“I Was Hit by a Truck in Kentucky and It Wasn’t My Fault – What Now?”

First things first: take care of you

If you’re hurting, the only “right” first step is medical care. Get evaluated, follow the treatment plan, and keep copies of every discharge note, prescription, and referral. Pain often shows up later—that’s normal after a high-energy crash.

Your step-by-step game plan (save this)

• Call your doctor or go to urgent care/ER. Follow up with your PCP or specialist.

• Photograph the basics (or ask a friend): vehicle damage, lane lines, skid marks, debris, weather/lighting, and—if a semi or company vehicle is involved—door markings showing the legal name + any USDOT/MC number.

• Get the official report info. Ask for the case/report number and agency. To obtain reports, start with the KSP Civilian Collision Reports portal.

• Preserve digital evidence early. Request that dash-cam, “black box” ECM/EDR, hours-of-service (ELD/HOS) logs, and maintenance/inspection records be saved. (These can overwrite quickly.) See federal rules on HOS and maintenance for commercial motor vehicles.

• Keep a simple injury journal. Note pain levels, sleep issues, work limits, and missed events.

• Be cautious on recorded calls. Share basics with insurers; avoid speculating about fault.

Kentucky rules that matter (in plain English)

• Comparative fault: Kentucky lets a jury split responsibility among everyone who caused the crash. Your recovery can be reduced by your share of fault—but it’s not all-or-nothing.

• No-fault/PIP & the lawsuit threshold: Kentucky’s MVRA sets personal injury protection (PIP) benefits and a tort threshold (you can sue for injuries if you meet the dollar/serious-injury threshold or fall within an exception; some drivers reject no-fault).

• Deadlines (don’t wait): Motor-vehicle claims face strict time limits tied to the MVRA—often measured from the date of your loss and PIP payments. Start early so evidence isn’t lost.

Bonus tip for truck cases: If the at-fault vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle, extra rules may apply—texting/handheld phone bans and hours-of-service limits. These can be vital evidence of negligence.

What if it was a semi or company vehicle?

Commercial vehicles often carry larger insurance limits and have more data (ELD logs, ECM/EDR, dash-cams). If you spotted a USDOT number on the door, that helps identify the operating carrier (the legally responsible company behind the logo). Ask that the agency and carrier preserve relevant electronic data immediately.

Insurance, medical bills, and property damage

• PIP/BRB benefits (no-fault) can help with early medical bills and some wage loss. Track bills and mileage to appointments; keep EOBs.

• Property damage: Photograph your car thoroughly before repairs; keep the estimate and part numbers.

• UM/UIM: If the at-fault driver is uninsured/underinsured, your UM/UIM coverage may help—note these are separate coverages on your own policy.

Evidence to save (checklist)

• Police crash report and any diagram/reconstruction (request via KSP portal)

• Photos/video: scene, debris, skid marks, lane lines, lighting/visibility

• Truck/company IDs: door markings, USDOT/MC, trailer/unit IDs

• Vehicle data (commercial vehicles): ECM/EDR, ELD/HOS, maintenance/inspection logs

• Medical: ER notes, imaging, referrals, prescriptions, work restrictions, bills

• Witness names/contacts; tow and cleanup invoices

• Open records: If you need body-cam or 911/CAD, use the KSP Open Records process (be specific about date/time/location).

FAQs

I didn’t cause the crash. Do I still need PIP?

Yes—PIP can cover early medical/wage loss regardless of fault. The MVRA controls amounts, timing, and suit thresholds.

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How fast do I need to act?

Quickly. Kentucky’s MVRA limitations are strict; delays risk lost footage/logs and missed deadlines.

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The trucker was on the phone—does that matter?

If it’s a CMV, federal rules ban texting and hand-held calls while driving. Violations can support negligence.

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The truck looked small—do federal rules still apply?

Many rules apply when the vehicle (or truck+trailer) meets 10,001-lb GVWR/GCWR and operates in interstate commerce; definition appears in 49 CFR 390.5.

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Where do I get the police report?

Start with KSP Civilian Collision Reports online.

How Morrin Law Office helps (educational)

We help Kentuckians after serious truck and commercial-vehicle crashes—on I-64, I-65, I-75 and rural highways statewide. We move fast to preserve black-box and camera data, identify the right company/insurer, and explain your options in plain English while you focus on healing.

Contact Morrin Law Office — (859) 358-0300 • morrinlawoffice.com • 214 W Main St, Richmond, KY 40475
Serving clients across Kentucky.

Sources

• Comparative fault (KY): KRS 411.182. Legislative Research Commission

• MVRA suit threshold / no-fault basics: KRS 304.39-060. Legislative Research Commission

• MVRA limitations/timing: KRS 304.39-230. Legislative Research Commission

• CMV texting/hand-held bans: 49 CFR 392.80 and 392.82 (eCFR). eCFR

• Hours of Service: 49 CFR Part 395 (eCFR). eCFR

• Inspection/Maintenance: 49 CFR Part 396 (eCFR). eCFR

• CMV definition (10,001-lb threshold): 49 CFR 390.5. eCFR

• Get your report: KSP Civilian Collision Reports portal. KSP App

• Open records: KSP Open Records page (how to request). KSP App

Public-facing disclaimer

This article summarizes public information and general Kentucky law. It is not legal advice and not a solicitation. Do not contact crash victims or families based on this post. Laws change and facts vary; for specific guidance, consult a Kentucky-licensed attorney.