Truck accidents are one of the most devastating types of crashes on Kentucky roadways. Mammoth commercial vehicles may be the backbone of the shipping industry, but they can also cause catastrophic accidents and injuries when driven by careless individuals. An 80,000-pound semi-truck can leave accident victims with life-altering physical and mental injuries as well as a lifetime of financial instability.
At the law firm of Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we’ve seen the impact devastating truck accidents can have on the lives of accident victims. Our Paintsville truck accident lawyers are committed to helping injured people pursue the money they deserve and holding drivers and trucking companies accountable for their careless actions.
Has a Paintsville truck accident changed your life? Contact our Paintsville truck accident law firm for help. At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we have the Kentucky Courage required to stand up for you and go head-to-head with the trucking company and insurer to recover the money you need after a traumatic truck wreck.
Reach out to us now for a FREE personalized consultation with a Paintsville truck accident attorney.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Paintsville, KY
Weather conditions, distractions, and mechanical failures can all lead to catastrophic Kentucky truck accidents. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) suggests that driver error is the leading cause of most truck accidents. Drivers who ignore their surroundings, succumb to distractions, or are overworked and tired can cause tragic accidents and devastating injuries.
Some of the most common driver errors that lead to truck accidents in Paintsville include:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue or drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to follow posted signs and signals
- Unsafe lane changes
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Driver inexperience
The FMCSA also lists environmental issues, mechanical defects, shifting cargo, and pressure from the driver’s employer as additional factors that can cause significant truck accidents on U.S. roadways.
Truck Company Rules and Regulations
Trucking companies may have their own systems regarding rules and regulations. However, the FMCSA is the federal agency that oversees all trucking industry rules and regulations in the United States. Federal rules supersede any regulations a trucking company may implement for its drivers.
The FMCSA regulates procedures for workplace drug and alcohol testing programs, the labeling and transportation of hazardous materials, and general federal motor vehicle safety standards.
One of the most vital safety standards the agency has put in place involves limiting the number of hours a driver can be on the road to help prevent driver fatigue and drowsy driving accidents. These rules are called hours of service regulations. HOS regulations limit property-carrying truck drivers to a maximum of 11 hours on the road after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers must also take 30-minute breaks during eight cumulative hours on the road and may be at most 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.
The Role of Insurance Companies in Truck Accident Cases
Unfortunately, accidents caused by 80,000-pound vehicles often result in devastating damage and extensive physical injuries.
How do you know what options are available to you after a wreck involving a truck? Our attorneys are ready to review your situation and outline your legal options. Truck accident claims are often significantly more complex than other types of accident claims. Injuries tend to be more expensive and severe, establishing liability can be challenging, and trucking company insurers don’t want to pay out on large claims. Our Paintsville truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the claim process and go after maximum compensation for your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Paintsville
As with any accident, you must call the authorities, exchange information with the other driver, and document the scene as thoroughly as possible. However, your actions in the days and weeks after a truck accident can also affect your compensation claim. Here’s what you need to know about the steps to take after a Paintsville truck accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Call first responders and seek medical treatment immediately after a truck accident in Paintsville. Collisions with large trucks can cause catastrophic and potentially fatal injuries. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Contact our Paintsville truck accident lawyers. Truck accident claims are complicated. Never attempt to navigate the process alone. You should contact our experienced Paintsville truck accident lawyers for legal advice and support as soon as you can.
- Keep records. Organization is critical following a truck accident. To help your attorney accurately calculate the value of your financial losses, keep detailed records that include paystubs, medical bills, repair receipts, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash.
- Avoid social media. Do not post on social media platforms while your attorney resolves your claim. Never discuss the accident online. It is generally best to avoid posting on social media at all. Insurers and opposing attorneys can find your posts and twist the narrative to damage or deny your claim.
- Follow your doctor’s orders. Your health and safety are top priorities. However, your medical records also play a significant role in building a compelling truck accident claim. Keep both in check by sticking to your doctor’s treatment plan, keeping all subsequent appointments, and taking all medications as prescribed.
How a Paintsville Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Paintsville truck accident claims can be complicated. Recovering the money you need from an insurer can be challenging. These companies are focused on protecting themselves and the trucking company. Their initial offer will rarely be enough to cover your significant medical expenses and financial losses. However, our Paintsville truck wreck lawyers will have your best interests at heart.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we take an aggressive and proactive approach to building a solid personal injury claim that gives you the best chance to pursue the full compensation you deserve. Our truck accident law firm can help you by:
- Thoroughly investigating the cause of the truck accident
- Identifying all potentially liable parties such as insurers, the trucking company, parts manufacturers, and cargo loading companies
- Collecting and preserving all vital evidence
- Managing communications between you and the parties involved
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
- Preparing a court case if a trial becomes necessary
Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident Case
Proving negligence following a truck accident can be challenging. You need compelling evidence to establish fault and show why you deserve maximum compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Collecting evidence after a wreck can be difficult and dangerous for a person suffering significant truck accident injuries. Fortunately, our Paintsville truck accident lawyers can help.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we have the resources and experience to collect and preserve vital evidence before it can be lost or destroyed. Evidence that may be valuable in proving that the truck driver or trucking company was careless can include:
- Police report
- Black box data
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Cellular phone records
- Photographs and videos from the scene
- Dash cam or surveillance footage
- Vehicle collision reconstruction
- Expert witness testimony
- Safety inspection reports
- Cargo loading information
- Driver training and education records
- Hours of service logs
Why is it vital to allow a Paintsville truck wreck lawyer to collect evidence for you? Because much of the evidence needed to paint a compelling picture of the accident and establish negligence is in the hands of the trucking company. Companies do not typically hand over safety reports and black box data that may implicate them in an accident just because a victim asks politely. Often, it takes legal intervention in the form of a letter of spoliation to compel a company to preserve crucial evidence.
Compensation Available in Truck Accident Lawsuits
Calculating the fair value of a commercial truck accident claim can be challenging because of the severity of the injuries involved and the potential need for future medical treatment. Truck accident injuries can also prevent an individual from returning to work in the same capacity as before the wreck, further complicating things.
A skilled truck wreck lawyer from our firm has the knowledge and resources to accurately estimate the value of your claim while factoring in issues that can impact your compensation, such as the severity of your injuries and the cause of the accident. You may be entitled to seek money for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Don’t accept a settlement from anyone without speaking to our Paintsville truck accident lawyers first. We can give you a better understanding of what to expect from the personal injury claims process and what your claim may truly be worth.
Call Our Paintsville Office Today
Did a careless truck driver injure you? You have rights and legal options for recovering compensation for your injuries. A Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer truck crash lawyer can help. Contact us now to set up a free case evaluation.
