Liberty Center Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are an ever-present threat on busy highways.

Big-rig commercial truck drivers may speed, pass forcefully, and follow other vehicles too closely in order to meet transport deadlines. Sometimes, fatigue may be a factor, compromising the driving ability and judgment of truck drivers.

Regardless of the specific cause, truck accidents often have catastrophic results. The Ohio Department of Public Safety reported that 4,270 truck crashes caused injuries and 127 caused fatalities in the state in 2014. If you are a victim of a truck-related accident, consider contacting a Liberty Center truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your damages. A distinguished personal injury attorney could help you fight for your right to recovery.

Trucks vs. Passenger Cars

A large truck is defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System as a truck with a gross weight greater than 10,000 pounds. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, tractor trailers can weigh significantly more, sometimes as much as 33,000 pounds.

A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh eight times more than the average passenger car, so an impact between the two often causes immense damage to the latter vehicle. On top of that, truck accidents often set up a chain reaction, resulting in a pile-up and multiplying injuries. Victims of truck accidents commonly suffer head, neck, and back injuries, as well as broken bones and lacerations.

Proving a Truck Accident Case in Liberty Center

In the state of Ohio, a truck accident victim must prove that the accident which caused their injuries resulted from negligence in order to recover compensation. That means that a reasonable person would have taken different action under similar circumstances. Examples of negligence that could contribute to a truck accident include:

• Driving while fatigued
• Driving contrary to federal regulations
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving an overloaded or unsecured truck
• Faulty inspection
• Defective truck construction or parts

However, if a court deems the plaintiff in a Liberty Center truck accident case to be partially at fault for the accident or their own injuries, any damages they recover will be reduced by their portion of fault. If they are more than 50 percent at fault, they cannot recover at all. This risk is just one reason it could be beneficial for a Liberty Center truck accident lawyer to handle a civil case from the start.

Gathering Evidence of Negligence

Data from the black box communication system in a commercial truck can show if the truck was speeding or if the brakes were applied prior to an accident. Driver logs can indicate if the driver complied with hours of service (HOS) rules designed to prevent driving while fatigued, and maintenance records can indicate defects in truck parts.

Laws Governing Liberty Center Tractor Trailer Crash

Since many trucks transport commercial goods across state lines, federal regulations issued by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) apply to most trucking companies. Trucks that travel within Ohio are also governed by the laws of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), and local ordinances may apply as well. A truck accident lawyer in Liberty Center could determine which laws govern a client’s case, whether liability can be proved, and what amount of damages they may be able to recover.

Contact a Liberty Center Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents can turn into legal and logistical nightmares quickly. Medical bills can mount quickly, and disfigurement, loss of income, loss of a loved one in the accident, and other traumatic consequences could render a victim destitute.

However, a skilled lawyer may be able to ease some of these burdens and help you work to get your life back on track. You have two years from the date of your truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in the State of Ohio. Call a Liberty Center truck accident lawyer to see what options for legal recovery may be available in your case.