More than 4,000 Killed in Truck Accidents

We are already aware that large trucks pose a serious threat to other vehicles on the road and the latest figures only prove this point. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 4,008 people lost their lives in large truck accidents across the country in 2008. The majority of individuals killed were the occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles.

It is not surprising that large trucks, which are trucks weighing more than 10,000, have higher fatal accident rates per mile traveled than passenger vehicles. A Louisville truck accident may result in more serious injuries or death than other types of crashes mainly because of the sheer size and mass of the truck. Large trucks can weigh as much as 20 to 30 times more than passenger cars. Since tractor trailers are so tall, these vehicles tend to have better ground clearance, as well.

When a semi hits a smaller vehicle, the impact is usually catastrophic and the occupants in the passenger car are the ones who suffer the worst injuries. Passenger vehicle occupants are more vulnerable than truck occupants. Among the people killed in 2008, only fifteen percent were riding in the truck at the time of the collision.

The size of the truck isn’t the only factor involved in fatal truck accidents in Louisville. Truck braking can play a role, as it is sometimes hard for a fully loaded truck to brake in time to avoid a crash. Heavy trucks need more time and room to stop, especially if the road is slippery or the brakes have not been properly maintained.

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Louisville, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and should hold the trucker and trucking company accountable. Contact an experienced Louisville truck accident lawyer at Gray and White Law at 1-502-637-6000 or 1-800-637-6033 for a free legal consultation. We are Kentucky’s top personal injury law firm.