Truck Accidents

Collisions involving large commercial trucks often result in life-changing injuries, severe property damage, and long recovery periods. Victims may face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disabilities that affect both personal and professional life. Furthermore, trucking companies and their insurers often respond quickly to protect their interests, leaving injured individuals without clear guidance on what to do next.

A truck accident lawyer can help level the playing field. Trucking cases involve federal safety regulations, multiple liable parties, and extensive documentation. An attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable. Legal support not only reduces stress but also helps you pursue the full compensation needed to move forward after a devastating crash.

At Todd & Todd, we bring decades of experience to severe injury cases throughout Lexington and Central Kentucky. We handle truck accident claims with the focus and attention they require, offering clients responsive communication and practical legal strategies at every stage. Our firm knows how to take on trucking companies, insurers, and corporate defense teams, and we’re committed to helping you get results.

Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex

Truck accidents differ significantly from typical car crashes. The size and weight of commercial trucks often result in more severe injuries and extensive property damage. These cases also involve federal safety regulations, such as hours-of-service rules and cargo requirements, which must be reviewed to identify violations. In many situations, more than one party may be liable, including the truck driver, the company, a maintenance provider, or even the freight loader.

Types of Compensation Available

Truck accident victims may face extensive physical, financial, and emotional harm. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and medication
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
• Property damage, including the cost to repair or replace your vehicle
• Pain and suffering, including long-term physical pain, anxiety, and diminished quality of life
• Future medical care, such as ongoing treatment or assistive equipment
• Wrongful death damages, if a loved one was fatally injured in the crash

An experienced truck accident attorney can gather detailed records, consult medical professionals, and present a clear picture of your losses to strengthen your claim.

What if the Truck Driver is Under-Insured?

Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage After a Truck Accident

While most commercial trucks carry liability insurance, that coverage may not always be enough, especially when multiple victims are injured or damages exceed policy limits. In some cases, the at-fault driver may not have valid insurance at all, particularly if they were operating a vehicle outside the bounds of their employment or working for a poorly managed company. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your auto policy can provide critical protection in these situations, helping to cover medical costs, lost income, and other damages when the other party lacks adequate coverage.

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can be equally important after a serious truck accident. If the truck driver or company has insurance that falls short of covering your total losses, your UIM coverage can help fill the gap. This is especially valuable in high-damage cases where medical treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of earning capacity stretch well into the future.

At Todd & Todd, we review all available insurance policies to ensure you pursue every possible source of compensation, including claims through your insurer when the other side’s coverage isn’t enough. These types of protection are often overlooked until it’s too late, so we also encourage our clients to carry both UM and UIM coverage as part of their financial safety net.

Investigating Truck Accidents

Building a strong case starts with a detailed investigation. Our firm obtains crash reports, black box data, driver logs, employment records, and maintenance reports. We also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to determine the exact cause of the incident. Quick action is critical, as trucking companies often deploy their own investigators immediately after a crash.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Commercial truck collisions can result from various forms of negligence. Common causes include:

• Driver fatigue due to hours-of-service violations
• Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Equipment failures due to poor maintenance
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Lack of driver training or supervision

Identifying the specific cause helps determine who is responsible, which may include both the driver and their employer.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Unlike car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple parties. Liability may rest with:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• A third-party maintenance provider
• A cargo loading company
• The manufacturer of faulty parts

Each party may carry separate insurance, and each will likely have legal representation. Our firm takes a proactive approach to identify all possible defendants and pursue the full value of your claim.

Time Limits for Filing a Truck Accident Claim

Kentucky law generally gives you two years from the date of the truck accident or your last no-fault payment to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to act within this timeframe can prevent you from recovering damages. It is essential to consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and meet all legal deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after being hit by a truck?

Call emergency services, seek immediate medical care, and report the crash to the police. Gather photos, witness information, and contact a truck accident attorney before speaking to any insurance company.

Can I sue the trucking company?

Yes. If the driver was on the job, the trucking company may be liable for their negligence. You may also have a claim if the company failed to maintain the truck or violated safety rules.

What if the truck driver was from another state?

You can still file a claim in Kentucky if the crash occurred within the state. Interstate trucking companies are subject to both state and federal regulations, and we regularly handle cases involving out-of-state defendants.

Will my case go to trial?

Most truck accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully ready to litigate on your behalf.

How long does a truck accident case take?

The timeline varies. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries or multiple defendants may take a year or more. We provide consistent updates throughout the process.

Get Help from a Truck Accident Lawyer Who Knows How to Fight Back

A truck crash can leave you facing pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance adjusters who do not have your best interests in mind. Trying to handle these challenges alone can lead to mistakes that affect your recovery.

At Todd & Todd, we stand with injury victims across Lexington and Central Kentucky. We take an aggressive but practical approach to trucking cases, combining legal experience with local insight to protect your rights. Our team works closely with clients from the outset, always focused on achieving results and maintaining open communication.

If you were injured in a truck accident, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation. You can also learn more about our personal injury services or return to our home page to see how we support clients across Kentucky.