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Trucking Accidents: What Causes Them and Who to Hold Liable

On Behalf of | Dec 2, 2015 | Car Accidents |

When an automobile is involved in an accident with a truck, the aftermath can be devastating. A tractor trailer weighs as much as 80,000 pounds–sixteen times more than the average car. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has enacted special laws and regulations meant to lower the number of commercial trucking accidents. If you were involved in a trucking accident, seek out a truck accident attorney in Kentucky to represent you. You need a lawyer with localized expertise to help you file your trucking accident claim.

The Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common causes of commercial trucking accidents are:

  • Loss of control after an event, such a blown tire
  • Vehicle failure
  • Another motor vehicle crosses over onto the trucker’s lane
  • Road conditions that have not been maintained or bad weather
  • Speeding
  • Cargo is loose and shifts
  • Reckless driving
  • Stopped vehicle in road
  • Foreign objects on road
  • Driver fatigue
  • Drunk driving

Fault in a trucking accident can be attributed to the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident.

Who to Hold Responsible After a Commercial Truck Accident

If it is determined that you are not at fault for the accident, you can file a claim against the truck driver and the trucking company for which the driver works. If it is possible, gather as much information as possible after a trucking accident. Write down the name of the truck driver and trucking company, license plate number, and any details you can remember about the accident while they are still fresh. If the truck driver swerved into your lane, was driving under the influence or was driving recklessly, your claim will most likely be filed against the truck driver. Depending on the cause of the accident, the trucking company can be held responsible for neglectful hiring practices or inadequate maintenance performances. If a key piece of equipment malfunctioned, causing the accident, your attorney might look into filing a claim against the manufacturer of the equipment, especially if there is a record of faulty workmanship. Your truck accident attorney will examine your case and help you determine who should be held responsible for your injuries. Once your case has been heard, the court will make a final determination of liability. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) accidents involving commercial trucks are increasing. In 2012, 333,000 trucks were in collisions with other vehicles. Trucking accident fatalities rose 4% to 3,921 deaths. If you have been the victim of a commercial trucking accident, experienced truck accident attorneys can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and lost work time.If you need a trucking accident attorney in Kentucky, contact Edwards & Kautz Law Firm Law Firm at 270-908-4914 to schedule a free legal consultation

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