Missouri Lawyers Weekly recently discussed the importance of tight regulation of the commercial trucking industry.  In Missouri alone, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that there were 142 truck accidents in 2005 which resulted in fatalities.  Nationally there were over 4,732 commercial 'tractor-trailers' involved in fatal crashes.

The trucking industry is regulated by a combination of regulatory authority.  At the top is the FMCSA. which promulgates rules and regulations for trucking companies and their drivers to operate within.  For example, the "hours of service" rule requires that a truck driver not operate his rig over 11 consecutive hours following 10 hours off duty.  This rule is designed to prevent driver fatigue, which ultimatly caused 13% of fatal truck crashes in 2000.  The leading cause of fatal truck crashes involves the use of prescription medication. 

Truck accident cases often involve serious infractions of the rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.  If victim to a truck crash, the personal injuries are often catastrophic.  It is very important to retain an attorney who is experienced in handling truck crash cases.  The laws are complicated and the trucking companies are well-funded.  Visit Schultz Legal Group to read more about how trucking accident cases are completely different from automobile crashes and contact a Missouri Truck Crash Injury Lawyer to discuss your case!