A person in a passenger car hit by a semi truck has a much greater risk of severe injuries than victims of some other types of accidents. This is because of the size and weight difference in these vehicles. A large truck can cause more significant forces than most other cars on the road, meaning the body must endure more in a collision.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 1,230 traffic fatalities in the state in 2020. Of those, 132 involved commercial motor vehicles such as 18-wheelers. Most of these deaths likely occurred in other vehicles struck by the semi-truck.
Many Factors Affect what Happens to Individual Bodies in Semi Truck Accidents
The severity of injuries suffered by an accident victim depends on dozens of factors. Because of this, no two accidents are the same. These factors include:
- The speed of each vehicle
- The type of collision
- Where they were in the car
- If they were wearing a seatbelt
- If there were airbags deployed
- Their age and health
When the other vehicle involved in a crash is a truck, the size and speed of the vehicles matter even more. For example, a fully-loaded tractor-trailer may weigh 80,000 pounds.
Common Injuries in Semi Accidents
When a truck accident causes injuries, the victims often suffer severe physical trauma. While the injuries vary widely – both in type and severity – some of the most common includes:
- Fractures
- Burns and scarring
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Abrasions, lacerations, and contusions
Many victims require ambulance transportation, emergency department assessment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and specialized medical care. Some have ongoing care and support costs. Others never return to work or regain their full abilities.
What Damages Can I Recover Following a Large Truck Accident in Ohio?
If your body endured extreme forces and you experienced serious injuries in an Ohio truck accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from the liable parties. Filing an insurance claim may allow you to negotiate a settlement to cover your treatment and other damages. Alternatively, you can sue the responsible parties for compensation.
The recoverable damages in these cases are not limited to your medical bills. You may also seek compensation to cover other expenses and losses you incurred, including:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency department evaluation and stabilization
- Treatment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages for time missed at your job
- Diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to work
- Property damages
- Related expenses
- Pain and suffering
As in many other states, in Ohio, commercial vehicle accidents have special liability rules. Therefore, when a truck driver is negligent and causes a crash, the victims can hold their employer legally responsible. This is why these cases are generally filed against a trucking company or other corporation.
You can recover compensation from their insurer or by suing them in your local civil court.
Should I Hire a Truck Accident Attorney to Handle My Case?
One of the best ways to ensure your rights remain protected and you get a fair settlement based on your truck accident injuries and losses is to work with an attorney familiar with commercial vehicle accident claims. They can:
- Assess your options for compensation
- Handle all communications with the insurer and trucking company
- Develop a case and build support for your claim
- File your claim or lawsuit and present evidence
- Put a value on your potential damages
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you to the judge and jury if needed
You may not want to face a trucking company on your own. They likely have experienced lawyers and legal teams trying to pay you as little as possible despite the severity of your injuries. Working with a truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve based on the facts of your crash.
You only have a limited time to sue the trucking company, so we encourage you to act quickly. In general, deadlines may include:
- Two years from the date of the accident for injuries per Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10
- Two years from the date of death for a loved one’s wrongful death under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02
Some cases may have shorter timelines, so contact a qualified law firm as soon as your injuries allow. Most represent clients based on contingency fees.
Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Claim Today
At the Fitch Law Firm LLC, our attorneys provide free consultations for truck accident victims and the family members of those who passed away from their injuries. You can reach our Columbus office now by calling (614) 545-3930. We also have additional locations in Dayton, Cincinnati, Marion, Springfield.
Call or text 614-545-3930 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
