"Call the Champs!"
Nahon, Saharovich, & Trotz
Search
Close this search box.

St. Louis Dump Truck Accidents

Although dump trucks are a staple in our nation’s economy, they can often cause debilitating accidents that can forever change a victim’s life. That’s why if you or a loved one is injured or dies in one of these horrifying collisions, you need legal help. Fortunately, with a truck accident lawyer fighting for your rights, you can pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Dump Truck on highway

How common are dump truck accidents in St. Louis?

Dump truck services in the United States have grown significantly in the last few years, with studies indicating that the trucking company industry is expected to increase by 4.7% in 2021. However, with this increase in dump trucks on the road, there has also been an increase in the number of accidents that result from dump truck collisions, and St. Louis is no exception.  

As recently as July 2021, an overturned dump truck on NB I-270 caused a major accident that diverted traffic for a significant period. The crash happened just past Ladue Road and turned the interstate into a parking lot for other drivers.  

What causes dump truck accidents in St. Louis?

Although dump truck accidents can occur for several reasons, in St. Louis, some of the more common causes for these accidents include: 

Excessive Speeding 

When large dump trucks drive too fast for the conditions on the road, it can cause devastating accidents. These trucks are much heavier than passenger cars, meaning they need more distance to come to a safe stop. Consequently, if the truck is required to make an emergency stop, it’s likely they won’t be able to avoid a collision. 

Blind Spots 

Even though every vehicle has blind spots preventing drivers from seeing cars in adjacent travel lanes through their rearview and side mirrors, these blind spots are even more significant for large dump trucks. As a result, serious crashes can result if a dump truck driver does not check their blind spots before changing lanes.  

Extensive Turns 

Large trucks such as dump trucks often require more space to complete a turn, especially on narrow roads like those found in residential areas. If a dump truck driver doesn’t receive proper training to make these turns, they risk harming other motorists on the road by swinging too wide when turning.  

Dangerous Intersections 

Intersections are often one of the leading locations of motor vehicle accidents because vehicles tend to disobey traffic rules at these locations more often than in other areas. In St. Louis, car accidents and dump truck collisions are more likely to happen at the following intersections:  

  • Clarkson Road and Manchester Road at Ellisville 
  • Fee Fee Road and Olive Boulevard in Creve Coeur 
  • Mason Road and Olive Boulevard w

Why are dump truck accidents dangerous?

Due to their size and weight, dump trucks are notoriously hazardous to the operator and others on the roadways. Since these dump trucks can weigh as much as 65,000 pounds, not operating them properly can cause serious accidents and injuries, especially when they collide with a much smaller vehicle.

Common Injuries Sustained in Dump Truck Accidents

Even though dump truck accidents can result in severe injuries to virtually any part of the body, some injuries tend to result more often than others, including: 

  • Head and traumatic brain injuries 
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Deep lacerations
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Back and neck injuries 
  • Wrongful death 

St. Louis' Most Dangerous Roadways or Locations for Dump Truck Accidents

There are certain roadways and intersections in St. Louis that experience dump truck accidents more frequently than others. Outside of I-44, which often sees quite a few dump truck collisions, there are other dangerous roads and highways in the city where most of these collisions occur, including: 

  • I-29: This busy interstate runs from Kansas City, Missouri, to the Canadian border. Due to the number of large trucks and dump trucks that use this stretch of roadway, it’s common to see dump truck collisions on this interstate, especially during severe weather in the winter months. 
  • I-255: This is a bypass route of Interstate 55 near St. Louis that loops around the city. What makes this road so dangerous is it often has quite a few motorcyclists on it during the summer months, meaning that large dump trucks need to watch out for the riders to prevent significant and possibly fatal crashes.
  • I-170: This interstate, known as the Inner Belt Expressway, travels through the St. Louis suburbs of Berkeley, St. John, Vinita Park, Charlack, Sycamore Hills, Olivetti, Overland, University City, Hazelwood, Clayton, and Richmond Heights. Because it travels through these residential areas, dump trucks on this road need to watch out for other vehicles and pedestrians, especially when making wide turns. 

Recent Dump Truck Accidents in St. Louis

Sadly, dump truck accidents tend to happen quite frequently in St. Louis. For instance, the stretch of I-44 near St. Louis, Missouri, has been the scene of numerous deadly dump truck accidents over the last few years, including a dump truck crash that killed a family of five. Another accident killed a motorist when a dump truck hit him on the service road off I-44. 

A few years ago, a five-vehicle crash caused by a dump truck collision injured two women on Interstate 270 near Dougherty Ferry Road.  

Tips to Prevent or Avoid a Dump Truck Accident

Not all dump truck accidents can be prevented, but there are things you can do to lessen your chances of being involved in one of these horrific crashes, such as: 

  • Pay attention to the roadway at all times (i.e., avoid distractions like your cell phone)
  • Stay out of the dump truck’s blind spots
  • Be smart when passing other vehicles and dump trucks on highways and other roadways
  • Avoid riding beside a dump truck since they may end up crossing into your lane on wide turns

Who's liable for a dump truck accident?

Many people may not realize there can often be more than one party responsible for a dump truck accident. Although many people expect the negligent truck driver to be at fault, in reality, the liable parties can also include: 

  • Dump truck companies 
  • Dump truck manufacturers 
  • Dump truck cargo loaders 
  • Other at-fault motorists 

Are dump truck drivers responsible for securing and preventing falling debris?

Dump truck drivers can be responsible for falling debris, even if their truck has a sign that indicates they will not pay for damages from falling parts, material, or waste because this sign is not a contract and doesn’t have a binding effect. As a result, if a truck driver was negligent in securing the load to be transported, they can be liable for a car accident and any damages caused by falling debris.

Can I receive compensation for my injuries and damages after a dump truck accident in St. Louis?

If you suffered injuries in a dump truck accident in St. Louis, you might be entitled to compensation for the losses and harm you sustained. This compensation includes: 

  • Medical bills already incurred and ongoing, including future expected costs in connection to necessary medical care and treatment stemming from your injuries due to the accident 
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity, if you need time off work or you’re unable to return to work temporarily or permanently 
  • Personal property damage 
  • Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages 

The best way to determine if you can receive compensation after a dump truck accident is to speak with a truck accident lawyer. A truck accident or personal injury lawyer can review the facts of your accident, including the police report and related charges, and decide liability, damages, and your claim’s approximate value.

How can the St. Louis personal injury lawyers at NST Law help me after a dump truck accident?

If you’re the victim of a St. Louis dump truck accident, you likely need legal help to decide what to do next. Fortunately, when you retain NST Law to fight on your behalf, you’ll have the advantage of our knowledge and expertise to help you through this difficult time.  

With our decades of experience as a personal injury law firm, we can confidently help you seek justice for your harm, fighting vigorously for the compensation you deserve.  

Contact our St. Louis office today by calling 800-529-4004 for a free case evaluation to determine how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome to aid in your recovery following your dump truck accident.  

St. Louis - Practice Area Links