Shepherdsville Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured in a wreck, contact a Shepherdsville truck accident lawyer at Meagher Injury Lawyers today for a free legal consultation.
Truck Accident Attorneys In Shepherdsville, KY
The devastating effects of an accident can be life-altering when a large commercial truck is involved due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. Accidents with trucks are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries and even wrongful death than collisions with other types of vehicles.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Shepherdsville
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Drivers fatigue and drowsy driving
- Poorly trained drivers
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Mechanical failure (e.g., faulty brakes or tires)
- Substance abuse
- Driver delivery pressures
- Drivers exceeding maximum consecutive hours on the road
- Improperly loaded cargo
A skilled attorney could help you determine the potential causes of your semi-truck collision.
Types of Tractor-Trailer Wrecks
Collisions involving commercial trucks can occur in a variety of ways. Types of truck crashes include:
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Jackknife Accidents: This type of accident occurs when a tractor-trailer folds in on itself, forming a 90-degree angle between the cab and the trailer. Jackknifing can occur due to sudden stopping, improper lane changes, improper load securement, and various other factors. These types of accidents commonly lead to multiple vehicle collisions because vehicles behind the truck may not be able to stop and quickly get blocked by the large tractor-trailer.
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Rear-End Collisions: Because of the large size and weight of tractor-trailers, they need more time and distance to stop than smaller automobiles. When truck brakes fail, or when drivers are distracted, following too closely, or traveling too fast for the conditions, catastrophic rear-end collisions can occur.
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Truck Underride Accidents: The raised design of the truck’s trailer can allow just enough room for a car to slide underneath, possibly shearing off the roof of the vehicle. In this type of accident, an automobile and its occupants can get crushed under the rear or side of the trailer. Underride accidents are almost always catastrophic.
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Lane Changing Accidents: Commercial trucks have considerable blind spots. Truck drivers who attempt to change lanes when smaller automobiles are in their blind spots can squash other motorists or force them off the highway.
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Load Spilling Accidents: Federal law requires that tractor-trailers be appropriately loaded without exceeding certain weight limits and their cargo must be properly secured. Failure to comply with federal law requirements can result in cargo spilling on the highway and causing accidents for drivers of automobiles.
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Rollovers: When a truck driver loses control of a commercial truck, it can roll over on its side, taking other smaller automobiles with it. A rollover occurs when the wheels of the truck lose traction with the road. When a truck travels along a curved path, centrifugal force can cause a rollover due to the truck leaning away from the direction of the curve. Trucks are prone to rollover accidents because of their high centers of gravity and frequently unstable loads.
No matter the type of truck crash you were involved in, it is generally best to seek help from a seasoned lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Injuries Sustained in 18-Wheeler Wrecks
Tractor-trailer crashes can cause significant pain and suffering for victims. If you have been involved in an 18-wheeler wreck, it’s crucial to understand the types of injuries that can occur and how a skilled attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve. At Meagher Injury Lawyers, we represent truck accident victims with various severe injuries, including but not limited to the following:
Soft Tissue Neck and Back Injuries
- Whiplash: Often caused by the sudden jolt of a collision, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Strains and Sprains: Injuries to muscles and ligaments that can cause significant discomfort and require physical therapy.
Bulging or Herniated Neck and Back Injuries
- Herniated Discs: When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
- Bulging Discs: Similar to herniated discs but with less severe protrusion, still causing significant pain and discomfort.
Burn Injuries
- First, Second, and Third-Degree Burns: Depending on the severity, burns can cause scarring, disfigurement, and long-term physical and emotional trauma.
Fractured or Broken Bones
- Simple Fractures: Clean breaks that do not pierce the skin.
- Compound Fractures: More severe breaks where the bone pierces the skin, often requiring surgery.
Head Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Includes concussions, contusions, and more severe brain injuries that can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Concussions: A mild form of TBI that can cause headaches, confusion, dizziness, and other symptoms.
Internal Injuries
- Internal Bleeding: Serious bleeding inside the body, often affecting organs like the bladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, or spleen.
- Organ Damage: Can require extensive medical treatment and lead to long-term health issues.
Lacerations
- Cuts and Abrasions: Can range from minor cuts to deep lacerations requiring stitches or surgical intervention.
Rib or Torso Injuries
- Rib Fractures: Can cause severe pain and breathing difficulties.
- Torso Injuries: Damage to internal organs and tissues in the torso area.
Dismemberment
- Loss of Limbs: Severe accidents can result in the loss of one or more limbs, leading to lifelong physical and emotional challenges.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Partial or Complete Paralysis: Depending on the location and severity of the injury, victims can suffer from partial or complete paralysis, impacting their quality of life significantly.
Seat Belt Injuries
- Bruising and Lacerations: The force of a collision can cause the seat belt to cut into the skin or cause deep bruising.
Wrongful Death
- Fatal Injuries: Unfortunately, some truck accidents result in fatalities. Families of the deceased can seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Call a Shepherdsville Truck Accident Attorney Today
Victims of a truck accident can potentially face a lifetime of medical bills, rehabilitation, and missed work. We, unfortunately, can never make the injuries disappear, but a Shepherdsville truck accident lawyer can potentially help you recover significant compensation to facilitate your recovery. Don’t hesitate to call Attorney Tate Meagher for your free legal consultation. Remember, there is never a fee unless Tate wins your case.
