Case Illustration of Semi-Truck Accident Injury Claim in Sabina, OH
Sabina is a small village in Ohio, but that does not mean it is without its fair share of semi-truck accidents. You could be on your way to work one morning when the driver of a large semi-truck illegally turns in front of you. Although you may be not exceeding the speed limit, you may be unable to avoid slamming into the side of the trailer. Your car could be extremely damaged, and you may be taken to the ER with broken ribs, internal bleeding, a broken femur, cuts on your face, bruises, and a concussion, or worse.
As a result of those injuries, you may now be unable to return to your job as a construction worker and not receive a regular paycheck. You may be the primary provider for your family, so the future may look pretty bleak. Your injuries may keep you from returning to your job for an extended period of time. A concussion may leave you with chronic headaches and vertigo whenever you stand up, which you can only hope will subside with time.
Not only would you be facing a mountain of medical expenses, but you may also be unable to perform regular day-to-day tasks and lose much of your enjoyment of life. You need a strong advocate by your side during a difficult time like this. The Kruger & Hodges personal injury lawyers serving Sabina, OH are ready to help you get the medical treatment you need. While you get the proper treatment, we will build a strong case on your behalf that includes holding the truck driver, trucking company, and any other entities that may have contributed to the collision responsible for your damages.
Truck Accident Crash Statistics in Sabina, OH
According to the Institute for Safer Trucking, truck crash fatalities in Ohio increased by 45 percent between 2012 and 2021, with 220 fatal truck collisions in 2021 across the state. The five Ohio counties with the highest rate of truck accidents include Franklin, Montgomery, Lucas, Cuyahoga, and Geauga. About a third of all fatal truck accidents in the state of Ohio occurred in a work zone.
How Truck Accidents Can Lead to TBI, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Scarring
Because of the size disparity between an 80,000-pound fully loaded truck and a 3,000-pound passenger vehicle, the injuries for those in the smaller vehicle are often very severe or even fatal. Catastrophic injuries are common results of semi-truck accidents. These catastrophic injuries may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, limb amputations, and disfiguring scarring from deep cuts and burns.
A catastrophic injury is one that will affect the victim for years—or forever. Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis which can prevent the victim from returning to work and can leave them buried in medical bills which can be expected to continue. Paralysis victims may also need a full-time caretaker, as well as assistive devices and rehabilitative therapies. Severe traumatic brain injuries not only alter a victim’s physical abilities but his or her cognitive abilities as well. Depending on the level of brain injury, a traumatic brain injury can cause significant personality changes in the victim, along with physical and emotional trauma.
Like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, the amputation of a limb or disfiguring scarring can cause life-altering changes. The life the victim once had is no longer a possibility, and he or she must find ways to move forward. There may be little enjoyment of life, an inability to engage in any activities that once provided pleasure, and the inability to work and make a living. All these things can lead to depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Semi-Truck Accident FAQs
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents, like most vehicle accidents, are often the result of human error. The truck driver may have been distracted, impaired, overly fatigued, or driving carelessly or recklessly. The trucking company may have hired a driver who was not properly vetted or properly trained, or the trucking company may have been aware the driver was exceeding allowable hours. If the accident was the result of bad brakes or tires, the maintenance company may not have been doing its job. Truck accidents caused by shifting or falling cargo could be the fault of the loading company, or the accident could be the result of a dangerous or defective truck part.
How Do Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents?
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in two primary ways. Unlike a car accident between two passenger vehicles, a truck accident can have more than one liable party. A truck accident is also more likely to result in severe or catastrophic injuries for those in the passenger vehicle—or even death, making wrongful death claims more common following a truck accident. It is imperative that you have experienced Kruger & Hodges semi-truck accident lawyers in Sabina, OH who can accurately calculate your injury damages.
What is Third-Party Negligence?
Third-party negligence refers to the potentially liable parties listed above. When an external factor causes a truck accident, that factor is known as third-party liability. Third-party liability can relate to the trucking company, truck manufacturer, maintenance company or mechanic, loading company, owner of the truck, or a government entity in some cases. It is essential that you have Kruger & Hodges semi-truck accident lawyers in Sabina, OH who understand third-party negligence and can help you get a full and fair settlement for your damages.
How Can Personal Injury Lawyers in Sabina, OH Help with the Claims Process?
Having personal injury lawyers in Sabina, OH who are well-versed in truck accident claims is crucial following a truck accident with injuries. The Kruger & Hodges attorneys will first comprehensively evaluate your claim, gathering all evidence, proving liability, and accurately calculating what your injuries, lost wages and pain and suffering are worth. Your attorney will then present a demand letter to the insurance company or companies representing the liable parties. The attorney will negotiate for an amount that will fully cover your injuries. If the insurance company balks at that amount, your attorney will file a lawsuit and litigate your case in court.
How Do I Know Whether I Have a Semi-Truck Accident Case?
The best way for you to know whether you have a valid semi-truck accident case is to speak to the Kruger & Hodges semi-truck accident lawyers in Sabina, OH who will carefully evaluate the facts and circumstances of your claim, then determine whether your case is viable. If your attorney believes you have a good case, the worth of your case will be determined. Those with more severe injuries and significant lost wages or lost future wages will have a claim that is worth more than those with only minor injuries. If your injuries have altered your future and resulted in pain and suffering, your claim is worth more. Most personal injury claimants are entitled to medical expenses (current and future), lost wages and future lost wages, and pain and suffering. While medical expenses and lost wages are known as economic damages because they can be easily quantified, pain and suffering damages are more difficult to place an exact financial number on. A knowledgeable attorney from Kruger & Hodges will know exactly how to value your claim.
How to Choose the Best Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for Me
The path to rehabilitation might seem overwhelming following a catastrophic semi-truck accident in Sabina, Ohio, especially if you are coping with serious injuries and an unclear future. Selecting the best lawyer is crucial during these trying times and may make all the difference. Having a legal team that not only comprehends the difficulties of your case but also commands the respect of insurance companies is essential.
Choosing the best personal injury lawyer is essential to the success of your case if you were hurt in a semi-truck accident as a result of the carelessness or negligence of others. When selecting the best legal counsel to defend you in one of Sabina’s complex semi-truck accident cases, keep the following points in mind:
Specialized Experience: Claims involving semi-truck accidents necessitate the use of a lawyer who has experience with cases like these. Choose a legal professional who has a track record of winning in court and negotiating settlements on behalf of clients who have been injured in semi-truck accidents.
Trusted Recommendations: While web reviews give information, personal referrals from friends, relatives, or acquaintances may provide insightful first-hand stories of working with a reliable personal injury attorney in the Sabina area.
Compassionate Communication: Recovering from a semi-truck collision is an extremely taxing process. You deserve a lawyer who will take the time to hear your worries, speak with empathy, and keep you updated at every stage of the case.
Resources: Semi-truck accident lawsuits can call for a lot of resources like expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists. Make sure the attorney or legal company you choose has the resources and connections to develop a compelling argument on your behalf.
Availability and Support: Having a lawyer who is easily available and considerate of your needs is essential at this trying time. Pick a legal team that actually cares about your welfare and is ready to respond to your inquiries and concerns as soon as they arise.
Transparent Fee Structure: Your stress level may increase if you are concerned about your finances. Ask prospective attorneys about their price schedule while talking with them, and make sure there aren’t any extra fees or surprises later on.
At Kruger & Hodges, we are convinced that your first meeting with one of our committed semi-truck accident lawyers will help you make sense of your options. We have extensive experience fighting for the rights of Sabina locals who have been harmed by semi-truck accidents because we are kind, dedicated, and sensitive. We want to be the solid foundation you need to face this difficult period with courage and resolve.
How Can the Kruger & Hodges Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers in Sabina, OH Help?
At Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law, we know that life doesn’t always go according to plan. When the worst-case scenario is a reality, it is important to have semi-truck accident lawyers in Sabina, OH who will fight for your rights and your future. Our attorneys have prior experience defending the government and corporations, which gives us a good understanding of what resources they have and what tactics they may use to avoid paying a full settlement. If you want an accessible attorney who really listens and answers when you call, contact Kruger & Hodges today.
