In Ashland, Kentucky
Injured in a truck accident? The big trucking companies and insurers don't play fair. Protect yourself and your right to compensation. Work with an attorney who will fight for your rights.
Liability, Damages, and Next Steps
Unfortunately, accidents involving commercial trucks are often complex, and an insurance company can deny a claim outright or offer compensation far less than what is due. That’s why you need to enlist the support of an experienced Ashland truck accident lawyer, as you’ll find at Peterson Law Office.
When Peterson Law Office takes on a truck accident claim, we become fierce advocates for our clients. Our goal is to help them lock down the maximum benefits they are entitled to, ease their financial burdens, and allow them to focus on their recovery. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, you can contact our offices to schedule a free case evaluation.
It is essential to understand the full scope of what is involved in pursuing a truck collision claim.
According to the most recent data collected by the Kentucky State Police, 10,384 trucks were involved in collisions in 2022. That resulted in 102 fatalities from those accidents alone. When a truck driver loses control of their rig, it can create a path of destruction, leaving multiple wrecked vehicles in its wake. What happens to the car passengers caught up in that wake?
“3 Injured in Crash Involving Semi Hauling Corn.” That’s the headline of a recent truck crash that happened in Graves County and was reported on by KFVS12. In this crash, it appears that a car pulled into the path of the approaching truck, causing the collision. There are many reasons why truck accidents happen.
Your Ashland truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause by zeroing in on one of the following possible reasons:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the governing agency responsible for setting rules and regulations covering everything from service hours to cargo securement. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in significant fines. It can also be proof of negligent driving.
Truck drivers are only allowed to drive for 11 hours straight, with a half-hour break after 8 hours. When a truck driver is pushing to meet delivery deadlines, they may skip rest hours, leading to drowsy driving.
A truck driver is susceptible to the same distractions while driving as every other motorist. However, in the cab of a semi-rig, many more control devices and monitors can divert the driver’s attention from the road. All the usual distractions of texting, eating, drinking, and smoking can also cause a driver to lose control of their rig.
The moment a truck driver speeds, runs red lights, changes lanes without signaling, or tailgates, they are engaging in reckless behavior that can lead to crashes.
When a driver is involved in an accident that causes injury, they are automatically subjected to a drug and alcohol test. While the blood alcohol limit for drivers is .08, for truck drivers it is .04. That recognizes how dangerous it is for a truck driver to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A commercial vehicle adds a significant number of miles each day. That adds to the stress on tires, brakes, and other relevant systems. That is why trucks need to undergo regular inspections before every trip. They also need to be constantly maintained. If equipment failure is a factor in the accident, those responsible for maintaining the rig could be held accountable.
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That represents several tons of cargo traveling in a confined space at high speeds. If that cargo is not loaded correctly, it could shift while driving, leading to serious problems.
Once your Ashland truck accident attorney identifies the cause of your accident, it will help them zero in on all the potential at-fault parties that need to be named in the lawsuit.
When you’re involved in a crash with a truck in Ashland and the driver of that truck is responsible, you should not be expected to pay for any damages you suffered as a result of the accident. You are entitled to seek compensation for the following:
In addition to those economic damages, you are also entitled to non-economic damages. Those can include the following:
In extreme cases, when the truck driver or truck company engaged in especially egregious behavior, you might also be entitled to punitive damages. This is a separate amount that is often awarded by a jury.
As you file your claim, the insurance adjustor assigned to your case will analyze your losses and offer a settlement. That does not have to be the final number. Often, the insurance company’s first offer is low and might not cover all your losses. Your truck crash lawyer can step in and begin negotiations to fight for the maximum benefits that you’re entitled to.
Recovering after a serious truck accident can feel overwhelming. That stress is compounded when you’re going up against a major trucking company and its insurers. At Peterson Law Office, we know what’s at stake.
Our Ashland truck accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and determination to take on complex claims involving commercial carriers, negligent drivers, and defective equipment.
When you work with our firm, you’ll have a team that handles every aspect of your case. That begins with a thorough investigation, during which our team will gather evidence and consult experts to support your claim. We’ll also negotiate directly with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
If it’s necessary due to a claim denial or a lowball offer, we might recommend taking your case to trial.
You’ll never have to wonder what’s happening with your claim or whether your attorney is fighting for you. At Peterson Law Office, your recovery is our top priority. If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident in Ashland or anywhere in Kentucky, don’t wait to get legal help.
Call Peterson Law Office today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.
We want you to focus on healing. We’ll go after the compensation.
Lexington • Richmond • Winchester • Georgetown • Mt. Sterling • Somerset • London • Danville
If you have any questions about a potential personal injury claim, call us or fill out the form below to schedule a free, confidential case consultation.
(859) 559-4160
