Pressure on Tractor-Trailer Drivers Can Be Dangerous
Tractor-trailer and trucking companies across the United States often place undue stress on their truck drivers to make deliveries more quickly than may be safely feasible. Longer hours behind the big rig can cause fatigue, resulting in delayed reaction times, poor decision-making, and even falling asleep at the wheel. Some drivers will rely on stimulants to prevent drowsiness, but in reality, these energy drinks and pills may cause dangerous side effects of their own.
Other time saving methods may involve overloading a tractor-trailer to get more product to the destination faster. Tractor-trailer and trucking companies are regulated by state and federal guidelines in order to maximize safety. Unfortunately, these regulations are often compromised for profit, creating a dangerous environment on the roadways in Kentucky and throughout the US.
The experienced truck accident lawyers at Rhoads & Rhoads have the expertise to help you or a loved one recover the financial damages you are owed if you are involved in a tractor-trailer accident. The sheer magnitude and size of these trucks basically guarantee that injuries to other auto drivers and passengers will be severe and life changing. Our experienced attorneys will allow you to focus on recovery while we aggressively fight to protect your rights.
Rhoads & Rhoads has been protecting the rights of the injured throughout Western Kentucky for over 45 years. If you or a loved one have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, our team of experienced trial attorneys and knowledgeable support staff are available to help provide you legal advice and guide you through this difficult time to get you the financial recovery you deserve.
Tractor-Trailer Companies and Driver Negligence in Owensboro, Kentucky
The devastating injuries or loss of a loved one due to a tractor-trailer accident creates stress for families in many ways. Of course, the first priority for you and your family should be healing and grieving. Unfortunately, the other practical results of a serious accident cannot be put off for very long.
Financial burdens can be overwhelming and increase the stress your family is facing. After a tractor-trailer or semi-truck accident, the truck company and/or the driver can be held liable for your injuries and the life changes you and your family may be facing. Negligence on behalf of the company or driver can be shown in multiple ways, including:
- Reviewing inspection and repair records to verify appropriate maintenance of the vehicle;
- Requesting records of driver’s sleep and driving logs to determine adherence to regulations;
- Utilizing toxicology or accident reconstruction reports in order to show the driver was driving under the influence, speeding, or otherwise not acting in accordance with traffic laws.
The tractor-trailer accident lawyers at Rhoads & Rhoads know Kentucky laws and the federal laws regulating the tractor-trailer industry. Our personal injury lawyers will advocate on your behalf and ensure you understand your rights.
Damages Covered in a Tractor Trailer Accident Claim
Some of the damages that can be recovered in a personal injury and wrongful death claim resulting from a tractor-trailer accident include:
- Medical expenses, including those for ambulance bills, surgeries, doctor visits, and prescriptions;
- Physical, occupational, and rehabilitation therapy;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of ability to earn an income;
- Loss of lifestyle;
- Necessary medical equipment;
- Pain and suffering;
- Psychological or emotional counseling.
While monetary amounts can easily be assigned to damages such as medical bills and lost wages, other damages such as loss of lifestyle or pain and suffering are more difficult to assess in dollar figures. The truck accident attorneys at Rhoads & Rhoads have the ability to maximize your damages to recover the largest settlement possible.
Owensboro and Madisonville Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyers — No Recovery, No Fee
With offices in Owensboro and Madisonville, Rhoads & Rhoads represents tractor-trailer accident victims throughout Western Kentucky. We offer free initial consultations, and all cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, which mean there is no payment required up front. We get paid only if we win or settle your case, so there is NO RISK involved.
Call us at 888-709-9329 or contact us by e-mail to schedule an appointment with one of our Madisonville or Owensboro personal injury attorneys.