Kentucky Truck Accident Attorneys

Kentucky Truck Accident Attorneys

Each year in Kentucky there are approximately 8,000 accidents involving semi-trucks, which cause about 100 deaths and even more injuries. Studies show that counties in Kentucky with the highest rates of truck accidents are where there is either an interstate or coal truck traffic.

If you have been injured in an accident in Kentucky by a tractor-trailer, the law provides that you be compensated for your injuries. The trucking industry is unique. There are many different entities that may be responsible, and there are specific laws that will affect your claim. An experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through the process of getting you compensation.

Trucking Regulations in Kentucky

Trucks driving on Kentucky roads and interstates must adhere to strict regulations that are meant to keep truckers from posing a safety risk to other drivers. Federal or state laws could be controlling in your case, depending on where the trucker drives. Federal and Kentucky laws are similar, however, and they generally mandate:

• The number of hours a trucker can drive in a day and in a week. This is called the hours of service requirement.
• Proper inspection and maintenance of the truck.
• The weight of the cargo the truck can carry.
• The maximum speed.
• The requirements governing drivers, including licensing, training, and alcohol policies.

A skilled truck accident attorney will be able to determine if the truck involved in the accident was compliant with the applicable regulations. Non-compliance on the part of the truck driver or truck company can help prove your accident case in court.

Understand the Causes of Truck Accidents

Many trucking accidents occur due to non-compliance with state and federal regulations. For example, rollovers and rear-end collisions are oftentimes caused by speeding. Other causes for rear-end collisions are:

• Driver inattention, sometimes due to fatigue and failure to follow the hours of service regulations.
• Too heavy of a cargo load.
• Slick or wet roads.
• Defective or poorly maintained brakes.

Poorly-maintained brakes can also cause a tractor-trailer to jackknife.

The Aftermath of a Truck Accident

Your first priority should be your health. Call and ambulance and seek any medical attention you think you may need. At the scene of the accident, get contact and insurance information from other drivers and call the police. Do not discuss who was at fault for the accident with anyone but your lawyer.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer to Guide Your Claim

Besides having a deep knowledge of trucking regulations, a truck accident attorney will be able to determine the value of your case. That means that he or she will be able to look at your accident and injuries and determine what a fair settlement amount would be.

If you are in an accident, you will likely be entitled to multiple types of damages:

• Medical bills, past and future.
• Pain and suffering, past and future.
• Damage to your property, e.g., damage to your car and any items inside it.
• Lost wages and lost economic opportunity.

A damage award can include compensation for mental or emotional injuries that are caused by major accidents. Depending on the severity of your case, your spouse may also be able to recover.

Hiring one of our Kentucky truck accident attorneys will ensure that you get the compensation you are allowed under Kentucky law. Call a seasoned truck accident attorney listed on this site for a free initial consultation.