Large trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or more, as per the definition used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Due to their size and weight, 18-wheelers and big rigs can cause a great deal of devastation in an accident.
If you were involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, the Fitch Law Firm LLC can help. A Cincinnati 18-wheeler accident lawyer from our firm may be able to navigate the complexities of a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
For a free case evaluation with a member of our team, call the Fitch Law Firm LLC today at (614) 545-3930. We may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee-basis with no out-of-pocket payments required to start.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are many ways a truck accident can occur. Understanding how your accident happened is a critical component of your personal injury claim.
Here are some common causes of truck accidents:
Operator Errors
A truck driver’s errors or negligence can cause or contribute to an accident. Common examples of negligence include:
- Speeding or other violations of traffic law
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Driving without the required licensing or experience
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial truck drivers to follow safe driving hours of service. Drivers must also refrain from breaking safe driving rules that govern driving while distracted or using electronic devices while behind the wheel.
A failure to follow these laws can lead to penalties, jail time, license suspensions, and liability for any damages should an accident occur as a result of a truck driver’s negligent or illegal actions.
Operational Rules and Vehicle Servicing
Truck drivers, truck owners, and truck company operators are required to meet many different laws and follow a slew of operational rules to ensure the safety of the general public. These laws and procedures outline how and when vehicles should be serviced, how cargo–and how much cargo–can be secured to vehicles of different types, and what kinds of containers cargo must be carried in. Pre-departure checklists must also be followed by drivers.
If an accident occurs because a service team or a truck operator failed to meet or follow prescribed safe driving rules or procedures, these parties may share some of the liability for the resultant accident.
Another example of operational errors is if a trucking company tries to cut costs in places where it is unsafe to do so, such as not screening or training drivers or performing important safety checks.
Mechanical Issues
Truck accidents can be caused by mechanical failures as well. If a negligent mechanic or the manufacturer of a defective truck part had a role in causing your accident, they may be a liable party in your claim.
Road Issues
If a road hazard caused your accident, such as a pothole or uneven lanes, the municipality responsible for road maintenance may be liable for your damages. This may also be true if a lack of appropriate road signage was a factor in the accident.
The Fitch Law Firm LLC can investigate your accident and identify the liable party or parties when we represent you. For a free, no-obligation consultation on your case with a member of our team, call the Fitch Law Firm LLC today at (614) 545-3930.
For a free legal consultation with a 18-wheeler accidents lawyer serving Cincinnati, call 614-545-3930
Truck Accident Injuries and Expenses
Injuries commonly seen in truck accident cases include:
- Head and spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken, fractured, and crushed bones
- Nerve, muscle, and tissue damage
- Amputations, lacerations, bruises, and disfigurement
- Burns and abrasions
- Paralysis
Make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident so that your injuries can be professionally diagnosed and treated.
Many truck accident injuries can require long-term treatment and expensive therapy and rehabilitation, not to mention costly testing and surgeries. They can also lead to time away from work and additional expenses that you would not have had to pay had you not been involved in an accident.
Cincinnati 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me 614-545-3930
Potentially Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Case
Depending on the details of your accident, the potentially recoverable damages may include:
- Current and future medical treatment expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
A Cincinnati 18-wheeler accident lawyer from the Fitch Law Firm LLC can collect evidence of your damages and their potential values when we represent you.
The Statute of Limitations in Ohio
Per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2305.10, there is a general two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in Ohio.
This law means that you may have just two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, your lawsuit may be dismissed, and you may be unable to recover compensation for your damages.
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Call the Fitch Law Firm LLC Today
If you were involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, a Cincinnati 18-wheeler accident lawyer from the Fitch Law Firm LLC may be able to handle all of the legal work in your case.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call the Fitch Law Firm LLC today at (614) 545-3930. If you qualify, we may be able to provide you with representation on a contingency-fee-basis, where we do not charge attorney fees unless and until you win your case and recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.
Call or text 614-545-3930 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
