Bardstown Truck Accident Lawyer
Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Serving Injury Victims Throughout Nelson County, KY
Truck accidents are among the most dangerous and deadly of all traffic accidents in Kentucky and nationwide. According to the National Safety Council, fatal truck accidents have increased by 49 percent in the last 10 years, while truck accident injuries have increased by 18 percent since 2016. Kentucky’s Transportation Department reported 666 truck collisions in 2022, with five involving fatalities. The majority of these occurred on U.S. and state routes.
Unfortunately, truck accident injury claims are more complicated than claims involving only cars. The involvement of multiple liable parties requires a comprehensive investigation to accurately establish fault. Additionally, these cases often include navigating federal trucking regulations, such as those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), adding layers of complexity to the legal proceedings.
Hiring a seasoned18 wheeler accident attorney in Bardstown becomes crucial due to the complexities of these cases. At Haydon Blackmon PLLC, Attorney Haydon-Blackmon understands the federal regulations and insurance dynamics in truck accident injury claims. She can thoroughly investigate your accident, identify liable parties, and advocate for you in pursuing full and fair compensation for your damages.
Book a free initial consultation with our Bardstown truck accident attorney at Haydon Blackmon PLLC by calling (502) 490-2214. You can also reach us via our online contact form.
Why Are Truck Accidents Dangerous?
Truck accidents pose a heightened danger to car drivers and passengers primarily due to the stark size and weight disparity between the vehicles. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to an average car weighing about 3,000 pounds. Thus, the massive force generated by trucks can easily overwhelm smaller vehicles, leading to catastrophic damage.
The height of trucks creates significant blind spots, making it difficult for truck drivers to see nearby cars, further increasing the risk of accidents. Moreover, due to their weight, trucks require a longer distance to stop, which can lead to dangerous situations if traffic conditions change suddenly.
Passenger vehicles caught in the path of an enormous vehicle during a crash are subject to extreme forces. These factors, combined with the potential for hazardous cargo and longer braking distances, underscore the peril you face in a truck accident.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
Being involved in a truck accident can be an overwhelming experience, especially on busy roads around Bardstown. However, knowing what steps to take immediately following the accident can have a profound impact on the outcome of your case.
Here’s what to do:
- Call 911: Make sure everyone is safe and report the accident to emergency services.
- Cooperate with law enforcement: Officers from agencies like the Bardstown Police Department will document the incident and file an official report, a key piece of evidence.
- Document the scene: If it’s safe, take clear photos or videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and nearby traffic signs.
- Collect information: Exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with all drivers. Get names and contact info from any witnesses as well.
- Avoid admitting fault: Keep communication factual and limited at the scene.
- Seek legal advice promptly: Contact Haydon Blackmon PLLC to preserve your rights and discuss your legal options.
Involving our legal team early allows us to preserve critical evidence, manage communication with insurance companies, and start building a strong case so you can focus on recovery. Let our truck accident lawyer in Bardstown support you during this trying time.
To speak with our experienced Bardstown truck accident lawyers, give us a call at (502) 490-2214 or contact us online today.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Liability in truck accidents can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, each potentially contributing to the cause of the accident:
- Truck driver: The driver may be liable if their negligent behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or driving under the influence, directly caused the accident.
- Trucking company: The company can be held accountable if it failed to properly train the driver, pushed them to violate hours-of-service regulations, or neglected routine vehicle maintenance.
- Vehicle manufacturer: A manufacturer may be liable if a defect in the truck or its parts, such as brake failure or a blown tire, contributed to the accident.
- Cargo loaders: The party responsible for loading the truck can be at fault if the cargo was improperly secured or overloaded, leading to instability or loss of control.
- Maintenance providers: Companies or mechanics could be liable if poor servicing or overlooked mechanical issues contributed to the crash.
Determining liability in truck accidents involves thoroughly investigating the above parties’ actions and responsibilities. Evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reconstructions are critical in establishing fault. Our team at Haydon Blackmon PLLC can untangle the complexities of multiple contributing factors to pursue justice for our clients.
How Our Experienced Bardstown Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
When it comes to navigating the complexities of truck accident claims, having a knowledgeable and dedicated legal team on your side can make all the difference. At Haydon Blackmon, PLLC, we understand the unique challenges that arise in truck accident cases, from dealing with multiple insurance companies to understanding federal trucking regulations.
Here’s why choosing our 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Bardstown is a smart decision:
- Personalized Attention: We treat every case with the utmost care and attention, providing you with the personalized support you deserve during this difficult time.
- Experience and Knowledge: Our team has extensive experience handling truck accident cases, allowing us to navigate the legal system efficiently and effectively on your behalf.
- Comprehensive Investigations: We conduct thorough investigations and work with resources and experts to gather crucial evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies, to build a strong case for you.
- Maximized Compensation: Our goal is to pursue the maximum compensation possible to help you move forward.
- Trial Experienced: We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and if necessary, can represent you in court.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us unless we successfully secure compensation for you.
Don't face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Let Haydon Blackmon, PLLC, fight for your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.
To speak with our experienced truck accident lawyer in Bardstown, KY, give us a call at (502) 490-2214 or contact us online today.
Choose Haydon Blackmon PLLC for Your Truck Accident Claim in Bardstown
Truck accident claims often involve complicated legal issues, from federal trucking regulations to overlapping insurance policies and multiple liable parties. Violations like exceeding hours-of-service limits can play a key role in proving fault, but identifying these issues requires legal insight.
At Haydon Blackmon, PLLC, we combine legal skill with compassion. We understand that after a serious accident, you’re not just dealing with paperwork, you’re trying to heal. Our team can guide you through every step with care, using proven strategies to guard your rights while supporting your emotional and physical recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, you have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a claim. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing the ability to pursue compensation entirely. To guard your claim and begin building a strong case, it's important to contact a Bardstown truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What Compensation Can I Seek After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, victims can seek various types of compensation. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In some cases, if extreme negligence is proven, punitive damages could also be pursued. Our legal team’s thorough approach means we consider all potential compensation avenues to help clients pursue a favorable outcome.
Call (502) 490-2214 or contact us online for a free case review with our truck accident attorney in Bardstown, KY.
