Missouri Truck vs Motorcycle Collision Attorneys
Truck vs. Motorcycle Accidents
No two vehicles vary more in size than large trucks and motorcycles. Large trucks are characterized by their strength: powerful and useful, capable of hauling heavy loads and being driven a significant number of miles while doing so. Motorcycles are characterized by their speed: compact and nimble, with great maneuverability. When collisions occur between these two vehicles, there is often only one outcome. Motorcycles and those who ride them are significantly injured in accidents with large trucks, which is why it's important to have a Missouri motorcycle, truck accident lawyer who can handle all aspects of your case to expose any negligence that may have caused your crash and hold those accountable for it liable for compensatory damages.
In 2006, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that "according to the federal government, per mile traveled, the number of deaths on motorcycles was about 35 times the number in cars." Motorcycles inherently have a high rate of accident occurrence. In fact, about half of all motorcycle accidents only involve the motorcycle rider. However, that means half of motorcycle accidents do in fact involve other motorists, which include the drivers of large trucks. The larger the size of the other vehicle involved, the more likely grave injury will befall the motorcyclist.
Motorcycles can often find themselves hidden in the blind spots of large trucks. If a large truck cannot see a motorcycle, then that truck driver may injure a motorcyclist with a driving maneuver as simple as a lane change. Truck drivers, rather than rely solely on their mirrors, must exercise better precautionary measures to ensure that motorists and motorcyclists are safe when in the immediate vicinity of a truck. By turning their heads before lane changes, truck drivers can greatly reduce the likelihood of being responsible for a side impact collision with a motorcycle. Even more important, there would be a decreased likelihood of an under-ride truck collision occurring, a type of collision when a motorist's vehicle, in this case a motorcycle, would involve the motorcyclist getting caught underneath the side of a large truck's trailer. These collisions almost always end fatally for motorcyclists, and pose great danger as a result.
If a truck driver fails to properly signal during a lane change, an unsuspecting motorcyclist may not be aware and could be injured by collision. If a truck driver is fatigued after driving for more than the legally permitted 11 hours per day, then that driver poses the risk of wavering into other lanes of traffic, another instance where a motorcyclist may be struck and gravely injured. Equipment failure, such as faulty brakes, can also lead to accidents involving motorcycles.
If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a truck vs. motorcycle accident, please call the skilled Missouri motorcycle crash attorneys at Page Law. With experience in many cases like these, our lawyers will help find negligent truck drivers responsible for your injuries, and will get you the compensation you deserve to help cover the costs of medical bills, physical therapy, bike repair, and, unfortunately in some cases, compensation to help offset funeral costs. The consultation is free, so call us today.