Although they serve an important purpose on our state’s roadways, 18-wheelers have the potential to cause untold destruction when their drivers fail to protect their fellow motorists. As proof of their dangerous nature, data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) shows that there were over 190 fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles throughout the state in 2021—this includes 18-wheeler accidents.
Even when truck accident victims are fortunate enough to survive, they may face a new chapter of medical, financial, and psychological difficulties moving forward. Our Dayton 18-wheeler accident lawyer is here to help hold trucking companies and drivers accountable for their actions when they put innocent people in harm’s way.
If you decide to turn to our Dayton truck accident lawyer to handle your legal case, The Fitch Law Firm LLC will be there to help you fight to recover what you deserve. To many, the law surrounding personal injury cases can seem confusing. To learn more about your potential legal options, contact a team member at the Fitch Law Firm LLC today for your free consultation.
Potential Damages You Can Recover After an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you were involved in a Dayton 18-wheeler accident that you did not cause, you may be eligible to receive compensation. You can get compensation to pay for the damages you suffered because of the accident.
Recoverable damages include your economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages you can recover might include:
- Medical bills
- Ambulance rides
- Property damage if your vehicle or other property was harmed in the accident
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income if you can’t return to your job because of your injuries
Some recoverable non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium, if your loved one passed away in an 18-wheeler crash
- Scarring and disfigurement
Your Dayton 18-wheeler crash attorney will help you understand the total cost of your damages. We can help you seek fair compensation for your losses after a wreck.
The Root Causes Behind Most Large Truck Accidents
When 18-wheeler truck drivers let their guards down behind the wheel and commit negligent acts, it is often innocent victims who end up suffering the most serious consequences.
Although environmental factors play a role in some 18-wheeler truck accidents, especially in the winter months, many accidents are caused by acts of negligence. This often includes drivers failing to recognize vehicles in their surroundings.
These causes may be further compounded by issues like distracted or fatigued driving. Given the long hours many truck drivers face on the road, they can gradually become desensitized to lack of sleep and not realize it until it is too late. Other frequent contributing factors to 18-wheeler accidents include the following:
- Mechanical failure
- Failure to maintain lane
- Improper use of mirrors
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for road and/or weather conditions
- Making wide turns
- Failure to use turn signals
- Driver intoxication
- Turning left or right at intersections
- Carrying excessively heavy loads, making it difficult to slow down
- Sharp turns, causing the truck to jack-knife and sometimes resulting in rollover accidents
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Common Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result in a number of serious injuries, ranging from back injuries to broken bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Common truck accident injuries also include:
- Burns, either from the vehicle igniting or toxic chemicals that have spilled onto the roadway
- Herniated discs
- Injuries to the upper and lower extremities while attempting to cushion a fall
- Cuts from flying debris or shattered glass
- Facial injuries and disfigurement after being thrown forward during the initial impact, sometimes caused by airbag deployment
- Road rash, internal injuries, and other trauma resulting from turnover accidents, possibly resulting in the victim being ejected from the vehicle
It’s crucial that you seek medical attention after a serious crash like those involving an 18-wheeler. Your doctor will diagnose your injuries and give you a treatment plan. Receiving prompt medical care will benefit your case as evidence of your injuries, as well as help you get back to good health.
The Services Offered by Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers
First and foremost, our attorneys at the Fitch Law Firm LLC serve as legal counsel to our clients throughout their proceedings, with the aim of helping them avoid any legal hang-ups or unjust rulings. In addition to investigating each case and gathering evidence to present during any court hearings, a Dayton 18-wheeler accident lawyer on our team can assist clients by dealing with insurance companies.
If your case moves forward, we hope to help you document proof of your ailments, so the court can gain a clearer perspective before making their ruling regarding any potential damages. When it comes to gathering evidence to prove liability, the legal team at The Fitch Law Firm LLC reserves the right to use a variety of methods, which may include:
- Gathering eyewitness statements and testimony
- Ordering mechanical examinations of the vehicle
- Documenting medical treatments related to the injuries
- Reviewing any relevant photos or video evidence from the accident scene
- Calling upon accident reconstruction experts and other scientific analysts to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident
- Analyzing the police report
- Pulling cell phone records
- Cross-checking work records related to the truck driver
If you have any questions about how we can help build your case, please do not hesitate to ask our team during a free consultation.
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The Fitch Law Firm LLC Takes Dayton 18-Wheeler Accident Cases on Contingency
Our founder, John Fitch, has upwards of 30 years of experience with helping personal injury clients in Ohio. He has a team of highly-rated attorneys and staff behind him that offer compassionate service and aggressive legal representation. We are so confident in our approach to their cases, which is part of the reason we offer our help on a contingency-fee basis.
Under this payment structure, our firm covers every expense related to your case. This way, you don’t have to pay anything up front or by the hour. Not only that, but your truck accident attorney can start working toward your compensation right away.
Only if and when our legal team recovers compensation for you will we take our payment, as we deduct it from your final award, whether it’s from a settlement or favorable court verdict.
Time Constraints on Taking Civil Action After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Ohio
Per Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10, there is generally a two-year statute of limitations on all personal injury lawsuits. This time limit begins as soon as the injuries occur. If you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit, Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02, the state usually sets the deadline at two years. Any attempted civil action outside this two-year term is subject to dismissal, potentially leaving you with no options for compensation.
We can help you make sure your injury lawsuit is filed according to this deadline. Many lawsuits can be settled outside of court. If your case does go to court, we will make sure you are aware of important dates and protect your right to fair compensation.
Lawyers Serving Victims of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Dayton, Ohio
Here at The Fitch Law Firm LLC, we work to reveal the facts behind a victim’s case. This means showing the court why our clients deserve damages related to any mental, physical, or financial suffering they have had to endure as a result of their accident. By the time the court makes its final judgment, we hope the truth will be undeniable.
If you have any questions about the services of our Dayton 18-wheeler accident lawyer, or you are ready to get started with your claim today, contact a representative at The Fitch Law Firm LLC for your free consultation.