We count on big rigs to carry our goods across the country and the state, and we need trucks to deliver goods and products to our homes, as well. Thousands of trucks on the roads means that we will share the highways with these large commercial tractor-trailers on a daily basis. Unfortunately, truck accidents can happen even in a beautiful community such as New Paris, Ohio. When they do happen, the outcome can be devastating. Injuries can leave you with physical, emotional, and financial issues. An experienced truck accident attorney in New Paris, Ohio will help you seek compensation from the responsible party.
Big Rig Crash Facts
Large trucks are a concern for other drivers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation, there are almost three million big rigs registered in the United States. Many commercial trucks travel across our state and therefore, chances are likely that we will see a truck on the road every day. Truck accidents make up only about 7% of all crashes, however, truck accidents are much more likely to cause fatalities. Several large highways, including Interstate 70, are close to New Paris, so there are many large trucks traveling nearby.
Causes of Truck Accidents in New Paris
Truck accidents in New Paris, Ohio, and elsewhere, are typically caused by a variety of factors. The main causes and contributing factors generally fit into several main categories including:
Driver error
Mechanical failure
Environmental factors
Driver error is the most common cause of most accidents. Driver mistakes include such things as inexperience, inadequate training, driving while fatigued, distracted driving, and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some common problems attributed to drivers are speeding, improper lane changes, failure to yield, failure to obey traffic signals, and others. When a driver encounters a mechanical problem or an unfavorable road condition, they might make a poor decision due to fatigue or other issues.
What Injuries Can Occur as a Result of Truck Accidents in New Paris?
Trucks are large and can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with cargo. The weight and size of a truck coupled with speed can do quite a bit of damage to people in vehicles they hit. Some of the most common injuries are:
Many times, injuries due to truck crashes require emergency treatment and transportation to the nearest trauma center. Head injuries can be extremely dangerous because you may not immediately know you are hurt. If you hit your head in an accident, get an exam and x-rays as soon as possible to prevent the injury from worsening. Keep records of all your medical visits and bills.
Monetary and Non-Monetary Damages
There are two main types of damages that you may suffer as a result of a truck accident. Monetary damages are the expenses that you incur due to the crash and include such things as medical bills, medications, hospital expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. You also may incur non-monetary damages like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma. Both types of damages should be included in the compensation you receive from the negligent party. You should not have to pay for these costs out of your own pocket. Medical costs alone could be extremely high and may cause you financial stress. Medical care is often extensive after a truck accident and some victims might require ongoing care if they become disabled.
Negligence in Truck Accident Cases
The negligent driver should pay for your medical expenses and damages. Negligence means that the driver failed to take proper care and caused harm to another. Each party involved in the crash will have a portion of negligence based on the details of the crash. Ohio uses a comparative negligence rule to determine fault in a crash. You can be partly to blame for the accident and still receive compensation, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Truck accidents are extremely complicated and more than one party could be negligent in the case. For example, if the driver was fatigued, he might be negligent for the crash. The trucking company could also be held liable if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle and it contributed to the accident.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Will Help
Working with the insurance company following a truck crash can be challenging. You need to deal with the many issues of the crash at a time when you are still handling your recovery. An attorney who handles truck accidents in New Paris, Ohio, will represent you throughout the claim process. Your lawyer will negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, which is much more difficult to do on your own. An attorney knows how to gather evidence necessary to prove negligence and to show your injuries and other damages so you will obtain the best possible compensation.
If you were hurt in a truck accident, contact our legal team at Kruger & Hodges at (937) 733-6079 to schedule a consultation to discuss the details of your case.
