Everyone has seen logging trucks in Lexington and other parts of Kentucky hauling logs on a flatbed. Those logs are held down by nothing but chains, which may have even caused you to think to yourself, “How do those chains hold everything in place?” Unfortunately, many logging truck accidents occur due to improper securement of the load. Inadequately secured loads and improper balancing of the logs are frequently contributing factors in motor vehicle crashes. Regardless of how your logging truck collision occurred, speak with a Lexington truck accident lawyer for help pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Strict Federal Regulations for Logging Trucks in the U.S.
Recently, an Eastern Kentucky man died in a logging accident. As reported by WYMT, the man, along with others, was working on a site in Cornettsville in Perry County. While the cause of the logging truck crash is yet to be determined, it is known that the driver was killed by “a piece of equipment.”
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict regulations for how loads should be secured, loaded, and transported on logging trucks. Mistakes with the securement, loading, or balancing of the loads on lumber trucks can result in brain injuries, broken bones, and other catastrophic injuries. Many drivers of logging trucks and their employers take shortcuts, which can cause a lumber truck to overturn and spill its load in the path of other vehicles. Many drivers of lumber trucks are poorly trained, some are not sufficiently supervised, while others violate FMCSA regulations in order to maximize their profits. Since log truck drivers get paid by the load, many decide to take as many logs as possible, endangering their own lives if the truck overturns and the lives of other motorists if the truck spills its load onto the road.
Causes of Logging Truck Crashes in Kentucky
In addition to improper securement and loading of logs, a large percentage of lumber truck crashes are caused by poor maintenance. Due to the heavy weight and large size of the loads that logging trucks are transporting, such mechanical issues as faulty brakes, blown tires, steering problems, and other maintenance issues can cause a lumber truck to overturn or be unable to avoid a collision. Other causes of logging truck accidents on Kentucky’s roads include:
- Truck driver fatigue due to driving for too long without breaks
- Negligent driving, including speeding and running red lights
- Alcohol use
- Drug use, including prescription drug use
- Inadequate training and surveillance
- Inattentive driving
- Reckless driving
Liability in Logging Truck Accidents
More often than not, logging truck crashes in Lexington and other parts of Kentucky involve more than one at-fault party. Liability in such accidents is determined based on whose negligence led to the collision. For example, if the driver was responsible for loading his or her truck, the trucker will be held at-fault for the resulting injuries. However, if the trucking company loaded the truck negligently, it may be the only liable party unless the trucker contributed to the accident. Federal laws require logging truck drivers to follow many regulations so that the logs do not exceed specific length, weight, and size limits to make log transportation as safe as possible. Truck drivers and companies that load trucks must also use bolsters, tie-downs, and stabilization techniques to prevent shifting and imbalances.
Contact a Lexington truck accident lawyer from Roberts Law Office to establish at-fault parties in your collision with a logging truck. Let our attorneys investigate your case to collect extensive evidence such as driver logs, employment records, vehicle maintenance records, and others. Call at (859) 231-0202 to discuss liability in your case.