Injuries Follow 18-Wheeler Wreck On Missouri Highway 71
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, two residents of Lamar, MO were taken to the hospital after they were hit from behind by an 18-wheeler truck on the afternoon of June 15, 2009. This Missouri 18-wheeler accident transpired on Highway 71, three miles south of Lamar, when a 2005 Buick, driven by John Wagaman, 78, was attempting to change lanes and was struck in the rear by a 2006 Freightliner, driven by Eric M. Fields, 37, of Billings, MO. The Buick ran off of the highway and came to rest in a ditch. Wagaman and his passenger, Nora Wagaman, 77, were taken to Barton County Memorial Hospital after sustaining personal injuries.
The dangers of 18-wheeler and large commercial trucks are prevalent in that drivers of smaller, commuter vehicles who are involved in accidents with these large trucks are likely to suffer serious personal injuries such as broken bones, brain and spinal cord damage, or even death. On the other hand, the drivers of these large trucks often walk away from these crashes unscathed.
Negligence on the part of large truck drivers is unacceptable and they, along with their employers, must be held accountable for their actions. Missouri 18-wheeler accident attorney, David Payne, will be glad to review your claim if you or a family member has suffered personal injuries or death due to the negligence of large truck drivers.
Below are some statistics provided by the Missouri Department of Transportation:
• In 2007, there were a total of 72,155 crashes that involved passenger cars in Missouri.
• The percentage of these crashes that resulted in fatalities was about 0.06 percent.
• In 2007, there were a total of 5,052 crashes that involved 18-wheeler and large trucks.
• The percentage of these crashes that resulted in fatalities was about 2.0 percent.
As you can see from the statistics above, 18-wheeler and large truck accidents are nearly four times more likely to result in fatalities than accidents involving passenger cars. These accidents can often be life changing for the persons involved and their families. 
Based on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s accident report, it appears that the driver of the semi truck failed to slow down or didn’t see Wagaman as he was changing lanes. If that was the case, both the truck driver and his or her employer could be held liable for the accident and the injuries that resulted from the crash. This particular accident could have happened because the truck driver was careless and didn’t slow down. The 18-wheeler truck’s brakes could have failed. Or the truck driver could have been distracted. All of these are the most common causes of large truck accidents in the United States.
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries or death in an accident where an 18-wheeler or large truck was involved, you would be well-advised to contact experienced Missouri 18-wheeler accident attorney, David Payne, who will help determine who should be held responsible.
