Louisville Trucking Attorneys

Understanding Your Rights

Trucking accidents are among the most catastrophic motor vehicle collisions, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

In Kentucky, there were 8,700 truck collisions in 2020, highlighting the dangers of large commercial trucks.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, understanding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and the common causes of these crashes can be crucial to pursuing justice and compensation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers are federally regulated under the FMCSR, which limits driving hours to prevent fatigue-related crashes. These regulations include:

A maximum of 11 consecutive driving hours before requiring a 10-hour break.

A 70-hour limit within 8 days, followed by a mandatory 34-hour reset before driving again.

Despite these rules, tight deadlines and pressure from trucking companies often push drivers beyond legal limits, leading to fatigue-related crashes.

Fatigued drivers experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of falling asleep at the wheel, all of which contribute to devastating trucking accidents.

Overloaded and Improperly Loaded Trucks

A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making proper cargo loading essential for safe operation. However, overloaded or improperly balanced cargo can lead to:

Rollovers due to shifting weight.

Longer stopping distances increase the risk of rear-end collisions.

Unstable handling makes it difficult for truck drivers to maintain control.

Speeding and overloading are two leading causes of semi-truck rollovers. The front wheels turn faster than the cargo shifts, throwing the truck off balance. When trucking companies or drivers cut corners to meet deadlines, other motorists are in danger.

Poor Truck Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Commercial trucks travel tens of thousands of miles annually, making routine maintenance essential. However, some trucking companies neglect critical inspections and repairs to cut costs, leading to:

Brake problems

A factor in 27% of truck accidents, causing a loss of vehicle control.

Tire blowouts

Worn-out tires increase the risk of skidding or sudden blowouts, which can cause a deadly collision.

Faulty steering and suspension

Trucks require stable steering systems, but failure can result in loss of control and severe crashes.

If a trucking company fails to maintain its fleet properly and a crash occurs, it may be liable for negligence.

Sudden Traffic Interruptions & Driver Inattention

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the leading causes of truck vs. car accidents include:

Traffic flow interruption (congestion, previous crash)

Unfamiliarity with the roadway

Inadequate surveillance

Traveling too fast for conditions

Fatigue

Unlike passenger vehicles, large trucks require longer stopping distances, making unexpected slowdowns or stops particularly dangerous. Other factors such as driver distraction, speeding, and misjudging other drivers’ actions increase the risk of collisions.

Who Suffers the Most? The Devastating Impact on Passenger Vehicles

In most truck accidents, the victims are passenger vehicle occupants, not the truck drivers.

The massive weight and size of 18-wheelers result in severe injuries, such as:

Spinal cord injuries & paralysis

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Broken bones & fractures

Severe burns & lacerations

Amputations & long-term disabilities

Victims may require lifelong medical care, leading to overwhelming expenses and financial hardship.

Seeking Compensation After a Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation)

Lost wages (current and future lost income)

Pain and suffering (emotional distress, PTSD)

Loss of consortium

Navigating a truck accident case is complex.

Trucking companies and their insurers aggressively defend against claims, making it critical to have a skilled truck accident lawyer on your side.

At Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, we have the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for maximum compensation for truck accident victims.

Call 502-888-8888 to get started.

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