Bardstown Truck Accident Lawyer

The trucking industry is booming in Kentucky, and with an increased presence on the state’s roadways comes a greater possibility of being involved in a serious traffic accident with a large truck, 18-wheeler, or commercial tractor-trailer.

If you have been hurt or a loved one has been killed in a traffic collision with a large truck, The Bardstown truck accident lawyers of McCoy & Hiestand, PLC can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our Bardstown truck accident lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience helping injury victims maximize their claims. Call today to discuss your case with an injury attorney and find out what steps you should take to seek recovery.

Why You Need an Experienced Bardstown Truck Accident Lawyer

After deciding to pursue a personal injury claim against the trucking company that caused the accident and injuries, it is crucial to work with an experienced Bardstown truck accident attorney who knows the ins and outs of the trucking industry in Kentucky.

Common Factors in Truck Accident Claims

Many state and federal trucking regulations must be followed to maintain the safe operation of a commercial truck. When these regulations are not followed properly, it can prove that the trucking company, maintenance provider, or another party involved is at fault.

Here are some common factors that often result in truck accidents:

Fatigued Drivers

One of the factors a truck accident attorney in Bardstown will look into includes whether the truck driver had driven for a very long time without a break or without resting for an adequate amount of time.

The trucking industry maintains certain guidelines about the acceptable number of consecutive hours that drivers can spend on the road. To determine whether the driver who caused the accident drove for too long, a truck accident lawyer will need to know how to obtain and analyze the driver’s commercial driving log accurately.

He or she will also want to investigate whether the trucking company operated using inappropriate incentives or policies to encourage drivers to drive for too many hours without stopping.

Drunk or Drugged Driving

A truck accident lawyer can examine whether or not the trucking company was conducting adequate drug and alcohol screening and random testing and whether the driver was intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the accident.

We will also investigate how the trucking company makes hiring decisions, including what driving qualifications it requires and the type and adequacy of the training it provides.

Inspections and Maintenance Violations

In addition, we will investigate the truck’s condition at the time of the accident, whether adequate maintenance checks were conducted, and whether repairs were made if necessary. Did the truck adhere to trucking industry weight requirements and restrictions, and was it loaded properly and securely?

Uneven weight distribution and improper loading of goods on the trailer can lead to accidents, especially rollovers and jackknife accidents.

All of the above factors are important for your truck collision lawyer to analyze, and he or she will need to begin investigating the circumstances that led to your accident as soon as possible. For this reason, it is important you consult with your experienced Bardstown trucking accident lawyer right away.

You need a truck accident attorney for several reasons:

• Complex liability issues: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and others. Our personal injury lawyers can help identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case against them.
• Extensive investigation: Trucking accidents require a thorough investigation to gather evidence, analyze black box data, inspect the truck’s maintenance records, and review the driver’s logs and qualifications. An attorney has the resources and experience to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
• Federal and state regulations: The trucking industry is subject to numerous federal and state regulations regarding hours of service, cargo securement, maintenance, and more. An attorney can determine if any violations contributed to the accident and use this as evidence.
• Dealing with insurance companies: Trucking companies and their insurers are focused on minimizing payouts. An attorney can navigate the complex claims process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Maximizing compensation: Truck accident claims often involve substantial damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. An attorney can accurately calculate the full extent of your losses and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
• Handling complex legal procedures: Truck accident claims can involve intricate legal procedures, deadlines, and paperwork. An experienced truck accident attorney in Bardstown understands the legal process and can ensure your claim is handled properly and within the statute of limitations.
• Negotiation and litigation: If negotiations with the insurance company fail, your case may need to go to trial. An attorney can effectively represent you in court and advocate for your best interests throughout the legal process.

Hiring a truck accident attorney can level the playing field against powerful trucking companies and their legal teams, ensuring your rights are protected and increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation for your losses.

In a truck accident claim, several types of damages may be recoverable, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. These damages can be divided into economic and non-economic categories:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses: This includes past and future costs for hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits, medical treatments, medication, rehabilitation, and any other medical care related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost wages: Compensation for the income and wages lost due to the inability to work during recovery or if the injuries resulted in partial or total disability.
• Loss of earning capacity: If the injuries prevent the victim from returning to their previous occupation or advancing in their career, damages for the loss of future earning potential may be recoverable.
• Property damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing the victim’s vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the inability to participate in activities or hobbies that were previously enjoyed due to the limitations caused by the injuries.
• Loss of consortium: In some cases, the spouse of the injured victim may claim damages for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy resulting from the accident.
• Disfigurement or scarring: Compensation for permanent disfigurement or scarring that may have psychological or emotional impacts.

It’s important to note that the specific damages recoverable can vary depending on the unique circumstances of each case. An experienced semi-truck accident attorney can evaluate the details of the accident and ensure that all applicable damages are included in the claim.

What Injuries Do We Commonly See in Truck Accident Cases?

In commercial truck accident cases, victims can suffer from a wide range of injuries due to the massive size and weight of the trucks involved. Severe and catastrophic injuries that result in lifelong complications are not uncommon.

Some of the most common injuries claimed in these cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): The forceful impact of a truck collision can cause severe head trauma, leading to concussions, brain contusions, hemorrhages, and other TBIs with long-lasting cognitive, physical, and behavioral effects.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other debilitating consequences, potentially requiring lifelong medical care and adaptive equipment.
• Neck and back injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, spinal fractures, and other neck and back injuries are common in truck accidents due to the sudden and forceful movements involved.
• Burn injuries: In cases involving cargo spills or vehicle fires, victims may sustain severe burn injuries that require extensive treatment and can lead to disfigurement and scarring.
• Fractures and broken bones: The immense force of a truck collision can cause multiple fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis, often requiring surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Amputation injuries: In some severe cases, victims may lose limbs or extremities due to the catastrophic nature of the accident, necessitating prosthetics and adaptive equipment.
• Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
• Psychological injuries: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional or psychological injuries can result from the traumatic experience of a truck accident.

Our truck accident lawyers in Bardstown can help ensure that all injuries and associated damages are properly accounted for in your claim.