Greenville, Ohio Truck Accident Attorney
Thanks to the long and sleepless hours they spend on the road, the heavy loads that they carry, and the vast distances that they are made to cover, truck drivers, tend to get into serious accidents on the roadways. In 2018 alone, as reported by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), there were 5,096 fatal truck accidents in the United States — a 1% increase from the previous year.
The probability of catastrophic injuries resulting from a truck accident is high because trucks are so much larger and more powerful than other vehicles on the roads. Most truck accidents are caused by the driver’s fatigue or lack of visibility of other cars on the road. Truck collisions usually result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries. Moreover, since trucks usually carry important goods such as perishables or even flammable substances, truck accidents have an impact that reaches beyond the parties involved in the incident. Truck drivers must remain alert behind the wheel to prevent such tragic mishaps, and other drivers should always give trucks lots of room when they encounter them on the road.
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What are the Different Types of Truck Accidents?
There are many kinds of accidents that may involve a commercial vehicle, but there are a few types of accidents that are most common. Possessing some common knowledge about them ahead of time might help you prevent a collision entirely or better manage the accident scene afterward.
The different types of truck accidents include the following:
- Head-On Collisions – Such collisions occur when the truck crashes head-on with another truck or motor vehicle. These accidents can occur when either of the drivers is driving while under the influence or is sleepy, not paying attention to the roads, or overtaking another vehicle by driving in the wrong lane. Such accidents often result in casualties, especially if both vehicles involved were being driven at a high speed.
- Rear-End Crashes – These crashes occur when the truck crashes into a different vehicle’s rear end or vice versa. While these cases are less likely to result in casualties, the vehicle damage is often considerable.
- Jackknife Accidents – Jackknife accidents occur when a truck towing another vehicle or carrying cargo in a separately attached compartment turns in such a way that causes the attached vehicle to turn toward the truck and close upon it, similar to the manner in which a jackknife closes. Injuries sustained depend upon the size of the attached vehicle. It is also difficult to receive compensation for these accidents, as they are usually caused entirely by the truck driver’s negligence
- Vehicle Overturning – Another common accident that is common among trucks carrying some type of goods is the vehicle overturning due to the weight of the cargo. The outcome of your vehicle overturning largely depends upon the location of the accident.
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What Should You Do if You Get Into a Truck Accident?
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Ohio, the first step is to head to your nearest hospital to get medical attention for any physical injuries that you might have sustained. These injuries, such as whiplash, lacerations, broken bones, and even traumatic brain injury (TBI), may not always be immediately evident.
It is also important to get the details of the other vehicle involved, including the owner’s name and contact information and the vehicle’s license plate and insurance number. Document the scene of the accident by taking pictures of the damage done, the accident site, as well as your injuries, and save any medical documents or other legal documents that serve as evidence of the accident. Then, contact your insurance company and send a notice to the other party demanding compensation, if applicable.
If the damage caused by the accident is considerably high, it is always more suitable to proceed with the matter in court to receive higher compensation than what may be received in an out-of-court settlement.
The various processes that follow a truck accident can usually feel extremely complex and draining, especially since you would rather be spending this time recuperating from the injuries and trauma caused by the accident. Enlisting a semi accident lawyer to help strengthen your case and handle the legal procedures can take a huge burden off your chest and it will give you your best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
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Have You Been in a Truck Accident in Greenville, Ohio?
If you or anyone you know has gotten into a truck accident in Greenville, Ohio, Kruger & Hodges can help you out. Feel free to get in touch with us by filling out our contact form and schedule a free, no-risk consultation today.
Call or text 513-894-3333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form