As the United States economy continues to grow, there is a greater need to transport goods and merchandise. Interstates and highways across Kentucky are constantly bustling with commercial traffic. Large commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers can present a unique danger to smaller passenger vehicles. Sharing roadways and driving alongside these big rigs can be intimidating. Because of the massive size, truck accidents often result in serious injury or death.
A tractor-trailer caught fire in recent accident in Louisville and resulted in injuries to one person. The accident occurred along Interstate 264. Reports say the driver of the truck drifted into the emergency lane for reasons unknown and crashed into a vehicle. The truck then burst into flames, according to reports.
Unfortunately, there was a person in the vehicle who suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment, authorities said. The driver of the tractor-trailer was also taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. Reportedly, the tractor-trailer was carrying barrels of whiskey or bourbon at the time of the crash, which spilled along the roadway along with large amounts of fuel. Police said the crash closed all eastbound lanes of Interstate 264.
Tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles are vital to the economy and deliver many of the products that consumers need on a daily basis. These large vehicles can also be incredibly dangerous. Truck drivers often suffer from exhaustion and can lose focus. Kentucky families who have suffered loss due to negligence in truck accidents can take legal action. Damages from a successful lawsuit could be used to cover medical expenses and other financial losses.