Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyer

Experienced Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyers

Trucking accidents almost always lead to catastrophic injuries and death for innocent individuals who are struck by a large commercial vehicle. Even worse, truck accidents are often a result of negligence and could have been prevented.

The Cincinnati truck accident lawyers at O’Connor Acciani & Levy have decades of experience handling these types of cases and understand the devastation that victims and their families are left with. That is why we are committed to helping make sure you recover the maximum compensation you need to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses you may face as a result of your injuries.

Contact our Cincinnati office today to learn more about your legal options if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident. You may be entitled to compensation. If so, our experienced personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf.

The Difference Between Truck Accidents And Car Accidents

While commercial truck accidents and car accidents both involve motor vehicles, there are several unique aspects that make truck accidents more complex and potentially more devastating than typical car accidents.

1. Federal Regulations

The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets strict guidelines for truck maintenance, driver qualifications, and hours of service. When a truck accident occurs, it’s essential to investigate whether any federal regulations were violated, as this can impact liability and the outcome of the case.

2. Multiple Liable Parties

In a car accident, liability typically falls on one or both of the drivers involved. However, in a truck accident, multiple parties may be held liable, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The truck or parts manufacturer
• The cargo loading company
• Third-party maintenance companies

Each of these parties may have played a role in the accident, making the legal process more complex and requiring a thorough investigation to determine fault.

3. Severity Of Injuries

Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often result in more severe injuries than car accidents. Truck accident victims may suffer from catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or amputations, which can have lifelong consequences and require extensive medical treatment.

4. Higher Insurance Policy Limits

Trucking companies typically carry much higher insurance policy limits than individual drivers. This means that there may be more compensation available to accident victims, but it also means that insurance companies will fight harder to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line.

5. Evidence

Commercial truck accidents often involve complex evidence, such as electronic logging devices (ELDs), dashboard cameras, and maintenance records. Analyzing this evidence requires specialized knowledge and resources that not all law firms possess.

6. Jurisdiction Issues

Because trucks often travel across state lines, jurisdiction issues can arise in truck accident cases. It’s important to work with a truck accident attorney who understands how to take on these legal matters and make sure that your case is filed in the appropriate jurisdiction.

Understanding these aspects of trucking accidents is crucial for victims seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. By working with an experienced truck accident attorney who has the knowledge and resources to handle these cases, victims can level the playing field against powerful trucking companies and their insurers.

Trucking Accidents Caused By Negligence

Driving a semi-truck can be a stressful job full of long driving hours and tight deadlines. Sometimes these factors can lead to a driver engaging in activities that can put others in danger. This can include:

• Overloaded cargo
• Truck driver fatigue
• Poor truck maintenance
• Not paying attention to blind spots
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Inadequate training and supervision
• Jackknife incidents
• Defective equipment

Despite strict regulation of the trucking industry, accidents still happen as a result of negligence or carelessness on the part of the driver or owner of the trucking company. In these situations, the commercial vehicle accident attorneys at our Cincinnati office can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve after a truck crash.

Our attorneys have handled countless truck accident cases that were caused by a variety of reasons. We have the knowledge and resources to determine who was liable for your accident and to hold them accountable for their actions.

What To Do If A Truck Driver Hit You In Cincinnati

It’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights after a truck accident. Here’s a quick guide on what to do in the days following the accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention

If you haven’t already, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can properly diagnose and document your injuries, which will be crucial for your legal case.

2. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

After receiving medical attention, follow your doctor’s orders for treatment and recovery. Attend all follow-up appointments and keep a record of your medical expenses, including medications and therapy sessions.

3. Document The Accident

If you’re able, take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other property involved. If you have visible injuries, take photos of those as well. It’s also not a bad idea to write down your recollection of the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind.

4. Gather Evidence

Collect any evidence you may have from the truck accident, such as the police report, witness statements, and contact information for the other parties involved. This information will be essential for your Cincinnati truck accident lawyer to build a strong case on your behalf.

5. Contact A Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyer

Reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney at our law firm as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process, help you communicate with insurance companies, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

6. Avoid Discussing Your Truck Accident Case

Refrain from discussing your truck accident case with anyone other than your attorney and your medical providers. Equally important, do not post about the accident on social media, as this information could be used against you in court.

7. Keep A Record Of Your Expenses

Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages due to missed work. Your attorney will use this information to calculate your damages and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Remember, truck accident cases can be complex and involve multiple parties. By following these steps and working with an experienced truck accident attorney, you can protect your rights and seek the compensation you need to move forward after a devastating accident.

Damages Available In Cincinnati Commercial Vehicle Collision Cases

The physical consequences of a truck crash, such as personal injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering, can take months or years to recover from. A knowledgeable lawyer can review your trucking collision case and ensure you get all the compensation you are owed.

Economic Losses

Economic damages are tangible losses—things that are easily calculated. The most obvious of these is your medical bills. Injuries from a crash with an 18-wheeler can range from mild to catastrophic to fatal, requiring doctor appointments, treatments, and hospital stays lasting months at a time. A person who is not responsible for their injuries should not have to bear the cost of treatments.

Recovering in the hospital or at rehabilitation facilities takes time as well as money. People injured by shipping vehicles often miss work, making lost wages and future income additional economic losses that our dedicated lawyers can help pursue. Depending on your injuries–from TBIs, spinal cord damage that leads to paralysis, or your ability to do your job may be forever altered. In that case, a local lawyer can pursue compensation for the income you would have earned throughout your lifetime had you not been in the commercial vehicle collision.

The final category of economic compensation you can obtain after a trucking accident is property damage. If your vehicle needs repairs or a replacement, those costs can be included in your demand package, along with any destroyed personal items in the vehicle at the time of the crash, such as cell phones or other cargo.

Non-Economic Losses

Non-economic damages are intangible losses and have subjective value. Despite being difficult to put a dollar amount on, non-economic damages suffered in a truck crash can have a profound impact on your life. These losses may include:

• Physical and emotional suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Inconvenience
• Loss of companionship in the event of a wrongful death

Because non-economic losses are so challenging to accurately calculate, working with our commercial vehicle collision attorneys can go a long way toward making you whole again.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Some common truck accident injuries include:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Due to the force of impact in a truck accident, victims may suffer from concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain damage.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries: The spinal cord can be damaged, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or other neurological issues.

3. Broken Bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body are common in truck accidents due to the high impact forces involved.

4. Burns: If a truck accident results in a fire or explosion, victims may suffer from severe burns.

5. Lacerations and Cuts: Broken glass, metal, and other debris can cause deep cuts and lacerations to the skin.

6. Whiplash: The sudden jerking motion of the head and neck during an accident can cause whiplash injuries, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.

7. Chest Injuries: The force of a truck accident can cause injuries to the chest, including broken ribs, collapsed lungs, or damage to internal organs.

8. Crushed Limbs: In some cases, a victim’s limbs may be crushed or pinned under the weight of the truck or other vehicles involved in the accident.

9. Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common in truck accidents.

10. Psychological Trauma: Truck accident victims may experience emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression following the incident.

It’s important to note that some injuries may not be immediately apparent after an accident. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible to diagnose and treat any potential injuries.

Why You Need A Truck Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, hiring a truck accident attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case. These attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you need.

Benefits Of Hiring A Truck Accident Attorney At O’Connor Acciani & Levy

1. Knowledge of Federal Regulations: Our truck accident attorneys have a deep understanding of the federal regulations governing the trucking industry, such as hours of service rules, maintenance requirements, and driver qualifications. They can investigate whether any violations of these regulations contributed to your accident and use this information to build a strong case on your behalf.

2. Experience with Multiple Liable Parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, and cargo loading company. An experienced truck accident attorney from our law firm will know how to identify all potential sources of liability and pursue compensation from each party.

3. Access to Resources: Truck accident cases require extensive resources, such as accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators. Our truck accident lawyers have access to these resources and can use them to strengthen your case and demonstrate the full extent of your damages.

4. Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often use tactics to minimize payouts to truck accident victims. Our truck accident lawyers can negotiate with insurers, using their knowledge of the law and the strength of your case to fight for a fair settlement.

5. Courtroom Experience: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may need to go to trial. Our truck accident lawyers have the courtroom experience necessary to present your case persuasively to a judge and jury, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.

7. Maximizing Compensation: Truck accident attorneys understand the full scope of damages available to accident victims, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs. They can accurately calculate your damages and fight to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.

Navigating the legal process after a truck accident can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. By hiring a Cincinnati truck accident lawyer, you can level the playing field against trucking companies and their insurers, making sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

Holding Responsible Parties Accountable

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, there are a number of different parties who can be held liable for the damages you have suffered, including:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Owner of the truck
• Owner of the trailer
• Loading company
• Manufacturer of defective parts

Because there are often so many parties involved in these types of accidents, it is vital that you have an experienced attorney by your side who can work to determine any and all parties that may be liable for your injuries.

Often, these parties will do everything they can to evade responsibility and avoid paying for the damages you have suffered. Our truck accident attorneys in Cincinnati, however, are experienced in handling these cases and will work to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case that will help you recover the compensation you need.

We will do this by:

• Reviewing available photos and video footage of the accident
• Interviewing witnesses
• Analyzing the driver’s driving record and history
• Investigating the company’s history for repeat violations
• Reviewing the accident report
• Gathering and reviewing your medical records

Our lawyers know that the injuries often sustained in a truck accident can be devastating. That is why we are committed to fighting for the maximum settlement you need to help cover your medical bills, missed days at work and other expenses associated with your injuries.

Importance Of Acting Quickly After A Truck Accident

It’s important to act quickly after a truck accident for several reasons:

1. Evidence Preservation: Over time, crucial evidence such as witness memories, vehicle damage, and road conditions can deteriorate or disappear. Acting quickly helps ensure that your attorney can gather and preserve the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.

2. Timely Medical Treatment: Seeking medical attention promptly after an accident not only protects your health but also helps establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries.

3. Statute of Limitations: As mentioned, if you don’t file a lawsuit within the two-year statute of limitations, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

4. Peace of Mind: Taking action soon after the accident can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your recovery while your truck accident lawyer handles the legal aspects of your case.

Seek The Services Of An Experienced Cincinnati Truck Accident Attorney

At O’Connor Acciani & Levy, our Cincinnati personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims. We work quickly and diligently in order to help our clients get the compensation they need to get back on their feet after an accident.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact our Cincinnati office today to learn more about how we can help you. We offer a free, no obligation consultation and do not charge any upfront costs or legal fees unless you recover the compensation you are owed.