A body that is in a semi-truck accident can sustain serious head, neck, or back injuries, and in severe cases, death. A person in a passenger car hit by a semi-truck has a much greater risk of severe injuries than victims of some other types of accidents. This is because of the size and weight difference in these vehicles. A large truck can cause more significant force than most other cars on the road, meaning the body must endure more in a collision.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 1,356 traffic fatalities in the state in 2021. Of those, 192 involved commercial motor vehicles such as 18-wheelers. Most of these deaths likely occurred in other vehicles struck by the semi-truck.
Many Factors Affect What Happens to Individual Bodies in Semi-Truck Accidents
The severity of injuries suffered by an accident victim depends on dozens of factors. Because of this, no two accidents are the same. Our semi-truck accident lawyer will analyze factors such as:
- The speed of each vehicle
- The type of collision
- Where they were sitting in the car
- If they were wearing a seatbelt
- If there were airbags deployed
- Their age and health
When the other vehicle involved in a crash is a truck, the size and speed of the vehicles matter even more. For example, a fully loaded tractor-trailer may weigh 80,000 pounds, which can lead to severe damage in the case of an accident.
Common Injuries in Semi-Truck Accidents
When a truck accident causes injuries, the victims often suffer severe physical trauma. While the injuries vary widely – both in type and severity – some of the most common include:
- Fractures
- Burns and scarring
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Abrasions, lacerations, and contusions
Many victims require ambulance transportation, emergency department assessment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and specialized medical care. Some have ongoing care and support costs. Others never return to work or regain their full abilities.
What Damages Can You Recover Following a Large Truck Accident in Ohio?
If your body endured extreme forces and you experienced serious injuries in an Ohio truck accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from the liable parties. Filing an insurance claim may allow you to negotiate a settlement to cover your treatment and other damages. Alternatively, you can sue the responsible parties for compensation.
The recoverable damages in these cases are not limited to your medical bills. You may also seek compensation to cover other expenses and losses you incurred, including:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency department evaluation and stabilization
- Medical treatment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost income for time missed at your job
- Diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to work
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
As in many other states, in Ohio, commercial vehicle accidents have special liability rules. Therefore, when a truck driver is negligent and causes a crash, the victims can hold their employer legally responsible. This is why these cases are generally filed against a trucking company or other corporation.
You can recover compensation from an insurer or by suing the liable party in your local civil court.
Should You Hire a Truck Accident Attorney To Handle Your Case?
You can ensure your rights are protected and fight for a fair settlement with the help of a semi-truck accident lawyer. They can:
- Assess your options for compensation
- Handle all communications with the insurer and trucking company
- Develop a case and build support for your claim
- File your claim or lawsuit and present evidence
- Put a value on your potential damages
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if needed
You may not want to face a trucking company on your own. They likely have experienced lawyers and legal teams trying to pay you as little as possible despite the severity of your injuries. Working with a truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve based on the facts of your crash.
Our Firm Can Help You File Your Semi-Truck Accident Case on Time
You only have a limited time to sue the liable party, so we encourage you to act quickly. In general, deadlines may include:
- Two years from the date of the accident for injuries per Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10
- Two years from the date of death for a loved one’s wrongful death under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02
Some cases may have shorter timelines, so contact a qualified law firm as soon as your injuries allow. We can work with you on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay us nothing upfront.
Who Is Liable for Your Semi-Truck Accident Injuries?
Our semi-truck accident attorney will analyze your case to determine who is liable. Once liability is established, we can begin seeking justice and pursuing compensation for you. In semi-truck accident cases, the liable party could be:
- A semi-truck driver who was distracted behind the wheel
- The truck driver’s employer who scheduled them to drive for too many hours
- The manufacturer of the semi-truck’s parts
- An employee responsible for the truck’s maintenance
There may even be more than one party we can take action against. We can prove liability by satisfying the four elements of negligence. These include:
- Duty of care: The liable party had a duty to keep you safe.
- Breach of duty: The liable party did not maintain their duty of care and instead acted in a negligent way.
- Causation: The liable party’s negligence was the cause of the accident and the injuries you suffered.
- Damages: You suffered damages as a result of the accident.
No matter what happens to your body after a semi-truck accident, we can help you hold the liable party accountable for the damage they caused.
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Speak With a Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today
At The Fitch Law Firm LLC, our truck accident attorneys provide free consultations for truck accident victims and the family members of those who passed away from their injuries. You can reach our Columbus office now by calling us for a free consultation. We also have additional locations in Dayton, Cincinnati, Marion, and Springfield. Don’t wait to get started on your case.