Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. No matter the reason, these accidents can cause significant damage and fatalities. In fact, according to state statistics, over 2,000 injuries occurred in truck collisions in 2018 alone. These accidents can have lasting and traumatic results for both the truck drivers and other motorists involved.
Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Kentucky has been in shipping and cargo for years, and many trucks drive through the state every day. Commercial trucks are high risk due to their size, weight, and lack of visibility. Truck drivers must be alert and attentive on the road; otherwise, there can be catastrophic results.
Common causes of truck accidents:
- Alcohol or drug use
- Driver fatigue
- Driver distractions
- Failure to adequately check surroundings
- Improper loading
- Illegal scheduling
Substance use or distractions are obvious, but most people may not be familiar with the risks of improper loading and scheduling of drivers.
Overloading can cause equipment failure and increase stopping distance. The stopping distance is the distance it takes a truck to stop once the driver has initiated the brake. Overloading increases stopping distance which increases the risk of hitting a vehicle from behind. When the load is stacked too high, it can cause the center of gravity to shift and become hazardous when making turns. Balance and security are crucial for truck drivers. When the load is not secure or off-balance, handling the truck can become risky to the driver and surrounding vehicles.
Illegal scheduling can increase the chance of driver fatigue, which can ultimately result in accidents caused by drowsy driving. Typically, truck companies pay drivers by the mile or the load, so driving nonstop may be an attractive option for truckers looking to increase their pay.
Who Is at Fault?
Often, the blame for a truck accident goes beyond the driver. The truck companies are responsible for scheduling the drivers according to legal time limitations, and for performing proper routine inspections. When they act negligently in these areas and an accident occurs as a result, the truck company should be held at fault for any injuries, fatalities, and damages that occur.
Compensation
Compensation for truck accidents can be affected by several things. In Kentucky, auto insurance policies should cover a portion of the medical costs. However, if the damage to you, your vehicle, or property exceeds your premium (and it often does), you may have expenses that you can’t afford to pay.
Trucking companies are typically backed by insurance policies that protect them in the event of a crash. This may mean less money from the company to cover the cost of your accident. This is precisely why victims need an experienced attorney on their side in the wake of an accident. Due to the nature of truck accidents, fatalities and severe injuries are likely, and victims could need hospitalization for extended periods, not to mention all of the other expenses related to the crash. Without an injury attorney going to bat for you against the insurance company, it’s unlikely that these expenses will be covered.
Ultimately, the amount of compensation depends on your unique circumstances. Insurance companies typically base payment on the severity of the injuries and damage to property. The more robust the truck company’s insurance policy is, the less likely you are to get a settlement that covers your accident costs in their entirety.
How to Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you might be responsible for hospital bills, unemployment, or job loss due to your injuries, funeral costs, and damages. These accidents cause a lot of damage. Truck companies and your insurer may not be willing to pay you the compensation you deserve. If you believe you have a case, contact the Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher today. Attorney Bratcher has over three decades of experience to put toward your case.
We know you are feeling stressed, hopeless, and devastated because of your accident. At the Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher, we treat our clients with care. Attorney Bratcher has the experience you need to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to call us at (270) 783-8311 or visit the Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher online today.