Click to Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today Schedule Now

Morrin Law Office

Truck Accident Lawyer in Covington, Kentucky

A truck is defined as a vehicle with a registered weight of 10,000 pounds or more. In the United States, there are an estimated 3 million 18-wheel commercial that are registered for operation. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 4,714 fatalities from truck collisions across the U.S. in 2021.

In the state of Kentucky, there are around 176,334 registered commercial trucks. When a commercial truck is involved in a motor vehicle accident, the results can be detrimental. Those who survive may be left with serious, long-term, or permanent injuries. Due to how large and heavy trucks are, a collision can also result in fatalities.

Following a truck collision, the injured person and their family maybe be confused on what to do next. With the piling medical expenses, lost wages, and grief caused by the pain, it may seem too overwhelming to attempt to file a personal injury claim. This is where a Kentucky personal injury attorney can help.

Personal Injury Attorney in Covington, KY

Morrin Law Firm represents those who have been injured due to the hands or negligence of another. We believe that you deserve compensation to cover the damages caused by the accident. While you focus on your recovery, we will fight to make sure you receive the settlement you deserve. Contact our office for a risk-free evaluation at (859) 358-0300.

Kentucky Truck Accident Data 

A study by the University of Kentucky highlighted the following truck accident data collected from the Kentucky Transportation Center from 1998-2001:

  • Average total truck collisions – 8,681
  • Average truck collisions with injury – 1,845
  • Average fatal truck collisions – 90

Recent data from the Kentucky’s 2021 Traffic Collision Facts Report indicated there were 10,105 trucks involved in collisions, with 129 trucks involved in fatal collisions. Trucks were then accounted for 5% of the vehicles in all collisions, and 10% of vehicles in fatal collisions during 2021.

Covington’s Major Roadways

According to the 2021 Kentucky Traffic Collision report, 21% of all truck collisions in Kentucky occurred on city, county, or other streets, with 34% on interstates or parkways, and 45% on U.S. and state-numbered routes. The following lists various types of roadways and the total number of truck collisions that took place for each during 2021:

  • Interstate – 2,896 truck collisions
  • S. Route – 1,551 truck collisions
  • State Route – 2,615 truck collisions
  • Parkway – 241 truck collisions
  • County – 477 truck collisions
  • City Street – 1,275 truck collisions
  • Other – 170 truck collisions
  • Total – 9,225 truck collisions

The two main highways where truck collisions have occurred in Covington, Kentucky are:

  • Interstate 71
  • Interstate 75

What Causes Truck Accidents?

When it comes to truck collisions, causation is defined as the factors which are most likely to increase trucks involved in serious crashes.

According to the Department of Transportation, fatigue, alcohol, and speeding are major factors in any motor vehicle collision. These three factors, along with the driver, vehicle, and environmental factors, can all increase the possibility of a vehicle wreck.

Based on NHTSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), the following lists the associated factors for collisions between large trucks and passenger vehicles:

  • Interruption of traffic flow
  • Unfamiliarity with roadway
  • Inadequate surveillance
  • Driving too fast for conditions
  • Illegal maneuver
  • Inattention
  • Fatigue
  • Illness
  • False assumption of other road user’s actions
  • Distraction by object or person inside the vehicle

A contributing vehicle factor is any problem with the vehicle itself that may cause a truck collision. It is either the commercial truck company or the driver’s responsibility to make sure everything in the truck works properly. However, if any of the following contributing vehicle factors occur, it could cause a truck collision:

  • Defective breaks
  • Defective headlights
  • Other lighting defects
  • Steering failure
  • Tire failure
  • Tow hitch failure
  • Overload or improper load
  • Load securement

Injuries and Damages from Truck Accidents

Due to the sheer size and weight of a commercial truck, a collision can cause serious injuries or even death. The following includes possible injuries from a truck collision:

If you have experienced any of the above injuries from a Covington truck accident, you should consider speaking to a Kentucky personal injury attorney. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim.

The following lists the damages Morrin Law Firm will help you recover following a Covington truck collision:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Funeral expenses for wrongful death
  • Any other truck accident-related expenses

Each personal injury case will differ in the specific details and circumstances. When it comes to the damages in a vehicle collision, insurance companies will try to get you to settle for less than you deserve to save them time and money. Don’t let them take advantage of you or your well-being. Contact a Kentucky personal injury attorney to consult your case details and determine the extent of your damages.

Recent Truck Accident in Covington, KY

July 2022 – The Covington Police Department responded to a collision involving a Dodge Charger and a semi-truck on I-75. According to the report, Hunter Kuzak, 24, was driving the Dodge Charger when he swerved in front of the semi-truck, causing it to flip over. The semi-truck was carrying an estimated 8,500 gallons of gasoline, and after it flipped it leaked around 500 gallons of it onto the interstate. Kuzak had fled the scene, resulting in his arrest for leaving the scene of a crash and failing to render aid. The semi-truck driver was taken to the hospital for his injuries caused in the wreck.

​How Do I File a Truck Accident Injury Claim?

Getting into any type of vehicle accident is an understandably scary experience. When the other vehicle is a 10,000-pound massive truck, it may seem confusing on how to proceed with both medical and legal steps. Morrin Law Firm provides the following advised steps to take following a truck collision and filing a personal injury claim:

  1. Seek medical help – Always seek medical attention following a vehicle collision to determine any immediate injuries.
  2. Call the police – It is important for the police to be contacted to provide a collision report which states the details and potential fault involved in the crash. If the police are not contacted, you will need to fill out a traffic collision report on the Kentucky State Police’s site.
  3. Collect evidence of the collision – If possible, collect pictures, videos, and notes from the accident scene or from what you remember. You should also document any injuries and documentation from medical treatment. Specifically for commercial truck drivers, it can be helpful to obtain their logbook or maintenance records.
  4. Contact Morrin Law Firm – A personal injury attorney with Morrin Law Firm can provide you with support and legal guidance during this trying time. We can assist in speaking with strict insurance companies and settling the damages in negotiations or in court.

Is There a Time Limit for Truck Accident Claims?

Kentucky Statute Section 413.125 states that any personal injury claim involving a motor vehicle must be filed within two years from the accident date or discovered injury. It is highly advised that you file as soon as possible, as waiting to file can result in losing imperative evidence or getting barred for filing after the two-year mark.

If you have questions surrounding Kentucky’s Statute of Limitations and your personal injury case, contact Morrin Law Firm today.

Wrongful Death

As mentioned above, truck collisions accounted for 10% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in Kentucky during 2021.

When a truck is involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is not uncommon for the outcome to result in death. Losing a friend or loved one in an unexpected truck collision is excruciatingly painful. As the last thing you will want to think about is the legal aspects, Morrin Law Firm can assist with filing your wrongful death claim. While we understand it can’t bring back your loved one, we believe you are entitled to compensation to get your life back on track.

Contact a Covington Truck Accident Attorney with Morrin Law Firm

Were you or a loved one recently injured in a truck collision in Covington, Kentucky? You may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. While it may seem daunting to navigate the legal world, an experienced personal injury attorney can assist in helping you recover the damages caused by the wreck. Morrin Law Firm helps our clients by consulting with the insurance companies on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement. If the settlement is not decided in negotiations, our attorneys are prepared to fight for you in court. Our firm vows to only take the cases we believe we can add value to. Contact Morrin Law Office today and receive a completely free case evaluation when you call (859) 358-0300.