MSHP says Volvo truck struck man attempting to collect a bucket near Route KK
March 03, 2026 | Lincoln, MO
A 68-year-old man from Troy sustained serious injuries after being struck by a large truck in Lincoln County on March 3.
The incident occurred along U.S. Highway 61, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in areas with heavy truck traffic.
A 68-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a Volvo VNL truck along U.S. Highway 61 near Route KK in Lincoln County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) detailed the collision in their crash report.
Key facts include:
- Time and Location: Approximately 12:25 p.m. near Route KK on the southbound U.S. 61 in Lincoln.
- Vehicle Involved: A 2021 Volvo VNL truck.
- Circumstances: The pedestrian was attempting to retrieve a bucket when the truck struck him.
- Victim Details: The 68-year-old Troy resident suffered severe injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for medical care.
- Investigation Status: Further details remain pending from authorities.
This accident underscores the vulnerabilities pedestrians face near major roadways.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Large trucks pose significant risks to pedestrians due to their size and limited visibility for drivers. Common contributing factors in such collisions include:
- Driver distraction or fatigue.
- Mechanical failures in the vehicle.
- Errors in judgment or maneuvering.
- Inadequate training for handling heavy commercial vehicles compared to standard cars or SUVs.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), large truck accidents injure an estimated 150,000 individuals annually and result in about 4,900 fatalities each year. These statistics emphasize the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures on highways like U.S. 61.
Factor |
Description |
Annual Impact (NSC Data) |
|---|
Driver Distraction |
Failure to notice pedestrians due to divided attention |
Contributes to ~20% of truck crashes |
Fatigue |
Long-haul driving leads to impaired reaction times |
Linked to 13% of fatal incidents |
Mechanical Issues |
Brake or tire failures in heavy vehicles |
Affects visibility and control |
Inexperience |
Differences in truck handling vs. passenger vehicles |
Increases error rates by up to 30% |
Data sourced from the National Safety Council and Federal Highway Administration reports on commercial vehicle safety.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian-Truck Collisions
In cases such as this involving commercial vehicles, thorough investigations are crucial to safeguard those affected. National legal analysts provide perspective on navigating these complex scenarios.
"Commercial vehicle crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents," said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. "A skilled attorney can protect victims from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver. Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring witnesses, conducting driver background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding a victim through the legal process."
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Independent investigations help counter corporate defenses in truck-related incidents.
- Legal representation ensures comprehensive reviews of driver histories and insurance policies.
- Victims benefit from professional guidance amid overwhelming post-crash stress.
Additionally, Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, noted:
"It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian. Pending an investigation, the victim may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company for a client. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly."
These general observations highlight the importance of legal support in motor vehicle crashes, focusing on broad patterns rather than specific cases.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in pedestrian accidents involving serious injuries. She is available for a free consultation if you or a family member needs assistance.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).