Bates City, MO (September 9, 2023) – A 45-year-old man from Columbia, Missouri, lost his life as a result of a fatal truck accident that occurred in Lafayette County.
At approximately 3:26 p.m. on September 7, troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene of a crash on Interstate 70.
Reports show that a collision between a 2000 Harley-Davidson and a 2023 Freightliner Cascadia took place on the westbound side of the intersection. The impact of the collision caused the rider to be ejected from their vehicle near mile marker 31.4. The motorcycle was severely damaged and had to be towed from the scene. The Freightliner was also towed from the scene of the accident.
The motorcyclist, identified as Michael Kniest, was severely injured. He was transported by ambulance to Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri, where he was pronounced deceased from his injuries.
At this time, the incident is being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Our condolences go out to the family of Michael Kniest at this time.
Fatal Truck Accidents in Missouri
Fatal truck accidents took the lives of nearly 120 people in 2022 in the state of Missouri. Although this number was an 8.46 percent decrease from 2021, these accidents continue to take the lives of a significant number of people across our state every year.
The loss of a loved one can be incredibly difficult to deal with. Many families struggle to move forward. Dealing with the emotional toll and the financial consequences that fatal accidents bring is not something that families are able to prepare for. Unfortunately, there are countless instances where victims lose their lives as a result of negligence. Leading factors in fatal truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Inadequate maintenance
- Impaired driving
If the negligent actions of another driver have caused a fatal accident that claimed the life of your loved one, your family should seek legal help as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for some of the damages you face. A wrongful death claim can help you recover compensation for funeral costs and more. You should reach out to a Bates City wrongful death lawyer immediately to ensure you have the best chance of getting justice.
If you have lost a loved one as a result of an auto accident, it is important that you reach out to our experienced team of dedicated truck accident lawyers at Martin & Wallentine, LLC. Our fearless legal advocates understand the trauma associated with losing a loved one in a fatal auto accident and will work hard to help you get the justice you deserve.
To get started on your case, reach out to our Missouri personal injury law firm today by calling 913-764-9700 to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyers are fully committed to ensuring your family is able to get justice and that the person who is responsible for the death of your loved one is held accountable.
Notes: Our writers utilized secondary sources when writing this news article about an accident. We have not independently reviewed all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, please get in touch with Martin & Wallentine, LLC right away if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will update the post with the most accurate information currently available. A post will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: We hope that by raising awareness about driving hazards, drivers will be more cautious when operating a motor vehicle and avoid being seriously injured in a collision. This accident news post is not a business solicitation. The content of this post is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. This post's featured image was not captured at the accident scene depicted in the post.