PUBLICATION NOTICE – Estate of Dereje Kebede Kume, Case No. 599195
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KNR Legal Blog
According to statistics from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were more than 21,000 crashes involving heavy trucks in 2014. Studies also indicate, over the course of the past decade, there have been no less than 100 deaths each year from crashes with these types of trucks in Ohio alone. As trucking continues to be a main source of freight shipment in the U.S., the number of trucking-related accidents does not seem likely to decline.
Since most trucking companies pay their drivers per mile, the incentive to continue driving long past the hours in which a driver may become drowsy is very high. This means, safe driving practices and regulations are critical and could mean life or death.
In the case of one Doylestown family, that is exactly what it did mean. While making a left-hand turn from State Route 57/Wadsworth Road onto Sheets Road in Rittman, a truck driver attempted to pass the couple’s vehicle but smashed into their car, killing both of them.
Initially, the truck driver and the trucking company denied all responsibility and disputed the claim. However, after a thorough investigation, the attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick were able to prove not only was the accident truck driver’s fault, but truck driver intentionally falsified his logbooks that are required to verify compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Due to the complexity of commercial insurance policies that contain many loopholes designed to protect insurance companies, it is important to have experienced attorneys on your side with heavy truck accidents. Inexperienced attorneys may not be aware of the regulations and procedures that apply to these types of policies.
After two years of litigation, this case was settled shortly before proceeding to trial. In addition to recovering a substantial monetary settlement on behalf of the victims’ estate, Kisling, Nestico & Redick attorneys negotiated with the trucking company to set aside additional funds to strengthen the training given to drivers at their company.
While it is clear no amount of money can bring this couple back, the fact other lives could be saved as a direct result of the increased training makes the resolution of this case a successful demonstration of the commitment the attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick have to not only their clients, but to improve highway safety for all citizens of Ohio.