Semi Truck Accident Lawyer
With over 70 years of experience and a track record of success, our team of Bardstown attorneys is well-equipped to handle your personal injury case. We represent victims of auto, motorcycle and big truck accidents. No matter the type of case, we understand what needs to be done and we strive to be there for you.
What sets McCoy & Sparks apart is our unwavering commitment to our clients. We prioritize clear communication, personalized attention, and aggressive advocacy to ensure your voice is heard and your interests are protected.
When you choose a semi-truck accident lawyer at McCoy & Sparks, you can trust that you’re getting a legal team that will fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Our team has secured over $70 million dollars for our clients. View our results page to see some of these outcomes.
Semi-Truck Accidents in Kentucky
Negligent truck drivers can easily cause violent collisions that can harm drivers or occupants of cars, SUVs, or motorcycles, even when drivers wear a seatbelt.
Although negligent truck drivers cause catastrophic damage, their large trucks protect them, and they usually survive these crashes injury-free.
In large truck crashes, more than half of all injuries suffered and 69% of lives lost were occupants of the other vehicles involved in the crash.
Kentucky has over 2.4 million registered vehicles that qualify as semi-trucks, which means you or someone you know is likely to be involved in a vehicle accident and possibly experience a life-changing injury. If you drive upon the Bluegrass Parkway or I-65, you’ve seen first hand the number and size of these vehicles.
Why Hire a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney in Kentucky?
While the law doesn’t require hiring a lawyer to represent you, it’s important to consider doing so. Searching online for an experienced ‘semi truck accident attorney near me‘ is essential for several reasons. First, semi-truck accidents often involve serious injuries and substantial property damage due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. An experienced semi-truck accident lawyer understands the laws and regulations governing the trucking industry in Kentucky and nationally. Additionally, trucking companies often have aggressive legal teams and substantial resources aimed at minimizing their liability. Without a proficient legal advocate on your side, it can be very difficult to go up against these powerful interests.
At McCoy & Sparks, our semi-truck accident attorney will thoroughly investigate your accident, gathering crucial evidence such as driver logbooks, truck maintenance records, and dash cam footage. We will work tirelessly to ensure that all potential sources of liability are explored, from driver fatigue to possible mechanical failures. By leveraging our truck accident experience, we ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We will negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent your interests in court to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Having a legal advocate can bring peace of mind, allowing you to focus on recovery while we handle your claim.
What Should I Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Kentucky?
Report and Document the Semi-Truck Accident: Under Kentucky law, you should report any serious vehicle accident to the police as soon as possible and definitely within 10 days if the accident involved property damage over $500 or if anyone was seriously injured or a person was killed. This includes accidents where trucks drove into your house.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately for Any Injuries: Accept on-scene care from first responders and go to the hospital if you are injured. Your health and safety are the priority, so care for your injury and start the road to recovery.
Explore Your Legal Options: No matter who is at fault for the crash, Kentucky drivers and passengers have the legal right to talk to a Kentucky truck accident attorney. Experienced accident attorneys understand your legal options after crashes with another vehicle.
Refrain from Sharing Details: For your safety, refer all questions to your attorney and avoid sharing details on the internet, including on social media.
Most Severe Semi-Truck Accidents Happen on Rural Roads
People tend to think that semi-truck accidents only happen on highways, but that’s a misconception.
Kentucky’s most severe large truck crashes happen on rural roads, including 60% of fatalities that involve large trucks. Just 25% of large truck-involved fatalities (people were killed) happen on interstates.
In fact, the most common type of car crash in the state takes place on rural two-lane highways with no median.
It’s common for a person to be forced from a small road with little shoulder after being hit by a tractor-trailer or other vehicles. Drivers are endangered by distracted large vehicle operators who may, for example, miss stop signs or red lights.
Drivers who exceed their towing load capacity risk losing control of their trailer on rural, unforgiving roads.
The most common time for semi-truck crashes is during the daytime hours on weekdays when tractor-trailers are active on the road.
18% of semi-truck crashes happened between noon and 3 p.m. on a weekday.
Common Kentucky Accidents That Are Caused By Truck Drivers
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions involving large trucks are severe and often fatal crashes from two vehicles impacting at the front end. While only about 2% of all crashes are head-on collisions, they account for 10% of all road fatalities and 13% of rural road fatalities.
- Rear-End Collisions: A truck rear-end collision occurs when trucks crash into another vehicle or vice versa. It can occur at a high speed on the highway, at a low speed on a suburban road, in stopped traffic near a construction zone, in a parking lot, and in many other places. Driver distraction is a leading cause of these many serious and fatal crashes.
- T-Bone Collisions: Side-impact collisions and t-bone collisions involve large trucks and include an impact to the side of a passenger vehicle. A T-bone tractor-trailer crash can easily occur at intersections and in areas with complex and confusing traffic patterns.
- Sideswipes: A sideswipe typically involves a semi-truck colliding with one or more passenger vehicles at a sharp angle while passing on the highway. High-speed sideswipes cause rollovers and accidents when passenger vehicles leave the roadway.
Top Causes of Kentucky Large Truck Crashes
Human error, including distracted driving, is the #1 cause of car accidents, and it is on the rise. The National Safety Council attributes 28% of all car accidents to distracted driving, up from 25% just a few years ago.
Other causes of large truck accidents include:
- Human driving errors
- Drunk/drugged driving (effect of drugs or alcohol)
- Driving while drowsy
- Distracted driving/multitasking
- Using cell phones
- Inexperience with driving, especially when it comes to big rigs
- Speeding excessively
- Weather-related driving issues related to icy, foggy, and wet weather
- Recklessness on the road
- Road rage and road racing
- Road debris
- Truck drivers’ health, mobility, and vision problems
- Improperly maintained semi-trucks, tires, brakes, and safety equipment failure
Working With an Attorney After a Semi-Truck Accident
Our team can help you accomplish numerous tasks that arise after a semi-truck accident, including:
- Dealing with the truck’s driver and their trucking company
- Fighting with reluctant insurance companies
- Talking to the police and other authorities
- Reconstructing your accident
- Identifying witnesses
- Gathering records to prove your injuries
- Collecting security videos or police cam footage
- Locating experts who can add valuable information
- Filing your legal paperwork on time
- Settling your case or taking it to court
You shouldn’t have to spend hours building your own case while you’re trying to recover from an accident.
McCoy & Sparks Will Help You Claim Compensation For Your Accident
In most truck accident cases involving the negligence of the company or driver, we can help you get compensation for:
- All costs stemming from the crash
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering for your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your loved one was the victim of a fatal crash or fire, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future earnings.
What Will I Get if I Win My Auto Accident Case?
We can’t guarantee a particular outcome, but McCoy & Sparks has secured millions in compensation for economic and non-economic injuries.
You can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and perhaps other costs, too.
A claim against a semi-truck company or bus driver also gives you the satisfaction of holding the right person responsible for your injuries and preventing someone else from being hurt in the future.
If you need counseling or physical therapy to restore your mind and body, you may be able to secure coverage for these expenses, too.
You deserve to fully recover from your injuries and the trauma of a semi-truck crash.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Semi Truck Accidents
Understandably, prospective clients have questions before their initial consultation. To help you prepare to meet with our team, here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about semi-truck accidents.
Who Is at Fault for a Semi-Truck Accident?
Proving liability in truck accidents can be complicated. That’s because these accidents may involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or even the manufacturer of truck components. In some cases, another vehicle may also be partially at fault. That’s why you need an experienced Kentucky semi-truck accident lawyer on your side. We know what evidence is important to help prove liability against all responsible parties.
Can I Claim Compensation If I Was Partially At fault in the Accident?
Kentucky follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are 10% at fault, you will only receive reimbursement for 90% of your damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally either one year or two years depending on the circumstances. Motor vehicle accidents, including semi-truck wrecks, are generally covered by a two year period that begins to run either on the accident date or the last PIP payment. Failure to file a lawsuit within the deadline means the court could dismiss your case.
What Should I Know About the Regulations Governing Semi-Trucks in Kentucky?
Semi-trucks are subject to federal and state regulations, including limits on driving hours, maintenance requirements, and cargo securement standards. Understanding these regulations is crucial because violations can significantly impact liability in the event of an accident. A knowledgeable Kentucky semi-truck accident attorney can help identify any breaches in these regulations that support your case.
McCoy & Sparks: In Your Town and On Your Team.
We are a Kentucky large truck accident attorney firm located in Bardstown representing accident victims across Kentucky.
We have the experience to handle your semi-truck accident injury claim and can get results for our clients, including multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements.
How to Request a Free Consultation With a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer at McCoy & Sparks
After a semi-truck collision where you were injured, please contact McCoy & Sparks for a free and confidential consultation. We’ll ask questions about your situation and help you understand what to do next.
We’ve been one of the area’s best law firms for over several decades and counting because McCoy & Sparks works to help people in trouble.
We have a history of representing thousands of clients in Central Kentucky, providing premium service and superior results.
If you’re suffering from injuries related to being hit by large trucks, our team will assist by gathering evidence and helping you to develop a strategy that best serves your personal needs and helps you reach the best possible result. Call the firm today at 1-844-4KY-WINS.
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS YOUR TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE.