Kentucky is an established base for companies that move goods and services via commercial vehicles. Because of that, tractor-trailers are moving their way through the state at all times of the day. While most trips end as planned, some do not. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a big rig, you need help from a Bowling Green, KY truck accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices.
Truck Accidents in Bowling Green, KY
With I-65 running through Bowling Green, our area is no stranger to tractor-trailer accidents. One of the worst accidents the city has seen happened in 2017. On July 13, a multi-vehicle crash contributed to six individuals’ deaths after a commercial vehicle operator lost control in a congested construction area along the highway’s northbound side.
In the years before and after that accident, there have been numerous accidents involving large trucks and smaller passenger vehicles. When an 18-wheeler collides with a car, those in the smaller vehicle are at significant risk for injuries—some catastrophic or fatal. We’ve seen traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, and more.
If you’ve been involved in a crash and are looking to recover compensation for you and your family, a truck accident attorney can help. Thomas Law Offices is proud to represent the people of Bowling Green—especially in their hour of need. While we recognize pursuing a personal injury claim can seem overwhelming, we’ll be by your side, supporting you the entire time. When you seek legal representation from us, we’ll start by investigating the accident and determining who should be held responsible for your losses.
Determining Fault for a Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a collision with a big rig, your lawyer will determine who is responsible for what happened. While you might assume the truck driver is automatically to blame, that isn’t always the case. Tractor-trailer accidents can be complicated, especially when it comes to determining negligence. Fortunately, Thomas Law Offices has extensive experience representing victims of crashes, so we know where to start when it comes to determining fault. In most cases, one of three parties is typically to blame: the truck driver, the trucking company, or the vehicle manufacturer.
Irresponsible Truck Drivers
To operate a commercial vehicle, drivers are supposed to have a specialized license and a comprehensive understanding of how large trucks work. Even when those requirements are met, drivers can still act negligently behind the wheel.
Disregarding traffic laws and driver fatigue are two of the major issues plaguing truckers. With tight deadlines, truck drivers may feel the need to speed or skip breaks to get to their destination faster. When a tractor-trailer barrels down the road at dangerous speeds, the driver is less likely to be in control. Regarding fatigue, truckers are supposed to take breaks to avoid falling asleep at the wheel. If they don’t rest and start to nod off, it’s easy for a crash to happen.
Negligent Trucking Companies
Trucking companies are supposed to maintain their vehicles and ensure the drivers they hire are safe and reliable behind the wheel. When a company fails to inspect its trucks or hires drivers without considering their past driving history or driver qualifications, the chances of an accident happening increase.
Careless Automotive Manufacturers
Tractor-trailers are complex vehicles. Because of that, all the parts must work like they’re supposed to. Sometimes, negligent manufacturers will try to cut corners in an effort to save money. When that happens, it’s possible the truck could malfunction while it’s being driven.
A defective truck could have problems with its brakes, steering mechanism, or tires, which could easily cause an accident—especially if a trucker is driving at high speeds on the highway. When an accident happens on that type of roadway, it’s possible multiple vehicles could be involved—thus increasing the chance of severe injury and loss of life.
Damages Available After a Semi Crash
Truck accidents have the potential to results in severe damage. That damage often comes with a significant price tag. If you’ve been injured in a wreck and are looking to recover, a Bowling green attorney from Thomas Law Offices can evaluate your situation and determine what you’re owed. In many cases, you could be eligible for the following:
- Medical Expenses. Because of the damage a truck accident can cause, you’ll likely be wracked with severe medical debt. Even just a trip to the emergency room can result in thousands of dollars in bills. In the event you need to be admitted or require surgeries, physical therapy, etc., you may not know how to manage the bills in a way that doesn’t cause a detriment to your financial health and future. Fortunately, your lawyer can collect your statements and ensure you receive compensation for them, in addition to compensation for future medical costs.
- Property Damages. After an accident with a semi-truck, the smaller passenger vehicle is often totaled by the insurance company. If that happens to you, you’ll need to figure out how to get a new car. With an injury claim, you can ensure you have the money you need to get a vehicle and take care of any other property damage.
- Lost Income. If you’ve sustained significant injuries after a wreck, you’ll likely need to take time off of work to recover. While you may have some paid-time-off or sick time saved up, once you run out of that time, you may struggle to continue paying your bills and buying groceries. Your attorney will consider your lost income, as well as the potential for future lost income if your injuries have affected your ability to sustain gainful employment.
- Pain and Suffering. While more challenging to calculate, your lawyer will place a value on the pain and suffering you experienced. The amount your eligible for is often dependent on the severity of your injuries and how your everyday life has changed.
- Punitive Damages. While punitive damages are rare, there’s a chance they could apply to your case in the event gross negligence caused your accident. An example would be if the truck driver were under the influence when they crashed into your vehicle. Punitive damages essential serve to punish the defendant and discourage others from acting similarly in the future.
The sooner you get in touch with a tractor-trailer accident attorney, the better your chances are of maximizing your compensation. This way, you’ll be able to move forward with the comforting knowledge that you have the money you need to recover as fully as possible from your accident.
Contact Thomas Law Offices
At Thomas Law Offices, our attorneys recognize the struggle crash victims face. That’s why when you work with a Bowling Green, KY truck accident lawyer, you’ll put yourself on the best path to recovery.
When you first reach out to us, we’ll carefully evaluate your situation to determine how best to proceed based on your unique circumstances. If we feel pursuing a case is in your best interest, we’ll explain the process to you and give you an idea of what to expect.
If you’re interested in pursuing a claim against a potentially negligent truck driver or company, schedule a consultation with our firm today.
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