We share our roads with trucks every day, and they are certainly an important part of our economy. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA) there are more than 36 million registered commercial trucks in the United States. Although trucks are necessary, they can also pose some risks on our roadways. Truck accidents can cause more serious injuries and fatalities than other types of accidents. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. An Ohio truck accident attorney understands the complexities of semi-truck crashes and will work to ensure a favorable outcome for your case.
What Makes Truck Accidents Unique?
Truck accidents are different from other types of accidents in a number of ways. Trucks are large and can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds or more, while a typical passenger vehicle weighs less than 4,000 pounds. When a truck collides with another vehicle, the occupants are more likely to suffer serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries. Trucks must follow state and federal regulations and the driver or trucking company must carry the proper insurance. Truck crashes are complicated because it can be challenging to determine the cause of the accident in order to obtain adequate compensation.
What Causes Truck Crashes?
There are many factors that may cause or contribute to truck accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Bureau and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) work together to study truck accidents. They have reviewed thousands of truck accidents and categorized the factors into several major areas including human error, mechanical failure, and outside conditions. Human errors are the most common causes of truck crashes. Some of the most common causes or contributing factors are speeding, driving while fatigued, distracted driving, and failure to obey traffic rules or signals.
Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries
Injuries caused by truck accidents are often catastrophic in nature. Head trauma, back and neck injuries, broken bones, and severe internal injuries are often the result of truck crashes. When someone is hurt in a tractor-trailer crash, they might be facing a lengthy hospital stay and an extensive recovery period. The costs associated with truck accident injuries can be astronomical. The negligent party is responsible for paying all the damages caused by the crash. Damages may include such things as medical costs, medications, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, money for pain and suffering, and more. It is important to speak to an Ohio truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the incident.
How an Experienced Ohio Truck Accident Attorney Will Help
Truck accidents are complex and require immediate steps in order to ensure that you will get the money you deserve. Your attorney understands the evidence that is necessary to prove negligence in an accident with a truck. You will need to obtain data from the trucking company such as electronic devices and maintenance records. You will also need to investigate the accident to show how it occurred. Your attorney may gather witness statements, videos, police reports, vehicle damage reports, medical reports, and more to prove your claim. It is essential to obtain this information before it is lost. A lawyer, such as our friends at Kruger & Hodges, can take the lead and work on your behalf to prove negligence as well as the injuries you sustained to negotiate a settlement.
