OHIO TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
The moments following a truck accident are terrifying and stressful. When you are hit by a truck, it is challenging to keep a cool head while talking to first responders and other parties at the accident scene. But everything you say—to police officers, other drivers, and insurance companies—can and will be used against you during the claims process.
To be clear, you are not required to give a statement to the truck driver’s insurance company. Nor are you required to give a statement to the police at the accident scene (except to present your driver’s license, your name, and address). In fact, doing either could lead to unintended consequences. The accident scene is a legal minefield. Saying the wrong thing could undermine your interests and even lead to self-incrimination. The best thing you can do is to say nothing and call Graham & Graham.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Having a competent truck accident lawyer from the very beginning helps you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your recovery. One of our truck accident lawyers will take care of insurance documents, speak to insurance adjusters, and work with experts to build the strongest case possible. We’ll negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and prepare the case for trial if necessary. Throughout the claims process, we will treat you with compassion and be available to answer any questions you may have.
An injured person’s priority is to get well again. Our priority is to take care of the injury claim process so that you can focus on a fast and full recovery.
EXPERIENCED LAWYERS FOR TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Ohio is one of the deadliest states for truck accidents. Every year thousands of crashes involving commercial trucks occur throughout Ohio. Most crash victims are not tractor-trailer occupants, but rather the occupants of passenger vehicles.
Accidents between 80,000-pound commercial trucks and 4,000-pound cars are predictably devastating. Common truck accident injuries, such as broken bones, back and neck injuries, head injuries, and internal trauma, can result in extensive missed work, substantial medical bills, and permanent pain and disability. Fatal injuries are also a genuine possibility in a truck accident.
Recover Maximum Compensation for Injuries
Truck accident victims need experienced legal counsel to help them recover maximum compensation for their injuries.
Compared to car accidents, truck accidents are not only more severe but also more legally complicated. They involve Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, a body of federal law that is unique to the trucking industry. Contacting a qualified attorney right away is crucial to preserving evidence, determining liability, and building a strong case.
The personal injury lawyers at Graham & Graham serve truck accident victims throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. We also represent people—regardless of where they live—who were injured in truck accidents while passing through Ohio and Ohio residents involved in an out-of-state crash.
Our lawyers handle all insurance company communications and paperwork so that you can focus on getting better. Count on Graham & Graham’s high-quality, client-centered legal services to put you on the path to recovery—physically, financially, and emotionally. Schedule a free case review.
Ohio Truck Accidents on The Rise
Ohio is a significant crossroad for truck commerce, with the nation’s fourth-largest interstate highway system. Trucks deliver more than 80 percent of all freight shipments by Ohio businesses.
In recent years, Ohio truck accidents have increased roughly 15 percent to more than 22,000 annually. These crashes cause, on average, close to 200 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries per year.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ranks Ohio as one of the top ten states for fatal large truck crashes. According to data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, truck drivers cause about 60 percent of large truck crashes.
Ohio Truck Accident Victims Need Experienced Counsel
While no one expects to be a victim, accidents do happen. And when they happen to you, an experienced legal partner in your corner, fighting for you, is what you need. We want to be that partner because we have seen first-hand how cases can spiral out of control when victims do not have adequate counsel and advocacy.
With Graham & Graham, you are in safe hands. We will aggressively pursue every angle to ensure that you receive the continuing medical care that you need and that compensation is alotted to pay for it.
The most apparent difference between car accidents and large truck accidents is the size discrepancy of the vehicles involved. From a legal standpoint, there are additional factors that make truck accidents very different than car accidents. They include:
- Liability: Unlike car accident liability, which usually comes down to the two drivers, truck accidents can have an extensive web of parties who are accountable. Not only the truck driver, but also the trucking company, the person or company that leased the truck or trailer from the owner, the company that loaded the cargo, and the manufacturer of the truck or truck parts may bear liability for an accident. These entities often try to blame one another and minimize their responsibility. Untangling this web requires an experienced truck accident lawyer.
- Government regulations: The trucking industry is subject to numerous state and federal regulations. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) places restrictions on the number of hours truckers can drive and requires detailed records of the number of hours driven. Truck companies must also perform driver background checks, keep their fleet in good working order, and obey length, width, and weight limits. If a driver and the trucking company violated FMCSA regulations—and this was a contributing factor to an accident—they may be held liable.
- Increased damages: More severe injuries lead to a more complicated claims process. A typical insurance company tactic is to offer a settlement that significantly undervalues a victim’s injuries. Serious injuries can have repercussions that last for years, or even for a person’s lifetime. Recovering full and fair compensation is vital to a victim’s long-term prognosis. Our Zanesville truck accident lawyers work with medical and financial experts to calculate the real value of an injury claim, including future considerations such as physical therapy, home care, vocational rehabilitation, and diminished earning capacity.
- Preserving evidence: Trucking companies are only required to retain certain vital documents for a relatively short amount of time. Therefore, victims must take quick action to present their best case. Engaging an experienced truck accident attorney is essential to preserve evidence that will make your case.