St. Louis streets are infamous for their ruthless car accidents and truck crashes. As a result, pedestrian injuries and death count have gone up. The ‘2021 St. Louis City and County Crash Report’ by Trailnet revealed shocking data on St. Louis Street accidents.
According to the report, in 2021, over 14,000 people were injured and nearly 178 people were killed in traffic collisions in St. Louis. It highlights the dangers one can encounter when driving their vehicle. A recent accident in the city affirms this fact.
In July 2023, Fox2Now reported a multi-vehicle collision in which two people were hospitalized due to their injuries and one person tragically died. The reconstruction team of the St. Louis Police Department has been investigating the matter.
The accident happened at the meeting point of West Florissant Avenue and Riverview Boulevard. The vehicles involved in the accident included a small U-Haul truck, a Ford Focus, and a Dodge Charger.
Based on the police report, the Charger was heading west on West Florissant Avenue when it collided with the southbound Ford Focus. This made the Charger collide with the U-Haul truck traveling east on West Florissant. The driver of the Ford Focus was declared dead at the scene. The drivers of the U-Haul truck and Charger were admitted to a hospital to recover from their injuries.
In this article, we will discuss the actions to implement if you experience a similar truck accident in St. Louis. We will also highlight the necessary legal action victims can take.
Truck Accident in St. Louis: What Should You Do?
A car and truck accident have different consequences. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the U.S. states that an average car weighs nearly 4,000 pounds. On the other hand, an 18-wheeler weighs nearly 80,000 pounds. Hence, controlling trucks on the road is slightly more challenging than cars. As a result, damages are severe after a truck accident.
The necessary steps that you can take after a truck accident in St. Louis include nameviser:
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Ensure Your Safety
After a truck crash, many individuals can’t do away with the wreckage. Severely injured victims shouldn’t move from the crash location if they feel vulnerable. They need to wait for medical assistance and make good use of it.
Victims who aren’t severely injured can stay away from traffic and move to the side of the street. If they can, they should move their vehicle without placing others or themselves in any danger. Read more “list your business in the” “free and paid submission to the” “add your site” statistics
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Call the Nearby Police Station
Taking assistance from the police at the earliest is essential. Find out the people involved in the crash for the police to send ambulances as required. On arrival, the police will secure the accident scene and manage traffic. They will also gather relevant data for making an accident report. Share all details honestly with the police, but refrain from lengthy statements.
It’s wise not to admit fault. Once the police report is made, your truck accident attorney in St. Louis will evaluate it to determine who is at fault. For this, the police might source statements from witnesses.
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Get Immediate Medical Attention
Getting medical attention at the earliest is beneficial. Visit a nearby hospital for an evaluation, even when you believe that you didn’t get injured. Some victims might suffer injuries that don’t manifest symptoms for several days, weeks, or more. When you wait for medical aid, the other party’s attorney can claim that the injuries occurred after the truck accident.
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Work Closely with a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents lead to physical injuries and mental unrest. Victims involved in a truck crash in St. Louis might lose one or more body parts or sustain severe injuries, requiring time to recover. A lawyer can bring order into this chaos with their guidance and insight.
In February 2023, the Riverfront Times reported on Janae Edmondson, who encountered an accident in St. Louis that amputated both her legs. There are several people like Janae who, after a truck crash, have lost their ability to work and make money. A lawyer specializing in truck accidents in St. Louis can help victims obtain compensation by filing a lawsuit.
While victims concentrate on their recovery, a truck accident lawyer can navigate the entire legal process on their behalf. TorHoerman Law urges victims to retain all expense documents linked with truck crashes, such as medical bills, vehicle repair expenses, lost wages, and the cost of future treatment. All this information and records will allow a lawyer to build a solid case that ensures a favorable verdict.
Conclusion
St. Louis streets are unpredictable. That means you could be adhering to the traffic norms and a truck could still collide with your vehicle due to reckless driving. If you’re involved in an accident, it is imperative to collect evidence that you can share with your truck accident lawyer, so that they can build a sound legal case.
