The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating an auto accident that involved a pickup truck and a semi-truck on Monday. The crash happened at around 6:57 p.m. in McDonald County. According to authorities, 50-year-old Gina L. Watson was operating a pickup truck on northbound Interstate 49 when a semi-truck pulled onto the roadway in front of Watson’s vehicle. Watson struck the rear of the semi, driven by 42-year-old Jerry L. Parker. Unfortunately, Watson was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. It is unknown if Parker suffered any injuries or if he has been charged in connection with the accident.
Truck accidents are commonly caused due to the negligent and reckless actions of the driver. When a driver gets paid per hours or per loads of cargo delivered, they often attempt to drive more than the number of hours allowed by traffic laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established and regulates truck driving laws including restricting drivers from operating their truck for more than 11 hours during a 14 hour period with a rest period of at least 10 hours. Unfortunately, many truck drivers ignore these laws resulting in truck accidents caused by fatigued driving. DUI, distracted driving, and speeding are also examples of factors that lead to truck accidents.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, it is important to consult the experienced personal injury attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth. Our attorneys have over a century of combined legal experience and have successfully represented thousands of clients in a variety of accident cases. We will work to obtain the compensation and justice you deserve while supporting you throughout the process. Contact our office today for a free no-obligation consultation.