Truck accidents are among the most devastating incidents on the road. They often lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and heartbreak for victims and their families. Identifying and understanding these factors is critical for improving road safety and determining liability when accidents occur.
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we’ve spent decades helping injured truckers and other victims get the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash, there’s a good chance that driver negligence played a role—either by the truck driver, another party, or even a combination of individuals and companies.
Common Causes of Driver Negligence in Trucking
Truck accidents caused by driver negligence are often preventable but can have devastating consequences. Under Missouri law, negligence happens when a driver fails to act with the level of care a reasonable person would in similar circumstances.
Some of the most common and dangerous forms of truck driver negligence:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is among the most common causes of truck accidents in Missouri. Despite federal laws banning texting for commercial drivers (49 CFR § 392.80), distractions behind the wheel remain common. Examples include:
- Texting or calling without hands-free devices
- Adjusting GPS or radio settings while driving
- Eating, drinking, or searching for items in the cab
Missouri law (§ 304.820) prohibits texting while driving for commercial drivers and drivers under 21. Even a quick distraction can lead to a fatal crash for an 80,000-pound truck.
Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Fatigue is another significant factor in truck accidents. Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations (49 CFR § 395) require drivers to take scheduled breaks and limit driving hours. However, some drivers ignore these rules to meet strict delivery deadlines. Common fatigue-related issues include:
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Skipping required rest breaks
- Logging false records discovered during investigations
Fatigue reduces reaction time and decision-making, often resulting in rear-end collisions or lane-drifting accidents.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding is involved in one-third of fatal truck crashes. Missouri law (§ 304.010) sets maximum speed limits, but truck drivers must adjust for road conditions like rain, curves, or traffic. Dangerous behaviors we frequently see include:
- Speeding in construction zones
- Following other vehicles too closely (tailgating)
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Such aggressive driving increases the risk of losing control, especially on Missouri’s rural highways.
Traffic Law Violations
Running red lights, making illegal turns, and failing to yield the right-of-way are common violations among truck drivers. These behaviors can lead to severe crashes, including:
- T-bone collisions at intersections
- Head-on accidents from improper passing
- Side-impact collisions during improper merges
- Video evidence or witness testimony is often crucial in proving liability in these cases.
Impaired Driving
Driving while impaired with alcohol or drugs is a serious violation of both the law and a driver’s duty of care. Missouri law (§ 302.750) sets a stricter blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers at 0.04%. We’ve handled cases involving drivers who:
- Mixed prescription medications with other substances
- Consumed alcohol or used illegal drugs while driving long hauls
- Failed post-crash drug or alcohol tests
Even minor impairment can delay reaction times and put everyone on the road at risk.
If you’ve sustained injuries owing to someone else’s negligent driving, contact our experienced team. We’ll review the details of your situation, investigate the driver’s conduct and potential company oversight, and build a strong case to help you recover the amount you’re owed.
Legal Implications of Driver Negligence
Truck accident cases are rarely ever simple. Determining driver negligence is just one part of a claim that often involves multiple parties. Under Missouri’s pure comparative fault rule (RSMo § 537.765), different parties can share responsibility for a truck accident, including the driver, their employer, cargo loaders, vehicle maintenance companies, and even local governments responsible for road conditions.
How We Handle Truck Accident Cases
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we dig deep into every case to uncover all sources of negligence. We don’t just focus on the driver’s actions—we also investigate the employer’s practices, such as:
- Hiring unqualified drivers or failing to supervise them properly
- Ignoring hours-of-service (HOS) regulations designed to prevent fatigued driving
- Failing to provide safety training or conduct proper vehicle inspections
We also examine maintenance records and telematics data to identify mechanical issues caused by skipped inspections or falsified reports.
Our legal strategy combines Missouri law with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), helping us pinpoint safety violations such as:
- Poor upkeep of brakes, lights, or other critical systems (49 CFR §§ 393, 396)
- Logbook tampering or violations of HOS rules (49 CFR § 395)
- Employer negligence in allowing risky drivers to operate under the respondeat superior doctrine
Trucking companies can be found liable for their drivers’ actions and unsafe corporate policies that encourage dangerous behavior. If the trucking company ignored warning signs, such as prior crashes, citations, or failed drug tests, we may pursue claims for negligent hiring, entrustment, or retention.
Your Rights After a Truck Accident in Missouri
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, Missouri law gives you specific rights, including:
- The right to pursue compensation for medical fees, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and reduced earning capacity
- The right to a full investigation, including access to black box data, driver records, and vehicle inspections
- The right to reject early settlement offers that undervalue your losses.
- The right to have legal representation focused on your best interests, not quick settlements
Commercial trucking insurance companies act fast to protect their bottom line. That’s why we move faster—preserving evidence, filing subpoenas, and working with accident reconstruction professionals to build a robust case.
Why Choose Hurt Trucker Attorneys?
With over four decades of experience pursuing truck accident claims across Missouri, we’re fully prepared to fight for you. Whether through litigation or negotiation, our goal is to hold all responsible parties accountable and get the resources you need to move forward.
Truck accidents can be overwhelming, especially when commercial vehicles, multiple parties, and severe damage are involved. Whether your injuries seem minor or severe, your steps after the crash play a critical role in securing compensation under Missouri law. Here’s what you need to know:
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel okay, get medical care as soon as possible. Some injuries, like internal trauma, concussions, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Delaying treatment can harm your health and weaken your claim since insurance companies might argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. Always keep records of your medical diagnoses, treatments, and follow-ups.
Document the Accident Scene
If you can, gather evidence before the vehicles are moved. Take photos of:
- Damaged vehicles
- Skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs
- Your injuries
- Any dashcam footage, if available
This evidence is often more reliable than witness memories and helps your attorney understand what happened.
Exchange Information
Get the following from all involved drivers:
- Name, address, and contact information
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) number
- Insurance provider and policy number
- Trucking company name and USDOT number (usually found on the truck’s door)
Also, collect contact information from witnesses. Their statements may be critical if they can’t be reached later.
File a Police Report
Call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Request a copy of the official crash report from the responding agency, such as the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This report documents key details like fault assignments and citations, which are essential for your claim.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not apologize, speculate, or say you’re “fine.” Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning admitting even an unintentional fault can reduce your compensation. Stick to the facts and let investigators and your attorney assess liability.
Consult a Truck Accident Attorney Quickly
Truck accidents are complex; trucking companies often act quickly to minimize liability. An experienced attorney can help by:
- Sending letters to preserve black box data, logbooks, and other evidence
- Reviewing maintenance records, driver logs, and trucking company practices
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Negotiating with multiple insurance companies on your behalf
The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case and holding all responsible parties accountable.
While you focus on your recovery, the attorneys at Hurt Trucker Attorneys will handle the legal and insurance complications. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we aim to secure the full compensation you deserve so you can move forward with stability and peace of mind.
Take Action for Your Future with Hurt Trucker Attorneys
Now, it’s your turn to take action. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident or if you’re worried about how massive medical bills and lost wages will impact your future, don’t try to handle it all on your own.
We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team so we can evaluate your case, guide you through your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ve been helping injured truckers for over four decades and know how to navigate these cases.
Whether the crash was caused by a careless driver, a negligent company, or a combination of bad actors, we’re here to hold them accountable. Don’t wait to seek the support you need. The evidence is freshest right after an accident, and you need a team that understands trucking laws, federal regulations, and the tactics big insurers use to minimize claims.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s put this behind us and move toward a brighter future together.
