A collision with a large truck can turn a person’s life upside down instantly. Large truck accidents can be physically devastating and leave those injured with substantial hospital bills and medical debt.
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident someone else caused, you may be eligible to demand compensation for your losses. But a truck injury claim can be stressful, time-consuming, and confusing for an injured person to handle on their own. You need an experienced personal injury attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer in London, Kentucky, to pursue your case. Our experienced truck accident attorneys understand the intricacies of trucking laws and have the courage and the commitment to fight for your rights.
We can seek financial accountability for you while you focus on recovering your health. Call us today to discuss your legal options if you have been injured in a crash caused by a truck.
Benefits of Having the Right Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case
There are significant advantages to having a skilled truck accident lawyer handle your case. Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer has the resources to investigate the circumstances of a commercial truck accident and hire expert witnesses to develop your case. Our experienced attorneys understand the regulations governing the trucking industry. We have the knowledge to identify all liable parties, from the truck driver to the trucking company and even third-party vendors.
Your choice of personal injury lawyer in London, Kentucky, can significantly influence the outcome of your truck accident case. We invite you to contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer at (877) 809-5352 today for a free consultation with a member of our compassionate and skilled legal team. Let us show you how we can make a difference in your case.
Most Asked Questions After a Truck Crash
After a truck accident, injured individuals often find themselves overwhelmed with questions. Our attorneys can answer your questions about the claims process and help you know what to expect. Having an experienced London, KY attorney guide you through the process can provide some peace of mind during this challenging time. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from clients:
Who is liable for the accident?
Liability in a truck accident can be complex, as there may be multiple parties involved, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The cargo shipper
- A truck maintenance provider
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation and knowledge of trucking laws and industry standards.
What is the deadline for filing a claim?
In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits generally allows injured parties two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, specific circumstances can affect this timeline. When we handle your truck accident case, our attorneys keep track of all deadlines pertaining to your case.
How much would my case be worth?
The value of a truck accident claim depends on many factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of medical treatment
- The loss of income
- Whether the accident caused a permanent disability
- Property damage
Our attorneys can help evaluate your claim and assess your potential compensation.
Will my case go to court?
While many truck accident claims settle without a trial, some may require litigation. A lawsuit may be necessary when the parties cannot agree on liability or the amount of compensation required to resolve the case. At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial, allowing us to negotiate from a position of strength to try to resolve the case.
What should I do after a truck accident?
Contact a reputable truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights and start the claims process.
After any serious accident, your priority should be your health. Seek prompt medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. The medical records describing your injuries will support your claim.
If possible, gather photos and witness contact information at the accident scene. Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries with anyone other than your attorney.
Our experienced attorneys are ready to provide clear, comprehensive answers to your questions. We are here to guide you every step of the way and ensure you understand your rights and options.
Types of Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim
Those who suffer injuries in truck accidents may be eligible to seek compensation for various types of expenses, including:
- Medical expenses – This includes immediate treatment costs, ongoing care expenses, and future medical needs related to the accident.
- Lost wages – If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may seek compensation for your present and future lost income.
- Pain and suffering – This includes the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage – Compensation may be available for repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.
Our Kentucky Courage lawyers are proud to represent our fellow Kentuckians when they need help most. We will work to secure every penny available by law.
Key Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
Building a solid body of evidence is crucial to proving liability and securing fair compensation in any truck accident case. Here are the types of evidence our team prioritizes:
- Truck’s black box data – Modern commercial trucks come equipped with electronic control modules, or “black boxes,” which record data about the truck’s operation. This data can provide valuable insights into the truck’s speed, brake usage, and other factors at the time of an accident. Our attorneys act quickly to gain access to a tractor-trailer’s black box after a crash.
- Driver’s logs – Federal regulations require truck drivers to maintain logs of their hours on and off duty. These logs can reveal if a driver had been behind the wheel for too many hours without rest and was in violation of hours-of-service regulations at the time of the crash.
- Maintenance records – Trucks require regular maintenance to keep them operating safely. By examining a truck’s maintenance records, we can identify whether a lack of adequate maintenance contributed to the accident.
- Witness statements – Eyewitnesses can provide critical perspectives on the accident. Our team aims to gather these statements promptly while the incident is still fresh in their minds.
- Photographic evidence – Photos from the accident scene can provide crucial information. They can help reconstruct the accident and document any contributing road or weather conditions.
- Police and accident reports – Reports from law enforcement and first responders can offer an objective analysis of the accident scene, identify the parties involved, and disclose whether any citations were issued.
- Medical records – Your medical records document the extent of your injuries and the treatment required. They provide a vital link between the accident and your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Our team at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer works carefully to gather and analyze evidence effectively to build a strong case on your behalf.
Determining Fault in a Trucking Accident
Assigning fault in a trucking accident demands a comprehensive understanding of trucking laws and a rigorous investigation. The London, Kentucky car accident attorneys Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer scrutinize the truck driver’s actions. Did fatigue, distraction, or impairment play a role in a crash? We examine the driver logs for compliance with federal regulations on rest periods and hours of service.
Next, we evaluate the role of the trucking company. Was the trucking company pushing the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines, encouraging unsafe behavior? We also delve into the company’s fleet maintenance practices. Regular maintenance checks ensure safety. Any negligence in this area can contribute to a truck accident.
We even consider the manufacturer of the truck and its parts. Does the truck have defective components, such as faulty brakes or tires, that contributed to the accidents?
Our team leaves no stone unturned in identifying all liable parties and holding them accountable.
Why Are Truck Accident Claims So Complex?
Compared to accidents involving only automobiles, truck accidents cause more extensive injuries and vehicle damage. The cases lead to larger claims and more resistance from insurance companies. Second, multiple parties may share liability in a truck accident, meaning more insurance companies will be involved. This fact multiplies the layers of complexity of negotiations and legal proceedings.
The trucking industry operates under many federal and state regulations. Understanding the laws is crucial in establishing liability. This underscores the need for an experienced truck accident lawyer to handle your case.
Call Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer after a Truck Accident in London, KY
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck accident in London, KY, contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer as soon as possible. Our dedicated attorneys will provide you with the legal representation you need during this challenging time. We will work to protect your rights so that you have an opportunity to seek the compensation you deserve. Our experienced lawyers are prepared to stand up to insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim.
Let our skilled legal team handle the intricacies of your claim. We have the Kentucky Courage to fight for justice on your behalf.
Reach out to the experienced London, KY, truck accident attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today. Call us at (877) 809-5352 for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can help you.