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Morrin Law Office

Truck Accident Lawyer in Georgetown, Kentucky

Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), such as large semi-trucks, play a vital role in transporting goods across Kentucky. However, their sheer size and weight make them a significant concern on the road. A CMV is defined as any vehicle that is used in commerce and meets specific weight or passenger criteria and is regulated by federal law. Essentially, CMVs are large semi-trucks owned or operated by companies to transport goods or services.

In terms of collisions, what is the outcome of a crash involving a CMV? The process slightly differs from accidents only involving passenger cars, due to the various parties that may be at fault. In this page, we’ll cover the basic causes and liability surrounding CMV collisions and how hiring a Georgetown personal injury attorney with Morrin Law can positively impact your civil case.

Major Georgetown Roadways and Kentucky Truck Accident Data

The following lists major roadways in Georgetown where a truck collision may occur:

  • I-75
  • 25
  • 62
  • 460

In its 2021 Annual Report, the Kentucky State Police provided the following data on truck collisions:

  • 10,105 trucks involved in all collisions;
  • 129 trucks involved in fatal collisions;
  • Trucks accounted for 5% of vehicles in all collisions; and
  • Trucks accounted for 10% of vehicles in fatal collisions.

Key Causes of CMV Collisions

Commercial vehicles are large, heavy, and require more time to maneuver. Even when following safety protocols, collisions can still occur. CMV collisions in Georgetown can have devastating outcomes, especially when they involve passenger vehicles. Common causes of these accidents include:

  • Unsafe passing: Approximately 60% of fatal CMV crashes involve front-end impacts when passenger vehicles cut in front of trucks.
  • Tailgating: Following a CMV too closely can be dangerous to the truck’s large blind spots.
  • Inattentiveness: Both CMV drivers and other road users must remain alert to avoid collisions.
  • Right-turns: CMV drivers often need to swing wide to the left to make right turns, increasing the risk of accidents if other vehicles don’t yield.

The Kentucky Department of Transportation found that more than half of the fatal car accidents involving CMVs involve passenger vehicles. A substantial number of CMV accidents result from passenger vehicles weaving through traffic, following too closely, or making improper passes. CMV drivers are also at fault when they misjudge clearance, fail to yield the right-of-way, or speed.

Potential Injuries in Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial motor vehicles, being larger and heavier than standard passenger cars, can cause particularly devastating injuries in a collision, sometimes resulting in fatalities. Common injuries that can arise in a CMV accident include:

  • Burns from hazardous materials being transported;
  • Amputation due to severe trauma or as a necessary medical procedure following the collision;
  • Broken or fractured bones caused by the impact of the CMV;
  • Soft tissue injuries affecting connective tissues, ligaments, muscles, or tendons due to the force of the collision;
  • Neck and back injuries such as herniated discs or whiplash from significant impact;
  • Spinal cord damage leading to paraplegia or quadriplegia; and
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from severe impact to the head.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after an accident and maintain all medical records if you plan to seek compensation. Contact a personal injury attorney with Morrin Law to discuss any questions you may have regarding your case.

Determining Liability in Crashes Involving Commercial Vehicles

A collision involving a commercial motor vehicle can result in multiple parties being at fault. This is because CMVs carry interstate commerce and carry a higher liability. There are also state and federal regulations that must be followed when operating a commercial vehicle on the road. If an accident occurs involving a CMV, the potential at-fault parties may include:

  • The CMV driver;
  • The CMV owner;
  • The manufacturer of the truck or its parts;
  • The maintenance company that last worked on the truck;
  • The local municipality governing road conditions; or
  • The company employing the CMV for cargo.

The attorneys at Morrin Law can help establish liability by conducting a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties.

Collecting Evidence to Prove Negligence

In a personal injury case, evidence is crucial for proving fault and establishing liability. After a truck accident in Georgetown, it’s important to gather any evidence that can demonstrate the other party’s negligence or recklessness. Key types of evidence that can support your case include:

  • Truck driver logs;
  • Driving records;
  • Cell phone records;
  • Medical history of the truck driver;
  • Photos and videos of the accident scene;
  • Accident reports; and
  • Eyewitness statements.

A Kentucky personal injury lawyer with Morrin Law can help you collect and organize all necessary documentation to support your claim.

Compensation for Damages

A person who is injured due to another person or entity’s negligent actions may be able to seek financial compensation through a personal injury claim. The injured party may be awarded based on the value of damages caused by the crash. Damages can include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical expenses;
  • Lost wages and benefits;
  • Vehicle repair or replacement cost;
  • Loss of consortium;
  • Loss of financial support or funeral costs (in wrongful death case);
  • Disability and disfigurement; and
  • Pain and suffering.

An experienced Georgetown personal injury attorney with Morrin Law can review your case and help determine the extent of damages in your case.

Example Cases in Georgetown, KY

  • October 2018 – A semi-truck driver collided with a red pickup truck at an intersection of Cherry Blossom Way in Georgetown. The report indicated that the driver of the pickup truck was signaled a green light to go straight. At the same time, the semi-truck had a flashing yellow light for a left-hand turn. Two witnesses saw the semi-truck and pickup truck collide at the intersection. The driver of the pickup was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • July 2024 – A fatal collision took place between a commercial motor vehicle and a passenger vehicle in Georgetown, Kentucky. According to a local report, the crash occurred around 11:21 pm on July 11, 2024, when a 2015 Acura was driving west in an eastbound lane at the intersection of Cherry Blossom Way and Triport Road. Despite efforts to avoid the wrong-way car, the CMV collided head-first with the passenger vehicle. According to Scott County Coroner Mark Sutton, the driver of the Acura was pronounced dead at the scene.

How a Kentucky Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Your Case

Navigating the aftermath of a CMV accident can be overwhelming. The insurance company representing the CMV driver will likely conduct its own investigation to avoid liability. Therefore, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation on your side.

When choosing a Kentucky personal injury attorney to work with, Morrin Law can provide assistance to your case by:

  • Ensuring the CMV accident is thoroughly investigated with as much collected evidence as possible;
  • Speaking with insurance agents on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement;
  • Communicating with other parties throughout the legal process;
  • Interviewing other witnesses and recording testimonies;
  • Prepare all legal work on your behalf; and
  • If necessary, represent you in court and fight to win your lawsuit.

Morrin Law Office offers free consultations to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.  

Importance of Filing in a Timely Manner

Whether you’re opting to file an insurance accident claim or plan to go to court to sue the at-fault party, Kentucky has specific rules when it comes to the time limits of civil matters. For standard personal injury claims from a car accident, a person has two years from the date of the accident or last PIP payment to file.

If the negotiations with the insurance adjusters pause, if there is an unfair settlement offer, or if the injured person passes a certain threshold, they may seek to file a lawsuit. The threshold includes:

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is one year from the date of the accident. If you fail to submit your case within these timeframes, it can seriously impact your ability to be compensated. The opposing party could be absolved of liability for your damages, or the lawsuit could be dismissed by a civil judge. Either way, failure to meet Kentucky’s statute of limitations would prevent you from collecting the compensation your injuries deserve.

Contact Morrin Law Today

Were you or a loved one hit by a negligent CMV driver? Attempting to navigate the ins and outs of civil law can be extremely complicated. The last thing on the injured party’s mind should be understanding confusing legal terms or processes. You should have the peace of mind to tend to your injuries and work on a full recovery while an attorney helps guide you through the filing of a personal injury claim. The attorneys with Morrin Law are here to provide support and guidance during this challenging time.

While you may attempt to file a claim on your own, having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can provide immense help, by speaking with strict insurance agents and negotiating a fair settlement based on the extent of injuries and damages.

Reach out to the legal team at Morrin Law for guidance and assistance during this challenging time. Our personal injury attorneys offer risk-free consultations when you contact our office at (859) 358-0300.