Navigating the roads alongside large trucks can be daunting for many drivers. Even the most defensive drivers cannot avoid every potential collision. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include driver error, distracted driving, and failure to follow traffic laws. Understanding how these accidents occur is vital as it can help reduce the risk of being involved in one. If you or someone you love was severely injured in a truck accident caused by another driver, you might have the right to file a truck accident lawsuit in Kentucky.
Types of Truck Accidents
Many factors can contribute to a semi-truck crash, and seeing more than one cause in a collision is common. Awareness and understanding of the common causes of truck accidents can lead to more informed and cautious driving practices. Adherence to safety regulations by trucking companies and drivers alike is paramount in preventing accidents. Read on to learn more about some of the ways truck accidents happen.
Distracted Driving
Like all road users, truck drivers are susceptible to distractions such as using mobile phones, eating, or using navigation systems while driving. Distracted driving diminishes the driver’s ability to react to road hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Driver Fatigue
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Despite regulations limiting driving hours, truck drivers often push their limits to meet demanding delivery schedules. That decreases reaction time and increases the risk of accidents.
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures, including brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and engine problems, are significant factors in truck accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections can mitigate these risks but don’t always uncover all potential issues.
Overloading and Improper Loading
Trucks carrying loads that exceed capacity or are improperly secured can cause balance issues, making the vehicle more difficult to control. Overloading also increases the risk of tire blowouts and mechanical breakdowns.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, ice, and fog, significantly impact truck driving. Large trucks require more time and distance to stop, and slick or obscured roads increase the risk of accidents.
Inadequate Training
Proper training is crucial for truck drivers. Inadequate training on vehicle operation, safety protocols, and emergency response can lead to critical errors on the road.
Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. Given their size and weight, trucks traveling at high speeds pose a significant danger to all road users.
Substance Abuse
Although regulations are strict, substance abuse remains a cause of truck accidents. The use of alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs by truck drivers can impair judgment and reflexes, leading to disastrous consequences.
How Many Accidents Are Caused by Semi-Trucks?
We don’t have a specific total of accidents caused by semi-trucks. However, most of these collisions involve severe injuries. According to the most recent statistics from the National Safety Council, Kentucky had 130 fatal truck crashes in 2021, making up 11.2% of all fatal collisions that year.
Pursuing a Truck Accident Lawsuit
After a truck accident, you may wonder about the viability of pursuing a lawsuit. Incidents caused by negligence, such as driver fatigue, mechanical failures, or inadequate training, often warrant legal action. However, because Kentucky is a no-fault state, you must meet specific criteria before pursuing a liability claim against the responsible parties. A successful truck accident lawsuit can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact a Kentucky Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident, the Law Office of Pamela C. Brachter is here to help. With over 30 years of experience in truck accident claims, we are committed to guiding you through the legal process. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help.