Where Can I Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Covington, Kentucky?

Getting injured in an accident with a large truck in Covington can be a painful, emotionally distressing, and expensive ordeal. While the truck driver might walk away from the accident with no injuries, car occupants and other road users can suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries after a collision with a commercial truck. 

Victims of truck collisions can have a lot on their plate, potentially dealing with discomfort, pain, and steep medical bills. However, you do not have to go through this alone. If you or a loved one got hurt in a truck crash, our Covington truck accident lawyers could help you recover compensation for medical bills, pain and anguish, and other damages. Contact us now to find out more in a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Kentucky

Unfortunately, truck accidents are relatively common on Kentucky’s roads. According to the Kentucky Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky, in 2017:

• Almost 10,000 trucks were involved in crashes
• 89 people died in truck accidents
• More than 1,900 individuals were injured in truck collisions

Driver inattention is one of the most common reasons for truck accidents in Kentucky, with over 3,000 accidents occurring due to driver distraction in 2017. Other causes for truck collisions include: 

• Lack of control of the vehicle
• Failure to yield
• Following too closely

The Truck Driver Is Not Always to Blame

Not all crashes happen due to driver-related reasons. Other crash causes can include bad weather, roads in disrepair, dangerous construction sites, and others. Truck accidents can occur due to improper cargo loading, vehicle defects, lack of maintenance, and other reasons.

Truck crashes can be much more challenging to understand than passenger car accidents. However, identifying the accident causes and responsible parties will be crucial for recovering what you deserve. If you were hurt in a Kentucky truck accident, our experienced truck accident attorneys could help you move forward with legal action.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents 

Getting into an accident with a large and powerful vehicle such as an 18-wheeler or other commercial truck can have catastrophic consequences for car occupants. Common truck accident injuries include:

Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries such as lacerations and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can be common in truck accidents. Some head and brain injuries are mild and can heal on their own. However, a severe TBI can have lasting consequences for an accident victim who may suffer from seizures, personality changes, memory loss, and other permanent injury effects. 

Bone Fractures

If a bone was shattered or crushed in an accident, victims could face a long road to recovery. They may have to undergo multiple surgeries and have metal hardware fitted into the bone to facilitate healing. Such fractures can be excruciatingly painful and emotionally distressing. Moreover, complicated fractures carry the risk of infection and may cause permanent loss of function and deformity. 

Cuts and Lacerations

Truck accidents can be chaotic, with shattered glass and metal objects flying through the air, potentially causing deep lacerations. Such wounds, especially when they occur in the face, can cause great physical and emotional anguish for a truck accident victim. 

Spinal Injuries 

A spinal injury can be one of the most severe injuries for victims, especially if the spinal cord is completely severed, resulting in complete or partial paralysis. An individual with a serious spinal injury may never be able to work again or lead an independent life. Medical and care costs for a spinal injury can be astronomical.

Internal Organ Injuries

Internal injuries and internal bleeding can occur due to significant trauma to the victim’s body in truck accidents. Such injuries can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Internal organ damage may be irreversible, and victims could require organ transplants. 

In addition to the physical injuries, victims of truck accidents in Kentucky can also suffer from debilitating psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, trouble sleeping, and anxiety. However, if a truck driver or truck company’s negligence caused your injuries, our determined truck accident lawyers in Covington can fight for what you need to get your life back on track.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims 

If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries and property damage in a truck collision, and another party is responsible, you could potentially receive compensation for:

• Current and future medical bills
• Loss of wages and loss of future earning potential
• Emotional and physical pain and anguish
• Disability
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Necessary modifications of your house and vehicle
• Costs of a home health aide or housekeeper

Depending on your crash and injuries, you could also receive other types of damages. 

How Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents

Some car accidents are relatively uncomplicated and may not need the assistance of an attorney. However, accidents with a commercial truck can be notably different and considerably more complex than passenger car accidents. Truck accidents also tend to cause more serious injuries and significant car damage.

Receiving an insurance payout after a truck accident can be tricky, especially if you have high damages. Moreover, defendants in your case can include the driver, a trucking company, and even a truck manufacturer. Standing up against powerful, large companies and their teams of lawyers can feel intimidating and overwhelming. Hiring a seasoned truck accident lawyer can take a weight off your shoulders.

Liable Parties in Kentucky Truck Accidents

It can be relatively rare to have multiple defendants in car accidents, and most crashes are clear-cut. However, a truck accident can involve numerous defendants, potentially providing victims with several avenues for seeking compensation. 
Driver Negligence

Truck crashes can occur due to driver negligence, such as: 

• Speeding or driving too fast for weather and road conditions
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driving distracted
• Driving overly tired

It is important to note that the truck driver is not always to blame for an accident, even if it may seem, at first glance, that they are at fault. Other potentially negligent parties for a truck crash include:

Trucking Company Negligence or Wrongdoing

The trucking company may put profits before safety and could be responsible for your accident if they: 

• Hired drivers negligently
• Failed to fix and service trucks
• Pressured drivers to skip mandated rest stops
• Falsified hours-of-service logbooks

Truck Manufacturer Negligence

Modern trucks are complex vehicles with sophisticated systems and electronics. If a mechanical or electronic part fails, a truck driver may not be able to brake and stop in time, for example. Truck crashes can occur due to a defect with the truck or a truck part, such as the brakes, tires, or steering. A truck maker or truck part manufacturer could be responsible for the accident and your damages in this case.  

Third-Party Vendor Negligence

Increasingly, trucking companies outsource parts of their operational activities to other companies, including vehicle servicing, driver training, cargo loading, and more. For example, if a repair shop failed to fix or maintain the vehicle adequately, they could be liable in an accident. 

Truck accidents can be highly complex. Understanding a crash and identifying the responsible parties typically requires the expertise of professional accident investigators and crash reconstruction professionals. Our truck accident attorneys can work with investigators and handle all aspects of your truck accident case.

Acting Fast Is Crucial After a Truck Accident in Kentucky

The deadline for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Kentucky is only one short year, according to Kentucky Revised Statutes section 413.140(1)(a). The time starts ticking on the day of your truck collision and injury. This short timeframe can catch you out, especially if you have suffered extensive injuries and face a lengthy recovery period.

Missing the state’s deadline for filing your case can see your case thrown out. You could lose the right to sue and seek damages forever. Therefore, it is vital to speak to a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash and injury. Our attorneys can assess your case and ensure you are not missing any critical filing deadlines. 

How to Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Covington

Finding the best truck accident attorney for your case can be essential, especially if a lot of money is at stake. To give yourself the best chance of success, you should look for a lawyer who has experience in handling truck accident cases. Asking friends and families for attorney referrals can be an excellent first step. Your next steps in finding an excellent attorney in Covington can include:

• Using an online search engine such as Google
• Searching for truck accident lawyers on the Kentucky Bar Association’s website
• Using internet databases such as Avvo and Martindale

Schedule Free Consultations

Before hiring a truck accident lawyer, make sure to take advantage of free consultations to get to know the lawyer and law firm personally. Scheduling in-person or phone meetings will also give you a chance to ask questions and raise any concerns. Make sure to ask questions about the attorney’s experience and track record with truck accident cases.

Morgan & Morgan’s Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here for You 

You do not have to search high and low to find a truck accident attorney. Our experienced and motivated lawyers have been fighting for accident victims for decades. We are here to protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Over the years, Morgan & Morgan has recovered $20 billion in damages and held countless careless and reckless defendants to account. We want to help you, too, get justice and compensation.