Tractor Trailer Strikes Bridge in Missouri
Regardless of which of the various types of truck accidents that may occur, a tractor trailer's weight and size may indicate the severity of damage resulting in the event of a motor vehicle accident. The heavier and larger a vehicle is, the more likely it is to cause greater damage when an accident occurs. Because of this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial vehicle weight and size.
The FMCSA was created by the federal government as a means to provide uniform laws across the United States for commercial drivers and trucking companies alike. The FMCSA regulations target aspects of commercial vehicles and their drivers that may contribute to dangerous circumstances, so as to prevent such occurrences and increasingly perilous situations in the event of an accident.
In a recent Missouri tractor trailer accident, a truck carrying an oversized load of vehicles slammed into an overpass, causing chunks of concrete to break off from the bridge above. The chunks of concrete that fell, luckily, did not harm anyone or hit any other vehicles on the road, and there was no structural damage done to the bridge. However, the commercial driver of the vehicle was still given a citation. He was allegedly speeding and failed to stop after causing damage to the overpass.
Although it has not been specifically reported at this time that the automobiles being carried were improperly attached, any goods attached to a commercial vehicle should be securely fastened so as to prevent situations such as that above. The FMCSA provides specific regulations for commercial vehicles carrying automobiles because transporting such items can create dangerous situations and immense damage if an accident occurs. If a truck accident does occur and it is found that said rules were violated, the trucking company will likely be held liable for any resulting damages.
The FMCSA regulates the additional height and length that automobile transport often involves. The regulations provide that nothing over three-to-four foot overhangs are allowed for commercial vehicles carrying cars. As per Missouri tractor trailer law, the regulations also limit length and height of any saddle mounts or power units used in vehicle transport.
The FMCSA limits vehicle weight, width and length in order to create safe driving conditions for all on the road. However, the FMCSA regulations are not always followed, often contributing to Missouri truck accidents. Although the described tractor trailer accident did not result in injury, thousands of people are injured and even killed in truck accidents every year. If you or a loved one has been affected by a tractor trailer accident, the importance of contacting an experienced tractor trailer crash lawyer cannot be stressed enough.
By contacting a skilled personal injury lawyer that handles truck accident cases, you are putting yourself in the best position possible to recover for your full damages. A tractor trailer attorney will be familiar with the FMCSA regulations discussed above and will be able to spot any violations by truck drivers or trucking companies. Further, an experienced big rig accident attorney will have the resources to obtain records about any possible violations to determine liability and aggressively represent you.
As a partner of the Missouri personal injury law firm, Page Law, I spend a significant amount of time on tractor trailer accident lawsuits and have successfully represented many tractor trailer accident victims. I am more than happy to sit down and discuss your case with you. I offer free consultations, so you can ask any questions and address any concerns you have about your legal options.
I can be reached 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). Call me personally and I will answer all the questions and concerns you may have. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit my website, www.MissouriTractorTrailerCrash.com for more information.
