Large commercial trucks are also called semi-trucks or big rigs. They are capable of carrying large loads and may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. While we need trucks to carry our goods and packages, they can also be a danger on the road. Truck accidents are among the most severe and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. When a passenger vehicle collides with a semi, injuries can be life-threatening. State Route 725 runs through our community and it is known for plenty of truck traffic. Camden, Ohio is a beautiful rural community but along with the wide-open spaces comes the need to drive to work, school, shopping, and restaurants. We share our roadways with numerous large trucks so it is important to be aware of truck accidents in Camden, Ohio.
Why Truck Accidents are Different From Other Accidents
Truck accidents are different from other types of accidents for a few reasons. Trucks are larger than vehicles, so when they collide with a passenger car they are likely to cause severe damage and injuries. Trucks are big and have mechanical systems that require regular maintenance and inspection. When a truck crash occurs, it can be difficult to determine the cause and identify the negligent party. Trucks must follow state and federal safety regulations such as those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. There could be more than one negligent party in a truck accident case, such as the driver, the company that owns the truck, and the maintenance provider.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents occur for a number of reasons. They are more complex than other types of accidents and there are often several contributing factors or causes of the accident. The causes of truck accidents may fall into one of several main categories. These include:
Driver errors
Mechanical problems
Outside conditions
Of these factors, driver errors are typically the most common causes of truck accidents in Camden, Ohio. Driver errors include speeding, improper lane changes, driving while fatigued, driving under the influence, failure to obey traffic signals, inexperience, and more. The most common mechanical problems are brake malfunction and tire issues. Outside conditions that may contribute to accidents are weather such as ice, snow, or rain, and problems with the roadway itself.
You can see how several factors may contribute to truck accidents. For example, an inexperienced driver is tired and is speeding when a tire blows and the vehicle begins to skid. The driver fails to control the big rig and the truck careens out of control and hits a car on the highway. Several factors have likely contributed to this accident. The driver may not have been properly trained or experienced and he was speeding, the tires might not have been maintained correctly and when the truck started to skid, the driver should have been able to control it but ultimately could not.
Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents in Camden, Ohio
Serious injuries are not uncommon with truck accidents in Camden, Ohio. Victims of truck crashes could suffer from a variety of injuries, many of which may be life-threatening. Some of the most severe injuries include:
Neck and back injuries
Whiplash
Traumatic brain injuries
Internal organ injuries
Broken bones
Burns
Immediate medical care is essential to a favorable outcome. Injuries you suffer in a truck accident are often extremely severe, especially when the accident occurs at a high rate of speed. You may have to undergo a variety of tests, numerous surgeries and a long hospital stay. The rehabilitation and recovery period can take months or longer. In some cases, the accident results in lifelong disabling injuries that will require ongoing care.
Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries
The costs of medical care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment can be astronomical. The negligent party is responsible for paying the medical bills and all damages caused by the crash. Following an accident, the insurance company will contact you for information about the accident and for a statement. It may be best to speak to a Camden truck accident attorney before you make a statement to the insurance adjuster.
Truck accidents can be complicated, and there may be more than one negligent party involved. For example, the truck driver, the trucking company, and the truck maintenance provider are just a few of the parties that may bear some responsibility for the accident. Your attorney will sort through the details of the incident and gather the documentation you need to prove your claim. If you were seriously injured in a Camden, Ohio truck accident, do not hesitate to get the legal help you need. Contact us today at Kruger & Hodges at (937) 733-6079 to schedule a free initial consultation.
