Bowling Green Truck Accident Lawyers

Depending on the length of these massive vehicles and what they are hauling, cargo trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than your standard car or SUV. Due to their large size and high ground-clearance, accidents involving large trucks are more likely to result in serious injury or death.

Families in Bowling Green, KY, who have been victims of a trucking accident, can benefit from talking to one of our experienced truck accident lawyers. An experienced Bowling Green Personal Injury Lawyer from our team can help you get the compensation that you need after this traumatic experience.

If you’ve been injured in a big truck wreck, call our office today for a free case evaluation.

800-800-4600

Get it done.

Contact any of our offices today to set up a risk-free appointment, or fill out one of our online case evaluation forms.

Truck accidents are always scary, but it is terrifying when a truck jackknifes.

Jackknifing is a term to describe the dangerous situation that occurs when a semi-truck skids and the trailer that it’s towing swings around and faces backward. The truck and trailer form a 90-degree angle, resembling a folding pocket knife.

If a truck jackknifes at a high speed, there is a good chance the vehicle will roll over.

Causes of jackknife accidents

The following are some common factors that contribute to jackknifing in truck accidents:

• Poor weather conditions–Heavy rain, sleet, or snow can make a truck lose traction and jackknife.
• Poorly maintained brakes and axles–If the trailer’s axles lock before the semi’s axles lock, then the semi will drag the trailer with the locked brakes, and the trailer swings around as a result.
• Curves in the road–Most drivers can navigate slight curves in the road, but a steep curve taken at a high speed can easily lead to the semi jackknifing.

Tips to avoid jackknifing

In training, truck drivers learn various techniques to maintain control of their vehicles. The following are a few tips to help truck drivers avoid jackknifing:

• Keep a large space cushion between the truck and other vehicles. Increase your following distance in adverse weather conditions.
• Braking should be done in a straight line before the turn. In accord with their training, truck drivers should not decelerate while navigating turns or twists in the road.
• Spread braking out over the longest distance possible. Truck drivers should do this instead of braking hard or quickly.
• Keep from braking and swerving in the event of an evasive driving maneuver. If at all possible, the driver should brake, stop braking, swerve, and then reapply brakes.
• Release the brakes and turn into the skid, in such an event.

What should I do if I was involved in a jackknife accident?

When a truck jackknifes, the trailer often whips around to block multiple lanes of traffic. Vehicles traveling at high speeds along the highway might not be able to stop fast enough to avoid a collision. A crash of this magnitude can have devastating consequences for its victims.

If you or someone you love was involved in a jackknife crash, you don’t want a general personal injury attorney who has never handled a truck accident case. These cases can be extremely complex.

It’s essential to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side who has the skill and knowledge to handle the trucking company’s lawyers and insurance providers.

We have the experience at Hughes & Coleman. Call us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers today.

Merging from one lane to another can be a challenge, even in a standard-size vehicle. Semi-trucks have extremely large blind spots. Meanwhile, truck drivers usually work to meet strict deadlines, which prompts them to be more aggressive drivers. A smaller vehicle that gets in the middle of an unsafe lane change can contribute to a serious accident.

The following are some unsafe lane-changing maneuvers:

• Failing to signal
• Switching lanes in an intersection
• Weaving back-and-forth between lanes
• Failing to check if anyone else was in the lane before merging
• Changing lanes at high speeds

Truck drivers assume that the drivers of smaller vehicles are aware of a truck’s blind spots and will know to take caution. Other drivers mistakenly think that truck drivers can see vehicles behind or next to them. This lack of understanding between truckers and other drivers can lead to devastating accidents that result in thousands of dollars worth of damage.

A carefully executed lane change keeps everyone on the road safe. On the other hand, a hasty and poorly executed lane change can turn someone’s daily commute into a traumatic, life-altering event.

If you have been in an accident with a truck due to an unsafe lane change, the lawyers at Hughes & Coleman can help you get the justice you deserve.

The legal team at Hughes & Coleman knows that after a truck accident, nothing can fully compensate for your loss. However, we can help you get the financial compensation you need to recover.

We handle negotiations with the insurance companies so you can focus on getting well. After examining your case, we will determine what damages you may be due.

These may include:

• Medical expenses (ambulance rides, hospital stays, medication, surgery, therapy)
• Long-term care
• Property damage
• Loss of wages current and future
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

When deciding who you will hire to represent you, there are some things you should consider and think about. You will only have one chance to file a lawsuit, so it’s important that you make the right choice when selecting a trucking accident attorney.

Are the truck accident attorneys you’re considering local to you?

Hiring a local Bowling Green law firm can be beneficial. A local firm can investigate the scene, speak with police and witnesses in a timely fashion, and ensure that you are well taken care of. Having a local truck accident lawyer can also offer you the convenience of visiting your attorney in person.

Our office is conveniently located near you, and we’re here for you whenever you need us.

How much experience does the law firm have in representing injured victims in trucking accidents?

Truck wrecks are different from a typical car accident. You will need a truck accident lawyer who knows not only how to deal with an insurance company, but can also work through the complexities of the case and across multiple negligent parties such as the trucking company, the driver, and potentially the manufacturer.

At Hughes and Coleman, we have over 35 years of experience and can ensure that you get every dollar you deserve from every responsible party.

Is your truck accident lawyer passionate about helping you, or will you be treated like a number?

When you hire a truck accident attorney, you need to keep in mind that you’re starting a relationship. Some cases settle quickly, while others take more time. You need to ensure that you enter into the attorney-client relationship with someone who cares about your situation and will do what it takes to represent you and your best interests. A national firm can have so many clients that they can lack the time to understand or care about your situation. A local firm who is committed to the community will have the compassion you’re going to need along the way, and the resources to get the job done and get it done right.

Our mission is to help injured people and their families. Put your trust in us and we will be with you every step of the way.

Call us today to talk through your truck accident and let us take it from there.

800-800-4600

Get it done.