Sharing the road with large commercial trucks in St. Louis can be intimidating, even for the most confident drivers. Due to their size, being involved in any type of accident with a commercial truck can have catastrophic consequences for occupants of a passenger vehicle.
When a rear-end truck collision happens because a trucker was following you too closely, the possibility of sustaining a life-altering truck crash injury is exceptionally high. Potential adverse outcomes include debilitating pain, mounting medical expenses, and forced time off work. If truck driver negligence has caused you to suffer injuries in a crash, the tailgating truck accident lawyers at Sumner Law Group, LLC, can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in St. Louis.
Hurt By a Tailgating Trucker? Our Law Firm Can Help
When a truck driver fails to obey truck following distance laws and causes a crash, your choice of legal representation can be your most significant step toward holding the at-fault party accountable and recovering the compensation you deserve.
The experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Sumner Law Group, LLC, have more than 50 years of combined experience helping truck accident victims achieve a brighter future. Our boutique law firm will give you the individualized attention you deserve while also utilizing the significant resources required to get the job done.
We offer free consultations and only take payment if we achieve a financial award on your behalf. When winning means everything, you can count on us to deliver.
How Following Too Closely Causes Heavy Truck Crashes
Rear-end collisions often result from truck drivers following other vehicles too closely. Large trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles due to their size and weight.
When truckers tailgate, they leave insufficient time and space to react to sudden changes in traffic. Factors that contribute to these crashes include:
- Driver fatigue – Exhausted truckers may misjudge safe following distances.
- Distracted driving – Using phones or in-cab devices can delay reaction times.
- Aggressive driving – Some truckers intimidate smaller vehicles by following closely.
- Poor weather conditions – Rain or snow can increase necessary stopping distances.
- Improper truck maintenance – Faulty brakes and bald tires can extend stopping distances dramatically.
Legal Implications of Tailgating by Truck Drivers
Truck drivers who follow other vehicles too closely violate traffic laws and industry regulations. Missouri law requires drivers to maintain a “reasonable and prudent” distance from the vehicle ahead. For commercial truck drivers, this distance is generally considered one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length, plus an additional second for speeds over 40 mph.
Violations can result in:
- Traffic citations
- Points on commercial driver’s licenses
- Increased insurance premiums for trucking companies
- Potential suspension or revocation of commercial driving privileges
These violations also serve as substantial evidence of negligence in personal injury claims resulting from rear-end truck crashes.
Common Injuries from Tailgating Truck Accidents in St. Louis
The immense force involved in rear-end truck accidents often leads to severe injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Facial and dental injuries
- Severe lacerations and scarring
These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, and they may result in long-term or permanent disabilities. It is critical for injured people to seek the legal assistance they need to pursue compensation to cover the financial burden of their medical needs after an accident caused by someone else.
How to Prove Negligence in St. Louis Truck Tailgating Accidents
Establishing negligence in a tailgating truck accident case involves demonstrating that the commercial truck driver failed to maintain a safe following distance. Key evidence can include:
- Police report documenting the crash scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) or black box
- Skidmark analysis
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
We can help gather and analyze the evidence needed to build a robust case for you. By proving the truck driver’s negligence, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustained in the crash.
Potential Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries
When a truck accident victim files a compensation claim, the amount they can recover will depend on the extent of their injuries, as well as the quality of their legal team. A skilled tailgating truck accident lawyer from Sumner Law Group, LLC, can help you seek maximum compensation for your accident-related losses such as:
- Medical expenses you have incurred for your accident-related losses, as well as costs you will likely incur in the future
- Lost income due to the time your injuries have forced you to take off work
- Reduced earning capacity if you cannot earn what you were making before the crash
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Speak to one of our knowledgeable truck accident lawyers to learn more about what you might be eligible to recover in your personal injury claim. We will assess your case and do everything we can to optimize your chances of success.
What Our St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys Can Do for You
Having a skilled truck accident lawyer by your side at this challenging time can increase your chances that your claim will be successful while simultaneously reducing your stress. Our team can help you by:
- Listening attentively to your story to determine how we can best serve you
- Investigating the accident to gather the necessary evidence for a winning case
- Handling communications and negotiations with the insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party if their insurer is unwilling to offer you what you deserve
At Sumner Law Group, LLC, we can handle every aspect of your claim so you can keep your attention on the healing process. We can meet with you anytime, anywhere.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you make your way toward recovery
