Truck accidents are common on major roads and interstate highways. There were over 19,000 accidents in Ohio that involved commercial vehicles in 2019 alone, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). Sharing the road with large trucks requires trusting the driver has the training and skills necessary to maintain control.
When a truck driver drives too fast for the current conditions or fails to stop in time, the results are often devastating for other drivers and their passengers. If you experienced a serious crash involving a negligent truck driver, you may qualify for compensation.
A truck accident resulting in serious injuries can leave you with expensive medical bills, an inability to work, and pain and suffering. While each case is different, possible compensation can ease your financial hardship.
Truck Accidents and Liability
Truck drivers spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel. Federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regarding hours of service and required rest breaks are only helpful if the driver obeys the rules and is able to rest.
An endless stretch of highway can cause truck drivers to take actions that are dangerous to other drivers. Examples of how a truck driver could be liable for accident injuries include:
- Speeding: The truck driver ignores posted speed limit signs in order to reach their destination faster.
- Distraction: The truck driver removes their focus from the road by using in-cab devices or watching scenery.
- Impairment: The truck driver drinks alcohol or takes drugs that impairs their judgment and reaction time.
- Drowsy Driving: The truck driver has an undiagnosed sleep disorder or lack of regulated rest time that causes them to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Truck drivers must possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL). According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), a person must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age, and have a valid driver’s license to obtain a CDL. A CDL is essential for a truck driver’s career and traffic violations place them at risk for losing it. Despite this knowledge, many truck drivers take dangerous risks behind the wheel every day.
If the truck driver that caused your accident injuries was at fault for one of these or some other type of negligence, what you experienced was not fair. Your injuries were most likely preventable, had the truck driver used care.
The truck driver may not be the only party at fault for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can investigate to determine if the trucking company is also liable for the accident.
Failed inspections, poor truck maintenance, and failure to check driver records and work history are all ways the trucking company may be at fault for your injuries.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
Get Help from Bressman Law Today
No one expects their life to change so drastically when they drive along a major Ohio road or highway. The severity of your injuries may prevent you from returning to a career you enjoyed or from enjoying family activities.
Insurance companies understand how common truck accidents are on our roads. Their experience with accident victims may lead them to make initial settlement offers that are unfair. Your serious injuries may require a lifetime of care, resulting in never-ending medical costs.
You may feel tempted to accept their offer due to your financial stress. You do not have to accept it and handle your case alone. Trying to negotiate a settlement on your own can leave you without the funds you so desperately need.
Insurance companies may use high-pressure tactics to get you to accept a settlement offer. Do not sign any documents. Should you accept a settlement offer, you may lose the right to pursue compensation later if your medical condition worsens.
We can protect your interests by negotiating for a settlement on your behalf. If necessary, we are ready to go to trial. Our team can work to keep our clients up-to-date with how their case is progressing.
The statute of limitations for civil procedures in Ohio is generally two years. The moment you suffer injuries or your loved one dies is when the clock starts. Two years is not much time for preparing your case.
At Bressman Law, we offer a no-fee guarantee, meaning we collect nothing unless and until we win your case.
If your drive along an Ohio roadway or highway took a tragic turn due to a reckless or negligent truck driver, we can help you. Let us get to work reviewing the evidence of your accident and injuries. Call Bressman Law today for a free case evaluation at (614) 538-1116. We get the job done while you focus on your recovery.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
