Glasgow, Barren County KY Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers

What Is Considered a Commercial Vehicle Under Kentucky Law?

Under Kentucky law, a “commercial motor vehicle” is defined as “any motor-propelled vehicle designed for carrying freight or merchandise.” Additionally, to be considered a commercial motor vehicle, the vehicle must have a registered weight of 10,000 pounds or more.

Big rigs and Semi-trucks are considered “Commercial motor vehicles” in Kentucky if they weigh over 10,000 pounds or more. Most Semi-trucks weigh approximately 60,000 pounds or more.

Unfortunately, the size of these trucks and the heavy loads they often carry will inevitably result in accidents on Kentucky roadways. You can never avoid being involved in a commercial vehicle or semi-truck accident with any certainty.

However, having a general understanding of some basic semi-truck accident statistics and facts can help you be better prepared in the event you are ever involved in a truck accident yourself.

Glasgow, Barren County KY Semi-Truck Accident Statistics

In 2017, there were approximately 450,000 police-reported crashes involving semi-trucks in the United States.

Of those, 344,000 resulted in injuries, and 4,327 resulted in death.

While semi-truck accidents are not as common as passenger vehicle accidents, the fact remains that semi-truck accidents are widespread and impact thousands of lives each year.

This is true not only nationwide but in the state of Kentucky as well.

According to a report prepared by the Kentucky Transportation Center and the Kentucky State Police, in 2018 alone, there were 10,620 truck collisions in the State of Kentucky.

In compliance with the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, Kentucky has established a network of highways on which vehicles with increased dimensions, such as trucks, may better operate. Major roadways that run through and around Glasgow, KY, include:

• The Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway (LN 9008),
• US 68/KY 80,
• US 31E,
• US 68, and
• KY 90.

In fact, in Glasgow, KY, there is an estimated daily truck traffic of 46,236 semi-trucks per day. With so many trucks traveling through the area on a daily basis, semi-truck accidents are nearly inevitable.

According to a report prepared by the Kentucky Transportation Center, there were 424 crashes in Barren county, the county in which Glasgow is located, between 2012 and 2016. The annual semi-truck crash rate was 20.1 crashes per 10,000 population.

Leading Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Unfortunately, Semi-Truck accidents are all too common, and there are many factors that contribute to the existence of semi-truck accidents. Some of the leading causes of semi-truck accidents in Kentucky, as noted by investigating officers on collision reports, include:

• Defective brakes,
• Mechanical failure.
• Improper training,
• Weather conditions,
• Tire failure,
• Overload or improper load,
• Load securement, and
• Driver error, such as inattention, distraction, or failure to properly follow traffic rules.

While the causes of semi-truck crashes are sometimes clear, often times the true cause can only be determined after thorough investigation and legal discovery. Trucking companies and insurance companies may try to keep you from finding out exactly why your semi-truck crash occurred.

In certain instances, the trucking company or insurance company may want to conceal the true problem, which they know could result in higher damages for the victim. That’s why you need an experienced Glasgow Barren County, KY truck-crash attorney to get to the bottom of what caused your truck-crash.

Common Semi-Truck Accident Injuries

If you are a victim of a big-rig or semi-truck accident, there is a strong likelihood that you will have sustained significant injuries. Due to the size, weight, and magnitude of force exerted by semi-trucks, a truck collision can be extremely dangerous, and in some cases, fatal.

Some of the most common injuries that can result from a truck accident include:

• Traumatic brain injuries,
• Neck and back injuries,
• Spinal cord injuries,
• Paralysis,
• Broken bones,
• Internal injuries,
• Soft tissue injuries, and
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations.

After a semi-truck accident, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical care. Even if you do not presently feel injured or you don’t think you have sustained any injuries, diagnosis by a medical professional is essential.

Often, some of the most severe injuries, such as head or brain trauma and internal injuries, may not be visible or readily apparent. Thus, you should always see a doctor for professional diagnosis and testing as soon as practicable.

Even after you seek initial medical attention, it is important to continue monitoring your injuries. In the coming days, weeks, and months, as you continue to heal and recover, take careful note of any changes or worsening in your condition.

Damages in a Glasgow, Barren County KY Semi-Truck Accident Case

Victims of a semi-truck accident will frequently require financial compensation to help them recover. But what damages might you be entitled to?

In a semi-truck accident case, damages will typically include monetary compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses,
• Property damage,
• PIP benefits,
• Lost wages,
• Loss of earning capacity,
• Pain and suffering,
• Disfigurement,
• Loss of enjoyment of life, and
• Loss of consortium.

Depending on the facts of your specific case, you may also be entitled to “punitive” damages. Kentucky courts may award punitive damages where there is clear and convincing evidence of “oppression, fraud or malice” that leads to a semi-truck accident.

Trucking companies may also open themselves up to punitive damages with certain violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case, our experienced semi-truck accident injury team will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Get a Free Case Evaluation Today

We understand how overwhelming it can be to be involved in a semi-truck accident. However, you are not alone.

Flora Templeton Stuart and her experienced team have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you navigate your semi-truck crash case.

But more than that, we will provide you with the compassion, care, and personalized service you deserve to put you in a strong position to recover the compensation you need.

We have over 43 years of experience helping personal injury victims in Kentucky, and we are ready to do the same for you. Contact us today via our online form or by calling (888) 782-9090 for your free case evaluation, and see how we can help.

We are local and we care! With an office located near the Barren County Courthouse, right off the square in Glasgow at 213 S. Green Street, we are ready to meet with you to begin working on your case!

FAQ

How Do I Know Flora Templeton Stuart Is the Right Law Firm for Me?

Ultimately, the decision is yours on what law firm to hire. However, rest assured that when you hire our team to help with your case, we will fight for your rights to the best of our ability.

Over the past four decades, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, securing favorable outcomes in over 90 percent of our cases, and we will fight to do the same for you. We also will refer you to the right physicians for treatment, and help with the PIP reservation for lost wages and medical bills.

What If I Can’t Afford an Attorney?

At Flora Templeton Stuart, we don’t believe that ability to pay should be a barrier to protecting your rights. That’s why when you work with us, you will not pay any fees or costs unless and until you receive compensation for your injuries.

Do I Need an Attorney for My Semi-Truck Accident Case?

An experienced semi-truck crash personal injury attorney can help you assess your case, gather evidence, evaluate your damages, refer you to the right medical treatment providers, and ultimately maximize your recovery.

There are many complicated steps in a semi-truck accident case, and we are for you every step of the way. We start working on your case immediately to ensure that crucial evidence is not lost, and to reserve your PIP benefits so they are not immediately exhausted. Contact us today to discuss your case and see what we can do to help.