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Big rigs and negligent driving

On Behalf of | Nov 18, 2018 | Uncategorized |

Construction areas, gravel or debris-covered roads and slick asphalt are common across Kentucky, from major thoroughfares to winding country roads. At Russell & Ireland Law Group, LLC, we often represent clients injured in a crash with a commercial or eighteen-wheeler.

According to the FMCAS, approximately 25 percent of big rig fatalities occur when road conditions are poor. In many cases, speed is a factor. Reducing speed by one-third or more and leaving more space between you and the vehicle in front of you are the best actions you can take when road and weather conditions are challenging.

Due to their size and weight when loaded, tractor trailer trucks require 40 percent more distance to stop than you do in a passenger vehicle when the road conditions are optimal. When roads are slick, their stopping distance increases. As a result of their higher center of gravity, they are prone to rollovers on curving roadways. In areas with reduced speed limits for these situations and more, big truck drivers who do not slow down accordingly may be considered negligent if there is an accident.

Lane closures, sudden stops and debris are common in work zones. When eighteen-wheelers are moving too fast in these circumstances, they may not be able to respond to these conditions in time to prevent an accident. If you were injured in a traffic accident that involved the negligence of a big rig driver, there might be grounds for a claim. Visit our webpage for more information on this topic.