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Lack of Truck Driver Training

Kentucky Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers

Lack of Truck Driver Training

A tractor trailer weighs up to 80,000 pounds and requires special skills to safely operate. Truck drivers who have not been adequately trained pose a threat to themselves and the other people with whom they share the road. With offices in Bowling Green, the Kentucky truck accident attorneys of English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP have served accident victims from Warren and Allen Counties as well as throughout Kentucky and Tennessee since 1973. If you have been injured in an accident with an undertrained truck driver, we can help you seek the compensation that you deserve.

Inadequately Trained Drivers May Cause Accidents in a Number of Ways

A truck driver who has not received proper training is an accident waiting to happen. The Kentucky State Police co-authored a report that analyzed truck crash data from 2012. The report states that more than 38 percent of fatal truck crashes involved an out-of-control truck. Further, more than 37 percent of all truck crashes were caused by inattention, and 10 percent of fatal truck accidents were caused by either over correcting or over steering. Truck drivers are educated about all of these potential hazards during training. A trucking company that sends undertrained drivers out on the road may be liable for those drivers’ errors.

Truck Crash Victims May Bring a Negligence Claim

A truck accident victim injured by a poorly or inadequately trained driver can file a negligence lawsuit against the trucking company that employs the driver. To prevail, the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that:

  • The defendant, usually the trucking company, owed a duty to the plaintiff;
  • The defendant breached that duty; and
  • The defendant’s actions were a cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.

A trucking company has a duty to adequately train its truck drivers. If a trucking company skips vital training and leaves one of its drivers unreasonably unprepared, it can be held liable if one of those drivers causes an accident that injures another person.

Because of the nature of truck accident lawsuits — especially those where driver training is at issue — it is vital for a person injured in a tractor trailer accident to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Proving the plaintiff’s case requires special evidence unique to truck accidents, such as driver logs, driver training documents, and trucking company training procedures. The more time after an accident that passes, the less likely it is that these materials may be easily obtained.

Successful Plaintiffs Can Collect Damages

A plaintiff who wins her truck accident negligence case is entitled to damages paid by the defendant. Some damages pay the plaintiff back for expenses incurred as a result of the accident, such as doctor’s bills, the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle, and lost wages. The plaintiff can also collect damages intended to compensate the plaintiff for pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Contact Our Office Today

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Since 1973, residents of Somerset, Madisonville, and communities throughout Kentucky have trusted the Kentucky truck accident lawyers of English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP to help them with their commercial vehicle accident cases. We also represent injury victims in the Nashville area and throughout Tennessee. To schedule your free consultation, dial (270) 781-6500 or visit our contact page.

Client Reviews

I was so pleased with all the good efforts and grateful for all Jessica and her firm did on my behalf.

Clare

Kurt was very helpful, caring, and understood the struggle we had. He was diligent and worked fast to make sure our case was handled quick, fairly and properly. He settled my case above my expectations and has continued to stay in contact to make sure all needs were met.

Amy

I know Kurt to be a man of integrity with an uncanny sense and knowledge of the law and it's workings. I enthusiastically, without hesitation recommend Kurt and would call upon him again.

Linton

Mr. Roby helped me with the process after my car accident. Very helpful and made the process very beneficial for me.

Abigail

At 37 weeks pregnant my wife was in an automobile accident in Bowling Green caused by someone not only under the influence of alcohol but was non-licensed, non-insured, and a non-citizen. With my wife’s vehicle totaled, in the middle of trying to pack and move into our new home just a couple weeks...

Claiborne

Attorney Kyle Roby was excellent, and truly fought for me. I appreciated all the people I spoke with from the front desk clerk, Molly, and Mr. Roby. I thank ELPO personnel for all their kindness, understanding, and incredible diligence towards obtaining the best possible outcome for me. Thank you...

Victoria

Kurt Maier is simply the best! He has always been clear and straight to the point about my cases. He kept me informed every step of the way. If you are looking for a devoted attorney to win your case, I highly recommend him!

Tarinza

Jessica Shoulders and Molly are absolutely phenomenal! I have worked with Jessica for years on several cases, and she has consistently provided top-tier legal representation. She stays on top of every detail, ensuring the best possible outcome every time. Her dedication, expertise, and commitment to...

Ricky

Kyle Roby made me feel like family. I really appreciate how he handled my case. Seemed more like a friend than attorney. Would definitely recommend him to anyone needing an attorney

R C

Kyle handled my case with such professionalism and ease. I was constantly kept informed throughout every step of the process. They began work quickly, answered all my questions, negotiated a more than satisfactory settlement, and was truly passionate about the level of service they provided.

Ashley

We had just experienced a horrible car accident out of state. My mother in law who was our passenger received the worst injuries. We were tied up with her care. Talking with doctors, Medicare, insurance adjusters etc. We contacted ELPO law offices and worked with Kurt and Donna over the next several...

Bill

Such a wonderful experience with ELPO Law firm. Highly recommend Kyle Roby for any accident related case. Case manager Heather Renick made the process easy and understandable. She answered any and all of my questions. Making the grueling process very stress free. Anytime I made a visit to the office...

Mallory

Kurt and Donna were absolutely AMAZING. They truly make you feel heard and handle everything for you. I would never go any place else for assistance. Thank you guys!!

Leslie

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