Imagine cruising along the highway, minding your business, and suddenly 80,000-pound 18-wheeler barrels into your car’s rear. Terrifying, isn’t it?  Truck accidents, unfortunately, are an all-too-familiar occurrence on the roads of Lexington, Kentucky, often resulting in catastrophic injuries, and at worst, fatalities. At The Law Offices of Croley & Foley, we understand the gravity of these situations and stand ready to assist, providing diligent legal support in these complex cases.

Understanding Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are a significant category of road incidents, often involving large commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks, big rigs, or 18-wheelers. The dynamics of truck accidents significantly differ from those of standard car accidents due to several factors unique to these colossal machines. 

The intricate nature of truck accidents can be further categorized into several types based on the circumstances and dynamics involved. 

  • Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the back of a vehicle in front of it. This typically happens when the truck cannot stop in time, often due to excessive speed, distraction, or inadequate following distance.
  • Jackknife Accidents: This type of accident occurs when a truck’s cab and trailer fold in on each other at the coupling point, resembling the acute angle of a folding pocket knife. Jackknifing can happen due to abrupt braking, equipment failure, or poor road conditions. 
  • Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. These can be caused by driver errors like taking a turn too quickly, environmental factors such as high winds, or mechanical issues like tire blowouts.
  • Underride Accidents: An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a large truck or trailer, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle. 
  • Blind Spot Accidents: Commercial trucks have much larger blind spots compared to regular vehicles. If a driver fails to notice a vehicle in their blind spot while changing lanes or turning, it can lead to a collision, often referred to as a “no-zone” or blind spot accident.
  • Lost Load Accidents: These accidents occur when cargo is improperly secured and falls onto the roadway, creating hazardous conditions that can lead to multi-vehicle collisions. Lost load accidents can lead to severe injuries and significant property damage.

Given their imposing size and massive weight, commercial trucks can wreak havoc when involved in a collision. The impact of these accidents can be particularly devastating, far exceeding the typical car accident in both scale and severity. Outcomes of truck accidents often include:

  • Severe Physical Injuries: The enormous size differential between a commercial truck and a standard vehicle can result in critical injuries to passengers and drivers. These may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, or even amputations.
  • Significant Property Damage: The impact of a truck collision can lead to substantial property damage, both to vehicles and surrounding infrastructure. The financial implications of such damage can be overwhelming, necessitating extensive repairs or complete replacement.
  • Prolonged Emotional Trauma: Victims of truck accidents often grapple with emotional and psychological distress long after the physical injuries have healed. This trauma can manifest as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, adversely affecting the quality of life.
  • Fatalities: Unfortunately, the extreme nature of truck accidents can sometimes result in tragic loss of life, leaving families bereaved and in a state of shock.

The Law Offices of Croley & Foley: Assisting in Truck Accident Cases

Here at The Law Offices of Croley & Foley, our team of skilled attorneys provides comprehensive legal services for truck accidents.  We have a team of dedicated truck accident lawyers who specialize in understanding the intricacies of these cases. Our comprehensive approach ensures we assist clients effectively, irrespective of their role in the accident.

Our dedicated team of truck accident attorneys offers a wide range of services to assist you during this challenging time. Here are some of the ways we can help:

  • Case Evaluation
  • Fault Determination
  • Claim Filing
  • Negotiations with Insurance Companies
  • Medical Records Collection
  • Settlement Negotiations
  • Court Representation
  • Post-Judgment Follow-up

At The Law Offices of Croley & Foley, we strive to provide exceptional legal services to help you through the aftermath of a truck accident. Our attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of these cases and are ready to stand by your side. Reach out to us today for a compassionate and skilled legal ally in this challenging journey.