Although car crashes and truck wrecks are both motor vehicle accidents, there’s a world of difference between these types of personal injury cases. The severity of injuries, the astronomical medical expenses, the need for different types of evidence, the wider range of potentially liable parties, and the possibility for substantial settlements or financial awards set truck crash cases apart from your run-of-the-mill fender-bender. 
If you or someone you love suffered devastating injuries or lost a family member in a catastrophic Kentucky truck accident caused by another person or company’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. However, recovering fair damages for a commercial truck crash can be challenging. As a victim, you’re often up against companies with deep pockets and savvy corporate legal counsel committed to protecting their client’s bottom line.
Kentucky doesn’t require you to retain representation, but having a knowledgeable and highly skilled attorney by your side can help level the playing field and increase your chances for a successful financial outcome. Here’s what you should know about truck crash cases and how Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Humphrey’s accomplished team of Central Kentucky injury lawyers can help you get the recovery and justice you deserve.
Common Types of Kentucky Truck Crashes
Semi-trucks are involved in nearly 9,000 accidents in the Bluegrass State each year, according to the Kentucky Transportation Center. One of the most common types of truck crashes is a tire blowout. When a sudden loss of pressure causes a truck’s tire to rapidly deflate, loss of control and collisions can result.
Other Types of Truck Accidents in Kentucky
- Jackknife accidents. These crashes occur when a semi-truck's trailer swings out to the side, folding at the joint to form an acute angle with the cab.
- Rollover crashes. A severe or even fatal accident can result when large commercial trucks tip over onto their side or roof.
- Underride accidents. When a smaller vehicle slides under the side or rear of a massive tractor-trailer, the front or top of the passenger vehicle can get crushed.
- Hazmat crashes. These accidents involve large trucks carrying hazardous materials or materials that typically aren’t dangerous but could create unsafe road conditions.
Truck Accident Causes and Potentially Liable Parties
Numerous causes and contributing factors can lead to a truck crash. One of the most common cause is distracted driving. Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road or hands from the wheel is considered distracted driving.
Other Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Kentucky
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or overtaking other vehicles unsafely
- Insufficient driver training or supervision
- Infrequent vehicle inspections
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Improperly loaded cargo
Potential Liable Parties in a Truck Accident
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Truck manufacturers
- Shippers and cargo loaders
- Maintenance contractors
- Third-party companies
- Government entities
Determining which party or parties might be liable can be challenging. Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey can help you identify the appropriate parties to include in your lawsuit.
How Our Skilled Central Kentucky Injury Lawyers Can Help Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accident cases can be complex and complicated. Fortunately, you can count on Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey to prepare a strong case and fight for the best possible outcome. Some of the steps we take when handling a truck crash case include:
- Explain the unfamiliar legal process. We’re here to answer your questions and address your concerns so you know what to expect when taking legal action.
- Conduct a thorough investigation. This includes gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
- Communicate with insurers and attorneys. We handle communication with insurance companies and defense attorneys throughout your case so you don’t have to.
- Send a spoliation letter. Also known as a “preservation letter,” these legal documents inform the recipient of your claim and remind them of the obligation to preserve relevant evidence. Examples of some of the unique types of evidence used in truck accident cases include black box recorders, truck vehicle cameras, driving logs, and internal company communications, such as hiring, training, and supervisory records.
- Estimate the value of your claim. Depending on the facts and evidence in your case, your potential recovery could include compensation for all related medical expenses (including the estimated cost of future care), lost wages and earning capacity, vehicle damages, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost enjoyment of life.
- Analyze and negotiate settlement offers. We aggressively negotiate for fair settlements to obtain the best outcome for each client.
- Take your case to trial. When defendants and their insurers give you the run-around, our courtroom-savvy Central Kentucky truck accident attorneys can skillfully litigate your case in court.