ZSemi-truck accidents are among the most devastating that a person can experience. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a semi-truck accident in Brookville, you are not alone. Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and commercial trucks are involved in nearly half a million accidents each year. Given that semi-trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times that of a standard passenger vehicle, it is no surprise that so many of these accidents result in injuries. Their injuries are often serious and can have long-term effects, even resulting in paralysis or permanent disability. 70% of people killed in semi-truck accidents are occupants of the other vehicle. The most frustrating thing about these statistics, is that almost all of these accidents could have been avoided if not for negligent driving. For many victims of negligent truck drivers, the only way to recover financially and move forward in life is by bringing a personal injury lawsuit with the help of a Brookville, Ohio semi-truck accident lawyer.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident
After a semi-truck accident you may be dealing with serious injuries, high pain levels, and mounting medical bills. It can be hard to think about anything other than surviving. For many people, legal action is the last thing on their mind–or maybe you think you will get around to it after you get your medical care under control. Believe it or not, talking to an attorney is the first thing you should do–after receiving medical care of course. Semi-truck accidents can be complex, sometimes involving multiple liable parties and lengthy investigations. Semi-truck accidents are also highly likely to result in serious injuries that require extensive–and expensive–medical care. The more serious your injuries are, the more critical it is that you retain an attorney. The higher the stakes for recovery, the more important it is to have trusted representation.
Can I Sue a Semi-Truck Driver if I Was Injured in an Accident in Brookville?
If you have been involved in a Brookville truck accident that was not your fault–or at least that was not entirely your fault–and have suffered injuries and financial damages as a result, you may have grounds to bring a personal liability lawsuit. Under Ohio state law, every driver on the road agrees to adhere to the traffic laws of the state and meet a reasonable duty of care to all other drivers on the road. This duty of care is breached when a driver breaks the law by speeding or driving under the influence. If harm, such as an accident and injuries, result from their negligence, they become liable financially. This is all to say that if you were injured in a semi-truck accident due to the driver or another party’s negligence and you suffered damages as a result, you can sue.
Even if you hold some amount of the fault, you may still be able to bring a lawsuit. However, it may not make sense to bring a lawsuit in some cases if you are close to equally at fault. A strong representation of your claim will also involve arguing that you are not at fault or deserve the lowest possible amount of fault assigned to you. You will still be able to recover if you are assigned a percentage of the fault, and your award will simply be reduced proportionally. For instance, if you are found to be 10% at fault, and are awarded $100,000 in damages, you will receive $90,000 of those damages ($100,000 to 10%). If you have questions about who is liable in your case and whether it makes sense to move forward with a lawsuit, it is important to talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later. In addition to expediting your recovery and financial relief, it is important to be proactive because there is a statute of limitations, or time limit, on semi-truck accident claims.
What is My Semi-Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your semi-truck accident claim is determined based on the amount of injuries that you suffered and the costs that you incurred as a result. Under Ohio law you can receive compensation for all costs incurred as a result of your injury. This includes all medical costs related to the accident, such as hospitalization, medication, surgery, treatment, and physical therapy. You can also recover for lost wages if your injury kept you from working and cost you income.
Ohio law also allows you to receive compensation for pain and suffering caused by the physical and emotional trauma of the accident. The higher your financial damages and the more serious your injuries, the higher your pain and suffering damages will be. The best way to get an accurate idea of what your claim is worth is to speak directly with a truck accident personal injury attorney. Every case is different and many factors can affect the value of your claim, so it is important to consult with a Brookville truck accident attorney or you may end up undervaluing your claim and accepting a settlement that will not meet your financial needs in the long term.
Do I Need a Brookville, Ohio Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer to Sue?
A lawyer can be an invaluable asset in the aftermath of a semi-truck accident. It can be hard to navigate the insurance process and negotiate a settlement right after an accident, particularly when you are in pain and may even be on painkillers or suffering the effects of shock or a traumatic brain injury. You need someone that you can trust to take the wheel, level the playing field between you and the insurance company, and get you the settlement and compensation that you are entitled to by any legal means necessary.
Schedule a Consultation with our Brookville, Ohio Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a semi- or commercial truck accident in Ohio, the experienced truck accident attorneys at the Law Firm of Kruger & Hodges want to fight to represent your interests and get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact us at our Eaton, OH law offices today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you.
