Semi-trucks are commonly seen on Kentucky’s busy roads and highways. Many people do not like driving around trucks due to the increased risk of a serious or fatal injury in an accident.
According to a recent report, the number of fatalities from truck accidents in Kentucky has significantly increased in recent years. The report, released by the Institute for Safer Trucking, states that 82 people were killed in truck accidents in 2012. This number increased to 128 by 2021.
This increase in truck accidents is not unique to Kentucky. Several states have seen an increase in truck accident injuries and deaths, making our roads more dangerous overall.
Top reasons for the increase
There are several reasons for this increase. Speed limits have increased in many states. In the past, the speed limit was typically 55 or 65 miles per hour. Today, speed limits are often 70 miles per hour or more.
Since drivers often drive over the speed limit, this means an average highway can have drivers traveling at speeds between 80 and 90 miles per hour. Vehicles moving at high speeds cause more serious accidents, especially when the collision involves a large truck.
The popularity of online shopping and fast delivery services is another major reason for the increase of trucks on the road. Many online shopping services today offer same-day delivery.
In addition to more trucks on the road, this means truck drivers are usually under tight schedules and strict deadlines to meet delivery goals. This could lead to reckless driving, which increases the chance of an accident.
Minimum levels of insurance are another major cause. The minimum insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers have not been increased since 1980, despite inflation or rising costs.
The result is unsafe trucks on the road and financial devastation for victims of truck accidents.
What to do after a truck accident
When you are involved in a truck accident, you may be in shock and not immediately realize the extent of your injuries. You should always have a thorough checkup after a truck accident, even if you believe you are not seriously injured.
Injuries such as head, back and neck injuries may not become known for days or weeks after the accident. Follow your doctor’s instructions and treat your injuries properly.
Document the accident scene and your injuries through photographs, videos and eyewitness statements. Save all medical records. Contact the police and obtain a police report.
These are forms of evidence that can be extremely valuable in a personal injury case. Many truck accidents are caused by a truck driver’s negligence.
You must prove negligence to recover compensation for your losses, which can include medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. These losses can quickly add up and impact you physically and psychologically. Building the strongest case for negligence possible increases your chance of recovering adequate compensation.
