There is a shortage of truck drivers on the road and believe it or not, that’s a bad thing for highway safety. When there is a shortage of qualified truck drivers you face unsafe travel conditions. The demand for trucking freight has not decreased, meaning that sometimes companies are forced to hire less qualified drivers. Drivers are also working longer hours to meet demand, resulting in fatigue and more accidents.
There are federal laws regarding drivers’ hours, but those rules aren’t always followed as companies struggle to meet transportation deadlines. Add the long hours to the unqualified or less experienced drivers and you have a recipe for disaster.
The most common truck accidents are caused by:
– Speeding
– Unqualified Driver
– Traffic Violations
– Impaired Driving
– Unsecured Cargo
– Fatigued Driver
– Truck Malfunction
Kentucky law allows people who are injured by trucker negligence compensation for their injuries. Depending on the accident and causes there are several possibilities for liability such as the trucking company or the truck manufacturer. Accidents involving violations of federal or state safety regulations can be more complicated. If you have been hurt following an accident involving a truck you should retain a personal injury attorney who has experience with truck accident litigation.
As soon as you can following an accident, write down all of the details you remember and take photos where possible. Document contact information for company involved, driver, and witnesses. Make sure that you file a police report and have a thorough medical evaluation.
It is important that you do not accept any kind of settlement offer before speaking to an attorney.
