Why big-rig crashes happen on Kentucky’s interstates
Kentucky’s high-volume freight corridors—I-64, I-65, and I-75—see a steady flow of tractor-trailers moving between the Midwest, South, and East Coast. State crash-facts reports and federal research point to a familiar mix of human, vehicle, and roadway factors behind serious large-truck collisions. The Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts annual report is the state’s baseline reference for what’s happening on our roads, while federal research (FMCSA/NHTSA) digs into the why.
Quick context: FMCSA’s landmark Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) found that driver “recognition” and “decision” errors (e.g., inattention, too fast for conditions, following too closely) were the most commonly coded immediate reasons across serious truck crashes—along with smaller shares tied to vehicle failures and environment.
Top causes on I-64 / I-65 / I-75 (and how they’re proven)
1) Speeding or “too fast for conditions”
Nighttime rain, low-visibility curves, and stopped/queued traffic amplify stopping-distance problems for tractor-trailers. Investigators look at event data (ECM), skid marks, camera timestamps, and “queue awareness” to show excessive speed relative to conditions. National safety publications consistently identify speeding as a leading crash factor.
2) Distracted driving (handhelds/texting)
For commercial drivers, texting and hand-held phone use are prohibited by federal rule (49 CFR 392.80/.82). Violations can be established through phone records, cab video, and telematics.
3) Fatigue / hours-of-service (HOS) violations
Driver fatigue degrades reaction time and decision-making. FMCSA’s HOS rules (49 CFR Part 395) cap driving/on-duty hours; ELD logs and dispatch data reveal compliance or violations.
4) Following too closely & poor queue management
Sudden traffic slowdowns near work zones, hills, or interchanges (common on I-64’s rolling grades and I-75/I-65 chokepoints) lead to chain-reaction impacts when trucks follow too closely. LTCCS categorizes these as “decision” errors and they’re often reconstructed with dash-cam video and ECM speed/brake traces.
5) Defective maintenance (brakes/tires/lighting)
Braking and tire integrity are critical. Carriers must maintain vehicles under 49 CFR Part 396 and keep inspection/repair records; brake-inspector qualifications are regulated. Lighting and conspicuity failures (markers/reflectors) also surface in night crashes.
6) Improper lane changes / blind-spot conflicts
Side-swipes and squeeze-plays occur when trucks merge across blind spots. Video, mirror settings, and driver statements determine whether the maneuver met the standard of care. (LTCCS notes performance/recognition errors in many side-impact scenarios.)
7) Load securement & shifting cargo
Improperly secured freight changes handling, increases stopping distances, and can cause rollovers. These cases lean on bills of lading, loading-dock procedures, and trailer-interior photos; maintenance/regulatory duties still trace back to the motor carrier under federal rules.
8) Shoulder/incident-scene collisions (secondary crashes)
Crashes into stopped/disabled vehicles or responders remain a problem. Kentucky’s “Slow Down, Move Over” requirements were expanded in 2024 to cover disabled vehicles with flashers—drivers must change lanes when safe or slow down on two-lane roads. These duties matter when a truck strikes a vehicle or person on the shoulder.
Where the data lives:
• Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts & KOHS dashboards for statewide trends.
• NHTSA “Large Trucks: 2022 Data” for national characteristics.
• FMCSA LTCCS & current Crash Causal Factors Program for cause patterns and ongoing research.
How victims hold trucking companies accountable
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Lock down the evidence early
Your lawyer can send spoliation letters demanding preservation of ELD/ECM, driver-facing and road-facing video, driver qualification & maintenance files, and load/dispatch communications. These items link directly to HOS (Part 395) and maintenance (Part 396) compliance.
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Identify every responsible entity
Potential defendants can include the driver, motor carrier, tractor/trailer owners, maintenance contractors, and (in narrow situations) brokers/shippers. Kentucky uses apportionment (comparative fault)—the jury assigns percentages to each at-fault party under KRS 411.182.
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Meet Kentucky’s deadlines
Most motor-vehicle injury claims must be filed within two years, often measured from the injury or last PIP/BRB payment under the Motor Vehicle Reparations Act (KRS 304.39-230). Wrongful-death/property damage timelines can differ—don’t wait to confirm your date.
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Value the full claim
Serious truck cases may involve medical bills, future care, wage loss, diminished earning capacity, property losses, and non-economic damages—plus punitive damages in rare, egregious conduct cases. Document everything and follow medical advice.
Practical steps after a semi-truck crash
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Call 911 and get medical care (adrenaline masks injuries).
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Photograph vehicles, lane lines, warning triangles/flashers, debris, and weather/lighting at the time.
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Capture identifiers: carrier name, USDOT/MC numbers, trailer IDs, plates.
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Collect witnesses and agency info (KSP Post, city police, KYTC).
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Avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights.
FAQs
What evidence proves a truck was speeding or too close?
ECM “black box” downloads, dash-cam video, witness statements, and physical evidence (skid marks, crush profiles) commonly establish speed/following-distance problems.
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Is texting illegal for truckers?
Yes. 49 CFR 392.80 bans texting while driving a CMV; carriers also can’t allow or require it.
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How do fatigue cases work?
Lawyers compare ELD/HOS logs and dispatch data to Part 395 rules to show over-hours or schedule pressure that contributed to the crash.
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Do maintenance lapses matter even if weather was bad?
Yes. Brake/tire/lighting violations under Part 396 can make a bad-weather situation far worse and support liability.
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What if the truck hit a disabled car on the shoulder?
Kentucky’s Move Over duties and federal conspicuity rules often come into play, alongside warning-device/triangle deployment.
Sources
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Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts (2023), Kentucky Transportation Cabinet / KSP.
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KOHS Data & Dashboards, Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.
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NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts — Large Trucks: 2022 Data.
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FMCSA LTCCS (Analysis Brief & overview).
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FMCSA Crash Causal Factors Program (current initiative).
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49 CFR 392.80 (Texting ban); 49 CFR Part 395 (HOS); 49 CFR Part 396 (Maintenance).
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Kentucky Move Over expansion (2024), LEX18 coverage.
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KRS 304.39-230 (limitations); KRS 411.182 (apportionment).
How Morrin Law Office helps
We represent Kentuckians injured in 18-wheeler and commercial-vehicle crashes across I-64, I-65, and I-75. Our team moves quickly to preserve evidence (ELD/ECM, cameras, maintenance files), map every responsible party, and explain your options in plain English.
Contact Morrin Law Office
(859) 358-0300 • morrinlawoffice.com • 214 W Main St, Richmond, KY 40475
Serving clients across Kentucky.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on public sources and current regulations. It is not legal advice and not a solicitation. Laws and facts change—consult a licensed Kentucky attorney about your situation.
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