Kentucky Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents

Free Case Evaluation

Kentucky Truck Accident Driver Fatigue Lawyers

Our attorneys are here when you’re injured by a fatigued truck driver in Louisville & Lexington

cpw-design-element

Truck drivers have big responsibilities when they’re on the road. They operate large vehicles that can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and carry heavy or hazardous cargo. When these drivers become tired or fatigued, the risk of an accident increases dramatically. At Crandall & Pera Law, we know how overwhelming a truck accident can be, especially if the truck driver was too tired to operate their vehicle safely. We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured by a fatigued truck driver in Louisville, Lexington, or elsewhere in Kentucky.

Free Case Evaluation

Injury Attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law

Table of Contents

Why is truck driver fatigue so common?

Fatigue among truck drivers is much more common than most people realize. Truckers have demanding schedules, traveling long distances to deliver goods on tight deadlines. They might drive through the night, skip rest breaks, or feel pressure from their employer to stay on the roads longer than they should. Over time, these practices can lead to extreme fatigue, putting both the driver and everyone else on the road at risk.

Even though there are federal rules meant to prevent driver fatigue – like the Hours of Service regulations – some drivers and trucking companies still push the limits. When a driver ignores these rules or is encouraged by their employer to keep going despite their fatigue, the potential for serious accidents rises dramatically.

How does fatigue affect driving?

When someone is tired, their reaction time slows and their ability to focus on the road suffers. Fatigue can also lead to poor decision-making, like misjudging distances or failing to notice other vehicles. In extreme cases, a person might actually fall asleep behind the wheel, causing a crash that could injure or kill multiple people.

Here are few specific ways fatigue can affect a truck driver:

  • A tired driver might not be able to brake in time or swerve away from danger quickly enough to avoid an accident.
  • Fatigue can cause drivers to make risky moves, like changing lanes without checking blind spots or speeding to make up for lost time.
  • Microsleeps are another danger for truck drivers. These are brief moments where the brain goes into a sleep-like state. Even a moment of inattention can be enough to drift out of a lane or miss a traffic signal.
  • A fatigued driver might not notice changing traffic patterns, construction signs, or other hazards that require quick vehicle adjustments.

What are the signs of a fatigued driver?

If you’re on the road, it’s helpful to know what a fatigued driver might look like. While you can’t always tell for sure if a truck driver is tired, here are a few red flags:

  • The truck is swerving between lanes or drifting over lane markers.
  • The truck is braking or accelerating suddenly for no clear reason.
  • The driver appears to be yawning frequently, rubbing their eyes, or nodding off at traffic lights.
  • The truck maintains inconsistent speeds, either going too fast or too slow compared to surrounding traffic.

If you notice any of these behaviors, it might be best to keep a safe distance and report your concerns if you believe the driver is putting others in danger.

What are the dangers of driver fatigue in Kentucky?

Louisville is a major transportation hub in Kentucky, with highways like I-65, I-64, and I-71 all converging in the area. This means a lot of truck traffic goes through the city each day. Fatigued truck drivers traveling on these busy highways pose a huge risk to everyone on the road. Accidents involving semi-trucks can cause pileups, serious injuries, and even fatalities.

Lexington may be smaller than Louisville, but it also sees a great amount of truck traffic. With I-75 and other major roads, truckers often travel through the city to reach other parts of Kentucky and surrounding states. When these drivers are tired, it can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

In addition to these major cities, Kentucky has many rural areas where truck drivers may become tired while driving long, dark stretches of road. Late-night driving can be especially risky, because the human body is naturally programmed to rest during nighttime hours. When drivers ignore their body’s need for sleep, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

What are common types of Kentucky truck accidents caused by fatigue?

There are a variety of different types of accidents caused by Kentucky truck driver fatigue.

  • When a truck driver is tired, they may not notice that traffic ahead is slowing down or stopping. This can result in a rear-end collision, which is particularly hazardous when a truck slams into a smaller vehicle. The force of such an impact can cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers in the smaller car.
  • A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of a truck swings to the side and forms a sharp angle with the truck’s cab. Fatigue can lead to sudden or improper braking, causing the trailer to skid out of control. Jackknifed trucks can block multiple lanes of traffic, leading to additional crashes.
  • Fatigued drivers may overcorrect their steering or fail to adjust their speed for curves, leading to a truck rollover accident. When a large commercial vehicle flips, it can crush nearby cars or spill cargo onto the road, creating even more hazards.
  • A head-on collision is one of the most dangerous types of crashes, often resulting in fatalities or life-changing injuries. If a tired driver drifts into oncoming traffic, the outcome can be devastating for everyone involved.
  • Truck accidents caused by fatigue can quickly turn into a multi-vehicle pileup, especially on our busy highways here in Louisville and Lexington. When a truck driver loses control of their vehicle, other drivers might not have the time to react, leading to a chain reaction of collisions.
Injury Attorneys

How do trucking companies contribute to driver fatigue?

Trucking companies can contribute to driver fatigue in a number of ways, including the following:

  • Some trucking companies impose tight delivery schedules that can encourage drivers to skip breaks and push their limits. This pressure can make drivers feel like they have no choice but to keep driving, even when they’re too tired to do so safely.
  • A well-trained driver should understand the importance of taking rest breaks and following safety protocols. If a company fails to provide proper training, drivers might not realize the risks of fatigue or understand how to effectively manage their schedules.
  • Even though federal regulations set limits on how long truck drivers can be on the road, not all companies strictly enforce these rules. If a company looks the other way while drivers exceed their hours, it can lead to a higher incidence of fatigue-related accidents.
  • When a driver is already tired, a mechanical issue can become an even bigger problem. If a company doesn’t properly maintain its trucks, a fatigued driver can have trouble handling an unexpected mechanical failure, leading to an accident.

What should I do if I’m in an accident with a Kentucky fatigued truck driver?

If you’re injured in an accident with a Kentucky fatigued truck driver, take the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.

  • Seek medical attention. Your health should be your top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional anyway. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms.
  • Call the police. It’s important for your case to have an official police report. This report can help establish facts about the accident, including whether the truck driver showed signs of fatigue or other unsafe driving behaviors.
  • If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Get contact information from any witnesses, and note any statements the truck driver makes.
  • Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. However, be careful not to give any statements about fault before speaking with a lawyer.

Finally, contact the Kentucky truck accident lawyers at Crandall & Pera Law. Truck accidents can be complicated. Our attorneys understand Kentucky laws and have experience with fatigued driver cases. We can guide you through the legal process, working to ensure you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Why do I need a Kentucky truck accident lawyer?

cpw-design-element

Proving driver fatigue requires a detailed investigation. Our skilled attorneys will look at driving logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and even cell phone records to determine if the driver was on the road for longer than permitted. We can also check whether the trucking company had policies that encouraged or required the driver to keep going despite being tired.

Sometimes, the truck driver isn’t the only one at fault. The trucking company, loading crew, or even maintenance contractors could share responsibility. Our lawyers carefully review every aspect of your case to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Insurance companies often try to settle truck accident claims quickly and for far less money than victims deserve. Our experienced attorneys know how to deal with insurance adjusters, demonstrating evidence that supports your claim and fighting for maximum compensation.

Truck accidents can lead to significant medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Our lawyers can help you determine the full extent of your damages, including future costs related to your injuries. We work to ensure you’re fully compensated for the harm you’ve suffered.

While many truck accident cases settle out of court, some may go to trial. If this happens, you need a lawyer who’s ready to stand up for you in front of a judge or jury. At Crandall & Pera Law, we have the courtroom experience necessary to protect your interests.

What is the value of my Kentucky truck accident driver fatigue claim?

If you or a loved one has been injured by a fatigued truck driver in Kentucky, you may be eligible for a variety of different types of compensation, including the following:

  • Medical expenses, which cover doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and more.
  • If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may recover the income you’ve lost.
  • Property damage, to repair or replace your vehicle and other belongings damaged in the crash.
  • If your injuries require long-term care or prevent you from returning to work at all, you could be compensated for these future losses.

Our attorneys will help you calculate these damages and ensure that you pursue a fair settlement or verdict that meets your needs.

How can Crandall & Pera Law help with my truck accident case?

At Crandall & Pera Law, we’re proud to serve clients in Louisville, Lexington, and throughout the state of Kentucky. We understand the unique challenges drivers face in both rural areas and busy city streets. When you work with us, you receive personalized attention and a thorough understanding of how Kentucky’s laws apply to your case.

Driver fatigue cases can be complex, as they often involve multiple parties, federal regulations, and detailed evidence like driving logs. Our legal team has the experience you need to handle these complexities, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome.

Being injured in a truck accident can be overwhelming. We understand you’re dealing with pain, financial stress, and emotional trauma. We’re here to offer legal support and guidance every step of the way. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on your recovery and your family.

While we’re compassionate with our clients, we’re aggressively tough when dealing with insurance companies and responsible parties. We fight to secure you the compensation you need to move forward with your life. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re always prepared to take your case to court.

Do you have a Kentucky truck accident driver fatigue lawyer near me?

Crandall & Pera Law is located at 201 E Main St. Suite 530, Lexington, KY 40507. If you are unable to come to our offices, we can come to you or set up a video conference to discuss your case.

Get help from our Kentucky truck accident driver fatigue attorneys today

A truck accident can turn your life upside down, especially when it’s caused by a fatigued driver who should have known better. At Crandall & Pera Law, we believe that victims deserve justice and compensation for their injuries and losses. Our mission is to guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and help you get back on your feet. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a fatigued truck driver in Kentucky, don’t hesitate to reach out. Please call our Kentucky offices in Louisville or Lexington to schedule an appointment or complete our contact form today.