Cargo trucks are massive vehicles, often weighing 80,000 pounds. Standard sedans weigh roughly 4,000 pounds, so it is no wonder that the risk of serious injury or death is likely to occur when a cargo truck gets into an accident with a smaller vehicle.
If you or a loved one were involved in a cargo truck accident, you may choose to get legal representation at Bressman Law.
Call us for a free consultation today at (614) 538-1116.
You May Be Able to Recover Damages After a Cargo Truck Collision
Being involved in an accident with a cargo truck can be a scary experience. Cargo trucks cause an outsized portion of fatalities on the road. Long haul trucking is also one of the most dangerous professions in the United States, as reported by American Trucker. Regardless of who is at fault, injured victims of valid cases may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Hospital bills
- Ambulance invoices
- Prescription receipts
- Other medical costs
- Transportation costs
- Vehicle repair bills or the replacement value
- Pain and suffering
Aside from this list, there are more types of damages if a wrongful death occurs. In this case, families may be entitled to recover damages for bereavement, loss of consortium, end of life services, burial services, and mental anguish.
These are not easy items to calculate for anyone, even for a judge or jury. A Marion cargo truck accident lawyer may have their team explain in further detail how damages like these are calculated by Marion courts. Call Bressman Law today for a free consultation at (614) 538-1116.
Typical Causes of Cargo Truck-Related Collisions
There are many different causes of cargo trucking accidents in Ohio each year. Investigations are conducted to determine the cause of each accident. Only real data and information can confirm the cause of any specific cargo truck accident.
Some of the most frequent causes of cargo truck accidents that we see include:
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Poor visibility
- Inclement weather
- Faulty parts (i.e. brakes or tires)
- Vehicle design defects
- Driving under the influence
Many times it is also the fault of another driver who caused the cargo truck to crash into your vehicle. Victims are not usually aware of how many other drivers may be involved in a large freeway pileup involving a cargo truck.
For a free legal consultation with a cargo truck accident attorney in Marion, call (614) 538-1116
There Are Many Dangers in Cargo Truck Collisions
Other compounding factors can add to the danger of a cargo truck crash. For example, a rollover is a chaotic, violent way for a vehicle to lose control on the highway. Since they are tall and non-maneuverable, cargo trucks are prone to vehicle rollovers when driving at highway speed. Rollovers pose an intense threat to people in the truck’s immediate vicinity. Objects and cargo may eject from the truck into the air and onto the roadway.
Some highway accidents are caused by objects falling onto the road from other vehicles. While these scenarios are rare, they are extremely dangerous and life-threatening for drivers behind in traffic. Cargo that can fall onto the roadway and pose a risk to human life may include:
- Rebar
- Steel I-beams
- Logs
- Cut timber
- Rocks
- Gravel
- Large spools
- Attached chains or ropes dragging
- Toxic or flammable chemicals
- PVC pipes
- Other heavy industrial equipment
There are specific federal rules about how trucks must inspect and recheck their cargo in order to stay in compliance. These records also reflect how often and how long a driver was working and on the road. There are set limits on the amount of time a cargo trucker can spend driving without taking a legally mandated rest. A Marion cargo truck accident lawyer with Bressman Law may observe the facts of your case and determine how it may relate to Ohio law and federal trucking regulations.
Experts often recommend keeping a journal of your experiences regarding a traumatic crash. Recalling individual details can be painful and excruciating, especially if you had a traumatic crash event. Defense lawyers and insurance agents may try to confuse you as you describe your version of events. Having a journal of your experiences written down can relieve your brain of the pressure of memorization while enabling you to have the clearest answers possible during depositions. This maximizes your mental health while also boosting your ability to sound confident and organized in high-pressure legal situations, which can have a material effect on the amount of your potential settlement.
Marion Cargo Truck Accident Attorney (614) 538-1116
There Are Time Limits for Cargo Truck Accident Claims
Ohio law generally prohibits injured people from filing a lawsuit if they wait more than two years from the date of their injury to do so. This is known as the Ohio statute of limitations, as detailed in the Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.11.
Additionally, other factors, such as evidentiary decay, require claimants to act as fast as possible so that they can collect as much evidence as possible. This will be the intent of the police on the scene who arrive, but they do not always have your best interest in mind either. You are under no obligation to speak with police at this early juncture. If you feel uncomfortable about a conversation with the police after an accident, that is an excellent reason to give our law office a call.
It is crucial to visit the doctor and file a police report as soon as possible. It is also vital to ensure that the police report is factually accurate and shows that you may have been injured. If you do not have a timely, accurate police report, it may jeopardize a potential legal claim. There could also be evidence that the police report missed or failed to consider certain details. There could be evidence farther away that may be relevant to your case, like satellite GPS data. The Marion cargo truck accident lawyer you hire may offer several services to ensure the details of your case are accurate and supportive.
Bressman Law is eager to represent Ohio cargo truck accident victims. These cases are complex, and truck companies know every loophole in the book. Call us today about your legal options at (614) 538-1116, and we will provide an initial consultation free of charge.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
