Ohio Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents can happen anytime and for a variety of reasons. Poor loading practices, fatigued drivers, poor training are just three common causes of Ohio truck accidents. It’s emotionally tiring to know someone involved in a truck accident. They may be family, friends, or loved ones, and it’s hard to imagine the recovery for these persons and the mounting medical expenses.

This difficult time should not hinder any person from going back to work or having a normal life. As a result of the truck accident, victims have the right to claim compensation for incurred medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, lost wages, and potential future earnings.

Our firm helps victims who have suffered serious injuries because of someone else’s negligence. We are prepared to help, whether you are a commercial truck driver who suffered injuries in a crash caused by faulty brakes or you were a passenger in a sedan who struck a jack-knifed semi. 

At Ryan LLP, we provide dedicated representation to victims of truck accidents. Our goal is to champion the rights of the victims while helping families continue with their lives. Do you believe someone else’s mistake or carelessness led to your injuries or a loved one’s death? Call us today at (877) 864-9495 to schedule a free case evaluation with our Ohio truck accident attorney. Or use this online contact form to reach out to an Ohio truck accident attorney from Ryan LLP.

HOW CAN AN OHIO TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP YOU

Truck accident claims and lawsuits are among the most complicated to investigate because there may be more than one party at fault. Our Cleveland truck accident lawyers have the know-how necessary to conduct such investigations. We understand the steps necessary to uncover who is liable for your accident and injuries.

An Ohio truck accident injury attorney is someone who can assist you in getting back on your feet after being involved in a truck accident. The filing of claims in a truck accident is a legal matter because this involves legal rights. Once a person is injured because of another person’s negligence, the legal responsibility to compensate the injured party is placed on that negligent person.

An Ohio truck accident lawyer has the experience and knowledge of the law that will help you assert this right. You can also request the assistance of an Ohio truck accident injury lawyer to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation for your injury. Negotiating settlements, talking to insurance companies, and gathering evidence are some things an Ohio truck crash lawyer can do on your behalf.

TYPES OF TRUCK ACCIDENT CASES OUR PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM HANDLES

Ryan LLP has over 50 years of experience in handling personal injury cases. Truck accident cases are among the types of personal injury lawsuits we handle on behalf of our clients. Our practice includes accidents involving commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and semi-trucks, among others.

Our experienced Ohio truck accident lawyers handle a wide range of claims resulting from truck accidents, including trucking company negligence, driver error, or vehicle defects that resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN OHIO?

 Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Vehicle defects. This can include defective tires, faulty brakes, steering issues, and other mechanical failings.
• Poor maintenance or insufficient repairs. Many truck accidents are caused by a lack of routine and necessary safety inspections and repairs, such as checking brake lines or ensuring tires are properly inflated and in good condition.
• Weather. Large commercial trucks are susceptible to the dangers of ice, fog, sleet, and rain.
• Driver error. The error can lie with the truck driver or other drivers and can include things like driver distraction (texting and driving, eating, dialing a cell phone, etc.), driver intoxication, speeding, driving while tired, changing lanes without checking for other vehicles, making an illegal left-hand turn, running a traffic signal and numerous other errors and acts of negligence.
• Trucking company error. A trucking company or employer may be liable for injuries if it is found to have unsafe hiring and training practices or demanded drivers exceed the maximum number of allowable driving hours.
• Unsafe load. A truck with an unsafe or unstable load may be more prone to accidents, which may be the trucking or loading company’s fault.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON INJURIES RESULTING FROM A TRUCK ACCIDENT?

There are serious injuries that can result from truck accidents. The degree of negligence involved and the size of trucks contribute to the severity of the injuries. Here are the common truck accident injuries:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). A truck accident can cause a traumatic brain injury often associated with other injuries. Symptoms include but are not limited to fatigue, problems with memory, emotional issues, and decreased attention span. A TBI can be very debilitating, and the injured person may never completely recover.
2. Spinal Cord Injury. Depending on the severity of a spinal injury, some long-term effects may leave a person with permanent physical limitations.
3. Facial Injuries. Truck accidents can also cause physical damage to one’s appearance and impair nerves and facial functions such as taste, smell, talking, and blinking.
4. Whiplash. Whiplash may be triggered by a truck’s sudden acceleration, sharp turns, or a sudden brake. It can also occur as the result of strong winds or bumpy roads and rapid speed changes.
5. Bone injuries. Truck accidents can result in broken bones such as leg and arm fractures, especially when the injury involves a direct impact.

LIABILITY IN A TRUCK ACCIDENT IN OHIO

The required degree of diligence from a truck driver, the truck owner, and the manufacturer is greater since it involves the safety of the motoring public. Once this degree of diligence is lacking, the truck driver, truck owner, or manufacturer can be held liable for injuries in an Ohio truck accident.

The general public is also cautioned to observe a higher degree of caution when driving near trucks because the lack of care by a truck driver could have disastrous consequences. The determination of liability is circumstantial and requires the examination of several factors. An Ohio truck accident lawyer can help in evaluating these factors to determine the extent of liabilities of those involved.

WHAT DAMAGES CAN TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS RECOVER FROM THEIR INJURIES?

The following are some of the types of damages that truck accident victims can recover:

Economic damages. Economic damages are monetary losses that can be directly calculated, including medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, damage to property caused by accident, and the cost of repairing or replacing damaged vehicles.

Non-economic damages. These are damages that are harder to quantify and include compensation for pain and suffering and the loss of enjoyment of life. These damages can also cover scarring, disfigurement, and disabilities.

ESSENTIAL THINGS TO DONE RIGHT AFTER AN OHIO TRUCK ACCIDENT

The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming that it might be easy to overlook the things you need to do first. The important things to do after an Ohio truck accident are listed below.

• Call an ambulance. Even if you don’t think you need to see a doctor, it is important that someone comes and checks on your health. You might be in shock or not yet aware of the injuries you sustained.
• Take photographs of the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the truck that hit you, any other involved vehicles, and your injuries. Take pictures of the damage done to your vehicle as well.
• Make sure to get important information. The record the contact details of the truck driver, plate number, his employer, and the vehicle owner. If possible, get photos or videos of all these things as proof. The statements of witnesses can also be helpful to establish liability in your case.
• Call a truck accident attorney. In establishing the liability of those who caused the accident or defending your rights against claims of the truck driver, it is advisable to seek legal help. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Ohio can help you with the complexities of dealing with insurance companies, litigation processes, and other legal matters.

TRUCK ACCIDENT STATISTICS IN OHIO

Over 500,000 truck-related accidents happen annually in the United States.

The Ohio State Highway patrol provides statistics regarding traffic fatalities and injuries. There were 1,057 traffic fatalities recorded in Ohio in 2018.

The number increased to 1,155 and 1,230 traffic fatalities in the years 2019 and 2020, respectively.

One hundred fifty-three (153) deaths related to truck accidents were recorded in 2018. This number increased to 167 in 2019 and 161 in 2020.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE RYAN LLP FOR YOUR TRUCK ACCIDENT CLAIM?

In hiring a truck accident lawyer, you need one who is experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate towards clients. Ryan LLP is an Ohio personal injury law firm with over 40 years of experience in handling personal injury claims.

Our law firm has won over millions of dollars in jury verdicts and damages awarded. We are known for our expertise in handling all kinds of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, medical malpractice, and truck accident claims.

We Fight for Your Financial Best Interests

 As we build your truck accident claim, we focus on addressing your key concerns:

• How will I pay my medical bills?
• Who will pay for my ongoing medical treatment?
• Is there any relief for my lost wages?
• What if I can’t return to work for months or even years?

 A comprehensive claim or lawsuit should take all of your financial concerns into account.

OHIO TRUCK ACCIDENT FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

The cost of hiring a truck accident lawyer varies. Clients need to know that truck accident lawyers usually charge based on the result of the truck accident case. This scheme refers to a contingency fee agreement where payment is due only when the case is won, and the lawyer’s fee consists of a percentage of the amount recovered.

Is It Worth Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Hiring a truck accident lawyer will greatly increase your chances of receiving the most favorable result. A truck accident lawyer will evaluate the merits of your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and outline your legal options.

Should I Move My Vehicle After Crashing with a Truck?

There is no need to move your vehicle following a crash with a truck. Accidents involving large trucks can often cause significant damage to a car as well as the occupants. Move the car only when possible and if it will not cause further damage. Immediately contact an Ohio truck accident lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.

What Details Should I Acquire from the Driver at Fault?

In a truck accident, it would be helpful to obtain the driver’s full name, address, and phone number. In addition, it would be wise to get the license plate number of the truck. Knowing the name of the company that employed the driver is also helpful. Ohio truck accident attorneys will make it their top priority to determine which company the driver worked for at the time of the accident, what type of insurance policies they carried, and how much available insurance can be provided.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer After a Truck Accident?

It is not ideal to accept settlement offers right away. Truck companies and insurance companies would love it if people accepted their first offer without hesitation. You are not obligated to do that right away because doing so would mean that you are forfeiting fairer settlement offers available.

When Should I Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?

Hire a truck accident as soon as possible. A truck accident attorney will give you legal advice about what to do next if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. A lawyer can provide representation during negotiations with insurance companies, help your case if it goes to trial, and ensure that your rights are protected.

How Are Lawsuits for Commercial Truck Accidents Different from Car Accident Claims?

There are stricter regulations that govern commercial trucks. These large trucks have to be inspected regularly, and they are held to different standards than drivers of smaller vehicles. Truck drivers are bound to exercise stricter care than common vehicle drivers. If the accident is a direct liability of the truck driver, and such accident resulted outside the scope of the driver’s duties, he is presumed to be liable. This presumption of liability does not exist with ordinary car drivers.

What Should I Do if My Car Is Damaged by Flying Debris?

Damage by flying debris can be costly and traumatic for Ohio drivers. If possible, try to record the plate number of the truck and its contact numbers if it’s a company vehicle. Contact the trucking company immediately to inform them of the nature and time of the incident.

There may be instances when the trucking company or the driver will not cooperate. Call the highway patrol to file an accident report, and inform them of the date and time of the incident.

It would be best to consult with a truck accident lawyer to know more about this process and learn how to assert your right to recover compensation for the damage to your property.

What Pieces of Evidence Are Necessary in a Truck Accident Case?

Some pieces of evidence belong to the truck company, which is why it is hard to recover important evidence to establish your claim. Regardless, it is still important to know the pieces of evidence you can find to help you build your truck accident case.

Some of the evidence that might be available in a trucking case include:

1. Trucking company’s logbook – records the time, place, and work done by a driver who works as an important tool to establish the negligence of a driver who caused the accident.
2. The “Black box” data – this data may indicate the truck’s speed at the time of the accident. This data also goes for passenger cars that have a “black box” installed.
3. CCTV videos – The accident footage might help you understand what happened in the time frame leading to the accident. You can have your Ohio truck accident lawyers look for these videos to include them in your evidence.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED OHIO TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TODAY

Our Ohio truck crash lawyers at Ryan LLP have helped many Ohio families with their claims, and we would be happy to do the same for you. An Ohio truck accident lawyer from Ryan LLP can help you fight for fair compensation after an accident. Call today at (877) 864-9495 or complete this confidential evaluation form to schedule a case evaluation with an Ohio truck injury attorney.