Trucks are essential to our economy. They carry goods and packages that keep our country going. Although trucks are necessary, they can be dangerous on the road. Trucks are large and heavy and may weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so when they collide with a vehicle, the damage and injuries may be extensive. Lewisburg is a small community, but we have access to roads that are frequented by large trucks. Commercial trucks are sometimes called semi-trucks, or tractor trailers. Truck accidents in Lewisburg, Ohio, can and do occur, and when they do, they result in severe injuries or fatalities. Truck accident lawyers in Lewisburg will assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries caused by a negligent truck driver.
Truck Accidents in Lewisburg, Ohio
Lewisburg itself is not very large, but it does have more than its fair share of trucks due to the proximity of major highways. Trucks often travel on Interstate 70, Interstate 71, and Interstate 75, which are all part of our community. In addition to the interstates, there are also a number of state roads including Ohio 503, U.S. 40, and U.S. 127, all located nearby. This means that when you travel throughout our county, you will likely share the road with semi trucks. There is the possibility of getting into a truck accident in Lewisburg, Ohio. It is always important to drive defensively, but no matter how careful you are, you could get into an accident that is not your fault.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can be complex. The Federal Motor Carrier Association (FMCSA) completed a study to determine what causes truck accidents. They looked at a variety of things that might cause or contribute to truck accidents and classified them into three main categories. These main categories are driver, equipment, and environment. Driver factors are the most common causes of truck accidents. Driver factors fall into these categories:
Non-performance
Recognition
Decision
Performance
Non-performance means the driver failed to do something necessary and may have fallen asleep, or suffered from a medical condition that did not allow them to act. Recognition is likely the most common and it occurs when the driver is inattentive or distracted. A driver may not make the correct decision while driving, causing an accident. For instance, the driver may be speeding. Performance generally refers to mistakes the driver makes, such as overcorrecting. Inexperience may be responsible for matters of poor performance.
Types of Accidents
There are many types of truck accidents in Lewisburg, Ohio. Accidents may occur at intersections, while turning, when changing lanes, or while traveling on the highway. Some of the types of truck accidents are:
Rear End Collisions
Head-On
Side Impact
T-Bone
Highway Accidents
It is important to note that trucks take longer to slow and stop than other, smaller vehicles. This can result in serious collisions, particularly on the highway. Trucks that fail to slow or stop when they come upon traffic backups can cause rear-end collisions and pileups. When a truck load shifts, such as may happen if the load is not properly secured, the driver has to quickly respond or the truck could jackknife or get out of control. Improper lane changes can lead to crashes when the truck driver cannot see other vehicles in the area.
Negligence in Truck Accidents
Ohio is a state that requires the driver who is at-fault to pay for the damages of the accident. Therefore, you will need to prove that the truck driver was at-fault for the accident. Ohio uses comparative negligence which means that you may recover damages even if you are partially to blame. To prove negligence you must show that the other driver did something wrong to cause the crash. Truck accidents in Lewisburg, Ohio, and elsewhere, can be complex because there are many factors that may cause or contribute to accidents. It is critical to quickly gather evidence as soon as possible after the accident. Truck driver logs and maintenance records might be necessary to prove your claim in a truck accident case. Experienced truck accident attorneys understand how to gather the data that is needed to prove your case.
Need Compensation? Truck Accident Lawyers in Lewisburg, Ohio can Help
You may experience great losses as a result of your injuries in a truck accident. Hospital bills can quickly add up and damages could be astronomical. The responsible party should pay for your damages, which might include medical expenses, medication costs, future medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Skilled truck accident lawyers in Lewisburg, Ohio will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Do not settle for less than you need after a serious truck accident. Contact our legal team with the expertise to handle your claim. Call us today at Kruger & Hodges at (937) 733-6079 for a free initial consultation.