Trucking Accidents: The Harsh Reality
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 posed by 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
1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers are federally regulated under the FMCSR, which sets limits on 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 an 8-day period, 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.
2. 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, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Unstable handling, making it difficult for truck drivers to maintain control.
Speeding and overloading are two leading causes of semi-truck rollovers, as the front wheels turn faster than the cargo shifts, throwing the truck off balance. When trucking companies or drivers cut corners to meet deadlines, they put other motorists in serious danger.
3. Poor Truck Maintenance and Equipment Failures
Commercial trucks travel tens of thousands of miles per year, 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 large 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 properly maintain its fleet and a crash occurs, they may be held liable for negligence.
4. 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 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 further 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)
- Property damage (repair or replacement of your vehicle)
- Loss of quality of life
Why You Need an Experienced Louisville Truck Accident Attorney
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.