If you drive along the Bluegrass Parkway or I-65, you’ve probably seen plenty of big rigs on the road. With over 2.7 million semi-trucks registered across Kentucky, truck accidents are common. The results can be serious and life-changing when these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, the impact can be more than just physical injuries—it can also bring financial strain, medical bills, and time away from work. At McCoy & Sparks, we have handled truck wreck cases since 1997 and understand what you’re going through. We are here to provide clear, compassionate legal support. Our Kentucky trucking accident lawyers have guided many people through the recovery process after a serious trucking collision, and we’re ready to help you.
Why Trucking Accidents Are More Complicated
Trucking accidents differ from regular car accidents in several ways, making it critical to have an experienced Kentucky trucking accident attorney on your side.
- More serious injuries. The size and weight of semi-trucks often lead to more serious injuries for those in passenger vehicles, which can mean longer recovery times, increased medical expenses, and a greater impact on your life.
- Many parties could be at fault. Responsibility in a trucking accident can involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or maintenance crews. Identifying all responsible parties is critical to obtaining the full compensation you deserve.
- Multiple insurance companies. With multiple parties potentially at fault, you may be dealing with several insurance companies, each with its own goals. This can make claims more difficult to resolve.
- Specific rules and laws. The trucking industry is governed by state and federal laws, which affect how claims are handled and investigated.
If you’re feeling lost or confused after your accident, Kentucky trucking accident lawyers from McCoy & Sparks can help. We understand how these factors affect your case and will work to address every detail.
How We Determine Who Is at Fault in a Trucking Accident
Determining who is responsible for a truck accident is essential to building a solid claim. The Kentucky trucking accident lawyers at McCoy & Sparks will thoroughly investigate your accident to establish liability. Here’s how:
- Accident reconstruction. Our trucking accident lawyers in Kentucky work with experts to recreate the crash, providing a detailed picture of how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
- Driver logs. We’ll examine the trucker’s logs to see if they violated any regulations, such as driving hour limits, which may have contributed to the crash.
- Maintenance records. We’ll carefully check maintenance logs for missed or inadequate repairs that could have caused equipment failures that led to the accident.
- Electronic Data Recorders (EDR). Big trucks and most modern vehicles have EDR’s that record important information about the crash: speed, braking, steering angles, ect. It is important to capture this information in significant accident cases where fault is being questioned.
- Police reports. We’ll obtain and analyze the police report, which often contains valuable information about the accident and contributing factors.When you need a trucking accident attorney in Kentucky, McCoy & Sparks is here to uncover the facts and help ensure the proper parties are held accountable.
Kentucky Law and Who Could Be Held Responsible in a Trucking Accident
In Kentucky, there are many people or entities that may have contributed to the accident. It’s important to identify all those who may be liable for your injuries and losses. This could include:
- The truck driver. If the driver was negligent—for example, speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or fatigued driving—they can be held accountable.
- The trucking company. Trucking companies must hire qualified drivers, train them properly, ensure drivers follow safety rules, and maintain their vehicles. They can be held liable for accidents if they fail in these duties.
- The truck manufacturer. Mechanical failures or defects that cause a crash may put the responsibility on the manufacturer of the faulty part or truck.
- Cargo loaders. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can lead to rollovers or other hazards, making the cargo company responsible for the accident.
- Repair and maintenance companies. Inadequate repairs or missed maintenance can contribute to an accident, placing liability on the repair shop or service provider.
- Government agencies or contractors. Dangerous road conditions, such as potholes or missing signage, may be factors in a crash, making the responsible entity accountable.
A trucking accident attorney in Kentucky will know how to identify all responsible parties and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
What Costs Can a Kentucky Trucking Accident Attorney Help You Recover?
The financial impact of a truck accident can be substantial. Our team at McCoy & Sparks will work to secure the full compensation you deserve, which may include:
- Medical expenses—past, current, and future medical costs related to your injuries;
- Lost wages—payment for income lost due to your injuries and time away from work;
- Pain and suffering—money for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident; and
- Property damage—the cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Punitive damages – when appropriate, punitive damages may be recovered by an injured party. Punitives are damages that stem from the conduct of the party in causing the wreck. If it is beyond mere negligence (eg. grossly negligent, reckless or wanton), punitive damages can be assessed to punish the wrong-doer. These damages are paid to the victim.
Because these costs can accumulate quickly, it’s essential to start the process of seeking compensation as soon as possible after your accident.
Time Limit for Filing a Trucking Accident Lawsuit in Kentucky
Taking swift action after a trucking accident is critical. In Kentucky, you generally have two years to file a motor-vehicle related personal injury claim. This two-year period begins on the date of the accident, but is extended by PIP payments. While this may seem like ample time, contacting a Kentucky trucking accident lawyer right away is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring you don’t miss any important deadlines.
How a Trucking Accident Attorney in Kentucky Can Help Protect Your Rights
Insurance companies often focus on protecting themselves, which can mean denying valid claims or offering settlements that don’t fully cover your expenses. That’s where having an experienced Kentucky trucking accident lawyer on your side can make a real difference.
Here’s how McCoy & Sparks can help protect your rights:
- Collecting evidence. We’ll gather evidence from police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, EDR, and expert analysis to build a strong case for you. We often send preservation of evidence letters to certain parties to prevent the destruction or modification of evidence.
- Managing insurance companies. We handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies, to help prevent them from pressuring you into accepting a low settlement.
- Organizing medical records. We’ll help make sure your medical records are accurate, complete, and clearly show all your injuries. If not, we can arrange for an evaluation by other providers to document these injuries.
- Calculating your losses. We work with experts to accurately determine your current and future losses, including all medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement. We are experienced negotiators and will work to reach a settlement that reflects the true impact of your injuries. If a fair agreement can’t be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
We know that dealing with a truck accident claim can be stressful. Our trucking accident lawyers in Kentucky are ready to take on that stress so you can concentrate on healing.
Talk to a Kentucky Trucking Accident Lawyer Now
At McCoy & Sparks, we’ve got more than 75 years of combined experience helping people in Kentucky recover after serious trucking accidents. We have a keen understanding of trucking laws and know how to hold the right people responsible. Our team has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for truck accident victims, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
Contact McCoy & Sparks today for a free consultation with a Kentucky trucking accident attorney. Let us help you move forward and secure the compensation you deserve.