Covington Truck Accident Lawyer

When a semi-truck or other large vehicle crashes into a traditional passenger vehicle, there is a high likelihood of severe injury and possibly death for the people inside the smaller vehicle. 

These horrific crashes are often the result of the truck driver’s negligence, so the victims should seek representation from a qualified attorney to determine if they are entitled to compensation. 

The Covington, KY, truck accident lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy have decades of experience fighting for the rights of the injured and will bring our wealth of knowledge and skill to your claim. 

Your initial consultation with our Covington truck accident lawyers is free, and we do not charge legal fees unless successful.

Types of Truck Accidents

Many types of trucks and large vehicles can endanger you, including:

• Semi-trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• Fire trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Ambulances
• Buses
• Tanker trucks
• Dump trucks
• Mail/package delivery trucks
• Vehicles transporting livestock
• RVs
• U-Hauls
• Cement trucks

These vehicles can cause dangerous crashes and accidents, such as cargo spills, rear-end collisions, rollover accidents, and underride crashes, in which a smaller vehicle rear-ends a truck and gets pushed underneath the trailer.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. 

Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations and bruising
• Burns (especially in accidents involving tanker trucks)
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD

These injuries range from minor to life-threatening or fatal. Due to the potential for serious harm, truck accident victims must always seek immediate medical attention, even if they feel fine initially. 

Some injuries, particularly internal injuries or brain trauma, may not be immediately apparent but can have severe long-term consequences if left untreated.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Victims of these collisions can suffer everything from bruises and whiplash to potentially life-changing injuries such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. 

Some form of negligence typically causes these accidents, including:

• Drowsy driving
• Reckless driving
• Blind spots
• Poorly trained drivers
• Poorly inspected vehicles
• Unsecured cargo, including hazardous chemicals
• Cargo that exceeds the vehicle’s weight capacity
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving, including texting and driving
• Defective car parts

If you believe negligence caused your truck accident, have a knowledgeable Covington lawyer review your claim as soon as possible. 

If you wait, evidence could disappear, and so could your chances of recovering compensation for the crash’s effects. 

The legal team at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy is intimately familiar with the laws that apply to truck accidents in Kentucky. We know how to build a strong case showing that your negligence caused your accident and that you deserve compensation. 

Our attorneys have a successful track record of securing fair compensation for victims of someone else’s negligence.

Potential Damages for Commercial Vehicle Wrecks in Covington

Our skilled attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help you pursue compensation for losses and expenses related to your truck collision, including:

• Medical costs
• Lost income
• Future wages if the injuries are long-term
• Vehicle repairs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of consortium

Depending on the nature of the accident, evidence that the truck driver was wantonly reckless or impaired at the time of the collision might allow you to recover punitive damages.

Punitive Damages for Tractor-Trailer Crashes

Punitive damages punish a negligent commercial vehicle driver and signal to other truck drivers that this behavior has severe consequences. 

Our knowledgeable lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani, and Levy can explain punitive damages and how they are calculated in 18-wheeler collision claims.

In Kentucky, the court awards punitive damages in truck accident cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless. 

• Jury decision: A jury typically decides whether to award punitive damages and determines the amount.
• Proof requirement: The plaintiff must prove the defendant acted with oppression, fraud, or malice.
• No statutory cap: Kentucky has no legal limit on punitive damage awards.
• Calculation method: Punitive damages are often calculated as a multiple of compensatory damages.
• Purpose: These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Case-by-case basis: Not all truck accident cases qualify for punitive damages. Your attorney can help determine if they apply to your situation.

An experienced Kentucky truck accident lawyer can help you seek punitive damages if your case warrants them.

What to Do After a Truck Collision

The most important thing to do after a truck accident is to seek medical treatment from a qualified medical professional. 

If possible, try to collect information from the scene of the accident to help out with your legal claim, including:

• Photographs of the scene of the accident
• Insurance and contact information for the truck driver and any witnesses
• Name of the company on the side of the truck

If you encounter any trucking company investigators at the accident scene, you should avoid talking to them about the crash. 

They will pretend to be your friend, but they may try to use anything you say against you in court if you attempt to bring a legal claim. 

We advise you to keep your thoughts and any information about the truck crash to yourself until speaking with an experienced attorney in Covington who has your best interests in mind. 

Our attorneys will carefully examine the information you bring to us to determine your legal options. If you have a valid claim, we will work on a detailed investigation to build a case worthy of recovering compensation. 

We will interview eyewitnesses, review medical records, review the truck driver’s record, and consult medical and accident reconstruction experts if necessary. 

We want to do everything we can to develop a detailed summary of the accident that shows it was caused by negligence.

Understanding the Claims Process

The claims process after a truck accident can seem complex, but it breaks down into these basic steps:

• Report the accident: Contact the police and your insurance company right away.
• Gather information: Collect details about the accident, including photos, witness contacts, and the truck driver’s information.
• Seek medical care: Get checked by a doctor, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be obvious right away.
• Contact a lawyer: A truck accident lawyer can guide you through the rest of the process.
• Investigation: Your lawyer will investigate the accident, gathering evidence to support your claim.
• File the claim: Your lawyer will submit a formal claim to the responsible party’s insurance company.
• Negotiation: The insurance company may offer a settlement. Your lawyer will work to get you a fair amount.
• Settlement or lawsuit: You’ll receive payment if you agree to a settlement. If not, your lawyer may suggest going to court.
• Trial (if necessary): If your case goes to court, your lawyer will present your case to a judge and jury.
• Receive compensation: If you win your case, you’ll receive payment for your injuries and other losses.

Throughout this process, your lawyer will handle most of the work, keeping you informed and asking for your input when needed. The goal is to get you fair payment for your injuries and losses while you focus on getting better.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Truck Accident?

A skilled truck accident lawyer provides invaluable assistance in the aftermath of a collision. 

Here’s how:

• Investigation: Lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering crucial evidence such as truck driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and witness statements.
• Determining liability: Attorneys can identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or cargo loaders.
• Dealing with insurance companies: Your lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from potentially making statements that could harm your case.
• Calculating damages: An experienced attorney can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiation: Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can work to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Litigation: If you can't reach a fair settlement, your attorney can represent you in court, presenting a strong case to a judge and jury.
• Decoding complex regulations: Truck accident cases often involve federal and state laws. A knowledgeable lawyer can navigate these complexities.
• Access to experts: Attorneys often have networks of accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals who can strengthen your case.
• Timely filing: A lawyer will ensure all necessary documents are filed within the statute of limitations, preserving your right to seek compensation.
• Peace of mind: An attorney handles the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being.

A skilled truck accident lawyer significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation for injuries and losses.

Consult a Covington Truck Accident Attorney Today

The Covington personal injury attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy have seen the devastation caused by these horrific accidents. 

That is why we work so hard for the victims to help them recover compensation for damages. 

Our clients receive a free, no-obligation consultation and do not owe us attorney’s fees or other legal costs unless we obtain a favorable verdict or settlement. Reach out today at ​​(859) 581-8300.