Top Ohio Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck accidents happen due to negligence involving the trucker, the truck, defective truck parts, the cargo, or some other component. Here are some common causes involved in Ohio truck accidents:

• Driver fatigue
• Truck driver inexperience
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI/OVI)
• Distracted driving or inattention

Experienced Ohio truck accident attorneys understand the unique circumstances, evidence, and legal benchmarks relevant to truck accident compensation. They know how to investigate truck accidents and get to the truth of what happened - with or without the cooperation of the liable parties.

Where do truck accidents happen in Ohio?

In Ohio, truck accidents account for about 8 percent of annual roadway deaths. This type of crash typically occurs on highways in metro areas and large cities. Some highways that have a history of fatal and serious truck accidents include:

• I-75
• I-70
• I-80
• US-23
• I-71

Car and truck accidents may seem similar, but for injured victims seeking compensation, they are very different. The sheer size of large trucks puts victims at a higher risk of severe injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, amputations, and internal organ damage. There are typically additional complications when a construction truck, cargo tanker, 18-wheeler, or other type of large truck causes a crash. Complicating factors include:

• Different federal and state laws apply to the trucking industry affecting who is liable and why. If the trucking company or owner is from another state or country, the case is more complex.
• More than one party is often involved and may be at fault in a single truck accident. And each party has their own insurance providers and lawyers.
• Truck cargo could spill in a crash releasing toxic or dangerous substances like gas, oil, coal, fertilizer, etc. that may increase the type of injuries and illnesses for crash victims. 

Who is at fault in an Ohio truck accident?

After a truck accident, investigations are conducted to determine fault. Investigators will typically assess evidence like the official police crash report, witness statements, and expert testimony to come to a conclusion. Under the state’s comparative negligence law, fault is divided among all those involved. In Ohio, if you are more than 50 percent at fault in a crash, you cannot recover compensation. After a truck accident, liable parties may include:

• Trucker
• Truck owner
• Trucking company (employer)
• Cargo owner
• Cargo loaders
• Maintenance crews
• Defective truck parts manufacturers

The average truck accident settlement can be upwards of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some truck accident claims and lawsuits result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. An experienced Ohio truck accident attorney understands the true cost of medical treatment and places the highest value on your health and comfort. They know how to build cases for the maximum compensation that cannot be ignored. Truck accident lawyers fight to get injured victims compensation for:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability equipment and installation
• Rehabilitation services
• Damaged property

If it was a fatal truck accident, the victim’s family may also be eligible to recover compensation for funeral expenses and loss of financial and physical contributions to the household. To get an estimate of what an individual claim is worth, a truck accident victim should schedule a free consultation with an attorney with a winning reputation.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Ohio?

In general, the Ohio statute of limitations on filing a truck accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. However, other deadlines can apply in some situations, and only a lawyer can tell you what legal deadlines apply to a specific accident or situation. To protect your health and right to compensation, it is best to consult an experienced Ohio truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a wreck.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state establish regulations that govern the trucking industry in Ohio. In the event of an Ohio truck accident, laws involving the following things may apply:

• Hours of Service (HOS)
• Black box data mandates
• Ohio Department of Transportation oversized load permits
• Employee standards
• Vehicle maintenance
• State hazardous material transportation procedures
• Ohio CDL requirements
• Ohio interstate commerce motor carrier registration

How an Ohio truck accident lawyer can help injured victims

In the aftermath of a truck accident, it's not uncommon for insurance and trucking companies to try to escape accountability and reject injury claims. You need an experienced Ohio truck accident lawyer to not only level the playing field but give you an advantage.

Studies show that, on average, people who consult lawyers collect more in damages than those who do not. This is true even after the attorney’s fee is paid. In Ohio, truck accident attorneys typically work for a contingency fee. That means there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses for their service. And if they don’t win, you don’t pay. Do not try to take on the insurance company and trucking industry alone. Contact an Ohio truck accident lawyer with a track record of success and schedule your free case consultation today.