West Alexandria is a small, historic community that is part of the Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area. West Alexandria is close to Dayton and we have several large highways nearby, including Interstate 70. The proximity to these roads means that we travel with many large trucks on a regular basis. Although trucks are an integral part of our economy, they can also pose a danger to other drivers. Truck accidents in West Alexandria can cause serious and life-threatening injuries. If you are the victim of injuries due to a truck accident, the negligent driver should pay for your damages.
What Causes Truck Accidents in West Alexandria?
There are a variety of factors that can cause or contribute to truck accidents in West Alexandria. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) studied truck accidents. They determined that there are both main causes and contributing causes that fit into several categories including:
Human error
Mechanical malfunction
Road conditions
Human error is likely the most common cause or contributing factor in major truck crashes. Some of the common types of human error are speeding, inattention or distraction, failure to obey traffic signals, failure to yield, improper lane change, and fatigue, among others. Mechanical malfunctions are most often attributed to faulty brakes and tire problems. Road conditions can include such things as snow, ice, wet pavement, and damage to the road surface.
Why are Truck Accidents Different?
Truck accidents are more complex than other kinds of accidents. The causes of truck accidents are usually more complicated and there are often more than one cause of the accident. There can be more than one negligent party in a truck accident including the driver, the trucking company, and the maintenance company, among others. More evidence is available in truck accident cases than in others. You need to obtain access to the electronic logging device (ELD), maintenance log, and other documents regarding the driver and the vehicle. You cannot wait to get this data because it could be lost if you do not receive it quickly.
Another factor that makes truck accidents unique is that trucking companies often have their own legal team on hand to handle claims. This means that they are often much more prepared than the average person to work through an accident claim and in some cases, try to deflect responsibility. It is therefore in your best interest to seek legal guidance as soon after a truck accident as possible. An experienced truck accident attorney in West Alexandria knows how to resolve these complex claims in a favorable manner.
Injuries Suffered in Truck Accidents in West Alexandria
Injuries that you suffer in a truck accident can be extremely severe. The size and weight of a semi-truck can make injuries much more severe than in other kinds of accidents. Victims of truck accidents often have to be extricated from the vehicle and may need to be transported to the trauma center via a life-flight helicopter. Common injuries are:
Head trauma
Neck injuries and whiplash
Back injuries
Internal injuries
Crush injuries
Burns
Broken bones
Injuries can be life-threatening and might require months or years of treatment and rehabilitation. The negligent party should pay for your injuries and any other damages that you suffered as a result of the accident.
Who is Responsible for Truck Accidents?
It is important to locate the negligent party and hold them accountable for the accident. A driver does not have to have received a ticket in order to have caused the crash. You will need to prove negligence in order to obtain compensation for your claim. There are four main elements of negligence including duty, breach, causation, and damages. Negligence is the failure to exercise proper caution that results in injury to another.
In Ohio, you can still seek compensation for damages if you were partly negligent, as long as your negligence is less than 50%. This is called contributory negligence. If you were found to be partly to blame, your potential settlement will be reduced by an equal percentage. For instance, if the other party is 90% negligent and you are 10% negligent and your damages are $100,000, you will be able to request up to $90,000.
Truck accidents can be extremely complex and require a great deal of legal experience. An experienced truck accident attorney will handle the legal aspects of your case and help you get the money you deserve for your injuries. If you were hurt in a truck accident, call us at Kruger & Hodges at (937) 733-6079 for a free initial consultation.
