Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex in Ohio
When innocent people suffer injuries in a collision with an 18-wheeler, they may pursue financial recovery for their losses through an accident claim. However, the process of proving liability in an 18-wheeler accident case in Ohio can become far more complicated than for car accidents. Trucking accident cases often become more complex than car crash claims for several reasons, including the severity of accidents, the involvement of multiple parties, and the complicated nature of the evidence and laws.
The Unique Dangers of 18-Wheeler Accidents
The size and weight of 18-wheelers can increase the chances of catastrophic injuries in motor vehicle collisions, as commercial trucks can impart greater forces in a collision than a passenger vehicle. As a result, trucking accident cases can become more complex as crash victims suffer more severe injuries that require longer, more intensive treatment and that leave victims with permanent impairments or disfigurement.
Operating 18-wheelers also requires more training and experience than other types of vehicles. Commercial trucks can pose a greater risk to others on the road due to common causes of truck accidents such as:
- Fatigued driving, as truck drivers can drive for many hours each day
- Distracted driving, since truck drivers may need to check navigation to confirm their route
- Speeding or reckless driving, as some truckers may engage in dangerous driving behaviors to make up time
- Improperly loaded cargo, which can make an 18-wheeler more challenging to drive or lead to a cargo spill
Accidents Frequently Involve Multiple Liable Parties
Trucking accident cases often become complex due to the involvement of multiple liable parties. Two or more parties may share responsibility for compensating injured accident victims, either by bearing direct responsibility for causing the accident or through other legal doctrines like respondeat superior/vicarious liability, which holds employers or other parties responsible for the negligence of others whom they supervise or control. Examples of parties who may share liability for an 18-wheeler accident include:
- Trucking drivers
- Motor carriers that employ or contract drivers to haul loads
- Shipping companies and cargo loaders
- Truck and trailer repair shops
- Vehicle and part manufacturers
Federal and State Trucking Regulations
Truck accident cases frequently involve the application of federal and state trucking industry regulations, such as hours-of-service limitations on the time truckers can spend on duty and behind the wheel, drug and alcohol testing requirements, vehicle inspection and recordkeeping requirements, and cargo loading specifications. Violations of state and federal trucking regulations can serve as evidence of a truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence
High-Stakes Claims and Aggressive Insurance Defense
18-wheeler accident claims can become complicated when injured parties seek significant financial compensation, leading trucking companies and insurers to aggressively defend against injury claims to minimize or avoid financial liability. Insurance coverage for trucking companies may involve complex policies with excess coverages, which can allow trucking companies to obscure the exact amount of insurance coverage available for an accident claim. Trucking and insurance company representatives and their legal counsel may pursue vigorous defense strategies to fight injury claims to wear down accident victims into accepting less than full value for their injuries.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers for Experienced Guidance and Advocacy in Your Claim
After you get hurt in a truck crash in Ohio, you may face a long, complicated road to obtain financial recovery. Fortunately, experienced legal counsel can support and advocate for you at every step of the way. Contact Kitrick, Lewis & Staley-Sladek Co., L.P.A. Today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney to discuss the details of your case and learn how our firm can help you navigate the complexities of pursuing financial compensation from the negligent truck driver or trucking companies responsible for your injuries and losses.
