Developing mechanical problems or flat tires while traveling on a Missouri highway can lead to serious accidents. However, when large vehicles such as tractor trailers are involved, the consequences can be devastating. Because of the sheer weight and size of these vehicles, victims of truck accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries — or worse.

One such accident occurred on Interstate 70 on a recent Monday morning. According to an accident report, the driver of a small bus with nine passengers pulled onto the side of the roadway when he realized that the bus had a flat tire. A tractor-trailer driver failed to stay in one lane and veered across the highway, smashing into the side of the bus. The impact apparently pushed the bus down an embankment.

Some of the occupants managed to exit the bus, but two passengers had to be cut out of the wreck. Those two individuals suffered serious injuries. All 10 occupants were transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment where necessary. The driver of the truck was uninjured; he claimed to have choked on a piece of gum and reached for water when he lost control of the truck. He received a citation for imprudent and careless driving.

Although any injured victims of Missouri truck accidents retain the right to pursue financial relief by filing personal injury claims in a civil court, negligence will have to be established before the court will consider entering monetary judgments. In this case, the information gathered by accident investigators will likely help. Authorities said investigators will examine the information stored on the event data recorder of the truck. From there, information related to vehicle speed and the actions of the driver can be analyzed and may constitute sufficient proof of negligence.

Source: kansascity.com, “Two seriously hurt after tractor-trailer sideswipes tour bus in Blue Springs“, Brian Burnes, Feb. 22, 2016