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Kentucky Truck Accident Lawyers

Fighting on your behalf when commercial truck crashes cause injury or death in Lexington & Louisville

Commercial truck accidents can result in devastating consequences due to the sheer size and weight of these massive vehicles. When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the aftermath can include severe injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities. Navigating the aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical treatments, insurance claims, and legal complexities. At Crandall & Pera Law in Kentucky, we understand the unique challenges truck accidents present and are committed to helping victims secure the compensation they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys understands commercial truck accident cases, offering comprehensive legal support to protect your rights. We meticulously investigate each case, gathering crucial evidence and identifying all liable parties, whether it be the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or other entities. With a deep understanding of federal and state trucking regulations, we are well-equipped to handle the intricacies of these cases and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Trust Crandall & Pera Law to be your advocate in this difficult time, providing personalized attention and dedicated representation every step of the way.

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How often do truck accidents happen?

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), “most deaths in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants.” They also report:

A total of 4,764 people died in large truck crashes in 2022. Seventeen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 66% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 16% were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists. The number of people who died in large truck crashes was 51% higher in 2022 than in 2009, when it was the lowest it has been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. The number of truck occupants who died was 83% higher than in 2009.

Out of the 4,764 Americans killed in truck accidents, 3,124 were passenger car occupants, 823 were large truck occupants, and 755 were motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians.

What types of injuries result from Kentucky truck accidents?

Kentucky truck accidents often lead to severe and life-altering injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Here are some common types of injuries that can result from these accidents:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Truck accidents can cause significant head trauma, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain injuries, which can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
Spinal cord injuries: The impact from a truck collision can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis and requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Broken bones: The force of a truck accident can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and the pelvis, often necessitating surgery and prolonged recovery periods.
Internal injuries: The impact can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.
Burns: In cases where a truck accident leads to a fire or explosion, victims can suffer severe burns, which can cause permanent scarring and require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
Lacerations and contusions: Shattered glass, debris, and collision impact can cause deep cuts and bruises, leading to significant blood loss and requiring stitches or other medical interventions.
Amputations: The severe impact of a truck accident can crush limbs, sometimes necessitating surgical amputation, resulting in permanent disability and the need for prosthetics and rehabilitation.
Psychological trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims of truck accidents may suffer from emotional and psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, requiring mental health support and therapy.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, significantly impacting the victims' quality of life. Those injured in Kentucky truck accidents must seek immediate medical attention and consult with an experienced Kentucky truck accident attorney to explore their legal options and secure compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Why do Kentucky commercial truck accidents happen?

Kentucky commercial truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of factors related to human error, mechanical failures, and environmental conditions. Here are some of the primary causes:

Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may be under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to fatigue. Fatigued driving impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Distracted driving: Distractions such as using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can take a truck driver’s attention away from the road, resulting in accidents.
Speeding: Excessive speed is a common factor in truck accidents. Large trucks require more time and distance to stop, and speeding reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle and react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Improper loading: Incorrectly loaded or overloaded trucks can become unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers or loss of control. Properly securing cargo is crucial to maintaining vehicle stability.
Mechanical failures: Trucks require regular maintenance to function safely. Mechanical issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can lead to catastrophic accidents if not addressed promptly.
Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications, can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Inadequate training: Truck drivers need specialized training to handle the unique challenges of operating large commercial vehicles. Inadequate training can lead to improper driving techniques and poor decision-making.
Failure to follow traffic laws: Violations such as running red lights, improper lane changes, and not yielding the right of way can cause serious accidents. Truck drivers must adhere to traffic laws to ensure safety.
Blind spots: Large trucks have significant blind spots where smaller vehicles can go unnoticed. Failure to check these blind spots before changing lanes or turning can result in collisions.
Road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and inadequate signage can also contribute to truck accidents. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris on the road can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

Understanding the common causes of commercial truck accidents can help in preventing them and ensuring safer roadways. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Kentucky truck accident, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney at Crandall & Pera Law to investigate the cause, determine liability, and pursue appropriate compensation.

Who is liable for my Kentucky truck accident?

Determining liability for a truck accident in Kentucky can be complex, as multiple parties might share responsibility. Here are the primary parties who could potentially be held liable:

Truck driver: If the truck driver was negligent or violated traffic laws, such as by speeding, driving under the influence, or driving while fatigued, they could be held liable for the accident.
Trucking company: The trucking company might be liable if they failed to maintain their vehicles properly, pressured drivers to exceed legal driving hours, or hired unqualified drivers. Companies are also responsible for ensuring their drivers follow all federal regulations and safety protocols.
Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, leading to accidents. Those responsible for loading the truck could be held accountable if improper loading was a factor in the accident.
Vehicle or parts manufacturers: If a defect in the truck or its components (such as brakes, tires, or steering systems) contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part or vehicle could be liable.
Maintenance providers: Companies or individuals responsible for maintaining the truck can be held liable if negligent maintenance or repairs contributed to the accident.
Other drivers: Sometimes, another driver’s actions can cause or contribute to a truck accident. In such cases, the other driver may share liability.
Government entities: If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, such as potholes, missing signs, or inadequate road maintenance, the government entity responsible for the road’s upkeep could be held liable.

Given the complexity of determining liability in truck accidents, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can work with you throughout the legal process, gather necessary evidence, and advocate on your behalf. At Crandall & Pera Law, we can help identify all responsible parties and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.

What is the value of my Kentucky truck accident claim?

The value of a Kentucky truck accident claim can vary widely based on several factors. Here are key components that determine the potential value of your claim:

Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical treatments related to the accident.
Lost wages: You can recover compensation for the income you lost while recovering from the accident. If the accident results in a long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
Property damage: Damages may include the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident can include coverage for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Disability and disfigurement: Compensation for any permanent injuries, disabilities, or disfigurement resulting from the accident.
Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact the accident has on your relationship with your spouse or family members.

Determining the exact value of a truck accident claim can be complex and requires careful evaluation of all the relevant factors. Consulting with the experienced attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law can provide a clearer understanding of the potential value of your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Make the call to an experienced Kentucky truck accident attorney today

Delay can hurt your case. Contact a successful truck accident lawyer immediately. Our Crandall & Pera Law truck accident lawyers guide clients through each phase of the litigation process. At all times, we work to understand your pain and your concerns. We fight to get clients full compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Please call our Kentucky offices in Louisville or Lexington to schedule an appointment or complete our contact form today.