Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident in Columbus, Ohio? If so, you have every right to pursue compensation for your injuries and any losses incurred if the truck driver is found at fault.
However, facing the truck driver and their insurance company alone could mean receiving less compensation than what you’re entitled to. That’s where Slater & Zurz, your trusted Columbus truck injury lawyers, can help.
Our experienced Columbus truck accident lawyers are committed to fighting for the justice you deserve. We’ll hold negligent fault parties accountable for the harm they cause in truck accidents in Columbus, Ohio, and do everything in our power to maximize your compensation. We know that the physical and financial effects of a commercial truck accident can be far-reaching, which is why we provide unwavering support and guidance throughout the claims process.
For over 32 years, our accomplished legal team has helped injured victims and their families recover compensation for their losses, including the wrongful death of a loved one. So, if you’re ready to take action, contact the Slater & Zurz law firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated Columbus truck accident attorneys. Don’t wait to get the justice you deserve.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
In a truck accident in Columbus, the vast difference in size and weight between trucks and passenger cars often results in severe injuries for the occupants of the smaller vehicles. Due to the drastic difference in size and weight between a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or other commercial truck and an automobile, the car’s occupants typically sustain serious injuries. The following are some of the most common types of truck accident injuries.
Head and brain injuries
A truck collision’s immense force can cause severe head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to unconsciousness, paralysis, disability, coma, and death.
Neck and back injuries
The impact of a truck crash can cause a person’s head to be forcefully and quickly thrown backward and then forward. This violent motion can cause damage to the bones, discs, and ligaments in the neck and spine. These injuries range from mild to severe, with the most serious carrying the potential for permanent paralysis and death.
Broken or fractured bones
One of the most frequent truck accident injuries is broken or fractured bones. Many broken bones heal naturally, while others require extensive surgery to repair. If not immediately treated, fractured and broken bones run the risk of causing internal bleeding, nerve damage, infection, and permanent deformity.
Burns and Lacerations
Fire, explosions, shattered glass, and sharp pieces of metal can cause severe burns and lacerations to truck accident victims. Deep cuts and severe burns can be challenging to treat and may require a series of surgeries.
Wrongful death
Commercial vehicle crashes contribute to many Ohio highway fatalities. When a loved one dies in a truck crash, the deceased individual’s family can pursue wrongful death compensation. This can help the surviving family members recover from the devastating loss of their loved one.
Truck Accident Causes
According to the Ohio State Patrol, there are nearly 20,000 accidents involving commercial vehicles each year in our state alone, highlighting the risks inherent in the trucking industry. Of those truck accidents, approximately 140 resulted in at least one fatality. Several factors contribute to truck accidents, such as:
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Driver inexperience
- Aggressive driving
- Improper load distribution
- Equipment or vehicle defects
- Incorrect trailer attachment
- Hazardous road conditions
- Improper maintenance
These accidents are often further complicated by the complex web of federal regulations governing the trucking industry, including those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which can affect liability and compensation.
Determining Fault in Truck Accidents in Columbus
Identifying the fault parties in a truck accident is crucial for your case. In Columbus, Ohio, this involves analyzing multiple factors such as driver behavior, truck maintenance records, and compliance with road safety regulations. Our experienced lawyers are skilled in navigating these complexities to ensure that all parties responsible for your suffering are held accountable.
Recoverable Damages in a Columbus Truck Accident Case
Truck accident injuries can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll. You have the right to pursue compensation for your losses, which may include significant medical bills incurred due to the accident. Recoverable damages depend on the specifics of your case but may include the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Property damage
- Economic and non-economic damages
- Costs for rehabilitation
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Costs for in-home care or a long-term care facility
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
Steps to Take After a Columbus Truck Accident
Being involved in a truck accident can be overwhelming and frightening. But it is important to stay calm and take the following steps to protect yourself physically and legally.
- Call 911 – When you are safe and out of harm’s way, call the police to report the truck accident. Tell the officers what happened before, during, and after the crash. Be sure to get a copy of the police report, as it will contain vital information. Police reports generally include the name and contact information of the parties involved, an accident scene diagram, the name and contact information of eyewitnesses, the officer’s assessment of the conditions at the time of the accident, and a list of any citations given.
- Seek medical attention – Go to your doctor, urgent care, or emergency room immediately following your accident. Many injuries aren’t immediately apparent, so it is vital to see a doctor even if you don’t feel injured. A doctor will perform a thorough medical evaluation to ensure any injuries are identified and treated.
- Document what happened – Take photos and video of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved. Then proceed to write down everything that happened. Be sure to include the circumstances leading up to and after the crash. Include even the smallest details, which may be essential in proving liability.
- Adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan – It is important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan to ensure you recover as fully as possible. Additionally, it will help prove the extent of your injuries should you decide to pursue a truck accident claim. Treatment plans include routine doctor visits, prescribed medication, specialist care, and rehabilitation therapy.
- Speak with an attorney – After an accident, it is always best to consult with one of our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys in Columbus. He or she will listen to your situation, explain your rights and legal options, and help you determine your next step.
Speak with a Knowledgeable Truck Accident Attorney in Columbus
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a truck accident, the legal team at Slater & Zurz can help. We know you have so much to deal with after the accident. Let us pursue maximum recovery for your injuries while you heal. Working with us is risk-free, as we handle all truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any up-front fees and will owe us nothing unless we obtain compensation on your behalf. Call (614)756-2714 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Columbus personal injury attorneys.
In a truck accident lawsuit, you and your truck accident attorney must prove the other party was negligent. There are four essential elements in proving negligence. They are as follows:
- The truck driver, trucking company, or a third party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached the duty of care.
- The breach of care caused you or your loved one’s injuries, wrongful death, or other losses.
- You or your loved one suffered losses due to the injury or wrongful death.
In Columbus, Ohio, a truck accident lawyer can help you recover various types of compensation, reflecting the multifaceted impact of the accident on your life. This includes compensation for medical expenses, both immediate and long-term, lost wages if the accident affected your ability to work, and compensation for pain and suffering. Additionally, if the accident resulted in any property damage, like damage to your vehicle, you might be entitled to compensation for repair or replacement. In certain cases, punitive damages may also be pursued if the negligence was particularly egregious.
A Columbus truck accident lawyer in Columbus, Ohio, plays a pivotal role in proving negligence by meticulously investigating the accident. This involves gathering and analyzing evidence such as trucking company records, driver logs, and maintenance records, which can indicate if there were any violations of federal and state regulations. The lawyer may also work with accident reconstruction experts to understand the specifics of the crash. Eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports are also crucial in constructing a comprehensive picture of the events leading to the accident. This thorough approach ensures that all facets of negligence are effectively addressed, bolstering the strength of your case.