A truck accident on Monday afternoon closed Interstate 55 for several hours. The Missouri Highway Patrol responded to an overturned tractor-trail on I-55 at I-255. The tractor-trailer was transporting zinc, which is a very heavy metal when the driver lost control and overturned the truck. The patrol officers were not confident that they would be able to put the truck upright without spilling the load. The truck accident caused all southbound lanes of I-55 to be blocked and it is estimated to take approximately 6 to 8 hours open all lanes. The driver sustained minor injuries in the accident, but it is unknown if he was transported to the hospital for treatment. The cause of the accident is also unknown.
Truck accidents can inflict serious injuries and death to all who are involved in the crash due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Commercial trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds and require a special license to operate due to the difficulty in maneuvering the large vehicle. There are several factors that can cause a truck accident including speeding or aggressive driving, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, one of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Regulations prohibit truck drivers from driving over a certain number of hours, but several drivers disregard these rules that lead to a fatigued driver. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contacting an experienced St. Louis truck accident attorney is important.
The personal injury attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth have handled thousands of accident cases. Our attorneys will use their expertise and knowledge to recover the maximum financial compensation for your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.