Motor vehicle accidents that involve semitrailers can be catastrophic for innocent motorists. When truck accidents happen along Dixie Highway, they often result in serious injury and significant damage to smaller vehicles. If you were hurt in a collision with a large, heavy vehicle, it may not be your fault.
There are many factors that contribute to truck accidents. Kentucky truck accident victims may feel overwhelmed by the aftermath of these serious, traumatic incidents, but they may have grounds for a civil claim. If you were hurt in a collision involving a semitrailer, you would be wise to find out if you have a rightful claim to financial compensation.
Braking distance and your truck accident
Semitrailers are significantly heavier and larger than regular passenger vehicles. In fact, they often weigh as much as 20 to 30 times more than a car or truck. Because of this, smaller vehicles are extremely vulnerable in a collision. Additionally, the weight of the truck makes it difficult for these vehicles to stop quickly, which is a contributing factor in many truck accidents. Consider the following:
- These types of vehicles require 20 to 40 percent more distance than other cars or trucks to come to a complete stop.
- When the roads are wet or in poor condition, the distance required by a truck to brake is increased.
- When trucks do not stop in time, they often override smaller vehicles due to their higher clearance.
In addition to braking distance, truck driver fatigue is also a contributing factor in many truck accidents. When drivers are tired, distracted, poorly trained or speeding, it can also contribute to the distance required to brake in enough time.
Who is to blame?
It is possible that there are multiple liable parties responsible for your truck accident. In addition to the trucker, the trucking company or other party could share a portion of the blame for the accident that left you injured. Trucking companies and their insurance providers do not have your best interests in mind, but with help, you can fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents are different from other types of accidents. These cases can be complex, but either through negotiations or litigation, it is possible to secure compensation for the losses you suffered for medical care, damage to your personal property and more. Whether braking distance played a role in your crash or another factor caused your truck accident, you have the right to a full and fair recovery.
