Getting run off the road by any vehicle can be a frustrating experience that results in injury. However, being run off the road by a semi-truck can be even more frightening and devastating as these large commercial vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Accidents caused by semi-trucks can be devasting.
The damages and injuries sustained in these types of accidents can be severe. If you or a loved one are run off the road by a semi-truck, you have a right to file a personal injury claim or even a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.
However, proving fault in any car accident case can be challenging, let alone in a truck accident case, as there are multiple parties who could be held liable. If you need help filing a claim or a lawsuit after being run off the road by a semi-truck, contact the truck accident experts at McCoy & Sparks.
What Causes Truck Drivers to Run Other Vehicles Off the Road?
Cars can get run off the road for various reasons, but when it involves a semi-truck, it is usually due to the truck driver’s or the trucking company’s negligence. Some of the most common reasons truck drivers run other vehicles off the road include:
- Blind spots: Semi-trucks have massive blind spots. If a truck driver does not thoroughly check before merging into another lane, they could easily miss seeing a car and run them off the road.
- Swerving: Truck drivers may swerve for various reasons. They could be swerving out of the way of another driver, swerving to miss hitting something in the road, they could be distracted and not paying attention, driving recklessly on purpose as a form of road rage, or they could be intoxicated or fatigued. Either of these situations could cause a truck driver to swerve and run another car off the road.
- Failure to yield the right-of-way: Truck drivers can very easily become frustrated with other drivers on the road, causing them to drive aggressively and act as if they own the road. Other drivers too can act negligently, but it is common for truck drivers to avoid yielding the right-of-way to make a show of dominance. When this occurs, it can result in a car getting run off the road.
- Mechanical failure: In some situations, a truck driver may run another car off the road as the result of a mechanical failure or malfunction. If something goes wrong while driving, the truck driver may try to quickly merge over to the shoulder, or they may lose control of the truck, which can cause them to run someone off the road.
What to Do After You’ve Been Run Off the Road by a Semi-Truck
The steps you take after accidents caused by semi-trucks can play a crucial role in how your personal injury case or lawsuit plays out. You will need sufficient evidence of what occurred to hold the negligent party liable and recover damages.
If you are run off the road by a truck driver, make sure you:
- Call the authorities to have an official accident report filed and ensure emergency medical responders arrive at the scene to attend to any injuries.
- Gather information about the truck, including the driver’s name, a photo of their CDL license, truck number or license plate number, name of the trucking company, and contact information.
- Take photos of the accident scene as well as any injuries you sustained.
- Witness information from anyone around who saw what happened.
- Go to the hospital or see a doctor for any injuries. Medical evidence can also help support an accident claim or lawsuit.
- Report the incident to your insurance company.
- Get in touch with a personal injury attorney.
Recovering Damages After an Accident with a Semi-Truck
If you are run off the road by a semi-truck, you have a right to file a personal injury claim or a lawsuit to recover damages from the negligent party. In accidents caused by semi-trucks, there are multiple parties that could be held liable, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer or the mechanic (if the accident occurred due to a malfunction or mechanical error)
However, it’s important to keep in mind that in Kentucky, drivers are required to carry their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which must first be exhausted before you can take legal action against another negligent party. Most PIP policies offer a minimum of $10,000 to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
If your policy does not fully cover your damages, you may receive additional compensation by filing a lawsuit against one or more of the potentially liable parties listed above. Damages you can recover compensation for include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of wages or future earning potential
- Car repairs
- Expected future medical expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Trust McCoy & Sparks—Premier Personal Injury Attorneys in Central Kentucky
If you have been run off the road by a semi-truck, our team of legal experts can help you build a strong case against all responsible parties to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We understand how devastating truck accident cases can be and are dedicated to helping victims and their families seek justice.
Recognized as one of Central Kentucky’s best law firms for over a decade, McCoy & Sparks represents thousands of clients across Central Kentucky. Regardless of the type of case, our goal is to develop a strategy that best serves your personal needs to help you reach the best possible result. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Make the right call to (844) 4KY-WINS for a risk-free consultation with one of our attorneys today.