Although they serve an important purpose on our state’s roadways, 18-wheelers have the potential to cause untold destruction when their drivers fail to protect their fellow motorists. As proof of their dangerous nature, data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) shows that there were over 150 fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles throughout the state in 2019—this includes 18-wheeler accidents.
Even when truck accident victims are fortunate enough to survive, they may face a new chapter of medical, financial, and psychological difficulties moving forward. The field of personal injury law is there to help hold trucking companies and drivers accountable for their actions when they put innocent people in harm’s way.
If you decide to turn to a Dayton 18-wheeler accident lawyer to handle your legal case, the Fitch Law Firm LLC will be there to help you fight to recover what you deserve. To many, the law surrounding personal injury cases can seem confusing. To learn more about your potential legal options, contact a team member at the Fitch Law Firm LLC today for your free consultation at (614) 963-2808.
Ohio Collision Statistics
Accidents like these can have an immeasurable impact on our communities that never really goes away, in Dayton and beyond. According to data collected in 2019 by the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), Montgomery County alone had nearly 800 collisions involving medium- and heavy-classified trucks. When 18-wheeler truck drivers let their guards down behind the wheel and commit negligent acts, it is often innocent victims who end up suffering the most serious consequences.
For a free legal consultation with a 18-wheeler accident lawyer serving Dayton, call 614-963-2808
The Root Causes Behind Most Large Truck Accidents
Although environmental factors play a role in some 18-wheeler truck accidents, especially in the winter months, many accidents are caused by acts of negligence. This often includes failing to recognize vehicles in their surroundings.
These causes may be further compounded by issues like distracted or fatigued driving. Given the long hours many truck drivers face on the road, they can gradually become desensitized to lack of sleep and not realize until it is too late. Other frequent contributing factors to 18-wheeler accidents include the following:
- Mechanical failure
- Failure to maintain lane
- Improper use of mirrors
- Speeding
- Making wide turns
- Failure to use turn signals
- Driver intoxication
- Turning left or right at intersections
- Carrying excessively heavy loads, making it difficult to slow down
- Sharp turns causing the truck to jack-knife, sometimes resulting in rollover accidents
Dayton 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me 614-963-2808
Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result in a number of serious injuries, ranging from back injuries to broken bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Common truck accident injuries also include:
- Whiplash, or other neck-related injuries, sometimes causing paralysis in serious cases
- Burns, either from the vehicle igniting or toxic chemicals that have spilled onto the roadway
- Herniated disks
- Injuries to the upper and lower extremities while attempting to cushion a fall
- Cuts from flying debris or shattered glass
- Facial injuries and disfigurement after being thrown forward during the initial impact, sometimes caused by airbag deployment
- Road rash, internal injuries, and other trauma resulting from turnover accidents, possibly resulting in the victim being ejected from the vehicle
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The Services Offered by Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers
First and foremost, our attorneys at the Fitch Law Firm LLC serve as legal counsel to our clients throughout their proceedings, with the aim of helping them avoid any legal hang-ups or unjust rulings. In addition to investigating each case and gathering evidence to present during any court hearings, a Dayton 18-wheeler accident lawyer can also assist clients by dealing with insurance companies.
If your case moves forward, we hope to help you document proof of your ailments, so the court can gain a clearer perspective before making their ruling regarding any potential damages. When it comes to gathering evidence to prove liability, attorneys at the Fitch Law Firm LLC reserve the right to use a variety of methods, which may include:
- Gathering eyewitness statements and testimony
- Ordering mechanical examinations of the vehicle
- Documenting medical treatments related to the injuries
- Reviewing any relevant photos or video evidence from the accident scene
- Calling upon accident reconstruction experts and other scientific analysts, to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident
- Analyzing police reports
- Pulling cell phone records
- Cross-checking work records related to the truck driver
For more information about our services at the Fitch Law Firm LLC, you can receive your free consultation with a team member today at (614) 963-2808.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Time Constraints on Taking Civil Action in Ohio
As per the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2305.10, there is generally a two-year statute of limitations on all bodily injury claims. This time limit begins as soon as the injuries occur. Any attempted civil action outside this two-year term is subject to dismissal.
Lawyers Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Dayton
Here at the Fitch Law Firm LLC, we work to reveal the facts behind a victim’s case. This means fighting to show the court why our clients deserve damages related to any mental, physical, or financial suffering they have had to endure as a result of their accident. By the time the court makes its final judgment, we hope the truth will be undeniable.
If you have any questions about the services of a Dayton 18-wheeler accident lawyer, or you are ready to get started with your claim today, contact a representative at the Fitch Law Firm LLC for your free consultation at (614) 963-2808.
Call or text 614-963-2808 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
