Truck accidents can be devastating, especially when there is significant property damage or serious injury involved. In many cases, the at-fault driver is liable for damages, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A good lawyer will work hard to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible. An accident with a commercial truck can cause catastrophic injuries. Due to the immense size and power of 18-wheelers, a collision with a smaller passenger vehicle can change a life in an instant.
At The Attkisson Law Firm, our Dayton truck accident lawyers understand the dangers posed by commercial trucks and the potential for life-altering injuries to occur. Regardless of the size of your own vehicle, a collision with a semi-truck is likely to result in catastrophic injuries. You should not be the one who has to bear the cost of the related damages if you did not cause your crash. Contact us to learn more about what it takes to bring a claim against a trucking company.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in Dayton and Ohio?
Truck accidents are unfortunately a frequent occurrence in Ohio, and the impact of these collisions extends to residents in Dayton. Recent data shows:
- Ohio sees over 21,000 truck accidents each year, with many of these collisions resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Truck accidents often happen on busy highways like I-75 and I-70, which run through Dayton and are heavily traveled by commercial vehicles.
- The Dayton area, including Montgomery County, has seen a significant number of collisions involving large trucks in recent years, highlighting the stark reality of sharing the road with these massive vehicles.
The unique dangers associated with trucks underscore the need for legal representation if you’re injured in one of these accidents. A truck accident lawyer in Dayton can help you pursue justice and secure the compensation to which you’re entitled.
What are the Causes of Truck Accidents?
The size, shape, and weight of most semi-trucks make them particularly hazardous to other motorists. Large semi-trucks, including 18-wheelers, leave truck drivers with large blind spots that can easily conceal smaller vehicles like passenger vehicles and motorcycles. A truck’s weight and size create another danger: serious rear-end collisions. Fully loaded semi-trucks require extremely long stopping distances. If a truck driver must brake quickly, it is possible they will not be able to stop in time, causing a fatal collision.
We have experience conveying the pain and suffering to a jury that may have been caused by:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers can have unrealistic schedules packed with deadlines that can contribute to many consecutive hours on the road.
- Driver intoxication: Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous for any driver, and intoxicated truck drivers can pose serious dangers to others on the road.
- Driver inattention: Distracted driving can be even more dangerous when operating a large commercial vehicle.
- Inadequate driver training: Truck drivers are required to undergo extensive training efforts. Inadequate training can result in risky, dangerous driving.
- Truck maintenance and part failure: Multiple parties may be liable for an accident when poor maintenance, improper loading, or more cause an accident.
- Speeding: Truck speeding is particularly dangerous when it is far more challenging for truckers to react swiftly to stopped or slowed traffic ahead.
- Driver or company negligence: As with other motor vehicle accidents, negligent behavior can be the root cause of a crash with another vehicle.
If you have been in a truck accident, it is important to know your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. You should speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. It is important to remember that the statute of limitations applies to personal injury claims, so it is important to act fast. Contact The Attkisson Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your rights.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Dayton, Ohio
Knowing the right steps to take after a truck accident can protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial truck in Dayton:
- Call Emergency Services: Report the accident to local authorities and request medical attention at the scene, even if your injuries appear minor.
- Gather Information: Collect contact details and insurance information from the truck driver. If possible, note the trucking company’s name and take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Speak With Witnesses: Witness accounts can be crucial to your case. Get the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident happen.
- Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police or insurance representatives.
- Contact a Truck Accident Attorney: Truck accident claims can be complex, involving multiple parties such as trucking companies and their insurers. A truck wreck law firm in Dayton can handle the legal aspects while you focus on recovery.
- Keep Medical Records: Document all injuries and treatments received. These records will serve as evidence when calculating compensation for medical expenses.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Ohio?
Ohio enforces a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accident cases. This means you must file your claim within two years of the accident date. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to recover compensation.
Acting quickly is crucial, not only to meet legal deadlines but also to allow time for thorough investigation and evidence gathering. If the accident involved a government-owned vehicle or other complications, the timeline might differ. Contact our Dayton truck accident attorneys to ensure your claim is filed on time.
What Injuries Can I be Compensated for in a Truck Accident Case?
Every trucking accident is different, and the injuries that correspond with these accidents vary in the range of severity. Our law firm is well-versed in truck accident cases. Whether your injury is minor or major, we can help you pursue compensation.
Common tractor-trailer accidents injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Amputated limbs
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
Catastrophic injuries can place a burden on families as the associated costs pile up over time. The potential cost of hospital bills, rehabilitation, medical care, and lost wages due to these injuries should be taken into consideration when seeking compensation. Need to know if your settlement is fair? We can review the settlement offer made by the trucking company’s insurance company to determine if the full extent of your financial burden is being addressed.
Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer To Help Me After My Truck Accident?
Absolutely. An accident that involves a commercial vehicle can get complex because it involves the truck driver and the trucking company that the truck driver is associated with. Trucking companies typically have their own insurance company, so fighting for fair compensation as a truck accident victim can be a difficult road, but one that our experienced Dayton truck accident lawyers can handle for you while you focus on recovering.
Can I Sue the Truck Driver’s Company for My Injuries?
Depending on the nature of the accident, you may be able to sue the trucking company as well as the driver. Typically a trucking company is legally responsible for its drivers, but some drivers are hired as independent contractors, releasing the truck company from liability. Our firm can help you determine how much liability the trucking company has for your injuries.
How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Fight for Me?
If you’ve been in a truck accident, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer right away. Your attorney will be able to investigate the accident and determine who is responsible for your injuries. He or she will also be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
A truck accident attorney can help you in a number of ways, including:
- Gathering evidence from the scene of the accident
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing police reports and traffic camera footage
- Consulting with experts to determine the cause of the accident
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Taking your case to court if necessary
Do not hesitate to contact our law firm if you have been harmed in a truck accident. We will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve from injuries suffered in a truck accident.
Aggressive with Insurance Companies
At The Attkisson Law Firm, we are known as being heavy hitters in personal injury cases. We have a history of advocating for victims against insurance companies. We know the tactics insurance companies use to lowball settlement offers to victims. We will fight for the settlement you deserve so that you can focus on your recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you do. If you would like to schedule a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys at our Dayton office or any of our satellite offices, contact us online.