Morrin Law Office
Truck Accident Lawyer in Lexington, Kentucky
Driving on a busy highway or road can be stressful when there are large commercial trucks around you. A truck is considered a vehicle who has a registered weight of 10,000 pounds or more. Due to the large size and weight of these machines, a collision can cause extensive injuries or in the worst cases, death.
Although most truck drivers are trained and qualified to operate these large vehicles, mistakes can still be made that lead to serious collisions. If you’ve experienced injuries from a truck collision that was caused by someone else, you should consider hiring a personal injury attorney.
The aftermath of a truck collision can leave you in serious pain and confusion about what to do next. With the stacking of medical bills and other crash-related expenses, you’ll want an experienced attorney on your side who understands the nuances of Kentucky’s laws. The truck collision personal injury attorneys at Morrin Law Firm are here to help guide you through this trying time and get you back into optimal health.
Personal Injury Attorney in Lexington, KY
The personal injury attorneys at Morrin Law Firm represent those in need of legal assistance after a vehicle collision in Lexington or the surrounding areas. Our firm understands the pain and suffering you have felt due to the injuries and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our office today to receive a risk-free evaluation at (859) 358-0300.
Kentucky Truck Accident Data
Each year the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet releases data documenting traffic accidents across the state. The following includes the data from their five-year report on commercial truck collisions from 2017-2021:
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Total truck collisions | 9137 | 9898 | 9821 | 7999 | 9225 |
| Truck collisions with injury | 1323 | 1411 | 1319 | 1218 | 1374 |
| Fatal truck collisions | 75 | 94 | 98 | 99 | 106 |
According to the 2021 Kentucky Traffic Collison report, 21% of all truck collisions occurred on city, county, or other streets, 34% took place on interstates or parkways, and 45% took place on U.S. and state-numbered routes.
Kentucky’s Dangerous Roadways
In 2022 Kentucky was ranked number 6th in the nation for the most dangerous roads. Based on the 2021 Kentucky Traffic Collision report, the following lists the top interstates where traffic collisions occur:
- I-24 – 807 collisions
- I-64 – 1,575 collisions
- I-65 – 2,248 collisions
- I-69 – 299 collisions
- I-71 – 927 collisions
- I-75 – 3,893 collisions
- I-264 – 718 collisions
- I-265 – 287 collisions
- I-275 – 993 collisions
- I-471 – 355 collisions
Causes of Truck Accidents
There are multiple factors that can cause a truck collision. The Department of Transportation identifies fatigue, alcohol consumption, and speeding as the main factors in most vehicle collisions.
When it comes to truck collisions, some of the common causes include:
- Illegal maneuvers
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Interruption of traffic flow
- Unfamiliarity with roadway
- Inadequate surveillance
- Load securement
- Tire failure
- Defective brakes
- Tow hitch failure
- Oversized load
- Lighting defects
- Steering failure
When determining fault for an accident involving a commercial truck, figuring out the cause can help. For example, the fault of a truck collision caused by speeding will likely be placed on the truck driver. Whereas the fault of a truck collision caused by defective brakes may be placed on the commercial truck company.
Although not every truck collision will result in a lawsuit, you should consider speaking to a Lexington personal injury attorney if you’ve experienced any of the following:
- You believe another person was responsible for the truck collision;
- You suffered injuries that were more severe than requiring simple first aid care;
- You were transported to the hospital or urgent care for your injuries;
- Your injuries from the truck collision required follow-up treatment;
- Your injuries have caused you to miss work; and/or
- Your injuries have prevented you from enjoying your normal routines or activities.
Possible Injuries
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states commercial trucks weigh nearly 30 times more than a passenger motor vehicle. That means colliding with other vehicles has the potential to create a lot of damage and injuries. Common injuries that may occur from a truck collision include:
- Amputations
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Cuts
- Internal bleeding or injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
If you were recently in a truck collision in Lexington, Kentucky and have experienced any of the above injuries, contact Morrin Law Firm to discuss your options for filing a personal injury claim.
Example Truck Accident Case from Lexington, KY
January 2023 – The Lexington Police Department responded to a collision between a semi-truck and pickup truck on I-75. According to the report, the wreck took place around 10pm when the two large vehicles collided. The driver of the pick-up truck was left with life-threatening injuries and was transported to the UK Medical Center. A Fayette County Coroner reported 19-year-old Kennedy Knowles’ death at 10:44pm.
What Compensation can I Recover from a Truck Accident Claim?
In a personal injury case, the damages refer to the amount of money a party requests the court award them to try and make the injured party whole again.
After an unexpected accident, financial stresses may become overwhelming. By filing a personal injury claim, Morrin Law Firm can help you receive compensation for any of the following:
- Past, current, or future medical bills relating to the injury
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Lost wages from missed work
- Future projected loss
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment in life
It is worth noting that insurance companies may try to get you to settle extremely quickly after a truck accident. However, you should keep in mind that the extent of the damages caused in the collision may not be clear right away. This is why it’s important to receive medical attention, keep all injury documentation, and consult with a Lexington personal injury attorney to represent your case.
Filing within Kentucky’s Limits
If you have been injured in a Lexington truck accident and are planning to file a personal injury claim, it is important that you are familiar with Kentucky’s Statute of Limitations.
Kentucky Statute Section 413.125 explains there is a two-year limit for any personal injury claim involving a motor vehicle. The two years are marked from the date of the accident or the discovered injury.
In short, you should try to file a personal injury claim as soon as possible. By waiting to file, you run the risk of losing important documentation or evidence that could help your claim. In some cases, waiting too long may result in your case getting barred. This would be unfortunate, as it would prevent you from receiving the compensation your injuries deserve. Contact Morrin Law Firm regarding any questions you have about the statute of limitations.
What are the Benefits of Hiring a Lexington Truck Accident Attorney?
While there is no requirement for working with an attorney after a truck accident, there are benefits to having a legal professional on your side. At Morrin Law, our attorneys can assist during your Lexington truck accident claims in the following ways:
- Discuss settlement options with insurance companies on your behalf;
- Gather evidence to prove the other party’s liability or negligence;
- Obtain and organize all medical records and bill documents;
- Speak with medical professionals on the extent of your injuries to assess damages;
- Use medical specialists and experts to determine how the injuries will affect your future;
- Provide an accurate estimate of the value of your claim;
- Fight to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party and insurance companies; and
- If necessary, take the case to trial to fight for compensation.
Our personal injury attorneys want to provide you with non-stop support during this trying time. Morrin Law Firm will take care of all the heavy aspects of the claim while you focus on gaining a full physical, mental, and emotional recovery.
Contact a Lexington Truck Accident Attorney with Morrin Law Firm
Getting into an accident with a commercial truck is a likely terrifying experience. The size and weight of these massive vehicles have the potential to cause serious damage, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities each year in Kentucky. If you or someone you love has been in a truck accident in Lexington, Kentucky, it is in your best interest to reach out to a personal injury attorney.
A personal injury attorney who specializes in truck accidents will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout the case. Morrin Law Firm prides ourselves on being an advocate for our clients and their well-being. We work on a contingency basis, so we only get paid if you do! We also provide risk-free case evaluations to determine whether we can provide value or not. Contact our office today at (859) 358-0300 for us to get started on your claim.