Shelbyville Truck Accident Attorney

Helping Truck Accident Victims in Louisville & Throughout Kentucky

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Shelbyville Semi-Truck Accident Attorney

At Noakes Law Group, our Shelbyville truck accident lawyers are committed to providing top-tier legal representation to victims and their families. Our firm is committed to holding trucking companies and insurance companies accountable—so that our clients are able to secure the maximum financial compensation. If you or your loved one was hurt in a tractor-trailer accident, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, fully confidential consultation with a top-tier Shelbyville truck accident lawyer. 

Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Crash in Shelbyville, Kentucky

Involved in an eighteen-wheeler crash in Shelbyville, Shelby County, or elsewhere in the surrounding area? It is normal to feel stressed out and overwhelmed by the intensity and chaos of the situation. Knowing what to do next can make all of the difference. Here are four key steps to take after a commercial truck accident in Kentucky: 

1. Stop Your Vehicle and Report the Crash: The first thing you should do is safely stop your vehicle. Not only is it the law in Kentucky, it is crucial for protecting your legal rights. All truck accidents should be reported to law enforcement, such as the Shelbyville Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, or the Kentucky State Police. 
2. Get Prompt Medical Care for Any/All Injuries: Any and all physical injuries that happen in a truck accident must be diagnosed, evaluated, and treated by a doctor. Not only is this essential to get proper care, but getting prompt medical attention ensures that your injuries are documented from the start. Medical records are vital in truck accident injury claims. 
3. Document the Semi-Truck Accident: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, including any damages to your vehicle, the semi-truck, and surrounding areas. Also, gather names and contact information from witnesses. The more documentation you have related to your semi-truck accident, the better positioned you will be to get justice. 
4. Speak to a Lawyer Before an Insurer: The big insurance companies are not on the side of victims and families. Before you give any statement to an insurance adjuster, it is imperative that you consult with a top-tier Shelbyville truck accident lawyer. Your attorney will protect your rights and your interests. 

Large Trucks Can Cause Catastrophic Accidents

A fully-loaded tractor-trailer in Shelby County, Kentucky can weigh up to 40 tons (80,000 pounds). As these commercial vehicles dwarf the size of standard passenger automobiles, they create an inherent safety risk. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the consequences can be devastating. Indeed, the physics of these accidents means that the impact force is significantly higher. Some of the most common semi-truck accident injuries include: 

• Severe whiplash 
• Torn ligaments
• Broken bones
• Back injuries 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) 
• Amputations
• Spinal cord damage 

What to Know About Commercial Truck Accident Liability in Kentucky

Who is responsible for a truck accident in Shelbyville? The answer, in part, lies in understanding Kentucky’s unique motor vehicle insurance laws. Kentucky is a no-fault state, allowing drivers to choose between no-fault insurance and opting out to retain the right to sue for any auto accident. However, almost all truck accident claims fall into the realm of fault-based cases due to the severe nature of injuries and damages that trucks can inflict. Every truck accident should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. Your attorney can help you document the crash and secure the evidence that you need to prove fault and establish liability. 

Of course, tractor-trailer accident claims can be extremely complicated. Multiple parties could share the blame for the same crash. Under Kentucky law (K.R.S. § 411.182), a pure comparative fault standard is used to apportion liability. For example, imagine that a car driver in Shelbyville is found 20 percent at fault for his or her own truck accident. The total damages that he or she suffered in the crash is calculated as $100,000. Under Kentucky law, the driver could still recover $80,000 from the at-fault trucking company. He or she would bear fault for 20 percent of the damages. 

The Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Injury Claim

You do not have an unlimited period of time to file a truck accident claim in Kentucky. Under Commonwealth law (K.R.S. § 304.39-230), there is a two-year statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims and truck accident wrongful death claims. Only very narrow exceptions to the law exist. Be proactive. Contact a Shelbyville truck accident lawyer right away after a bad crash. 

We Help Truck Accidents Victims in Shelbyville Fight for the Maximum Compensation

Following a tractor-trailer crash in Shelbyville, victims need compensation for the full extent of their damages. Kentucky allows truck accident victims to pursue financial relief for both economic damages and non-economic losses. Here is the challenge: Trucking companies and their insurance carriers fight hard to pay out as little as possible in the claims process. Our Shelbyville, KY truck accident lawyers can help. It is our mission to help injured victims secure the absolute greatest possible financial recovery. You may be entitled to recover financial compensation for: 

• Property damage (automotive repairs/replacement). 
• Ambulance costs and emergency room care.
• Hospital bills and other medical expenses.
• Long-term medical costs, including physical therapy. 
• Loss of wages and loss of earning power. 
• Pain and suffering & mental distress.
• Long-term disability and physical impairment.
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

Semi-Truck Accident Claims in Shelbyville, KY: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Happens If It Wait Too Long to Bring a Truck Accident Claim?

You could lose out on your right to recover compensation at all. In Kentucky, there is a legal time limit—the statute of limitations—for filing a truck accident claim. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, which is two years from the date of the crash, any lawsuit you file could be time-barred as a matter of Kentucky law. You do not want to fall behind in the claims process. 

Should I Give a Statement to the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident?

No—or at least you should not agree to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster until you consult with an experienced Shelbyville, KY semi-truck accident attorney. The company is not on your side. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters may use your words against you to minimize your claim’s value. A lawyer can guide you on what information should be shared.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Injury Case Worth?

It depends. A number of factors will impact the value of your case, including liability, damages, and insurance coverage. You cannot rely on any insurance company to properly value your claim. A Shelbyville, KY tractor trailer accident attorney will review your case, document your damages, and help you take action to secure the full and fair settlement offer you rightfully deserve. 

Do Federal Trucking Regulations Play a Role in the Claims Process?

Yes. In fact, federal trucking safety regulations play a significant role in the claims process for tractor-trailer accidents in Shelbyville. While liability in these cases arises under Kentucky law, the violation of federal safety regulations can serve as critical evidence of negligence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict guidelines on various aspects of trucking operations, including hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications. If a truck driver or trucking company fails to adhere to these regulations and an accident occurs, such violations can be used to establish negligence and impose liability for a crash.

Why Rely On the Shelbyville Truck Accident Attorney at the Noakes Law Group

Semi-truck accident claims are notoriously complex. You do not have to try to take on a large insurance company alone. At Noakes Law Group, our firm relentlessly pursues justice for injured victims. With millions in compensation recovered, we know how to get results. Among other things, our Shelbyville truck accident lawyers are prepared to: 

1. Listen to your story and answer legal questions about your case. 
2. Investigate your truck accident—gathering relevant evidence. 
3. Connect with the right medical experts and document your damages. 
4. Advocate for you in any settlement negotiations with insurers.
5. Take aggressive legal action to help you secure the maximum compensation. 

You may have questions about the cost of hiring an experienced attorney. With the Noakes Law Group, you never have to concern yourself with upfront costs or hourly bills. Our Shelbyville, KY semi-truck accident attorney handles cases on a contingency fee basis. Initial consultations are free and we only get paid when you recover financial compensation for your damages. 

Trial Experience You Can Count On

Noakes can handle your truck accident case.

Our goal is to get our clients the maximum compensation they deserve. Our personal injury attorney will put in the work needed to build a strong case for you. We are skilled negotiators that reach fair settlements out of court, but when settlement is not possible, we have trial experience that you can depend on.

CALL US TODAY 502.777.7854

Contact Our Shelbyville Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

At Noakes Law Group, our Shelbyville semi-truck accident attorneys are standing by, ready to go above and beyond to protect your rights. Were you or your close loved one hurt in a crash? Call us now or contact us online for a free consultation. We handle semi-truck accident claims in Shelbyville, Shelby County, and throughout the surrounding region.

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