Attorney

Semi, Big Rig, Tractor-Trailer and 18 Wheeler Truck Accidents

• Nearly 81,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths were attributed to 18-wheeler accidents last year.
• More than 136,000 individual accidents were reported in 2007, all involving an 18-wheeler.
• One out of every eight traffic deaths each year involves a large truck.
• Over half of the 18 wheelers on the road should be out of service either due to defects of driver fatigue

The fact that 18-wheelers outweigh passenger vehicles by thousands of pounds means even a minor mistake by a truck driver can have catastrophic results. And while a mechanical failure on an average car might mean youre stranded for a few hours, it can have deadly consequences for a tractor-trailer rig going 65 miles per hour.

Top Reasons for 18-Wheeler Accidents in St. Louis

The causes of accidents involving 18-wheelers are numerous and range from a truck driver going too fast in bad weather to equipment failure.

But the most common reason for large-truck accidents is driver fatigue. Studies have shown that a driver falling asleep at the wheel is responsible for 40% of all 18-wheeler wrecks.

Just a few of the other factors that can lead to serious accidents involving 18-wheelers include:

• Reckless driving
• Improper truck maintenance and repair
• Brake failure or other mechanical failure
• Unsafe lane-changing and turning
• Jack-knife of the trailer
• Illegal passing
• Speeding
• Unlicensed or inexperienced drivers
• Safety inspection failures
• Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Worn tires
• Overloaded trucks or trucks with shifting loads
• Unsafe backing or parking
• Reduced visibility

What to Look for in an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

Accidents involving 18-wheelers are complex — often involving dealing with a trucking companys arsenal of risk management attorneys and investigators.

To make sure you are well-protected and in the best possible position to seek the compensation you deserve, be sure to find a law firm that can offer experience in the following areas:

• Extensive knowledge of 18-wheeler and other large-truck collision cases
• Experience in trial court involving juries
• Access to accident reconstruction specialists
• Utilization of mechanics, safety specialists and biomechanical engineers
• Able to educate others on how serious injuries can result from small amounts of vehicle damage
• Success in dispelling false defense arguments

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, it is important that you consider consulting a lawyer as soon as possible. Having to deal with your insurance claim and trying to get the money you need for medical care and other damages can be exceedingly difficult, especially when dealing with large commercial trucking companies and insurance companies who have the legal and investigatory resources to challenge your claim.

St. Louis truck accident lawyer Todd Mathews of The Mathews Law Firm can meet with you in person at your home, office or even in the hospital to discuss your case. This will be your opportunity to learn more about your legal options as well as what rights you have to file a claim or lawsuit against the responsible party. This may be the driver of the truck or the trucking company itself, depending on the cause of the accident. By evaluating your particular case, Mr. Matthews can determine how to best assist you in recovering the greatest amount of financial compensation for your injuries.

Our firm handles all types of truck accidents claims and lawsuits throughout Missouri. This includes cases involving delivery vehicles, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs, semi trucks, and much more. With our legal experience and our extensive resources, we have what it takes to be effective.

Contact St. Louis truck accident attorney Todd Mathews to discuss your truck accident with a competent and compassionate legal professional.