When thinking about vehicle accidents, a wreck with a commercial truck may not readily come to mind. However, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Ohio had over 6,000 crashes involving trucks and buses in 2023. Ohio contains some of the busiest roadways for commercial trucks, which means a greater likelihood of collisions.
Accidents involving tractor-trailer trucks and other commercial vehicles can be more severe and typically have more complications. If you’ve been hurt in a truck-related accident, you need legal representation from an experienced trucking accident attorney to help you receive fair compensation and hold negligent truck drivers accountable.
Unique Dangers of Trucking Accidents
Getting into an accident with a tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler is not the same as colliding with another car. Because of their size and weight, these trucks can inflict extensive damage to a sedan or SUV, and victims of these accidents tend to incur serious injuries or simply don’t survive. Also, it’s not unusual for drivers and passengers of cars to be taken immediately to the emergency room while the commercial truck driver comes away with no apparent injuries.
Large trucks like tractor-trailers are vulnerable to crashes because of the following reasons:
- They have blind spots. Because the trailers are so long, drivers can’t see around them and often miss smaller cars.
- They’re heavy. The typical semi-truck trailer carries thousands of pounds. When the cargo inside isn’t secured correctly, it can shift in the trailer, making it weave all over the road. In extreme cases, this shifting of cargo can cause jackknifing.
- They have higher centers of gravity. A truck’s height increases the likelihood of tipping or rolling when taking turns at high velocities.
- They need longer braking times and distances. While it’s easy to brake a car to stop quickly, 18-wheelers need more distance to slow down and stop.
What to Do If You’re in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you regularly drive on busy highways and Interstates, getting into a truck-related accident is always possible. It can be challenging to know what to do immediately after a wreck. The most critical action in the aftermath is getting medical attention immediately. Because of the legal complexities of a commercial vehicle wreck, you should also seek legal representation as soon as possible and consider filing a claim, especially if another driver was at fault.
Personal injury claims involving commercial trucks can cover various types of incidents. For example, a top truck collision attorney in Cincinnati helps clients with claims involving
- Head-on collisions
- Accidents with trucks that jackknife
- Road construction accidents
- Locomotive crashes
- Passenger injuries
- Semi-truck rollovers
- Wrongful death
Even though damages are usually worse in truck accidents than those involving passenger vehicles, the claims process can be more complex and difficult. The trucking company’s insurance provider will do all they can to reduce their liability as much as possible. That’s why finding a local semi-truck accident attorney who will work hard to investigate all aspects of your case and get you fair compensation is critical.
Find a Truck Accident Lawyer in the Tri-State Area
A crash with a large commercial truck can be devastating for several reasons. Hiring an experienced accident attorney at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen LPA, Co., is crucial in getting the compensation you deserve. We care about protecting drivers’ rights and helping them avoid low offers from trucking companies who want to settle quickly. Contact our office today at 513.721.6500 to start your claims process and get answers to your questions.