Louisville Truck Accident Lawyers
Attorneys You Can Rely On
Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC helps people in Louisville when they’re injured in accidents. There’s a lot of different kinds of vehicle accidents you could be in, but they’re not all the same. In fact, some–like truck accidents–are much more serious. We know how overwhelming the claims process can be–and we’re here to guide you through it.
From the moment you reach out, our team works to get you and your family the support you need to heal and move forward. Set up your free consultation today.
Client Reviews
“Very friendly and very knowledgeable. Was great with keeping me up to date with everything going on. Great to work with and I felt very comfortable with their process.”
- Beth B. review on Google
“I am always pleased and recommend Kaufman & Stigger. They make sure that they do everything possible to get you what you deserve.. Thank you Matt & Tara”
- Star P. review on Google
“I would highly recommend Kaufman & Stigger for your legal needs. They went above and beyond to help me through a difficult time and they put the needs of their clients before their own.”
- Colleen J. review on Google
“Jacob was amazing every step of the way!! Everyone that works there was amazing, for that matter. I was apprehensive at first about hiring a lawyer, but I don’t regret a single thing now. He always responded to any questions/concerns quickly (which I had a lot - but he always helped put my mind at ease). If you’re in an accident and need a lawyer - this firm is the one to go to.”
- Hayley R.
“So I called Kaufman & Stigger because of a major car wreck I was. These AMAZING PEOPLE helped me when I thought I couldn't be helped at all! These guys would get a 10 out of 10 stars if I could give it them. They have helped me pay my medical bills and so much more! Thank you all so much for helping me when no one else would!”
- Jasmine H.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?
On paper, a truck accident might seem like any other vehicle accident. But in reality? It’s much more complex. Trucks are heavier, the damage is greater, and the list of people who could be responsible is longer–drivers, trucking companies, maintenance crews, even manufacturers. You’re not required to get a lawyer, but it’s clear why you’d need one after a truck accident. Specifically, though, here’s how we can help you:
- Figuring out who’s responsible – Truck accidents frequently involve multiple people and companies. We dig into the details, sort out who’s responsible, and help you hold them accountable.
- Gathering the evidence you’ll need – From police reports and witness statements to medical records and dashcam footage, we collect what’s needed to build a clear, solid case.
- Handling the trucking and insurance company – Insurance companies–especially those that represent large trucking companies–don’t make it easy to get a fair deal. We know their tactics and handle negotiations so you don’t have to.
- Being in your corner – You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to answer your questions, keep you informed, and support you every step of the way.
Every truck accident is different, and so is every client. That’s why we take a personalized approach–tailoring our work to your situation and your needs. Our goal is simple: to get you the legal support you need while making the process as smooth as possible.
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Who’s Responsible for the Damage After a Truck Accident?
What makes a truck accident so differnet–and so tough–is that unlike a regular car accident where it’s usually one driver versus another, a truck accident often involves multiple parties, each of whom might share some of the fault for what happened.
Fault–or liability–is what ultimately determines who pays for your (likely extremely) high damages and losses, but it’s hard to figure out in a typical truck accident. However, with our experience, we can help you. But generally, here’s who is usually responsible:
- The truck driver or company – If the driver was speeding, distracted, overworked, or under the influence, they may be liable. But most of the time, the trucking company can also be held responsible–especially if the driver was on the clock or if the company pushed unsafe schedules.
- The truck or part maker – If a mechanical failure caused the accident–like brake failure or a blown tire–the manufacturer or parts supplier could be liable for selling a defective product.
- Maintenance contractors – Trucks need regular upkeep. If a repair shop or maintenance provider skipped steps, made sloppy repairs, or ignored a mechanical issue, they could be partly responsible for what happened.
- Cargo loaders – Unbalanced or poorly secured cargo can make even a well-driven truck dangerous. If the accident was caused by shifting or spilling cargo, whoever loaded the truck might share the blame.
- Government agencies – Sometimes, the issue isn’t the truck at all—it’s the road. If poor road maintenance, potholes, or lack of signage contributed to the crash, the city or state agency responsible for that stretch of road might be liable.
- Other drivers – Not all truck accidents are the truck’s fault. If another driver swerved, braked suddenly, or cut the truck off, they could have triggered the accident—and may be partly or fully at-fault.
Sorting through all these layers takes experience and close attention to detail. Our job is to find out who played a role in your accident and hold them accountable, so you don’t get stuck with the burden of someone else’s mistake.
What’s the Claims Process Like After a Truck Accident
Most of the time, the claims process after a truck accident is going to be challenging. This doesn’t just have to do with your injuries and other damage–although that’s very important. Rather, it’s actually the combination of the trauma, damage, and the necessary information you’re going to need to actually get the process started.
Before we get to that more in-depth, the thing that you need to know is that the actual process is the same as any other car accident. This means that you can file an injury claim against all the responsible parties and recover damages. To do that, you have two main options:
- Filing an insurance claim – This is often the first step and may lead to a settlement without going to court.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, a lawsuit may be necessary.
Our Louisville truck accident lawyers can help you decide which route is best for your case. Either way, the goal is to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning ability if your injuries are long-term
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Scarring or permanent injuries
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral and burial costs in fatal accidents
Keep in mind: in Kentucky, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically just one year from the date of the accident (a shorter timeline than in many other states). That’s why it’s so important to take action early and build a strong case from the beginning.
What Do You Need to Do After a Truck Accident?
Many people just assume that the damage and aftermath of a truck accident speaks for itself. And while that’s largely true, you’re still probably going to have to go through the claims process. This means that you’re going to have to show the extent of your losses and how the accident has impacted you. To effectively show that, you’re going to have to take the right steps right after the accident happens:
- Call 911 – Your first move should always be to call 911. Emergency responders will get medical help on the scene, and officers–typically from the Louisville Metro Police Department or Kentucky State Police–will document what happened. Their report often forms the foundation of your claim.
- Try to document what you can – If you’re physically able, take photos or videos of the scene–your vehicle, the truck, road conditions, anything that looks relevant. Jot down the date, time, and location, and exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any witnesses nearby.
- Watch your statements – After a traumatic truck accident, it’s easy to say more than you should. When speaking with police or insurance reps, stick to the facts. Don’t guess or speculate–and never downplay your injuries. Insurance companies often use your words to reduce their responsibility.
- Save everything – Keep medical records, doctor’s notes, repair estimates, and receipts. Even texts or emails related to the accident can matter. These details help show the full impact of what happened.
We understand that you may not be in any condition to handle all of this after a serious crash. That’s okay. If you can’t gather evidence yourself, our Louisville truck accident team can step in and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Where Do Most Truck Accidents Happen in Louisville?
Given that Louisville (and to a larger extent, Jefferson County and the Kentuckiana region) is such a crossroads of activity, it’s really not all that surprising that so many truck accidents happen here. With multiple interstates, a major shipping port, and one of the busiest air freight hubs in the world at UPS Worldport, Louisville sees a constant flow of large trucks and other commercial vehicles day and night.
That volume–and the pressure to keep things moving—can set the stage for serious accidents at many places around the city, like:
Spaghetti Junction (I-64/I-65/I-71 interchange)
The I-64/I-65/I-71 interchange gets its name from the tangled loops of the three interstates in the downtown area. It’s a well-known danger zone due to merging traffic, sharp curves, and frequent congestion. Large trucks trying to navigate tight lanes under pressure can easily cause or be caught in collisions.
I-65 and the “Hospital Curve”
Hospital Curve is, like the name suggests, a curved stretch near downtown with limited visibility and fast-moving traffic. This area is notorious for rollovers and multi-vehicle pileups involving commercial trucks.
- I-264 (Watterson Expressway) – The part of I-264 near Bardstown Road and Dixie Highway is a spot where local drivers and large trucks often compete for space. This is what leads to a lot of truck accidents here.
- I-265 (Gene Snyder Freeway) – The Gene Snyder is a popular bypass route on I-265 that draws trucks trying to get around traffic. Exits like Old Henry Road and Taylorsville Road have been the site of many accidents due to merging and speeding.
- Dixie Highway (US 31W) – Dixie Highway is a heavily traveled corridor for both freight and local traffic, this road sees frequent accidents involving delivery trucks and semis–especially near intersections and shopping centers.
- Riverport and UPS Worldport – These major logistics hubs bring thousands of trucks into the area daily. Congested access roads and tight delivery schedules create an environment where accidents can–and do–happen regularly.
What Are Some Typical Kinds of Truck Accidents in Louisville?
- Jackknifes – This is what happens when a trailer swings out sideways, usually because the trucker brakes too hard or loses traction. Jackknife crashes are especially dangerous on curving ramps and interchanges like Spaghetti Junction, where sudden stops can lead to pileups.
- Underrides – One of the most devastating types of collisions, these occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the side or back of a semi-truck. Because of how low some trailers sit, these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death, especially in areas with higher speeds like I-265.
- Rollovers – When a truck tips over–often due to overloaded cargo, speeding, or mechanical issues–it puts everyone nearby at risk. These crashes are common on curved ramps, like those near the Gene Snyder Freeway, or when trucks try to turn too fast through urban intersections.
Of course, no two truck accidents are exactly the same. Whether it was a delivery truck on a downtown street or a semi on I-71, we’re here to help you understand what happened—and what you can do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?
Under Kentucky law, if you are injured in a truck accident, you have one year to file your lawsuit. The time starts from the date of the injury in most cases. If you miss this deadline, it’s possible that you will not be able to get compensation for your injuries.
What type of damages can I get if I get hit by a semi-truck?
Anyone injured by a commercial truck in Kentucky can seek compensation for all injuries and financial losses that came from the accident. These damages are typically medical bills, lost time from work, cost of rehabilitation and permanent disability. Other damages are more difficult to determine but are still allowed such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium and quality of life.
What if I can’t work after getting hit by a semi-truck?
If you are injured and are unable to do your previous job, you can seek compensation for future lost wages and for job retraining. Kentucky law allows a victim of another’s negligence to seek all foreseeable and reasonable financial losses that came from the accident.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Louisville Truck Accident
Truck accidents leave more than just wreckage–they leave people’s lives turned upside down. If you or your family are dealing with the aftermath of a serious truck crash anywhere in Louisville, we can help. Our experienced truck accident team knows the roads, the companies, and the process. We’ll guide you through every step and work to make sure your claim is strong and your recovery is fully supported.
Get started today with a free consultation.
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