About Kroger Truck Accidents
According to Fortune, Kroger is the nation’s largest supermarket chain by revenue, second only to Walmart as the largest general retailer in the United States. Kroger also manufactures many of its own products, accounting for more than a quarter of its total sales. As of 2020, Cincinnati-based Kroger operated 44 distribution centers, ranking 43 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest private carriers in the nation.
In 2023 Kroger expanded its business into its 36th state (Oklahoma) without opening traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The industrial hub opened in Oklahoma City will deliver groceries directly to customers’ homes through online and app orders, serving as a last-mile delivery facility that gets products from an advanced robotics warehouse in Dallas (200 miles away).
As of 2021, Kroger ranked 5th in the size of grocery trucking fleets, with 867 tractors, 35 trucks, and 12,853 trailers. While Kroger typically has a good safety record with the Department of Transportation, this Cincinnati-based corporation has had a number of major truck accidents over the years. Kroger operates under various titles and assumed names, including the following:
- Kroger
- Ralphs
- Smith’s Food and Drug
- Harris Teeter
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What To Do After Kroger Truck Accidents
Experienced trucking attorneys know how to deal with large food-delivery trucking companies when their drivers are negligent and cause harm to others. Here are some key things to consider if you ever happen to be injured in a Kroger truck accident.
- Call 9-1-1 Immediately. It can be tempting to assume you are fine or to “tough it out” and get back on the road. Most truck drivers will leave a crash site uninjured. Do not rely on the driver to give you accurate information. Trucking and distribution companies have a fleet of attorneys waiting to minimize the financial outlay of any given accident—that means paying you much less than your claim is worth. Now is the time to call the police and get the authorities on the scene right away.
- Get Medical Care Right Away. Once you have swapped information and gotten paperwork from the police on the scene, you should immediately follow up with a local hospital. By going to the emergency room, you will get a basic evaluation, including x-rays and other tests to ensure that you do not have fractures, disc injuries, or head trauma. Unfortunately, far too many people fail to get medical attention following an accident only to find later that they do have injuries. An accident sends a flood of adrenaline through the body, which serves to mask symptoms of injuries. While you can go to the doctor later when you realize you have an injury, for the purposes of a truck accident claim it is easier to prove your injuries if you seek medical assessment and treatment immediately following your truck accident.
- Take photographs and obtain witness contact information at the scene of the accident if you are able. Witnesses to an accident can disappear quickly, making them difficult to contact later on, and photographs at the scene may show things the trucking company wants to cover up.
- Follow-up Care. Insurance carriers and trucking companies love to deny claims because injured people fail to take reasonable steps to follow up with care. Be sure you go to your family doctor or some other specialist to follow up after the ER.
- Write down any details of the accident you can remember once you are home from the hospital or urgent care. No detail is too small and may help your Kroger truck accident attorney build a solid case on your behalf to ensure a full settlement.
- Contact your own insurance company following the accident and give them a basic account of what happened.
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney. Aside from seeking medical attention for your injuries, this could be the most important step you can take after a truck accident. Once you have a knowledgeable truck accident attorney on your case, you can focus on healing from your injuries, secure in the knowledge that your attorney will be defending your rights and fighting for your future at every turn.
- Do Not Talk to Insurance Reps. Insurance representatives are trained to get you to admit things or sign things that are not in your best interests. The best way to deal with these individuals is to ignore them or politely get their information, and then have your attorney call back later.
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WHY TRUCKING ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
There are many reasons for truck accidents. Sometimes, people are often shocked to find out that a truck driver was either unlicensed or untrained to operate the type of vehicle he or she was driving. Likewise, it can be remarkably unbelievable to hear that a truck driver fell asleep behind the wheel or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Fortunately, large trucking companies are usually responsible for the injuries their employees cause. Do not expect an insurance adjuster to share this information with you. Their job is to not pay you.
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LOSSES YOU CAN CLAIM FOLLOWING KROGER TRUCK ACCIDENTS
If injured by a Kroger truck, you may have a right to collect money for your injuries and losses. These can include:
- Pain and suffering damages include both actual physical pain as well as emotional pain and trauma. Emotional pain can include depression, anxiety, and even PTSD related to your truck accident. Pain and suffering damages also take into account loss of enjoyment of life and an inability to engage in normal day-to-day activities.
- Medical bills include current medical expenses as well as future medical expenses, encompassing ambulance costs, hospital expenses, surgical costs, physician expenses, expenses for rehabilitative therapies and home assistive devices, and the cost of prescription drugs.
- Lost income and wages can include current lost wages related to your accident as well as future lost wages. In some cases, injuries may cause you to be unable to return to your job for days, weeks, or even a couple of months. In other cases, your injuries may prevent you from returning to work for many months, years, or forever. If this is the case, your future lost wages will be determined according to your job, your age, your education, and the likelihood of advancement in your career.
- Wrongful death damages occur when injuries from Kroger truck accidents are so severe that the death of a loved one occurs. Wrongful death damages can include medical expenses (if your loved one lived for a period of time following the truck accident), funeral and burial expenses, loss of consortium for spouses of the deceased, and loss of care and guidance—and even loss of inheritance—for dependents of the deceased. If the decedent was financially responsible for loved ones left behind, then lost wages will also be a factor in wrongful death damages.
The only way to collect these funds is to ensure your damages are carefully calculated and submitted to the insurance company, then aggressively pursued by submitting a claim and negotiating with the insurance company. If the insurance company will not agree to a fair settlement amount, you may need to file a suit and litigate. If so, a trucking accident lawyer from Kruger & Hodges is ready to speak to you today.
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Commercial Trucking Accident Claim Process
Filing a commercial truck accident claim can be a multi-layered, complex process. Your attorney will first gather all evidence and thoroughly investigate your accident. This can include obtaining photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, and any available video. When liability is unclear, your attorney may bring in experts, including an accident reconstructionist. Once liability has been definitively proven, your attorney will comprehensively calculate your damages.
During this process, your attorney may speak to your doctors to determine how long your medical treatments can be expected to last and how your injuries may impact your day-to-day life, including your ability to work. An injury demand letter will be filed with the defendant’s insurance company, then your attorney will negotiate with the insurer to reach a fair settlement offer. If no such offer is forthcoming, a lawsuit will be filed against the liable party or parties to secure a full and fair settlement on your behalf.
How to Choose the Best Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for My Claim
Selecting the right attorney is crucial after a Kroger truck accident in Hamilton, Ohio. The impact of this decision is significant, as insurance companies value strong legal representation.
When seeking the best personal injury lawyer for your Kroger truck accident, consider these factors:
- Experience: Opt for a lawyer experienced in handling commercial trucking accidents.
- Reviews & Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for referrals from reliable sources.
- Communication: Choose a lawyer who keeps you informed and is accessible for discussions.
- Resources: Ensure the attorney has the necessary resources for your case.
- Accessibility: Evaluate the lawyer’s responsiveness and availability.
- Fee Structure: Inquire about the attorney’s fee arrangement and potential additional expenses.
After consulting with a lawyer from Kruger & Hodges, your choice will be clear. Our Hamilton, Ohio attorneys are dedicated to safeguarding your rights as you navigate the aftermath of a Kroger truck accident.
We have built a compassionate, experienced law practice based on our commitment to pursuing justice for our neighbors in Hamilton and the surrounding areas. When you call Kruger and Hodges, your call will always be answered by an attorney who understands your situation, has the knowledge and skill to secure an equitable settlement on your behalf, and someone who really listens to your concerns. Contact Kruger & Hodges today.
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