Kentucky truckers share the road with plenty of non-commercial vehicles every day. This can understandably make some nervous, as trucks – especially commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers – can dwarf almost every other car on the road. Knowing more about these vehicles can help. Today, we look at some contributing factors of truck accidents.
FindLaw takes a look at some of the common causes of trucking accidents, which can be caused either by the truckers themselves or even by other drivers on the road. When it comes to other drivers, causes can include driving in the “no drive” zones, unsafe passing, abrupt lane changes, driving between large trucks, or passing a truck and getting hit by air turbulence.
Truck drivers can also potentially cause crashes, though. Normally, this is because they haven’t received adequate training. However, the fault can also lie with the trucking company itself. For example, some trucking companies encourage or even reward potentially unsafe behavior, like traveling unrealistic distances or hours in one drive. Others may have unrealistic schedules or expectations of their drivers, leading to a decrease in emphasis on safety and an increase in emphasis on the “end result”.
Many of these schedules and expectations can result in driver fatigue, a major component in numerous trucking incidents. If a driver is not rested well enough before starting a long trek, they could easily end up creating a situation that is ripe for an accident.
If you have been involved in a crash with a truck, or are a driver who has, then contact an attorney. They can help you receive compensation for any losses or injuries you may have faced.