Springfield Truck Accident Lawyers

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

If you were involved in a collision with a commercial truck, it is important that you immediately speak with a Springfield truck accident lawyer about your case. If the driver or the company that employed them was responsible for the accident by failing to follow the FMCSA guidelines or by not exercising proper care and attention on the road, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Call us today at (888) 287-1046. We serve clients throughout Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Arkansas and we are committed to protecting the rights of the injured.

Understanding Springfield Traffic Patterns

Springfield, with its diverse traffic patterns and key highways like I-44 and Route 65, presents unique challenges for truck drivers and commuters alike. Truck accidents frequently occur in these high-traffic areas, often due to the convergence of local and through traffic. The city's layout and commuting needs place a substantial number of large commercial vehicles on its roads daily, increasing the likelihood of accidents. This makes it imperative for both local drivers and visiting truck operators to be vigilant and adhere strictly to road safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

Seasonal weather changes in Springfield also contribute to truck accidents, as adverse weather conditions can severely impair visibility and road traction. Winter snow and ice, as well as spring rains, can create hazardous driving environments for semi-trucks and 18-wheelers. Drivers unfamiliar with these conditions may not always adjust their driving habits appropriately, leading to increased collision risks. Understanding these local driving conditions is crucial for truck drivers to reduce accident instances in Springfield.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Common causes of trucking accidents include:

• Inexperienced drivers,
• exhausted drivers,
• trucks with defective parts and maintenance issues,
• and distracted drivers.

Trucking accidents often follow a pattern of neglect and oversight. Many drivers face intense pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, which can lead to reckless driving practices and overlooked safety protocols. Furthermore, the vast distances covered by truckers lead to fatigue, increasing the likelihood of errors on the road. Additionally, mechanical failures due to improper maintenance contribute notably to accidents. Such failures not only endanger the driver but also pose a significant threat to other road users.

If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a large commercial vehicle, contact Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. to learn how our truck accident attorneys can help. You shouldn’t have to simply deal with the immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens associated with these types of devastating motor vehicle accidents on your own. Trust our firm to fight for the fair compensation you are owed.

What Are Federal Trucking Regulations?

The federal government restricts the actions of commercial trucking companies and drivers because these vehicles are large, heavy, and can pose a danger to other drivers. Commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and have a wider turning radius and a bigger blind spot than conventional vehicles. The sheer size and bulk of these vehicles mean that they could put other cars at risk. To minimize this risk, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established several guidelines.

Among other stipulations, the FMCSA requires truck drivers and trucking companies to:

• Minimize the number of hours drivers may be on the road before taking a rest stop
• Ensure that all drivers receive the proper training and instruction
• Maintain high standards of care and safety for each vehicle
• Enforce a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs and alcohol
• Keep loads under the maximum weight limit

These regulations are vital to maintaining safety on public roads, as they help mitigate risks associated with the size and power of commercial trucks. Violations of these rules can significantly increase the danger to other drivers, leading to more severe accidents. It's crucial for victims of trucking accidents to know whether these rules were broken in their case, as this information could be pivotal in pursuing compensation.

How Do They Affect My Accident Case?

The purpose of the trucking regulations is primarily to protect the trucking company if their employees—truck drivers—are involved in an accident. For example, truck drivers are required by these regulations to remain drug- and alcohol-free while driving. If they get into an accident and are found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the driver is held liable rather than the trucking company. Our Springfield truck accident lawyers are well-educated in trucking laws and can help you with the complexities of this type of accident case.

Understanding how federal regulations apply to your situation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our legal team can thoroughly investigate your accident to determine if non-compliance with these rules played a role, potentially shifting liability and affecting your recovery process. In-depth knowledge of these regulations ensures we can advocate effectively on your behalf, securing the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances.

Temporary Changes to Federal Hours-of-Service Regulations

In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced in March that it would be temporarily suspending federal hours-of-service regulations for certain truck drivers. The suspension applies only to truck drivers transporting goods, supplies, and personnel needed in direct connection with COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, treatment, and response. This includes:

• Truck drivers who are carrying medical supplies and testing equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and face masks, raw materials like paper or plastic, fuel, and other critical items.
• It also includes commercial vehicle operators transporting necessary personnel, including medical professionals, health care workers, and anyone else needed for the testing, diagnosis, or treatment of COVID-19 and individuals needed to assist in temporary housing and quarantine management.

As a result of the temporary hours-of-service regulation suspension, which was extended on September 11, 2020, affected truck drivers no longer:

• Need to stop driving after 14 hours after coming on duty or after 11 consecutive hours in a 14-hour day.
• Similarly, they do not need to abide by the normal hours-of-service rule prohibiting drivers from driving more than 60 hours after 7 consecutive days or 70 hours after 8 consecutive days on duty.

While the purpose of the temporary suspension is ostensibly to allow truck drivers to deliver critical supplies and personnel to areas affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the potential for a greater number of fatigued truck drivers on the road also increases with less-restrictive regulations. Fatigued truck drivers are one of the leading causes of truck accidents.

FAQs About Truck Accidents

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Determining fault in a truck accident often involves a thorough investigation of all details surrounding the incident. Factors considered include driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, eyewitness reports, and law enforcement accident reports. In many cases, trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and their drivers are adequately trained and rested. These complexities make it critical to have legal representation with experience in truck accidents to meticulously assess liability, which can involve multiple parties including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even third-party maintenance providers.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive from a Truck Accident?

The compensation available from a truck accident can vary significantly based on the specifics of your situation, including the extent of your injuries and damages. Generally, victims may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and in some cases, pain and suffering. Additionally, if the accident results in long-term disability or lost earning potential, victims may be entitled to additional compensation. It's essential to work with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney who can effectively advocate for your right to fair compensation, taking into account both immediate and future financial needs.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Complex Than Regular Car Accidents?

Truck accidents are often more complex than regular car accidents due to the multiple factors and parties involved. The sheer size and weight of trucks contribute to more severe damage and injuries, requiring intricate accident reconstructions and investigations to determine causality and liability. Additionally, commercial trucking is subject to stringent federal and state regulations, which can considerably affect the legal process. Claims may also involve negotiating with large trucking companies and their insurers, who typically have extensive resources to contest claims. These layers of complexity underscore the necessity of having a skilled attorney who understands the intricacies of trucking laws and accident litigation.

Call Our Springfield Truck Accident Attorneys For Your Free Consultation!

If you call Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we can set you up with a free consultation at our office. This meeting will give you the chance to hear your legal options and advice on what steps to take next. Our team of Springfield truck accident lawyers has over *200 years of collective experience. Let us use this experience to serve you. Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. represents injured individuals throughout Springfield and Joplin.

Don't wait to get help! Call today to schedule a free consultation with our Springfield truck accident law firm.