Imagine this: the deafening explosion of a semi-truck tire blowing out as you are driving down the Bluegrass Parkway, turning an ordinary drive into a terrifying truck tire blowout accident. Even if it doesn’t hit you, it will be very difficult to maintain control. This is a common scenario for serious injuries. As the initial shock fades, a new anxiety takes hold: the weight of medical bills, the stress of missed paychecks, a wrecked car, and the intimidation of facing a big trucking company that sees you as a liability rather than a person. People often feel vulnerable and overwhelmed, fearing that a billion-dollar insurance company will push you into a settlement that barely covers your costs. You deserve a lawyer that recognizes your suffering and has the power to fight for you. McCoy & Sparks, PLLC, steps into the ring for you, taking on the legal fight so you can focus entirely on the other things that matter.
What Should You Do Immediately After an Accident?
The moments following a truck tire blowout accident are chaotic, but staying calm and focused is vital. We recommend you take the following steps:
- Ensure safety first. Move to the shoulder and engage the hazard lights if your vehicle is operable.
- Call 911. In Kentucky, you must report any accident involving injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $500. The resulting police report serves as critical evidence.
- Gather evidence. Photograph the scene safely. Capture tire debris, skid marks, vehicle damage, and the truck’s DOT number.
- Exchange information. Get the driver’s details, but never admit fault. Adjusters twist polite apologies into admissions of guilt.
- Seek medical attention. Go to the ER immediately. Adrenaline masks injuries, and a swift medical record links your trauma directly to the crash.
By documenting the scene and prioritizing your health now, you are building the evidentiary foundation your lawyer needs to fight for you later. You can get a copy of the accident report from the agency that worked the accident. In our area that is usually the Nelson, Washington, or Hardin County Sheriff’s Office or the Kentucky State Police post in Elizabethtown.
How Do You Determine Fault in a Truck Tire Blowout Accident?
Unlike common car wrecks, truck tire accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including:
- The truck driver. Drivers must perform pre-trip inspections. Neglecting to check bald tires or tire pressure constitutes negligence.
- The trucking company. Fleets must maintain vehicles. Companies face liability for failing to perform maintenance or overloading trailers, which can cause tire stress.
- The tire manufacturer. Defective designs or manufacturing flaws in new tires trigger product liability claims.
- Maintenance providers. Third-party shops share blame for incorrect installation or repairs.
Proving fault requires a forensic investigation. A truck tire blowout accident lawyer at McCoy & Sparks, PLLC can secure black box data to confirm exactly what happened. We can evaluate the maintenance history to find out more than what exists at the surface level.
What Do You Need to Know About Kentucky’s Truck Accident Laws?
Kentucky has some specific statutes that may influence your potential settlement.
What Does It Mean That Kentucky Is a “Choice No-Fault” State?
Kentucky requires you to use your insurance’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for the first $10,000 of expenses. However, because truck accidents cause severe damage, you can also make a claim against the at-fault party. You qualify for a lawsuit if your medical bills exceed $1,000, or if you suffer a broken bone, permanent injury, or death. Almost all truck accidents involving any medical treatment meets this threshold.
What If You Were Also at Fault?
Fault is not always one-sided. You can recover compensation even if you partially caused the accident. Under Kentucky’s pure comparative negligence rule, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you were 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. Professional negotiators account for these factors in negotiating settlements.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?
For most Kentucky motor vehicle injuries, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit, starting from the accident date or your last PIP payment. Two years may sound like a long time, but building a case against a major trucking corporation takes months of investigation. Waiting too long can result in the loss of evidence and a dismissal of the case. There are some claims that are limited to one year. We advise that you speak to a local lawyer as soon as possible to make sure that you do not lose your right to file or make a claim.
Why Do You Need a Truck Tire Blowout Accident Attorney?
Trucking insurers deploy large legal teams to deny liability, often blaming road hazards or your driving to minimize payouts. They try to minimize the full impact of the injuries. You need an advocate to level the playing field.
A skilled truck accident lawyer will:
- Investigate the crash. We can send experts to the scene to analyze tire fragments and skid marks.
- Demand records. We will subpoena the trucking company for maintenance records, driver logs, and weight tickets to find evidence of negligence.
- Manage the negotiations. We handle the aggressive insurance adjusters so you can focus on your recovery.
With our experienced team in your corner, you can face these powerful trucking companies with confidence, knowing your case is in capable hands. We have fought trucking cases in and around Nelson County since 1997. Our lawyers each have more than 10 years of experience and our paralegal team is the best in region. Experience matters and can make an substantial difference in the amount that you recover and how quickly you can receive it.
What Damages Can You Recover?
You deserve compensation that reflects the full extent of your loss. In Kentucky, common recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses—ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and future care;
- Lost wages—paychecks you miss while you recover;
- Loss of future earnings—your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job;
- Pain and suffering—compensation for physical pain and emotional distress;
- Both past and what you will likely experience in the future;
- Property damage—repairing or replacing your vehicle; and
- Wrongful death—if you lost a loved one, you may be entitled to funeral costs and loss of consortium (of relationship benefits).
It isn’t just about paying today’s bills; it’s about securing the resources you need to live a whole life despite your injuries.
Why Choose McCoy & Sparks as Your Truck Tire Blowout Accident Attorneys?
Choose McCoy & Sparks, PLLC, to secure a powerful advocate who operates with the genuine care of our fellow community members. We bring nearly a quarter-century of battle-tested experience to navigate the local court system with a precision only true locals possess. We have built our reputation as Nelson County’s top injury law firm, achieving relentless success and recovering over $80 million for our clients. We make high-quality justice accessible through a promise that you pay no fees until we reach a successful outcome. Trust your case to a team that turns deep local roots into world-class results, champions your voice, and protects your future.
Don’t Go Against Trucking Companies Alone: Call McCoy & Sparks Today
Due to the statute of limitations, you must act quickly to preserve vital evidence. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and begin your journey toward justice.