Tractor trailer trucks can be intimidating. These large, 18-wheeler trucks tower over our cars and weigh 30 times more than the average vehicle. There seems to be more of these massive trucks than ever as well – and you’re right.

In the last 40 years, the number of tractor trailers has more than doubled. In 1970, there were 905,082 tractor trailers. By 2008, that figure had skyrocketed to 2,215,856. The number of all large trucks (vehicles over 10,000 pounds) has also increased sharply in recent years, from 7.7 million in 1998 to 9 million in 2007.

Not surprisingly, large trucks are involved in many accidents. One out of nine traffic fatalities in 2008 resulted from a collision involving a large truck, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Missouri, 117 large trucks were involved in 9.3 percent of all fatal accidents statewide in 2008. Just recently, a Missouri tractor trailer truck driver killed 10 people in an accident on a crowded highway.

In an effort to prevent such accidents, numerous laws exist governing the trucking industry. Drivers must undergo rigorous training to obtain a license. Strict rules govern exactly how many hours drivers can operate a truck. Weigh stations make sure trucks do not exceed legal limits. And this year, the federal government banned texting while driving for all commercial truck drivers nationwide.

But accidents happen. Truck drivers flaunt the law and send text messages. Others ignore rest breaks and fall asleep at the wheel. Some drivers overload their trucks and lose control of their vehicles. Such irresponsible behavior is unacceptable.

Some truck companies will try to use every trick in the book to get out of compensating you for your injuries or your family’s loss. Insurance companies can be frustrating too, doing everything they can to blame you for something you didn’t do.

Don’t fall for their scare tactics. Fight back. Get the professional help you need to defend your rights. Get someone who knows how to get tough and win complicated cases. Go with the Law Offices of Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave.

Based in Springfield, Missouri, Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave has years of experience defending victims of large truck accidents in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma. Let our team of dedicated attorneys thoroughly investigate your case and vigorously fight for your rights.

Get your life back. Take action now. Contact Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave today. We mean business.