In Ohio, you have a right to seek compensation if you are hurt in a truck accident and the driver or another party was at-fault. Since most traffic accidents do not go to court, this typically involves obtaining a settlement through the other party’s liability insurance. By law, Ohio resident drivers must carry certain amounts of liability insurance to show they can assume responsibility if they cause an accident.
If the driver who caused the accident has no insurance, you can sue that driver for damages instead. These damages include economic (property damage, medical expenses, income loss) and non-economic (pain and suffering). However, for a successful claim or lawsuit, you will need to take certain steps, including taking photos of the scene, reporting the accident, and getting medical attention.
What to Do at the Scene of Your Ohio Truck Accident
Although you have a right to seek compensation after a collision, it’s your responsibility and that of your legal team to prove the accident was another party’s fault. You can do so by presenting evidence to help establish what caused the incident:
- Use your cell phone to take pictures of the scene if your injuries allow. Photograph both vehicles, the road, and the injuries you suffered.
- Get the truck driver’s contact information and insurance details. You also want to note the trucking company they work for, as this entity will likely have other evidence.
- If there are witnesses, record their contact information. They could give an account of what happened and possibly corroborate your recollection of the accident to support your case.
It’s critical to get as many details regarding your Ohio truck accident as possible. Liability involving a commercial vehicle can be very complex. Not only can the negligent driver be held accountable, but commercial trucking companies have regulations they must follow. However, don’t worry if your injuries prevent you from collecting evidence at the scene – your legal team will investigate the case.
Report the Truck Accident
Some people incorrectly believe you should only report the accident if it is severe. In reality, an accident report can be beneficial – and even necessary – in any collision case. It will serve as an official record of the accident, containing crucial details that could support your financial recovery.
For example, your accident report will include some or all of the following:
- Accident location
- Date and time of the accident
- An accident scene diagram
- Weather conditions at the scene
- Your contact information
- Contact information for other parties involved in the accident
- Witness contact information
- Vehicle damage and injury details
- Damage to other property
- Accident accounts from involved parties
- Accident accounts from witnesses
- Any citations for traffic infractions
If law enforcement comes to the scene, an officer will record this information and submit it on your behalf. Otherwise, you can file a report yourself with the local law enforcement office. Your attorney can then request a copy of this report for your case.
Get a Medical Evaluation As Soon a Possible
If you suffered injury in an accident, you should get a medical evaluation within a few hours or days after your Ohio truck accident. Many insurance carriers require a thorough medical exam before processing a compensation claim.
Even if you feel fine, you could have injuries that are not readily apparent. Because of shock and other factors, injuries may not manifest themselves until hours or even days after an accident. Allow medical personnel to determine what injuries you and others involved in the accident may have. The medical records you receive will be evidence in your case.
You Have a Right to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney
You do not have to take on a truck driver or their employer alone. When you hire a truck accident lawyer to represent you in Ohio, they will take care of your insurance and legal matters without charging anything out of pocket. A law firm’s services often cover:
- Investigating the truck collision
- Requesting information and documents from the trucking company
- Using medical records and other evidence to calculate damages
- Building a claim against the driver’s and trucking company’s liability policies
- Negotiating for an appropriate settlement
- Filing a lawsuit before the deadline expires
You can seek out legal representation at any time after a collision, though the sooner you do so, the more time your attorney will have to build a strong case.
Other Responsibilities You Have After a Truck Accident
Truck accident victims have other things on the do list that they must take care of, including:
Do Not Admit Fault
If you think you share responsibility for the accident, do not share this information with anyone at the accident scene or thereafter. Do not admit fault, apologize, or say anything that indicates you caused an error that resulted in the accident. If you do any of these, you risk jeopardizing your compensation case. You have the right and responsibility to protect your truck-related insurance claim or lawsuit.
Tell Your Insurance Company About the Accident
You have the responsibility to tell your insurer about the truck accident as soon as possible. You do not have to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. You also can speak with an injury attorney before you speak with your insurance company. An attorney can also speak to an insurer for you.
Complete All Your Post-Accident Medical Care
It is important that you seek medical care promptly after the crash and follow your doctor’s medical advice and complete all your treatment. Doing so will show the accident caused your injuries and that you did your due diligence to recover as fully as possible. You will also be able to challenge any assertions from the other party, which might try to refute your compensation claim, saying the crash didn’t injure you or that something else caused your injuries.
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We Offer Complimentary Case Reviews for Ohio Truck Accident Victims
If you are involved in a truck accident in Ohio, a personal injury attorney from our firm may be able to help. The Fitch Law Firm LLC specializes in personal injury cases. We can help you navigate the insurance and legal systems, negotiate with the negligent driver’s insurer, and conduct a thorough investigation of the accident.
We will fight for your right to financial recovery. Contact our office today to discuss your options in a free consultation.