Morrin Law Office
Attorney for Commercial Vehicle Accident in Owensboro, Kentucky
In 2022, Kentucky had a total of 186,501 commercial vehicles registered in the state. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines a commercial motor vehicle as any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle that a company uses on a highway in interstate commerce.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Owensboro, Kentucky, you may be facing a difficult road ahead. These types of accidents, often involving large trucks or delivery vehicles, can result in severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Commercial vehicle accidents can also result in property damage and the worst of cases, the loss of life.
Navigating the complexities of such a situation requires a dedicated and experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney who understands the unique challenges posed by commercial vehicle accidents.
Financial Recovery from a Commercial Vehicle Accident Injury
When semi-trucks, tractor trailers, and other large commercial vehicles collide with other cars on the road, the consequences can be devastating. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles often lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and tragically, even fatalities. The aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident can extend beyond the immediate physical injuries, impacting the victims mentally and financially.
The truck accident team at Morrin Law works diligently to assess the full extent of your injuries and pursue all forms of compensation you may be entitled to, which can include:
- Medical expenses;
- Costs for vehicle repair and other property damage;
- The value of the vehicle (if totaled);
- Lost wages from missing work, including loss of benefits;
- Diminished earning capacity if your injuries hinder your ability to work;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress, such as psychological trauma; and
- Disability and disfigurement.
Our attorneys evaluate accident injuries through the same lens as the insurance companies to ensure an accurate estimation of the case’s value. This comprehensive approach is crucial, as you cannot seek additional compensation once your case has been settled, even if new damages arise later.
Who is Held Liable in a Collision Involving a Commercial Truck?
With numerous companies transporting goods in and out of Kentucky, accidents involving trucks and other commercial vehicles require careful consideration of a range of factors. It’s important to understand that the truck driver may not be the only party responsible for the accident.
Kentucky law holds companies accountable for the actions of their employees while they are on the job, a legal concept known as “vicarious liability.” One of our top priorities is to identify the trucking or commercial vehicle company that employs the driver responsible for the accident.
In addition to the driver and their employer, the other parties may also share liability if their actions contributed to the accident. Potentially liable parties in a truck accident case may include:
- The commercial vehicle driver;
- The company that employs the driver;
- The maintenance company responsible for servicing the vehicle;
- The manufacturer of the vehicle or its components;
- The local government responsible for the road conditions where the accident occurred; or
- A third-party driver played a role in causing the collision.
To ensure all liable parties are identified, our Kentucky truck accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your case.
When a Commercial Vehicle Collision Causes a Death
Collisions between large trucks and passenger vehicles often have devastating consequences for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that in 97% of such accidents, it is the passengers in the smaller vehicles who lose their lives.
If you have tragically lost a loved one in a truck or commercial vehicle accident in Owensboro, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation may be sought for various damages, including:
- Loss of consortium;
- Loss of financial support from your loved one;
- Loss of your loved one’s companionship and guidance; and
- Funeral and burial or cremation expenses.
At Morrin Law, our compassionate personal injury lawyers in Kentucky are committed to supporting you during this incredibly challenging time. We oversee every aspect of your case, keeping you informed of any new developments, and providing legal advice as you navigate interactions with insurance companies, manage funeral costs, and address medical bills. Our goal is to offer you some measure of comfort or convenience as you focus on healing.
Example Case in Owensboro, Kentucky
- December 2023 – Two people died in a collision that took place on the Wendell Ford Expressway on December 27, 2023. According to the report, the Owensboro-Daviess County Central Dispatch received a call about a wreck between Pleasant Valley Road and KY 144. The passenger car going westbound crossed the median and struck an eastbound truck head-on. The crash caused severe damage to both vehicles, and both drivers were pronounced dead on the scene by the Daviess County Coroner’s Office.
Kentucky’s Time Limit for Filing an Injury Lawsuit
It’s important to be mindful of the deadlines required in a civil case. An injured person who is seeking compensation awarded through civil remedies must abide by the specific time frame. Under Kentucky law, a person has two years from the date of the accident or last PIP payment to file. This may seem like a long time; however, this is a process that often moves slowly. Due to that, it is imperative that you collaborate with an attorney who is organized and prepared to have everything complete before the statute of limitations is up.
In terms of suing someone for car accident injuries, this is a step that can be taken if you do not agree with the settlement offer from the insurance company. Under KRS 304.39-060, any person who registers, operates, maintains, or uses a motor vehicle in Kentucky is considered to have accepted certain limitations on their ability to initiate or face a lawsuit. A victim is permitted to pursue damages from the responsible party through legal action if their injuries meet or exceed the following thresholds:
- Medical expenses exceeding $1,000;
- A bone fracture occurs;
- Permanent disfigurement results;
- A permanent injury is sustained; or
- The injury results in wrongful death.
We advise gathering all information and contacting Morrin Law as soon as you can to ensure your claim is started and completed within the two-year window. Waiting too long can result in your claim getting barred and losing out on potentially awarded compensation.
Why You Need Immediate Legal Support After a Commercial Truck Accident
When a truck driver causes an accident, their insurance company typically acts swiftly to investigate and gather evidence that may absolve the driver of fault. For this reason, it’s crucial to have your own team of experts working on your behalf as soon as possible.
By choosing to work with the dedicated team of personal injury attorneys at Morrin Law, you can expect us to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the truck accident in Kentucky to collect vital evidence;
- Negotiate with the insurance adjuster to pursue a fair settlement;
- Handle communications with other involved parties;
- Interview witnesses to secure their statements;
- Prepare and file all necessary legal documents; and
- Represent you in court should you choose to file a lawsuit.
Morrin Law Office asks that you collect all potential evidence to support your claim if you are planning to reach out to us. This can include documentation of the accident scene with images or videos, proof of personal injury or property damage, and all medical documentation.
We offer free consultations to those in Owensboro who have questions on filing a personal injury claim. Contact our office today to discuss how our legal services can support you during this challenging time.
Contact Morrin Law Office Today
If you or a loved one were recently injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a commercial vehicle, consider reaching out to the legal team with Morrin Law. Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is already stressful enough, the last thing you want to focus on is the nuanced legal aspects of a personal injury claim. When you work with the personal injury attorneys at Morrin Law, we make sure that you can focus on your physical and mental health recovery while we take on the bulk of the legal work. Our goal is to get you fairly compensated for the damages resulting from the Owensboro accident.
If you’re ready to take the first step in your personal injury claim, contact the Morrin Law Office today. We offer free consultations with our auto accident representatives when you call us at (859) 358-0300.