Due to the busy commercial truck traffic on Interstate 64 (I-64) and other major area roads, it’s no surprise that trucking accidents are common in and around Lexington, Kentucky. These accidents usually happen when trucking companies take shortcuts or truck drivers violate traffic laws, such as by exhibiting road rage, speeding, or engaging in distracted driving.
If you suffered injuries in a Lexington trucking accident, the experienced legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can help. We can promptly evaluate your claim, determine your available legal options, and fight for your rights throughout the process.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Lexington truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.
Why Select Us for Your Legal Needs?
Commercial trucking accidents can bring about debilitating injuries, suffering, pain, and inconvenience. Given the seriousness of these accidents, you want the best possible legal team in your corner fighting for you.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can negotiate aggressively with insurance company representatives to pursue a fair settlement offer on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to compensate you adequately, we can then litigate your case to a favorable resolution in the court system.
Over the years, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients. You can review our most recent client testimonials here.
How Much is a Third-Party Trucking Accident Case in Lexington Worth?
If you suffered injuries in a trucking accident in Lexington, the amount of third-party compensation you can receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the level of negligence involved.
First, Kentucky has a no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance system. Under PIP, your own insurance company will initially cover your medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who was at fault. PIP typically covers up to $10,000, but you can pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party if your damages exceed this amount or your injuries meet certain severity thresholds.
Potential third-party compensation in a truck accident claim or lawsuit typically falls into three categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
- Economic damages cover your financial losses. These include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. You can also recover lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from working, as well as any loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job – or if your ability to work is permanently reduced.
- Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate you for the pain and suffering you’ve endured because of the truck accident. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of life enjoyment. If your injuries have resulted in disfigurement or a loss of companionship, these can also factor into your non-economic damage award.
- In some cases, you may receive a punitive damages award. These damages punish the at-fault party if their actions were especially reckless, malicious, or intentional. Punitive damages are less common but can significantly increase your total compensation.
Where Do Trucking Accidents Routinely Occur in Lexington?
In Lexington, Kentucky, several key locations are particularly prone to commercial trucking accidents due to high traffic volumes, complex roadways, and frequent interactions between large trucks and passenger vehicles.
- One of the most common locations for trucking accidents in Lexington is Interstate 75 (I-75). This major highway runs north-south through the city and connects Lexington to other parts of the state and the country. With its heavy flow of commercial vehicles transporting goods between states, I-75 sees a significant number of trucking accidents. The highway’s high speeds, frequent lane changes, and merging traffic create a challenging environment where collisions between trucks and smaller vehicles are more likely to occur.
- Another hotspot for trucking accidents is Interstate 64 (I-64), which intersects with I-75 in Lexington. I-64 runs east-west, connecting the city to major urban centers like Louisville and Huntington, West Virginia. This stretch of road is particularly busy with both local and long-haul trucks. The mix of heavy truck traffic and passenger vehicles, especially around interchanges and during rush hours, increases the likelihood of accidents.
- New Circle Road (KY 4) is another area in Lexington where trucking accidents are common. This busy beltway encircles the city and provides access to many of its key commercial and industrial areas. Trucking accidents on New Circle Road often occur near exits and entrances where trucks merge with local traffic or at intersections with other major roads.
- Lastly, U.S. Route 27 (Nicholasville Road) is a significant thoroughfare that sees a high volume of truck traffic – particularly in the southern part of Lexington – where it serves as a primary route for commercial deliveries. The road’s multiple lanes, heavy traffic, and numerous stoplights and intersections create a higher risk for accidents involving large trucks.
Types of Lexington Truck Accidents
In Lexington, several common commercial trucking accidents are often linked to negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies. These accidents can have devastating consequences for everyone involved, particularly when large commercial trucks collide with smaller vehicles.
- Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of trucking accidents resulting from negligence. These typically occur when a truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or is distracted and unable to stop in time. Given the significant weight and size of commercial trucks, rear-end collisions can result in severe damage and injuries, particularly for the occupants of smaller vehicles.
- T-bone accidents, or side-impact collisions, occur frequently at intersections when a truck driver runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the side of another vehicle. These accidents can be deadly due to the direct impact on the passenger compartments of smaller vehicles. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, or failing to obey traffic signals are common negligent behaviors leading to T-bone crashes.
- Another frequent type of accident is a jackknife accident. These occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Jackknifing often results from abrupt braking or sudden maneuvers, especially on slippery roads. Negligence plays a role when truck drivers fail to adjust their speed for road conditions or when trucking companies fail to properly maintain braking systems.
- Rollover accidents are another serious concern. These happen when a truck overturns, often due to speeding, taking a curve too quickly, or improper loading that causes the truck to become unbalanced. Trucking companies may be negligent if they fail to secure loads properly or pressure drivers to meet tight schedules, leading to reckless driving.
- Lastly, underride accidents are particularly dangerous and occur when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped under the side or rear of a truck. These accidents often result from inadequate lighting on the truck or when a truck driver makes a sudden stop without sufficient warning.
Negligence in any of these scenarios can have catastrophic consequences, making it crucial for trucking companies and drivers to adhere to safety regulations and drive responsibly.
Common Injuries in a Lexington Truck Accident
Victims of trucking accidents often suffer severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. These injuries can be both physical and mental, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Physical injuries are typically the most immediately apparent after a trucking accident. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most serious and can occur when the head strikes a hard surface, such as the dashboard or window. TBIs, which include concussions, can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and even permanent disability. Treatment often involves emergency care, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries are also common and can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and, in some cases, lifelong medical care. Victims may also experience back and neck injuries, such as herniated discs or whiplash, which can cause chronic pain and mobility issues. Treatment for these injuries may include medication, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery.
Broken bones and fractures are also frequent in trucking accidents. Depending on the severity, these injuries may require surgical intervention, immobilization with casts or braces, and physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
Beyond the physical injuries, truck accident victims often suffer from mental and emotional injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among trucking accident survivors, leading to anxiety, depression, and flashbacks of the accident. Treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions may involve therapy, counseling, and medication.
Emotional distress and mental anguish are also prevalent, affecting the victim’s ability to enjoy life and engage in everyday activities. Addressing these issues often requires psychological counseling and support from mental health professionals.
Fighting the Insurance Company after a Lexington Truck Accident
When you’re involved in a truck accident in Kentucky, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming – especially when you’re trying to recover from your injuries. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we fight the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Kentucky operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that your own insurance company initially covers your medical expenses and lost earnings through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage – regardless of who was at fault for the trucking accident. PIP typically covers up to $10,000, but this amount is often insufficient, especially in serious truck accident cases where medical bills and other damages can quickly exceed this limit.
We can help by thoroughly investigating your case, gathering crucial evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts by disputing the severity of your injuries or claiming that you were partially at fault. We counter these tactics by presenting strong evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony, to prove the full extent of your injuries and the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence.
If your damages exceed the PIP coverage or your injuries are severe enough to meet Kentucky’s threshold for filing a third-party lawsuit, we can pursue a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. This allows you to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and other losses not covered under PIP.
By handling all communication and negotiations with the insurance company, we take the pressure off you so you can focus on your recovery, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation available.
Steps to Take after a Truck Accident in Lexington
Taking the right steps after a trucking accident in Lexington can significantly affect your recovery and the success of your potential legal claim.
- First, you should retain all documentation related to the trucking accident. This includes the police report, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and any communication with insurance companies. These documents are crucial for building a strong case and proving liability.
- Next, it’s essential to complete all of your medical treatment. Even if you feel better, following through with your doctor’s recommendations ensures that your injuries are fully addressed and documented. Skipping treatment can hurt your recovery and weaken your claim, as insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
- Finally, you should speak with a Lexington truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can protect your rights and future financial interests. The sooner you involve us in your case, the better we can preserve evidence, investigate the accident, and build a compelling case on your behalf.
Talk to an Experienced Lexington Trucking Accident Lawyer Today
If you sustained injuries in a Lexington, Kentucky, trucking accident, the skilled legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers is ready to advocate for you. We will thoroughly prepare your claim or lawsuit, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Lexington truck accident lawyer, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.