Kentucky Attorney Urges Semi-Truck Accident Victims to Protect Themselves with These Steps

May 25, 2012 - PRLog -- PADUCAH, KENTUCKY (MAY 2012) – In light of the tragic semi-truck accident that took the lives of two young motorcycle riders, attorney Daryl Dixon is urging all drivers to learn their legal rights in the event of an injury. Attorney Dixon is also making it his personal goal to educate the public on the common causes of semi-truck accidents. One of these causes is a driver’s inability to stop, which appears to also be the cause of Tuesday’s accident on westbound I-24 in Paducah.

The accident was allegedly caused when 60-year-old truck driver James Hoerman did not stop in time and struck the back of a 1998 Honda Shadow motorcycle being ridden by Robert A. Storrs, 30, and Jessica R. Caroe, 27. Both bikers were thrown from the motorcycle and died from the injuries they sustained.

The four-vehicle accident occurred after there was a previous wreck on the I-24 bridge over the Ohio River, which caused traffic to slow. It appears as though the truck driver did not allow enough time to stop, and therefore ended up striking not only the motorcycle, but also a Toyota Tundra and another tractor-trailer. Those injured in the accident were taken to Western Baptist Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Accidents like this one happen on a regular basis on highways and roads all over the country, and sadly, many of them can be prevented. Slow reaction time by truck drivers is often attributed to a lack of sleep, the influence of drugs or alcohol, or texting behind the wheel. Inability to stop in time can be caused by faulty brakes or an oversized load, both of which should be discovered during inspection.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck accident, it is absolutely imperative that these steps be taken:

1. Seek immediate treatment. This may seem obvious, but some serious closed head injuries do not cause noticeable symptoms until it is too late.

2. Document the accident scene by taking photographs and obtaining witness statements.

3. Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance adjustor without first consulting with a lawyer.

4. Never agree to sign a medical authorization given to you by the insurance company, since they often obtain all of your medical records—even private information not related to the accident.

5. As appealing as it may seem, do not accept any settlement offer without first speaking with an attorney. A good lawyer can help you ensure that a settlement will include the cost of future medical bills.

“Semi-truck accidents are serious, and should be treated with the utmost care and attention,” explained attorney Daryl Dixon. “Personal injury attorneys have a duty to protect those who are injured in Kentucky accidents, and we make that the number-one goal in our office, each and every day.”

To learn more about how to handle the aftermath of a serious semi-truck accident, or to schedule a no-obligation meeting with attorney Dixon, please visit http://www.daryltdixonlaw.com.