Paducah Truck Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Truck Crashes in Western Kentucky

Truck accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes that occur on roads across the country, in large part due to the sheer size of the vehicles involved. Trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, dwarfing even the largest passenger car. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, there were just under 10,000 accidents involving tractor-trailers in the state in 2022.

There are myriad reasons why a truck accident can occur, and part of our role as your legal representative is to determine exactly who may be responsible. In many cases, there are multiple factors that led to the crash, all of which need to be considered when determining who can be held liable for your injuries and damages.

In our experience, some of the most common reasons why a truck crash may occur include:

• Trucker Negligence. Truck driver error is one of the most common factors that lead to an accident. Anything from distracted driving — checking a phone, looking down to adjust the radio, retrieving something that fell, etc. to failing to obey the laws of the road can all quickly lead to a serious trucking crash.
• Driver Fatigue. This can both be the fault of the driver, as well as the trucking company. Truck drivers have restrictions on how long they can remain behind the wheel before legally needing to take a break, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to push past those limits, either to hit a deadline or because of poor schedule management. No matter the reason, an exhausted driver operating an 80,000 truck is a recipe for disaster.
• Driving past the legal speed limit is dangerous, regardless of the vehicle. However, it becomes exponentially more so when the vehicle in question weighs as much as a fully loaded truck. The increased size makes it both harder to brake quickly and more difficult to safely change direction for crash avoidance purposes.
• Overloaded Cargo. Trucks have strict weight limits, and going over that number increases the risk of a tractor-trailer accident.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo. Cargo also needs to be loaded so that its weight is evenly distributed and securely fastened in place. Improperly loaded cargo and loads that shift during transit increase the risk of the driver losing control of their truck.
• Mechanical Failure. Trucks need to be regularly inspected and maintained in order to ensure that they remain safe to operate. Brake failure, tire issues, steering problems, and more can all be contributing factors that lead to trucks becoming involved in crashes.
• Poor Road Conditions. Whether the issue is caused by bad weather or a poorly maintained road, external factors can also increase the risk of a truck wreck.

When you are the victim of a truck crash, determining the cause may be the last thing that you’re thinking of. An experienced Paducah truck accident lawyer can help manage this part of the case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Common Injuries Caused by Truck Wrecks in McCracken County

Crashes that involve trucks and other large vehicles often result in serious and potentially life-altering impairments. Some of the most common injuries caused by truck accidents in Paducah, KY include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Neck and spine injuries
• Burn injuries
• Lacerations
• Severe bruising
• Internal organ damage
• Crush injuries
• Severe whiplash

In the most severe cases, truck collisions can be fatal. In these tragic situations, the family of the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages. It’s important to note that there is a statute of limitations that applies to cases like these in Kentucky.

Our state’s laws require these claims to be filed within one year of the date of death. While it can be difficult to make legal decisions while also dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic crash, it’s in your best interests long-term to take quick action and hire an experienced truck accident lawyer in Paducah to help you manage your case.

Let a Paducah Truck Accident Lawyer Support You in Filing Your Claim

If you were seriously injured in a truck accident in Paducah, it’s important to work with a legal team that you can rely on.

At Prince Law Firm, we have fought for and secured tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our firm only takes on a select few cases at a time, which allows us to formulate a deeply personalized and effective plan of action that will put you in the best position to fight for the maximum compensation possible.

Give us a call to discuss your case with a Paducah truck accident lawyer today, or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation.