If a semi-truck or 18-wheeler hit you or a loved one near Shepherdsville, we know how overwhelming the aftermath feels—medical bills, lost pay, and insurance pushback. We help injured people hold the right parties accountable and pursue the compensation they need to move forward. Call us for a free consultation and immediate help.
We at The Fleck Firm explain Kentucky rules that affect trucking claims, identify who can be responsible after a trucking accident, and outline practical steps to protect your claim after a crash. Our team handles investigation, evidence gathering, and communications with insurers so you can focus on recovery.
When a severe truck accident happens, you deserve clear direction and steady advocacy from people who will fight for your rights. Reach out to us now or contact our Shepherdsville personal injury page for a prompt review of your case.
Kentucky Laws Governing Truck Accidents
There is a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death claims in Kentucky. That means the injured party has one year from the date of the crash to initiate a claim with an insurer or file a lawsuit. A wrongful death claim must be made or a lawsuit filed in court within one year of the date of the individual’s death, which could be later than the crash.
A driver involved in a vehicular crash that results in bodily injury or death, or total property damage of $500 or more, must file a report with the Kentucky State Police within 10 days of the crash. Prompt reporting preserves official records that often prove critical to a claim.
Kentucky adopts many federal trucking rules for interstate carriers and applies state statutes for intrastate operations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules govern hours of service, driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hazardous materials transport when applicable.
Kentucky law holds employers vicariously liable for the acts of their employees while operating in the scope of their employment. This means that the trucking company and its insurer may be held liable when an employee causes a crash.
Evidence such as driver logs, cell phone records, maintenance files, and police reports can be essential to establishing liability. We encourage you to contact us via contact form, schedule an appointment or call us today to get the important advice and counsel required to protect your personal injury claim and achieve full and fair compensation for having to endure and recover from your injuries.
Parties Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident
Liability or “fault” for an 18-wheeler crash can rest with more than one person or entity. We may have grounds to pursue compensation from any party whose negligence contributed to the collision.
- The driver who failed to operate the semi properly, exceeded allowable driving hours and became fatigued, or simply lost focus. Drivers’ actions are often the most direct cause of these wrecks.
- The trucking firm that failed to sufficiently train or oversee the driver, prioritized profit over safety, or returned a driver with a poor safety record to the road. Employers can be held responsible for supervisory lapses.
- The maker of the truck, trailer, or components that supplied defective parts—such as faulty brakes or a weakened coupling—that produced or worsened the crash. Product defects can create separate liability streams.
- Maintenance personnel or service providers who neglected to inspect, repair, or maintain the vehicle properly. Poor upkeep of brakes, tires, or lights can directly lead to collisions.
- The individual or company that loaded cargo incorrectly when shifting or fallen freight contributed to the loss of control. Improper loading and inadequate securement are frequent causes of catastrophic outcomes.
We investigate each potential party to determine how their actions or omissions caused harm. Multiple insurers or defendants may share responsibility, so we consider all avenues to hold accountable those whose conduct led to injury or loss.
Key Factors Used to Determine Truck Accident Liability
We first examine the immediate cause of the crash. Actions such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and impaired operation often indicate driver fault, while mechanical failures or improper cargo loading point toward maintenance or carrier responsibility.
We review regulatory compliance records next. Hours-of-service logs, inspection reports, and maintenance histories can show whether the carrier followed state and federal rules. These records often determine if the employer bears responsibility for failing to maintain safe operations.
We collect physical and digital evidence at the scene. Photographs, witness statements, skid marks, and the truck’s event data recorder provide objective details about speed, braking, and vehicle control. Medical records and repair invoices further connect injuries and damages to the collision.
We consider possible responsible parties beyond the driver and carrier. Freight brokers, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance shops, and loading crews may share liability when their actions or omissions contribute to an accident. Each party’s role affects legal strategies and potential recovery.
We use real-world examples to support claims. For instance, in a recent local case we handled, improper cargo securement by a third party caused a trailer shift that led to a multi-vehicle collision. Documentation from the loading facility proved decisive in assigning fault.
- Key evidence types: police reports, EDR data, witness affidavits, maintenance logs, medical bills.
- Typical fault contributors: driver conduct, vehicle condition, employer policies, third-party services.
Important Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
We first ensure everyone is safe and, when possible, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further harm. If there are injuries or a death, we call 911, keep vehicles where they are unless instructed, and stay at the scene until police arrive.
We collect contact and insurance details from other drivers and note the trucking company name and DOT number if visible. We also get witness names and phone numbers and take photographs of vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and debris to preserve the scene.
Kentucky law requires us to offer reasonable aid to others involved, including helping first responders with injured persons if asked. We keep our assistance practical and focus on immediate safety and medical needs.
We avoid posting photos or statements about the collision on social media and do not speak with potentially liable parties or their insurers without counsel. We document our own account promptly while memories are fresh and keep records of all medical visits and treatments.
If a family member is seriously hurt or killed, we retain a personal injury attorney right away to protect time-sensitive evidence. Preserving truck inspection records, driver logs, CCTV, and electronic data is critical to building a claim, so we act quickly to secure those items.
Why Hiring a Skilled Truck Accident Attorney Matters
Truck crashes involve complicated facts, from cargo securement to driver logbooks. We at The Fleck Firm investigate technical details insurers often overlook and use evidence to establish liability.
A skilled attorney understands federal and state trucking regulations that affect fault and damages. We interpret hours-of-service records, maintenance logs, and black-box data to build a stronger claim.
Insurance companies aim to limit payouts quickly. Our team negotiates aggressively, pushes back on low offers, and prepares cases for trial when needed to protect your interests.
Tractor-trailer collisions often cause catastrophic injuries and long-term costs. We calculate current and future medical needs, lost wages, and non-economic harms to pursue full compensation. If you need legal help after a crash, contact our team for immediate assistance. Reach out via our contact page for a prompt response.