One of the realities of the road is the constant presence of large commercial trucks. In fact, as time goes on, trucking continues to be the major player when transporting goods from place to place. Trucking companies hauled 72.5% of all domestic freight in the United States during 2019. These huge vehicles are frequently seen no matter where you live, often populating the highways and carrying goods across the country. The roads through and around Eaton see more than their fair share of these trucks. With their prodigious numbers, it is no surprise that many accidents involve trucks. Despite the extra training and the requirement for a CDL license, crashes are sure to happen, and when they do, it is important to be prepared for them. If you’ve been injured by a semi, eighteen-wheeler, or other commercial freighters, the Eaton, Ohio truck accident lawyers of Kruger & Hodges will pursue compensation and defend your rights.
How Many Accidents Involve Trucks in Ohio Each Year?
Statistically speaking, the number of accidents involving trucks goes up each year, as they continue to be the most popular form of domestic freight transportation. When accidents happen that involve trucks, they are rarely minor. An area for specific concern is that Ohio was ranked in the top ten states for truck crashes as of 2017, with over half of the injuries and fatalities on the road occurring in those 10 states alone.
Furthermore, the possibility for severe and life-changing injuries is higher when a truck is involved in an accident. Because of how large and heavy trucks are, even when unloaded, being caught underneath a truck or slamming into the back of one can easily result in catastrophic injuries or death to a vehicle occupant.
Staying Safe When Driving a Truck
One of the most important safe driving tactics that protect truckers and those around them is for the truckers to keep a close eye on their physical state. With many drivers having to clock long hours on the road, it is important for truck drivers to be honest with themselves. Commercial vehicle drivers who are too fatigued to operate their vehicles safely should pull over and get sleep. Truck drivers should always refrain from driving while buzzed or under the influence. This should go without saying, but if driving a car under the influence is a bad idea, driving a truck under the influence is even worse.
Trucks need more room to maneuver on the roadways than cars do. They need more room to stop, to turn, and they should not be followed as closely as other cars. Drivers of standard passenger vehicles should always keep a safe distance away from large trucks on the road in order to avoid dangerous collisions.
Types of Injuries that Can Occur After Truck Accidents
Accidents involving trucks typically lead to more significant injuries and death. While being rear-ended by a car might lead to a mild or more serious case of whiplash, being rear-ended by a truck will not only lead to a serious case of whiplash but might permanently damage the nerves or muscles of the neck, if it does not break it altogether.
Other serious injuries commonly incurred in truck accidents include:
Broken bones
Pulled or strained muscles
Damaged or ruptured organs
Lacerations and cuts
These are just a few of the types of injuries which can be sustained in a truck accident. In addition to the very serious threat and danger of physical damage, the threat of mental and psychological damage is serious, as well. This includes not only Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), but also serious trauma that can manifest in the form of anxiety, panic attacks, or fear of driving.
Even one of these injuries would be a huge hurdle to overcome, but in accidents that involves trucks, victims likely endure many different forms of injuries.
Kruger & Hodges Eaton, Ohio Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
After being injured in a truck accident, the very first thing to do is to get medical attention for you and any other injured parties. Call emergency services to the scene immediately. From there, make sure to head to the hospital for a formal check-up. Having this check-up will help create paperwork in case of a lawsuit, not to mention will treat any injuries and keep them from getting worse.
Make sure to get the trucking company name and info. From there, it is important to get all info about the driver, any witnesses, and any police reports or other paperwork necessary.
Finally, it is important to find a trusted truck accident attorney in Eaton. If you have been in a crash involving a truck, please contact our Eaton, Ohio truck accident lawyers here at Kruger & Hodges. We can help you schedule a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
