Truck Collision Statistics Across Missouri

18-wheeler truck overturned after colliding

Missouri’s extensive interstate and state highway system, along with its central location, make it a critical corridor for commercial truck traffic. The number of trucks that pass through the state on Interstate 70 alone can be difficult to comprehend. Unfortunately, that also means there is a high risk of truck crashes throughout the state.

If you have been injured in a collision with a semi-truck, the experienced truck accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC want to help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Our legal team fights to protect the rights of injured victims throughout Missouri.

How Many Truck Accidents Happen Each Year in Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reports that trucks are involved in 28 percent of crashes and 40 percent of fatal crashes on Interstate 70. The statistic alone is enough to raise concerns when driving near trucks.

Overall, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 15,453 commercial vehicle accidents in 2023 (the most recent data available at the time of publication). That means more than 40 truck accidents happen across the state every day on average.

The frequency of commercial motor vehicle accidents underscores the importance of understanding their causes and where they occur most often. Both truck drivers and passenger vehicle operators must remain vigilant and follow safety protocols to help reduce these alarming numbers.

Which Missouri Roads and Highways Have the Most Truck Crashes?

Certain roads throughout Missouri experience disproportionately high numbers of semi-truck accidents. Interstate highways that cross the state serve as major commercial transportation routes, making them hotspots for truck-related collisions.

Interstate 70, which runs east-west across Missouri, connecting St. Louis and Kansas City, consistently ranks among the most dangerous highways for truck accidents in the state.
Interstate 44, which runs diagonally through Missouri from St. Louis to the southwestern corner of the state, experiences significant truck traffic and a corresponding number of accidents.
Interstate 55, connecting St. Louis to the Arkansas border, also sees its fair share of commercial vehicle crashes.

Urban areas present their own challenges. The congested highways surrounding St. Louis and Kansas City, including their confusing interchange systems, create situations where large truck drivers must navigate tight spaces, merge frequently, and deal with stop-and-go traffic. Highway 65, which runs north-south through the state, and Highway 50, another major east-west route, also see considerable commercial traffic and associated crash rates.

What Do Missouri Truck Accident Statistics Reveal?

Missouri trucking accident trends indicate that while safety initiatives and regulations have helped reduce some risks, the growing demands of the shipping and logistics industries continue to keep large numbers of commercial trucks on our roadways. Analyzing Missouri truck accident data reveals several critical patterns about when, where, and how these crashes occur.

Consider the following reported for 2023:

3,250 truck accidents happened in rainy conditions, causing at least 252 injuries.
A significant majority of truck crashes happen during daylight hours.
The top three counties with the most truck collisions are St. Louis County, Jackson County, and St. Louis City.
Truck crashes are much more common on weekdays than on weekends.

Regardless of the trends, truck accidents can happen at any time and anywhere across the state.

What Are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Missouri?

Missouri truck accident data points to several factors that contribute to devastating commercial vehicle crashes.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most significant causes of truck accidents. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, many truck drivers face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading some to push beyond safe limits.

Distracted Driving

Driver distraction is another major contributor to all types of vehicle accidents in Missouri. Our state was one of the last to enact a texting ban, which was followed by a hands-free law, yet many commercial drivers on long hauls ignore these laws. Even a second of distraction is enough to change someone’s life in a crash.

Aggressive Driving

Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors also play roles in many truck accidents. Posted speed limits may not account for the unique handling characteristics of fully loaded semi-trucks, and drivers who exceed safe speeds for conditions put everyone at risk.

Violating State and Federal Laws

Commercial drivers must follow all state traffic laws, and they must also comply with many federal trucking regulations. Any violations can create unsafe conditions, and our truck accident attorneys understand how to use violations as evidence of liability in your claim.

How Often Do Truck Accidents in Missouri Cause Serious Injuries or Death?

Truck crash statistics consistently show that accidents involving commercial trucks have a higher likelihood of resulting in serious injuries or fatalities than crashes involving only passenger vehicles. A Missouri State Highway Patrol report showed that the 15,453 crashes in 2023 resulted in:

2,844 total injury-causing crashes
4,248 total people injured
121 total fatal truck crashes
130 total fatalities

Many truck collisions leave families dealing with tragic and unexpected losses. Even when passenger vehicle occupants survive the initial impact, the severity of their injuries often leads to lengthy hospitalizations, multiple surgeries, and extended rehabilitation periods.

Whether you suffered injuries or lost a loved one, you should never wait to consult an experienced truck accident attorney at our law firm.

How Can a Missouri Truck Accident Lawyer Help After a Crash?

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need the right Missouri truck accident lawyer on your side from the start.

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we understand that truck accident claims are far more complicated than typical car accident cases. Our attorneys stand ready to thoroughly investigate every aspect of your accident, examining driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and company safety records to build the strongest possible case.

We identify all potentially liable parties, which may include the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance providers, and others.

Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need equally powerful legal representation fighting for your interests. We handle all negotiations with insurance companies and are not afraid to take cases to trial when fair settlements cannot be reached. Our comprehensive approach ensures we pursue compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses.

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Do not let the trucking company’s insurance adjusters pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today for a free consultation. Let our experienced Missouri truck accident attorneys fight for the justice and compensation you need to move forward with your life.

(314) 367-2661