Injuries sustained from large truck accidents can be life-altering. Whether you suffer from a lasting disability, loss of companionship, or reduced income caused by a truck accident, you deserve relief. Holding the at-fault party or parties accountable is not something you should face alone. Our Columbus truck accident lawyers will guide you through all the necessary steps to receive compensation, beginning with a free consultation. 

What to Know About Columbus Truck Accidents

Ohio ranks fifth in the nation for the highest number of fatalities caused by accidents involving large trucks. From 2017 to 2021, Franklin County averaged more fatalities caused by traffic accidents than any other Ohio county, estimating more than 120 deaths. Since the start of 2024, Franklin County has held the second highest number of crashes in Ohio totaling 21,482 traffic accidents. Nearly 1,400 of these accidents involved commercial vehicles, including semi and delivery trucks.

Central Ohio’s busiest freeways, including 270, 71, and 70, witness thousands of accidents annually. Interstate 71, which runs directly through Columbus, was recently named the most dangerous highway in Ohio. Specifically, the stretch of I-71 from Exit 110B to Exit 116 is considered the most dangerous part, averaging 2 crashes per mile. From 2018 to 2021 these 5 miles of road witnessed 11 fatal traffic accidents and 15 fatalities, more than any other road in Ohio. 

Types of Trucks Involved in Accidents

Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is about 20x heavier than the average car. This heightens the risk of causing severe injuries or fatalities to anyone in a smaller vehicle. Loaded tractor-trailers also require 20-40% more braking distance than average cars. These factors amplify the risk of serious accidents caused by heavy trucks and reinforce the need for a personal injury attorney.

Trucks commonly involved in accidents include:

• Delivery Trucks
• Garbage Trucks
• Tow Trucks
• Tankers
• Flatbed Trucks

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Trucks are responsible for transporting nearly 80% of all commercial goods in Ohio, making their increasing presence on our roads undeniable. Columbus connects with all of Ohio’s major highways, causing truck accidents to be especially prevalent in this area. The unique purpose and structure of trucks requires an experienced and determined driver. Several things can lead to devastating truck accidents, some of the top causes include:

1. Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is one of the nation’s leading causes of traffic accidents. A consistently focused driver can prevent countless accidents. It is crucial to avoid distractions both inside and outside of the vehicle. In 2024, Franklin County has reported more than 500 accidents caused by distracted driving.
2. Driver fatigue – Truck drivers typically work for long hours at a time, increasing the chances of driving while fatigued and putting others at risk.
3. Inexperienced / Improperly trained drivers – With a current shortage of highly trained truck drivers, many companies are forced to hire less experienced truckers. Less experienced drivers are more likely to make simple yet fatal mistakes when operating commercial vehicles.
4. Improper truck maintenance – Trucking companies often want to save time and money by skipping necessary repairs. An improperly maintained truck is more likely to malfunction while being operated and cause an accident. 
5. Unsafe weather/road conditions – The immense size of trucks makes them especially at risk of hazardous conditions including low visibility and slippery roads. Trucks also require more braking distance, which becomes challenging when roads are covered by snow or ice. 

How to Stay Safe

Driving around large trucks can be dangerous, even for the largest SUV. While a truck accident may not always be preventable, there are several tips a driver can follow to stay safer on the road. 

• • Maintain a Safe Distance – Trucks need more braking room than average cars, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends that you put at least 4 seconds of space between your vehicle and an oversized truck. 
  • Remain Visible – Make sure your headlights are on during the necessary hours so that all truck drivers can see you in low visibility. 
  • Be Aware of Wide Turns – Larger trucks must make wider turns, so it is important to leave ample room between your vehicle and the truck when they turn.
  • Don’t Be in a Blind Spot – If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirrors, then they cannot see you. Position yourself so the driver can always see your vehicle around it. 

• Pass a Truck Safely – Remaining in a truck’s blind spot heightens the chance of an accident, especially for small cars. Passing a truck quickly and safely may be the best option to remain safe but only pass a truck if you have enough space to do so.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

After you have been in a truck accident, calmly evaluate the situation, and call 911 as soon as possible to describe the event. Make sure you are safely away from the road and other vehicles until emergency services reach you. 

Once emergency services reach the scene there are several steps you should follow:

• Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
• Find out if there were any witnesses and get their information.
• Take photos or video evidence of the accident scene.
• Note all the accident details you can remember.

Collecting this information can help strengthen your case against an insurance company or the driver that caused the accident. Contact a Columbus truck accident attorney to discuss the best options for moving forward with your case.

The Fitch Law Firm is Here to Help You

Our client-focused team of lawyers will prepare your case and fight for the maximum recovery. While you focus on healing, our attorneys will lift the burden of the legal process. We prioritize maintaining regular communication as your case moves forward. Explore how our personal injury attorneys can assist you through your legal journey here. 

Several parties may be held liable for your injuries including the;

• Truck Driver who may have been speeding or impaired
• Trucking Company for potential negligent hiring or training
• Cargo Loaders may have improperly loaded or tied down cargo
• Truck Repair Shop may have performed an improper repair 
• Truck or Parts Manufacturer may have caused a design flaw

Typical evidence we collect includes;

• Police and First responder reports
• Driver licensing record
• Driver logbook and Truck maintenance record
• Medical records and bills
• Witness statements and Expert testimonials
• Accident scene photos and Accident reconstruction

Recent Client Recoveries in Ohio Truck Accident Cases

Our supportive, passionate, and reputable team has provided Columbus with excellent legal representation since 1980. Some of our recent case results involving truck accidents include:

• $5 million for a truck accident resulting in wrongful death
• $4,225,000 for a truck accident claim resulting in injuries
• $1,150,000 for a truck accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury
• $1 million for a truck accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury

Along with receiving various multi-million-dollar verdicts, The Fitch Law Firm LLC obtained one of the top 20 verdicts in the U.S. in 2019, totaling $134 million. Our legal experts remain motivated to win millions for victims and their families, including those involved in truck accidents.

How You May be Compensated

We thoroughly assess who is at fault and what damages are recoverable for you. We not only seek proven financial losses, but we excel in maximizing non-economic damages which are often difficult to measure. 

Economic damages may include;

• Accident-related medical bills
• Treatment-related travel costs
• Loss of future earnings
• Rehab and therapy

Non-economic damages may include; 

• Mental and emotional anxiety
• Physical pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Know Your Deadlines

The statute of limitations in Ohio restricts the amount of time you have to file a claim. It is crucial to understand the urgency of filing in this period:

• 2 years since the accident in a case of personal injury stated in the Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10.
• 2 years since the accident in a case of wrongful death stated in the Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02. 

Compensation for Your Truck Accident is One Step Away

If you or a loved one has suffered from a truck accident and are seeking legal representation, contact a Columbus truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The Fitch Law Firm LLC represents Ohioans on a contingency fee basis, you only pay if we win. Someone is available to help 24/7 and if your physical status prevents you from traveling, we will travel to you.