Truck accidents are a frequent occurrence on Missouri’s highways, often resulting in devastating injuries and even fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Unlike ordinary car crashes, truck accident cases are typically much more complex – they may involve federal and state regulations, multiple parties (such as trucking companies, cargo providers, and maintenance contractors), and intricate evidence like driver logs and black box data.
For injured individuals, understanding Missouri’s truck accident laws is crucial, as these rules play a central role in determining liability and securing fair compensation. A St. Louis truck accident attorney at Drafahl Law Firm understands these laws and will pursue the justice and financial compensation that you deserve.
Contact us online today to get started with a free case review.
Important Missouri Trucking Laws and Federal Regulations
Several laws and federal regulations govern the trucking industry, impacting how accident claims are investigated and resolved. Important ones to be aware of include:
Weight Limits
Axle weight limits in Missouri are carefully regulated on Missouri highways to protect roads, bridges, and overall safety. Any single axle on a vehicle is limited to 20,000 pounds. For general freight trucks, the steering axle must not carry more than either the manufacturer’s specified weight or 12,000 pounds – the lower of the two numbers – when operating on standard routes.
When it comes to tandem axles, which are defined as two or more axles spaced 40 to 96 inches apart, the total load cannot be more than 34,000 pounds.
304.180. Regulations as to weight — axle load, tandem axle defined — transport of specific items, total gross weight permitted — requirements during disasters — specific vehicles, maximum weight. — 1. No vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be moved or operated on any highway in this state having a greater weight than twenty thousand pounds on one axle, no combination of vehicles operated by transporters of general freight over regular routes as defined in section 390.020 shall be moved or operated on any highway of this state having a greater weight than the vehicle manufacturer’s rating on a steering axle with the maximum weight not to exceed twelve thousand pounds on a steering axle, and no vehicle shall be moved or operated on any state highway of this state having a greater weight than thirty-four thousand pounds on any tandem axle; the term “tandem axle” shall mean a group of two or more axles, arranged one behind another, the distance between the extremes of which is more than forty inches and not more than ninety-six inches apart.
An axle load refers to the total weight supported by all wheels located within 40 inches of one another along the vehicle’s width, ensuring that heavy truck loads are evenly distributed and less likely to cause excess road wear or create dangerous driving conditions.
Hours of Service Regulations
Federal law limits the number of hours truck drivers can be on duty without rest. Truck drivers can travel up to 150 air-miles (increased from 100) and work up to 14 hours within a day. Additionally, drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of actual driving.
These hours-of-service rules are intended to cut down on fatigue-related crashes by requiring specific breaks and maximum driving periods each day and week.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements
Drivers must hold a valid CDL and meet rigorous testing standards to operate large trucks legally. Medical exams, skills tests, and background checks are required to help ensure safety on the road.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Rules
Trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles according to both federal and Missouri state guidelines.
Each motor carrier and intermodal equipment provider must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) under its control. Parts and accessories shall be in safe and proper operating condition at all times. These include those specified in 49 CFR 393 and any additional parts and accessories that may affect safety of operation, including but not limited to, frame and frame assemblies, suspension systems, axles and attaching parts, wheels and rims, and steering systems. Pushout windows, emergency doors, and emergency door marking lights in buses shall be inspected at least every 90 days.
Failure to address mechanical issues or undergo routine inspections can lead to accidents and liability for damages.
Statute of Limitations For Missouri Truck Accidents
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is generally five years from the date of the crash. This means most victims have up to five years to start a legal claim for injuries or damages resulting from a truck accident.
516.120. What actions within five years. — Within five years:
(1) All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section 516.110, and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited;
(2) An action upon a liability created by a statute other than a penalty or forfeiture;
(3) An action for trespass on real estate;
(4) An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated;
(5) An action for relief on the ground of fraud, the cause of action in such case to be deemed not to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party, at any time within ten years, of the facts constituting the fraud.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the claim involves a government entity, you may have to provide notice and act much sooner.
If the injured party is a minor or legally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the five-year period may be paused until they are legally able to file. Missing the statute of limitations almost always means losing your right to recover damages, so it’s important to understand and protect these deadlines.
Understanding these rules and regulations is crucial if you’re hurt in a Missouri truck accident, as violations could directly impact your case and the compensation you can recover. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact a St. Louis personal injury lawyer to schedule a free consultation today.