Truck accidents are some of the most devastating motor vehicle collisions on the road. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often result in severe injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Urbana, Ohio, you may be facing significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. At Kruger & Hodges, our experienced Urbana truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve after a serious accident. Contact us right away, acting fast can help you build a strong case.
Why Truck Accidents in Urbana Are Unique
While car accidents are common, truck accidents present a unique set of challenges for victims. Trucking companies, commercial drivers, and insurance companies often have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. Understanding federal and state trucking regulations is crucial in these cases, and it’s important to have a personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in these complex legal issues.
Urbana, located in Champaign County, is crossed by Route 68, one of the most important highways in the area. Accidents on this road can be particularly dangerous due to the high speeds and heavy truck traffic. Our legal team has extensive knowledge of the local area and the specific challenges truck accident victims face in Urbana.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Urbana
When trucks are properly maintained and drivers are rested, there should be no problems on the roads. However, accidents sometimes occur due to negligent drivers or trucking companies that do not follow vehicle maintenance schedules. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Driver Fatigue
Driving a truck is not an easy task, it is a very tiring job. Truck drivers often work long hours pushing their limits to meet delivery deadlines, despite federal regulations limiting the number of hours they can drive. In consequence, fatigue can significantly impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment, leading to serious accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a growing problem for all drivers, but it can be especially dangerous when it involves a big and heavy commercial truck. Whether a driver is texting, talking over the radio, or eating, any distraction can lead to a catastrophic crash.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Large trucks require much more time and distance to come to a complete stop. When truck drivers exceed the speed limit or engage in reckless driving, they put everyone on the road at risk. Speeding is a common factor in serious truck accidents, especially on highways and rural roads.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Trucks carrying improperly secured or overloaded cargo are more prone to accidents. Shifting or falling cargo can cause the truck to tip over or lose control, resulting in collisions with other vehicles. The trucking company or cargo loader may be held liable if improper loading contributed to the accident.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Commercial trucks are subject to strict maintenance regulations, but some trucking companies cut corners to save money. Mechanical failures, such as brake or tire malfunctions, can lead to devastating accidents. If poor maintenance or a defect in the truck’s parts caused the crash, multiple parties may be liable.
Driving Under the Influence
Truck drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a significant risk to other drivers. The consequences of impaired driving are even more severe when operating an 80,000-pound truck. Drivers found to be under the influence at the time of an accident can face serious criminal and civil consequences.
Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents
When it comes to truck accidents, severe injuries are typical due to the size, weight and shape of the commercial vehicle involved. Some common injuries include, but are not limited to:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, permanently altering a victim’s life.
Broken Bones: when high-impact collisions occurred is common to see a diagnosis with several broken bones. It may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries: Due to the magnitude of impact after a collision, injuries to internal organs such as the lungs, liver or spleen are common and can be life-threatening.
Severe Burns: Some truck accidents result in fires or explosions, leading to serious burn injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
Amputations: catastrophic truck accidents can lead to the loss of limbs causing permanent mobility issues and PTSD.
And, in the worst cases, truck accidents can result in fatalities. If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering. It’s best to act fast and get legal help.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
This is the most complicated aspect of truck accident cases, determining liability. Unlike car accidents, which typically involve two drivers, truck accidents often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility. Some of the potentially liable parties include:
The Truck Driver
The truck driver may be held liable if evidence shows he/she was driving distracted, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or speeding.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be held responsible for accidents if they failed to properly train their drivers, pushed drivers to exceed federal hours-of-service limits, or neglected to maintain their vehicles. In some cases, the company may also be responsible for the actions of their drivers under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability.
The Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded or secured cargo is a leading cause of truck accidents. If the company responsible for loading the truck did not follow safety guidelines, they may share liability for the accident.
Truck Manufacturers
If a mechanical failure or defective truck part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the truck may be held liable for the injuries caused by the defect.
Maintenance Providers
Trucking companies are required to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure they are safe for the road. If the company or a third-party maintenance provider failed to properly maintain the truck, they could be held responsible for the accident.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents often result in significant financial burdens for victims. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical costs related to your injuries.
Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for the wages you have lost, as well as any future income if your earning capacity is permanently affected.
Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional toll of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Compensation for pain and suffering is meant to address the impact of the accident on your quality of life.
Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the accident, you can seek compensation to repair or replace it.
Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be able to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages related to their death.
Why You Need an Experienced Urbana Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are far more complex than typical car accident cases, and having the right legal help can make all the difference. At Kruger & Hodges, we understand the intricacies of truck accident cases, including the federal regulations that govern the trucking industry. We will work diligently to ensure that we build a strong case on your behalf.
Our Urbana truck accident lawyers will handle all aspects of your case, including investigating the accident, dealing with insurance companies, and negotiating a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Urbana Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Urbana, Ohio, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Kruger & Hodges today for a free consultation. Our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you get maximum compensation. Let us handle the legal burden while you focus on your recovery.
