The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 30,000 people die in accidents involving motor vehicles in the United States every year. The most damaging of these accidents involve trucks, which can affect multiple vehicles at a time and cause significant injuries in an instant. These crashes cost billions of dollars in medical bills and lost wages and represent a significant strain on the surviving families.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Are Common and Expensive
Ohio truck accident statistics from the CDC indicate that the cost of truck accidents in Ohio exceeds $1.33 billion per year. The financial burden is even more significant when you consider the cost of non-fatal crashes. The CDC estimates the national ratios as follows:
For every person killed in a motor vehicle crash: | |
8 people are hospitalized | 99 people receive emergency treatment |
Assuming 30,000 deaths each year, that means approximately 240,000 additional people are hospitalized in motor vehicle crashes in the United States each year, while a further 2.97 million people require emergency treatment.
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Truck Accident Statistics
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health conducted a national survey of long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) and found some troubling results:
- 35% reported involvement in one or more crashes while working as an LHTD
- 24% reported a near-miss in the past week
- 17% reported receiving one or more tickets for moving violations
- 6% reported they were involved in a crash while working as an LHTD in the past year alone
Many of these accidents and near-accidents are caused by avoidable factors, such as the drivers being distracted while driving or trucking companies setting schedules for their drivers that encourage driving while impaired by fatigue.
Recovering Damages After an Ohio Truck Accident
If you were involved in a truck accident in Ohio, either as another motorist, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your damages, losses, and other expenses from the driver, the driver’s employer, their insurance companies, or any other liable party.
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Establishing Negligence for Your Truck Accident
We can demonstrate negligence after a truck accident by showing that:
- The liable party had a duty of care toward you. This is the responsibility that all drivers have to obey the rules of the road and take reasonable safety measures.
- The liable party breached their duty of care, such as by ignoring the speed limit or driving while distracted. A truck driver’s employer may also be liable if their actions contributed to the accident, such as by scheduling or encouraging their drivers to work too many hours without sleep.
- This breach of duty caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in injuries, losses, and other expenses.
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Recoverable Damages
Every truck accident is different, but some examples of damages that can typically be recovered include:
- Medical costs. This includes emergency transportation and hospital fees.
- Ongoing costs. This includes rehabilitation, mobility aids, and prescription medications.
- Lost wages. This includes time spent away from work due to your injuries.
- Diminished earning capacity. This covers the difference between what you could earn before your injury and what you can earn afterward.
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
If a loved one passed away after a truck accident in Ohio, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover additional compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of consortium, and other damages.
A Truck Accident Lawyer from Bressman Law Can Help
Your truck accident marks the beginning of a long and complicated process, but you do not have to travel the road to recovery alone. Our team can help in a variety of ways to make your life easier.
- We can manage communications between you, the liable party, and all applicable insurance companies. This ensures you stay informed and meet all of your deadlines without taking your focus away from feeling better.
- We can gather evidence like medical reports and police records to help build a strong case on your behalf.
- We can negotiate a fair settlement that equitably compensates you for your injuries.
- We can take your case to court to fight for the damages you deserve.
Statute of Limitations in Ohio
If you or a loved one were injured in an Ohio truck accident, it is important to act quickly to preserve your right to pursue compensation from the liable parties. The statute of limitations in Ohio is generally two years for personal injury claims. That may seem like plenty of time, but starting the process as soon as possible makes it easier to collect evidence, gather credible witness statements, and build a strong case that supports your claim.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were hurt after a truck accident in Ohio, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages. Contact the team at Bressman Law today at (614) 538-1116 to get started with a free consultation.
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