Unique Factors in Truck Accidents

Trucking accidents are different than car accidents for many reasons. One of the most glaring differences has to do with the size and mass of a semi-truck or tractor-trailer in comparison with a passenger vehicle. The sheer size of the truck increases the chances of serious injuries and death. It can also cause more property damage than other type of collisions. Even though truck accidents occur less often than car accidents, these crashes can cause greater harm.

Truckers are required to undergo specialized training and they hold specific licenses that allow them to operate commercial vehicles. They also have to pass certain medical requirements that show that they are healthy enough to drive one of these massive vehicles.

Braking has also been identified as a cause in numerous truck accidents. Sometimes a truck’s brakes malfunctions, which can be caused by the actions of the driver, manufacturer, trucking company or other party.

There are additional risks associated with large trucks, which include the following:

Jackknifing
Large trucks have been known to jackknife, causing serious accident. Jackknifing occurs when the trailer swings to one side, making an angle that mimics the angle that the blade of a jackknife creates with its handle. A jackknife accident may occur when the drive wheels lock up, the front brakes are removed or when the driver is negligent in some way.

Rollovers
Rollover accidents involving trucks claim countless lives. If a trucker takes a turn to fast or of the load is not distributed properly, it can lead to a serious truck accident, as the chances of rollover increase dramatically.

Fire/Explosion
Semi trucks, tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers run on diesel and carry a lot of fuel at any given time. When there is a large truck accident, there is the risk of fuel fire or explosion. Fire usually results from a battery spark that comes in contact with the truck’s diesel fuel. Explosion accidents are generally catastrophic.

If you have been injured in a Kentucky truck accident, you need to contact a Louisville truck accident lawyer at Gray and White Law at (502) 637-6000 or (800) 637-6033 for a free legal consultation. You may be entitled to compensation from your injuries.