No matter where you are in Kentucky, you have to keep an eye out for all different types of vehicles and situations. This includes tow trucks, which are one of the most often overlooked large vehicles you can come in contact with. However, a story from WSIL-TV shows just how dangerous an accident with one of these vehicles can be.
According to the Paducah Police Department (PPD), a 82 year-old woman and 83 year-old man died of their injuries after they collided with a Kenworth tow truck driven by a 42-year-old man on Lone Oak Road and Jack Paxton Drive. Investigators say the woman, driving a Toyota sedan, was turning east onto Jack Paxton drive and into the path of the tow truck. The woman and her passenger, the 83-year-old man, were rushed to Mercy Health Hospital, where they both later died. The tow truck driver was uninjured.
The PPD’s Collision Reconstruction team is still investigating the accident.
Who’s Responsible For a Tow Truck Accident in Paducah?
Although it’s not exactly common, a car accident with a tow truck can be quite serious. But the main question you need to answer revolves around who exactly is responsible for the accident–and your injuries.
This responsibility–legally known as liability–is determined similarly to other vehicle accidents in Kentucky: by identifying who acted negligently and caused the accident and your injuries.
In tow truck accidents, potential liable parties include:
- The tow truck driver
- The towing company
- The manufacturer of the tow truck
- Mechanics or anyone responsible for the tow truck’s maintenance
- The owner or person that leases the tow truck
- The manufacturer of specific truck parts if there’s equipment failure
The specifics of the accident determine liability. If the tow truck driver was speeding or was distracted, responsibility might fall on them or their employer. On the other hand, issues like a tire blowout or improper loading could shift liability to the part manufacturer.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Truck Accident in Paducah
Understanding and investigating the details of a truck accident is crucial for determining who is at fault. Our team of Paducah personal injury lawyers is here to help identify all responsible parties and file a claim for damages, which might include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Repairs or replacement costs for your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident (or any other accident) in Paducah, it’s vital to get immediate medical attention and gather evidence and other information you’ll need for a claim. With that taken care of, you can reach out to our team for guidance. Don’t hesitate–contact our team at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today for a free consultation.