Truck accidents are among the most severe traffic accidents on our roads, and rear or side crashes can be among the worst. Because of the massive weight and size difference between semi-trucks and cars, collisions frequently result in catastrophic damage and injuries. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a rear or side crash, an experienced truck accident lawyer from Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers is needed to investigate and assess the total damages of your case. Speak to our Kentucky rear and side crash lawyer who handles rear and side crash claims, in order to discuss your rights in a free consultation. We will fight to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Call (888) 782-9090 or fill out our online contact form.
Many people who suffer a rear-end or side-impact collision by a commercial truck are seriously injured because the truck driver was going too fast to stop. Semi-trucks take much longer to slow down than regular cars and must be planned for accordingly. Truck drivers must allow enough room behind other vehicles or before a stoplight to come to a complete stop.
Being distracted while driving is a prominent issue in the U.S. Distractions can include cellphone use, changing the music, using GPS, passengers in the vehicle, eating or drinking, smoking, and more. Federal motor carrier laws strictly prohibit truck drivers from texting and driving or being otherwise distracted by electronic devices.
In addition to the use of drugs or alcohol recreationally, truck drivers may use substances to combat fatigue, loneliness, and boredom. Truckers are typically under an immense amount of pressure to meet deadlines, possibly driving up to 70 hours a week. Illicit or prescription drugs are often abused in order to stay awake, impairing driving abilities and increasing the risk of causing an accident.
Since truck drivers travel for long hours they can easily become fatigued, affecting their ability to safely operate the vehicle. Alternatively, drivers may take powerful over-the-counter drugs to help them sleep, causing a lingering drowsy effect when they do begin driving.
Tailgating is an extremely reckless action and endangers the lives of other motorists. On the other hand, truckers may unintentionally fail to leave enough space to stop when needed and cause a collision.
Poorly maintained semi-trucks, faulty brakes, and trailers left in disrepair are all examples of mechanical problems that can result in fatal accidents.
Potential injuries from trucking collisions can be especially severe, and may include:
Many truck crashes end up being fatal for those involved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 72 percent of the people that were killed in 2017’s truck accidents were occupants of other vehicles. Accident severity can often be influenced if it is an override or underride accident. An override crash occurs when a truck not only rear-ends a vehicle but runs over it. An underride crash takes place when, for example, there is a side-impact collision and a car goes under the frame of the truck.
Insurance companies are notorious for denying valid claims or offering settlements for lower than fair amounts. We will investigate your accident, collect critical evidence, and handle all negotiations with insurers in order to be certain that you are fully compensated. We will work for you on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not owe any legal fees until you secure damages. Speak to our Kentucky rear and side crash lawyers in a free consultation today by contacting us online or by calling (888) 782-9090.