Truck Accident Statistics and Prevention
A Clear Guide to Missouri Trucking and Its Potential Effects on You
While all motor vehicle accidents are egregious in their own sense, truck accidents often stand out for their level of devastation and impact. Due to the sheer size, speed, and weight of the vehicle, collisions involving a commercial vehicle tend to cause severe damage and injuries to all parties involved, resulting in complex legal issues. These variables are no different in the state of Missouri, and should be addressed with our experienced legal team at Wallentine Injury Law.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) defines a commercial motor vehicle in intrastate commerce as “Any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in intrastate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle:”
- Has a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more
- Is used to transport 9 or more passengers for compensation
- Is used to transport 16 or more passengers regardless of compensation
- Has a gross weight of 10,001 pounds and is used to transport hazardous material or passengers
- Is used to transport hazardous material requiring placarding
Being in the heart of America, Missouri sees a large number of commercial trucks passing through. In fact, Missouri trucks help move 985 million tons each year, valued at more than $1.1 trillion. Additionally, Missouri is ranked 7th nationally in state highway miles, encompassing 33,811 miles. Major trucking interstates in Missouri include:
- I-70: This interstate spans 250 miles in Missouri and connects major cities such as St. Louis, Columbia, Kansas City, and Independence.
- I-44: Spanning 293 miles, I-44 connects St. Louis, Rolla, Springfield, and Joplin.
- I-55: Its length is 210 miles in Missouri, and it connects cities like Sikeston, Perryville, and St. Louis.
- I-35: Although shorter in length at 115 miles, it is a key interstate in transportation across the greater Kansas City area.
Unfortunately, with the vast presence of the trucking industry in Missouri, accidents occur frequently. In 2025 alone, Missouri has seen 1,130 crashes involving a large truck, with 22 being fatal. See a comparison of truck accident statistics between neighboring states below.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Trucking accidents occur when a commercial vehicle, as described previously, wrecks as a result of the driving environment, operator error, or other drivers. Because of the unique build of commercial trucks, various types of unusual accidents can take place compared to normal vehicles. Common types of truck accidents include:
- Truck rollovers: Trucks have a high center of gravity, causing them to easily tip or rollover on tight turns or swerves.
- Rear-end collisions: Trucks are significantly heavier in size and weight than a regular car; therefore, they take much more time and distance to slow down. This factor causes rear-end collisions often.
- Head-on collisions: In an effort to make more money, truck operators are often tempted to drive past the required Hours of Service Regulations, resulting in head-on collisions when they fall asleep.
- Jackknife accidents: When trucks make improper turns or braking maneuvers, the trailer can swing wide and create a folding jackknife shape. A swinging trailer can crash into other drivers or cause a traffic block.
- Wide turn accidents: To navigate tight right-hand turns, truck operators often turn wide into neighboring lanes, causing collisions with vehicles in those lanes.
What does Missouri do to Lessen Truck Accidents?
Missouri’s accident statistics clearly show room for improvement, and efforts are currently underway to address the issue. From 2022 to 2023, the number of fatal and non-fatal crashes decreased from 5,347 to 4,910 and stayed rather consistent into 2024 with 4,977. The Federal and Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Missouri work hard to put rules, regulations, statutes, and policies in place to prevent truck accidents from happening and to protect you during legal battles in the event an accident does occur. Key regulations at the federal level include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
- FMCSA Section 395.3(a)(2) – 14 Hour Rule Driving Window and FMCSA Section 395.3(a)(3) 11 Hour Daily Limit Rule
- FMCSA Section 395.3(a)(3) – 11-Hour Daily Limit Rule 60/70-Hour Duty Limit
- FMCSA Section 396 Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
- (USDOT) 49 CFR part 40 and (FMCSA) 49 CFR 382 Drug and Alcohol Testing
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Issues
- CFR 383.51 CDL Disqualification (FMCSA 393.51)
The following are slight differences between federal and state trucking policies in Missouri:
- Driver age for CDL: In Missouri, drivers can obtain a CDL at 18 for intrastate travel, while federal law requires the driver to be at least 21 for interstate travel.
- Vehicle markers: Missouri requires intrastate for-hire carriers to display a Missouri DOT number and the carrier’s name and address. Federal law requires interstate carriers to display a USDOT number on their vehicles.
- Hours of Service: Both federal and state follow the same 11-hour daily driving limit; however, Missouri exempts agricultural transportation businesses from these requirements if they are driving within a 100-mile radius.
These organizations care for your road safety at both the federal and state levels. Policies like these, as well as full, clear, and complete evidence aid in liability issues that may arise in a legal case.
How Can I Help Prevent Being Involved in a Truck Accident?
Some causes of accidents are unavoidable; however, when truck operators and normal vehicle drivers adhere to administered policies, accidents can be prevented. Some typical causes of accidents that can be prevented with proper attention include driver fatigue, improper maintenance, improper loading, impaired driving, inadequate training, and more. You may not be in the truck driver’s seat, but there are proactive steps you can also take to reduce your risk of being involved in a truck accident. Here are a few tips to maintain safety while sharing the road with 18-wheelers:
- Avoid blind spots: Due to the nature of semi-trucks’ design, there are blind spots on all four sides of the vehicle. A key thing to remember- if you can’t see their mirrors, the operator more than likely cannot see you.
- Pass safely and efficiently: When passing a semi, use proper procedures. Pass only on the left side of the vehicle and pass in a timely manner, avoiding lingering in blind spots.
- Maintain distance and drive predictably: As mentioned previously, commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles that take longer to slow down. Driving in a sporadic manner can cause collisions due to a lack of reaction time.
- Respect weather and road conditions: Be aware of any hindrances to road conditions that may cause trucks to drive unpredictably and increase your following distance accordingly.
What Should I do if I’m in a Truck Accident?
Even with proper precautions, truck accidents still take place. If you find yourself in the unfortunate event of being involved in this type of accident, it is vital you seek legal counsel after completing these steps at the scene:
Stay Calm
Truck accidents—or any vehicle collision—can be incredibly traumatic. However, staying calm after an accident is crucial for ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you. Remaining composed also helps protect your legal interests, as it reduces the risk of making statements that could later be used against you in court.
Contact 911
After a truck accident, call emergency services immediately. First responders will provide medical care and begin documenting the scene. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention—some injuries may not appear right away, and early treatment helps protect both your health and your legal case. Missouri is home to numerous trustworthy and accredited hospitals that can provide you with the care you need after a truck accident.
Once medical needs are addressed, police will create an accident report. In truck crashes, this often includes a detailed investigation by specialized officers. These reports are crucial, as liability may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, maintenance providers, or others. Proper documentation ensures all responsible parties can be held accountable.
Document Evidence
Once immediate emergencies are managed, you can begin documenting evidence of the accident scene, if physically able. Compiling a vast amount of evidence can aid in proving who is held liable in the legal process. Time is of the essence in gathering and preserving evidence that can be used in court.
Exchange Information
In addition to any evidence gathered at the scene, it’s important to exchange contact and insurance information with all parties before departing. This step is especially critical in truck accidents, where the trucking company—and potentially other corporate entities—may bear legal responsibility.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
At Wallentine Injury Law, we understand how life-altering a truck accident can be. We care about your health and road to recovery post-accident. Let us help you navigate the truckload of legal issues associated with truck accidents, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to get started with a no-risk, free consultation.
