
It is fully possible for you to handle your own truck accident claim in Ohio. There is no law that prevents a U.S. citizen from representing themselves in legal matters. That said, there are several things that a truck accident lawyer serving Ohio can do to help you with your claim. If you’ve been the victim of a truck accident and are living with injuries and mounting medical bills, a lawyer can help you gain the compensation that you deserve.
The repercussions of truck accidents can be severe. Victims may sustain long-term injuries that require continuous medical care, which most victims may not afford. Regardless of whether you were the driver of another vehicle, a pedestrian, bicyclist, or the truck driver, you might qualify for monetary compensation. Seeking legal counsel enables you to learn and protect your rights should you pursue a compensation claim.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Ohio Truck Accident
Filing a claim on a truck accident can be complicated as you might face many challenges. The primary complication is the multiple parties that could be liable for the truck accident. More than just the truck driver, other parties could include the trucking company, the loading company, the truck manufacturer, and possibly a mechanic. Even a municipality could be liable for poor road design.
Once all the liable parties have been established, then comes dealing with their insurers. Each will want to protect their interests. They may question your claim, offer low settlements, and possibly even deny your claim altogether. Now add to this stress the physical injuries and emotional trauma you could be facing following your truck accident.
Having a lawyer on your side means you can heal in peace. You won’t have to pay a dime unless your case is settled or won. It also ensures that you have legal help before answering any questions or accepting payments lower than you deserve.
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What are Some of the Causes of Truck Accidents?
Determining the liable party or parties for an accident can be challenging. A truck accident lawyer can help a victim determine the entities responsible by investigating the causes, gathering eyewitness accounts, and collecting evidence.
Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers using electronics behind the wheel may be held liable for the accident, since texting and driving is illegal under Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.204. Distracted driving also includes taking phone calls, eating and drinking, and any activity that distracts the driver while on the road.
- Mechanical problems: The trucking company may be held liable if they fail to properly repair and maintain their vehicles. However, if a part of a vehicle is defective, such as a faulty brake line or an engine malfunction, the truck manufacturer may be held liable.
- Inexperienced driving: The truck company must ensure that the drivers they hire are properly trained and meet the qualifications for a truck driver. An accident caused by a driver who has inadequate training makes the truck company liable.
- Fatigued driving: Drivers may doze off or lose concentration while behind the wheel due to fatigue. In this case, the driver is liable for driving impaired. If the trucking company knew that the driver was working longer hours than the legal limit or not taking the required breaks per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, they may also be held liable.
- Insufficient truck maintenance: The FMCSA requires all commercial drivers to carry out regular maintenance checks on their vehicles at the start and the end of each trip. If drivers don’t complete the required checks, they could be liable for the accident.
What Damages Can Occur After a Truck Accident?
Misjudging your losses and expenses after a truck accident is an easy mistake to make. Some of these damages might include:
- Mental anguish
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Medical care costs
- Lost benefits and wages
- Rental car costs
- Pain and suffering
Some injuries may not seem serious at first, such as back and neck pain, but may later display symptoms of critical medical conditions. A truck accident lawyer can determine what certain damages and injuries will cost and what compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
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What if I Am Partly at Fault?
Regardless of whether you’re partially at fault for the occurrence of the truck accident, you may still be eligible to file a compensation claim for the injuries you sustained. The fault of the accident is issued to each responsible party per how much of their actions led to the accident occurring. It may benefit you to be aware of the statute of limitations in your state as they vary from state to state.
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Contact Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Support
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Ohio, hiring a lawyer will allow you to focus on recovery. Your lawyer will gather relevant evidence and deal with legal proceedings involved with claiming compensation. Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers have recovered $1 billion in settlements for our clients, and our team is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call or text 800-333-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form