Any vehicle crash can put you in danger, but accidents involving trucks can significantly increase the risk of serious injury. A tractor-trailer’s larger size and weight can make for a hazardous wreck.
If you have been injured in a collision, contact a Westerville truck accident lawyer for legal support and assistance. A hardworking personal injury attorney with Olawale Law Firm could help you understand and navigate your options for pursuing compensation.
The cause of truck accidents can vary depending on the circumstances but typically involve a trucker’s behavior, other drivers’ actions, the vehicle itself, or external factors such as weather or road conditions.
Truckers have special certifications to ensure they can safely operate a tractor-trailer, but even with these requirements, they can still make mistakes. For example, a truck driver logging numerous hours on the road can become fatigued and lose control of their vehicle.
Similarly, a trucker might use drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel. It is also easy for a devastating wreck to occur when a truck driver fails to check for other cars when changing lanes. In addition to the trucker’s actions, other motorists on the road can contribute to a collision. Reckless behaviors like speeding, cutting off a tractor-trailer, or lingering in a truck’s blind spots can all lead to a crash.
Faulty parts of a truck can cause a wreck. Defective brakes and other safety mechanisms can cause an accident even if the driver acted appropriately and took all necessary actions to avoid an incident.
Dangerous weather conditions, such as heavy precipitation or black ice, can cause a driver to lose control and end up in a collision. Similarly, road work and construction sites can confuse drivers, causing last-minute lane changes and crashes with others on the road.
A Westerville attorney could help investigate the cause of their client’s truck accident, interview eyewitnesses, and obtain documentation of injuries, medical treatment, and property damage.
Crashes involving trucks can cause several types of injuries ranging from moderate to severe, including the following:
Individuals who bring a claim based on their injuries must prove the other party’s negligent actions.
Negligence occurs when a person fails a duty of care and causes another’s injuries through unreasonable actions or a lack of action. However, proving negligence is not the only important part of bringing a claim. Special rules must be followed to file a claim, or a person may risk losing the ability to sue and get compensation.
Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10 sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This may seem like plenty of time, but failing to bring a claim within that period can prevent someone from making a claim in the future.
Additionally, the state’s negligence system can reduce compensation for an injured person based on their own negligence. Under Code § 2307.23 and Code § 2315.33, damages can decrease proportionally to an individual’s percentage of fault for their injuries. If they are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for their injuries, they will be barred entirely from recovering.
A Westerville lawyer familiar with state legal procedures could ensure the timely filing of a truck wreck claim on behalf of their client.
While getting legal help might not be the first thing on your mind right after a collision, it is crucial to act quickly to make your claim for compensation. With dedicated legal counsel, you could focus on your recovery, knowing someone is working on your behalf.
A Westerville truck accident lawyer could stand by you as you fight for recovery from your injuries. Call Olawale Law Firm today to discuss your case and possible avenues to pursue damages.
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