According to the most current statistics from The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are nearly 500,000 large truck accidents, resulting in more than almost 5000 fatalities, and more than 100,000 serious and life-altering injuries each year. State and federal regulations have been put in place to attempt to reduce the occurrence of truck accidents, but as more and more big trucks populate our highways, the number of truck accidents is likely to continue to rise.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Cincinnati, you may be entitled to recover substantial compensation for your injuries and financial losses. The experienced Cincinnati truck accident lawyers at Monge & Associates can help you recover the compensation that you need and deserve. Contact us today at (888) 546-8460 for a free case evaluation.
Cincinnati Truck Accident Resources
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Common Types of Truck Driver Negligence
The Importance of Legal Representation
Trucking Laws Can Make Cases Complex
Common Trucking Accidents in Ohio
Common Truck Accident Injuries
How Our Truck Accident Lawyers Help You Win
Liability After a Truck Accident
Potential Damages Available in Your Case
Contact a Lawyer Today
Common Types of Truck Driver Negligence
A truck accident can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries and significant property damage. When pursuing a truck accident claim in Cincinnati, it is essential to understand the common causes of truck accidents.
Truck accidents, like other motor vehicle accidents, can be caused by a variety of different circumstances, including:
- Distracted driving;
- Speeding;
- Reckless driving;
- Bad weather;
- Bad road conditions; and
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Poorly loaded cargo
- Driver Fatigue
Like all commercial drivers, truck drivers have an enhanced responsibility to operate their vehicles with care. Any deviation from the expected standard of care can indicate negligence on behalf of both the truck driver.
Trucking companies also have a legal responsibility to ensure that the drivers they employ are vetted and trained properly, and to monitor them for any violation of the state and federal regulations put in place to ensure the safety of all who share the nation’s roadways.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will consult with trucking industry experts, accident reconstructionists, and law enforcement to help prove your case and get you compensation for damages caused by a negligent truck driver and trucking company.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Cincinnati Truck Accident Cases
Navigating a truck accident claim can be complex, especially when dealing with large insurance and trucking companies. Hiring an experienced Cincinnati truck accident lawyer is crucial for several reasons:
- Expertise: An experienced attorney understands the intricacies of truck accident cases and can navigate the legal process effectively on your behalf.
- Investigation: The attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and relevant records, to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiation: The right attorney is also a skilled negotiator who can handle discussions with the liable insurance companies. They will fight for fair compensation that considers all your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an experienced attorney will be prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Trucking Laws Can Make Your Case More Complex
Pursuing a truck accident lawsuit requires a comprehensive understanding of the laws and industry standards that govern trucking. Any violation of federal, state, and local laws, particularly from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), can be pivotal in establishing liability and your right to compensation.
Due to these trucking laws, it can be challenging to pursue a claim without legal representation, especially while you are recovering from an injury. This is where Monge & Associates can provide critical assistance. With our extensive knowledge of these rules and the trucking industry’s nuances, our attorneys will fight to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable for their actions.
Common Trucking Accidents in Ohio
With bustling interstate activity throughout Ohio, trucking accidents happen far more often than many people believe. These collisions can be distressingly severe and manifest in numerous ways. At Monge & Associates, we have helped clients navigate the aftermath of several types of truck accidents, from rollovers to rear-end collisions.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident occurs when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. Several factors can lead to such accidents, including high speeds, sudden turns, improperly loaded cargo affecting the truck’s center of gravity, or external factors such as strong gusts of wind. Due to the truck’s size, these types of accidents can block multiple lanes, endangering vehicles on the road.
Jackknife Collisions
A jackknife collision happens when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an acute angle with the cab. This is often due to sudden braking or when the truck skids on a slippery road surface. The swinging trailer can either hit other vehicles in adjacent lanes or cause multi-vehicle pile-ups.
Override and Underride Accidents
In an override accident, a truck moves over a smaller vehicle in front, often due to the truck’s inability to stop in time. On the other hand, an underride accident involves a smaller car sliding underneath the back or side of a truck’s trailer. They can be a result of sudden braking by the truck, lack of adequate underride guards, or poor visibility conditions where a car driver can’t see the trailer in time.
Rear-End Collisions
Due to their massive size and weight, trucks require a longer distance to come to a full stop compared to regular vehicles. If a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or driving too fast for the conditions, they may not brake in time, leading to a rear-end accident with a vehicle in front. Given the disparity in size, even a seemingly minor rear-end collision with a truck can result in significant damage to the smaller vehicle.
What Injuries Are Caused by Truck Accidents?
Due to the size, weight, and magnitude of truck accidents, victims often suffer from severe and significant injuries. Many of these injuries result in long-term complications or disabilities, affecting the victim for years to come.
Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash
- Amputation or loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Burn injuries and scarring
How Our Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You Win
When pursuing a Cincinnati personal injury claim after a truck accident, you need experienced legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Monge & Associates, our team of skilled truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you win. Here’s how we can assist you:
We’ll Explain All The Legal Language
Legal terminology can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident. Our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers will break down the jargon and explain everything to you in plain language. We want you to fully understand the legal process, your rights, and the options available to you.
We’ll Handle The Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and intimidating. They may try to minimize your claim or offer a low settlement. Our Cincinnati car accident attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies. We will handle all communications on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair and just settlement.
Help You Understand All Of Your Damages
A truck accident can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial damages. To pursue appropriate compensation, it is essential to understand the full extent of your losses. Our lawyers will carefully evaluate your case, taking into account your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We’ll help you understand the value of your claim and fight for comprehensive compensation.
We’ll Fight Passionately To Get You The Maximum Settlement
At Monge & Associates, we are dedicated to fighting passionately for our clients. Our goal is to secure the maximum settlement possible for your truck accident case. We will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our experienced litigators will negotiate aggressively with the trucking company and their insurance provider, aiming for a fair and substantial settlement.
We’ll Represent You In Court
In some cases, reaching a fair settlement through negotiation may not be possible. If your case goes to court, rest assured that our skilled trial lawyers are prepared to advocate for your rights before a judge and jury. We have a proven track record of success in the courtroom and will diligently present your case to seek the justice you deserve.
We Don’t Get Paid Until You Win
We understand that pursuing a truck accident case can be financially burdensome. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t have to worry about upfront costs or attorney fees. We only get paid if we win your case, either through a settlement or a court verdict. Our commitment is to you and your success.
Who Can Be Liable for a Cincinnati Truck Accident?
In the aftermath of a truck accident, it’s essential to identify every party potentially responsible for the collision. Depending on the circumstances leading up to your accident, multiple parties could be at fault for the damages that you suffered.
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers are frequently responsible for these accidents. Whether due to fatigue from extended hours on the road, the influence of substances, or reckless actions like speeding and violating traffic rules, their actions can directly lead to a serious collision. Furthermore, distractions like mobile phone usage or not adhering to weather-related driving precautions can also contribute to their liability.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies play a pivotal role in ensuring that trucks are safe to operate and that drivers have the training and experience required to operate these large vehicles. Their liability can arise from inadequate driver training, neglect in ensuring regular vehicle maintenance, or exerting pressure on drivers to meet tight deadlines, leading them to bypass safety regulations. In some cases, these companies might ignore drivers’ records, hiring those without proper licenses or with histories of recklessness or substance abuse.
The Truck’s Manufacturer
Manufacturers have a responsibility to produce safe vehicles and components. When they fall short, the consequences can be dire. If an accident stems from a truck’s defective parts, such as faulty brakes or malfunctioning signals, or if the vehicle’s design itself is flawed, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
A Government Entity
Government entities can also bear responsibility for truck accidents. This liability can emerge from poorly designed roads, lack of appropriate signage, or neglect in fixing known road hazards like potholes or unsafe intersections. These road defects can contribute to serious accidents, especially when large commercial vehicles are involved.
A Cargo Loading Company
How a truck’s cargo is loaded can significantly influence its balance and stability on the road. Cargo loading companies bear the responsibility of ensuring that cargo is not only securely loaded but also evenly distributed. Overloading trucks, or improperly securing cargo, can lead to rollovers, jackknifing, or the cargo spilling onto the roadway, causing accidents.
Potential Damages Available in Your Case
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is challenging. Aside from the immediate pain and distress, you can suffer from a cascade of financial hardships and psychological turmoil. Monge & Associates is dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation that they rightfully deserve following these collisions.
In Ohio, there are two categories of damages that you could recover in a truck accident claim: economic and non-economic. In severe cases, you may be entitled to a third category known as punitive damages.
Economic Damages
These encompass the tangible, quantifiable financial losses directly resulting from the accident. Examples include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Disability accommodations
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
These damages, while equally impactful, are more abstract and pertain to the emotional and physical impact of an accident. Common non-economic damages include:
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
Punitive Damages
Reserved for particularly egregious cases, punitive damages aim not just to compensate the victim but to penalize the liable party and deter the same behavior in the future. In Ohio, punitive damages are available when the defendant’s actions are grossly negligent, malicious, intentional, or fraudulent.
Reach Out to a Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Cincinnati, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our experienced truck accident lawyers at Monge & Associates today. We are ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and provide you with the dedicated representation you need to pursue the compensation you deserve. Remember, we offer a Big Settlement Guarantee, ensuring your peace of mind throughout the process. Call us today at 888-546-8460 to schedule a free consultation.