Missouri Truck Accident Claims Pair of Sisters and Others

Q: Are truck companies and drivers subject to additional safety regulations?

Missouri truck accident attorneys know first-hand the devastation a big rig leaves in its wake after a crash with a standard automobile. The disparity in the size and weight of the vehicles puts occupants of standard vehicles in grave danger in a collision.  

Two days before Thanksgiving, on one of the most heavily-traveled days of the year, a pair of sisters from Staunton were killed when a semi-truck reportedly plowed into their car and 7 other cars, all of which were either stopped or traveling slowly in the same direction as the big rig was going. Allegedly, the semi driver made impact with the vehicles at about 60 mph, actually running over some of the vehicles in its path, according to police.

In the end, the two sisters were pronounced dead at the scene, another friend and passenger in their car was critically injured and died from her injuries over a week later. The fourth fatality was a college student traveling in a van with several other college students and a professor. The student died two days later, on Thanksgiving. In addition to the four fatalities, 10 other victims, many from the van full of college kids were reportedly injured.

In an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities from truck accidents, truck drivers and the companies that employ them, are subject to strict state and federal truck safety laws. Some of the rules relate to truck maintenance and safety inspections. Other rules apply to the truckers themselves, including special licenses and hourly driving limits designed to reduce driver fatigue and distracted driving – – the most common causes of truck accidents.

Victims of truck accidents can commence a personal injury action for compensatory damages caused by the careless, reckless, or intentional actions or inactions of another person or entity. Once liability is established, the victim may be able to recover damages such as current and future medical expenses, future diminished earning capacity or lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

If a victim dies from the injuries they sustained in the accident, their closest surviving relatives may be entitled to commence a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits are complicated, so seeking the council of a skilled Missouri personal injury firm as soon as possible after the accident is advisable. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation and determine who has standing to sue and what damages might be recoverable. Often the victim’s final medical and funeral expenses are recoverable as well as loss of financial support, the victim’s pain and suffering prior to death, and more, depending on your particular case.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has been killed, as the result of someone else’s actions, the Noland Law Firm can help you obtain the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today to request a free consultation. While taking action won’t bring your loved one back, it may help relieve the financial burden of your unexpected and tragic loss.

From our office in Liberty, we represent injured people and their families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area and Western Missouri, including Clay County, Liberty, Blue Springs, Independence, and Gladstone.