Kentucky Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents can be some of the most devastating accidents on the road. Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage and severe injuries to those involved in an accident.

If you or someone close to you has suffered an injury in a Kentucky truck accident, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and seek the assistance of a skilled and experienced Kentucky truck accident lawyer. Talk to an attorney with Penn Kestner & McEwen to learn more about how we can help. Call (800) 732-3070 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Kentucky Truck Accident Statistics

According to the Kentucky State Police, there were 10,689 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in 2019. Of those crashes, 106 were fatal, and 1,419 resulted in injuries. These statistics highlight the seriousness of truck accidents in Kentucky and the need for legal representation in the event of an accident.

State Trucking Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations for commercial trucks and drivers operating interstate highways. These regulations cover areas such as driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and more.

Additionally, Kentucky has its own set of state trucking regulations that govern commercial vehicles. These include the following:

  • Truck drivers need to meet many qualifications to get a Kentucky Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Not only do they need to pass a drug test and physical examination, but they also need to pass road skills and written tests. If they plan on hauling hazardous materials, they must pass several other tests.
  • Every Kentucky truck driver must maintain a log book written in their own handwriting. This book must contain detailed information regarding their trip. These include the cargo the driver transported, any problems during the trip, and more.
  • If a truck is over 80 inches wide or weighs over 10,000 pounds, it must have red and white reflectors. These reflectors must not only be on the lower rear of the vehicle but must also be located along the sides, covering at least one-half the trailer’s length.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

  • Driver fatigue or inattention: Truck drivers often work long hours and may drive for extended periods without taking adequate rest breaks. This can cause drivers to make critical errors on the road, increasing the risk of an accident.
  • Speeding or reckless driving: Commercial truck drivers may be pressured to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading them to drive at excessive speeds or engage in reckless driving behaviors.
  • Defective equipment: If the manufacturer of a truck or any of its components commits negligence, that can significantly increase the chances of an accident. Injury victims may be able to sue that manufacturer as a result.
  • Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers or other accidents.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Impaired driving can seriously impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of a truck accident.
  • Failure to follow state and federal regulations: Violations of state and federal trucking regulations can result in truck accidents. For example, drivers may fail to secure cargo, leading to spills and collisions adequately.

Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can take many forms, including:

  • Rear-end collisions: These accidents occur when a truck collides with the rear of another vehicle. They can be caused by driver inattention or following too closely.
  • Jackknife accidents: A jackknife happens when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side of the cab, creating a dangerous situation for other drivers on the road.
  • Override and underride accidents: These accidents occur when a truck rolls over the top of a passenger vehicle or a car collides with a truck and becomes wedged under the truck’s trailer.
  • Rollover accidents: A rollover is where a truck tips over onto its side or roof. Rollovers occur for many reasons, including driver error, improper maintenance, etc.
  • Blind spot accidents: Blind spot collisions occur when a truck driver fails to see another vehicle in their blind spot, leading to a collision.

The Costs and Consequences of Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accident injuries can be severe and life-changing. The following is a list of some of the more common examples.

  • Traumatic brain injuries can lead to permanent damage, affecting a person’s cognitive and physical abilities.
  • Spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
  • Broken bones can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy.
  • Burns and lacerations may require skin grafts and other forms of reconstructive surgery.

In addition to the physical toll, truck accident injuries can result in emotional trauma and financial hardship. Medical bills and lost wages can quickly add up, leaving accident victims struggling to make ends meet.

Factors that Determine Your Claim’s Value

There are a lot of different factors that will go into determining the amount of money you may receive.

  • The severity of your injuries.
  • The cost of medical treatment.
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Property damage.

An experienced truck accident attorney can help you understand the value of your claim and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.

How to Recover Your Damages

Recovering damages after a truck accident can be a complex and challenging process. It may involve negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and filing a lawsuit. That’s why you’ll need a skilled lawyer working for you. Your attorney should have extensive experience representing clients in truck accident cases since they can be highly complex.

Contact Penn Kestner & McEwen to Speak with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a truck accident in Kentucky, the attorneys at Penn Kestner & McEwen can help. We have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and can fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (800) 732-3070 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled and compassionate truck accident lawyer.