Dedicated Legal Support After A Trucking Accident In The Greater Louisville Area
I understand the profound impact a trucking accident can have on individuals and families. These accidents can cause extremely serious injuries and, tragically, sometimes even death. Recovering from such an event often involves both physical therapy and emotional support to help victims heal and cope with their injuries.
If you or someone you love is suffering due to a trucking accident caused by truck driver negligence, it’s important to consider taking legal action against those responsible.
At Visar Maliqi, Attorney at Law, I work directly with injury victims to build their claims for compensation. Because trucking accident cases often involve complex laws and regulations, you need a lawyer with local experience and skill. I offer my services throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Get started on your case today with a free consultation.
Causes Of Trucking Accidents In Kentucky
Truck drivers operate large vehicles that occupy a significant portion of the road. Semi trucks, also known as 18-wheelers, carry heavy loads of machinery, goods or materials that often affect the truck’s handling, braking and maneuverability.
Truck drivers must operate these complex vehicles safely. Breaches of this duty, along with other contributing factors, can lead to serious accidents. Common causes of trucking accidents include:
- Truck driver fatigue due to long hours on the road
- Distracted driving, including texting or using devices while driving
- Improper vehicle maintenance or equipment failure
- Overloading or improperly loading cargo
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
As your truck accident lawyer, I will help determine the cause of your injuries and identify all negligent parties.
Liability In A Semi-Truck Crash
In trucking accidents, responsibility often extends beyond the truck driver, making these cases complex. Multiple parties may share liability. Examples of potentially liable parties include:
- The trucking company: If they pressure drivers to exceed legal driving hours, it contributes to driver fatigue.
- The truck manufacturer: If defective brakes caused the crash.
- The loading company: If improperly loaded cargo shifted during transport, causing the truck to jackknife.
- Other drivers: If their actions, such as cutting off the truck, contributed to the accident.
Imagine a scenario where these factors combine: an overworked driver operates a truck with faulty brakes and improperly loaded cargo, then collides with your car after another vehicle cuts them off. In this situation, the negligent trucking company, manufacturer, loader and the other driver could all share responsibility.
Pinpointing liability in these cases requires careful investigation. With my experience in federal and state trucking regulations, I can thoroughly investigate your accident, identify all responsible parties and build a strong case against each.
By holding all negligent parties accountable, we not only seek justice for your injuries but also encourage safer practices in the trucking industry.
Compensation You’re Entitled To After A Truck Crash
If you’re a truck accident survivor, you may have a right to various forms of compensation. This typically includes economic damages, which cover measurable losses like hospital bills, lost income and benefits, and property damage. Economic damages also account for future costs, such as ongoing medical care or reduced earning capacity.
You may also be eligible for noneconomic damages, which address intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages may be available in cases of extreme truck driver negligence or intentional misconduct.
As a truck accident lawyer, I will work closely with you to fully understand the accident’s impact on your life. Once I gather all necessary documentation and evidence, I will include these damages in your case.
What Affects How Much You Get In A Trucking Accident Settlement?
Each accident is different. Even if the same accident happened at the same time and involved the same people, small differences can change their outcome. Here are some things that can change the settlement amount in a trucking accident case:
- How serious the injuries are and how long they might last: More serious injuries that take a long time to heal or that cause permanent problems usually lead to higher settlements.
- How the accident affects your ability to work and earn money: If injuries prevent someone from working, they can seek compensation for lost wages (both past and future).
- How much property damage there is: This includes damage to vehicles and other personal property. Getting estimates for repairs or replacement is important.
- How clear is the evidence that someone else was at fault: This is called “negligence.” Clear evidence that the truck driver or trucking company did something wrong (like breaking traffic laws, truck driver fatigue or failing to maintain the truck) makes a stronger case.
- How well the accident was investigated: A thorough investigation by the police and an independent investigation by an attorney or accident reconstruction expert can uncover important evidence. This is key in building a strong case.
Insurance policy limits and the financial resources of the responsible parties can also play a role. As your truck accident lawyer, I’ll carefully look at all of these things to maximize the value of your case.
A Truck Accident Lawyer Answering Commonly Asked Questions
Many clients have questions after a truck accident. Here are some of the most common ones I hear.
How are trucking accidents different from car accidents?
Trucking accidents often cause more serious injuries and involve more complicated legal issues than car accidents. The size and weight of commercial trucks can cause devastating damage. These cases also often involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties and higher insurance policy limits. They are more complex and involve larger settlement amounts.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident?
In Kentucky, the deadline to file a lawsuit for personal injury claims, including trucking accidents, is generally two years from the date the accident happened. However, this can change depending on the specific facts of the case. For example, if the accident was fatal, the deadline might be different. Seek the help of a truck accident attorney as soon as possible to avoid delay issues.
Can I sue the trucking company for the negligence of the truck driver?
As mentioned before, you can often hold the trucking company responsible for their driver’s negligence. Under Kentucky law, employers are generally responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of their employment. This applies to truck accident cases.
However, the details can vary depending on the driver’s employment status (employee vs. independent contractor) and the specific circumstances of the accident.
How long will my case take, and when will I get a resolution?
Because truck accident claims are complex, it’s hard to give an exact timeline. Every case is different and has its own challenges and factors that can affect how long it takes. Some cases might settle within a few months, while others could take a year or more, especially if they go to trial.
Helping You Through Each Stage Of A Truck Accident Claim
The process of pursuing justice post accident usually includes gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies and sometimes going to court. As your truck accident lawyer, I’ll work hard to move your case forward as efficiently as possible. I’ll keep you updated and make sure we communicate clearly throughout the entire process.
Build Your Case With A Truck Accident Lawyer Today
While the legal process can take time, rushing into a quick settlement might not fully cover all your losses. My goal is to help you get the full compensation you deserve, which often requires patience and strategic negotiation.
If you’re ready to discuss your case and explore your legal options, schedule your free consultation today. Call Visar Maliqi, Attorney at Law‘s Louisville office at 502-934-7374 or complete this online form to set up a meeting with me.
I have Spanish-speaking staff on the team, and I am fluent in Albanian, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers. Also, I work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless I secure compensation for you.