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Legal Help for the Injured

Ohio Truck Accident Attorneys

With considerable experience and a reputation for getting the best possible outcomes, the truck accident attorneys at KNR know what injury victims go through, what they’ll need long-term, and how to get you through the truck accident claim process as smoothly as possible. Let KNR discuss all your options and help you secure max compensation.

Once you get medical attention after a collision with a large truck, contact our Ohio lawyers ASAP.

How Our Truck Accident Team Handles Cases

1. Preserve Truck Accident Evidence

Semi-trucks often have electronic control modules called “black boxes” that document how the truck was operated before a crash, such as the speed the truck was moving at the time. Other important evidence includes the driver’s logbook, hours-of-service records, company maintenance records, police reports, and physical evidence at the scene. Much of this evidence is controlled by the trucking company and can be overwritten or lost within weeks, so we move quickly to send a spoliation letter and preserve it. Acting fast is one of the biggest reasons to call a lawyer early, and it is central to how we investigate truck accidents.

2. Interview Witnesses & Truck Accident Experts

From the bystanders who saw what happened to your doctors and accident reconstructionists, we’ll illustrate what happened with expert testimony and clearly present how a truck accident impacted your life.

3. Communicate With YOU Clearly

You’ll always know the status of your case, and a member of KNR will always be available to answer your questions. Our firm is available by phone, text, and Zoom.

4. Fight for Max Compensation

We’ll determine your truck accident’s fair and full value and aggressively pursue every dollar you deserve. We’re not here to add to your financial worry. That’s why we never charge upfront fees, and if there’s no recovery, there’s no charge. Call us anytime at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free consultation.

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KNR Is Here To Help

A Better Way to Recover After a Truck Accident

You probably know that someone else should pay for the harm associated with your truck accident injuries and losses but may be unsure where to start. That’s where KNR can help.

As veteran trial lawyers and one of Ohio’s largest personal injury firms, we know what it takes to prove another’s negligence caused your truck injury and secure much-needed compensation. But we also saw the need for a better approach to handling truck accident claims – one with less client hassle and where the injured keep more of their settlement or verdict.

35+ Attorneys

More than 5 centuries of legal experience at your disposal.

12 Offices

As a statewide Ohio injury firm, KNR is never too far.

100+ Staff

A member of the KNR team is always available to you.

10,000+ Clients

Over a Billion dollars recovered for our clients.

Ohio Truck Accident Resources & Common Questions

When you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident or some other large vehicle collision, it’s natural to have questions. Our truck accident legal team can offer general information on important topics related to commercial trucking accidents.

Ohio Truck Accidents: Issues & Questions

Types of Ohio Truck Accidents We Handle

Whether it’s a tanker accident on I-270, a distracted semi driver in Cleveland, or a trucking company forcing drivers to travel farther than what’s allowed, our team of professionals can assist with all aspects of your claim or lawsuit.

If you or a loved one were hurt in any of the following, we can explain your options for financial relief and a return to the life you knew.

FMCSA Rules and Federal Trucking Regulations

Commercial trucks are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and a violation of these rules can be powerful evidence of negligence in your claim. The FMCSA’s hours-of-service rules limit most property-carrying drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty window, after which the driver must take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving and are capped at 60 hours on duty over 7 days or 70 hours over 8 days. When carriers or fatigued and overtired truck drivers push past these limits to meet a deadline, the risk of a serious crash climbs sharply.

Federal law also limits most loaded tractor-trailers to a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds on interstate highways, and overloaded or improperly secured trucks are far harder to stop and steer. Carriers operating in interstate commerce must generally carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance for general freight under federal rules, with higher minimums for hazardous cargo. Evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, the truck’s black box, and inspection records can show whether these rules were followed. Our team uses the federal and state trucking regulations to build your case.

Ohio Truck Accident Statute of Limitations

In most cases, Ohio law gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Ohio Revised Code section 2305.10. If you wait too long, you can lose the right to recover compensation entirely. Just as important, the physical evidence and electronic data that prove a truck case can disappear in a matter of weeks, so the sooner you act, the stronger your claim is likely to be. If you have questions about Ohio’s personal-injury filing deadline, talk with an attorney as soon as you can.

Why Did Your Truck Accident Happen?

There are a variety of reasons why a truck driver may drive negligently and cause an accident that leads to catastrophic injuries. We’ve found that truck driver negligence is often the result of the following:

  • Lack of proper training: If a trucker doesn’t have enough knowledge of how to properly maneuver the truck, handle the load, and drive in inclement weather, their risk of causing an accident is higher than a driver with proper training.
  • Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving may occur when a truck driver speeds, follows another car too closely, and changes lanes abruptly to make it to their destination on time.
  • Distracted driving: Truckers drive long hours and often engage in activities such as texting, eating, and fiddling with their radio controls. These activities distract them from their duties and typically lead to a collision.
  • Impaired driving: Some truck drivers use alcohol or take drugs to stay awake on the road. These trucks often end up causing serious accidents instead.
  • Hours-of-service violations: Federal laws stipulate how long truck drivers can drive. Sometimes truckers exceed the maximum number of hours they are legally allowed to be behind the wheel to make tight deadlines or increase their pay. When this happens, they practice poor driving habits and cause accidents because of exhaustion and fatigue.
  • Overloaded trucks: A formula is used to determine how much weight trucks can legally carry. When trucks carry more than about 80,000 pounds, truckers may have a difficult time turning or stopping and increase their risk of jackknifing or rolling over.

What to Do After a Truck Accident?

  • Call the police: As soon as the accident occurs, you should call the police and file an accident report, as it can be used as evidence to support your case.
  • Seek medical attention: Next, visit the doctor even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Many injuries are not apparent immediately and can worsen if they are not treated right away. If you fail to seek medical attention, it can be difficult to prove that your injury was directly related to the truck accident.
  • Contact your insurance company: Call your insurance company and inform them of the accident so that a report can be filed. Be sure to say as little as possible while interacting with your insurance company or the trucking company’s insurer.
  • Consult a truck accident lawyer: Lastly, consult an experienced truck accident lawyer who can investigate your case, understands the complex liability issues associated with truck accidents, and can ensure that you recover the compensation you may be entitled to.

Ohio Truck Accident Lawyers Near You

Our statewide practice is designed to make going through an injury claim more convenient and accessible for truck accident victims. With 12 Ohio locations, KNR is a call or click away.

*KNR also serves Ohio’s rural counties & conducts consultations via Zoom.

Who Is Liable for an Ohio Truck Accident?

Under Ohio law, the person determined to be at fault is responsible for compensating the injured person for damages. However, as the injured person, you must be able to prove that someone else caused the losses you suffered, which can be a legally tricky proposition. Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Ohio Revised Code section 2315.33: you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault, though your award is reduced by your share of fault. Trucking companies can also be held responsible for their drivers through vicarious liability, which is a key part of how liability is determined in these cases.

Can I Sue a Truck Company for an Accident Caused By a Truck Driver?

Several parties may be liable for a truck accident, including the truck driver, trucking company, parts manufacturer, or laborer. A trucking company may be responsible if maintenance issues caused a truck owned or leased by them to crash. Additionally, if a trucking company forced a driver to exceed hours-of-service regulations or hired individuals who did not have the proper training and experience, they could also be held liable.

If you sue a trucking company in an accident caused by their driver, the company may attempt to settle a claim quickly and avoid a thorough investigation.

Truck Accident: Liable Parties

  • Drivers
  • Carriers
  • Loaders
  • Maintenance providers
  • Manufacturers
  • Assemblers

Common Truck Driver Errors

  • Driving while fatigued
  • Using stimulants to stay awake
  • Driving while distracted by a cell phone or even a DVD player in the truck’s cab
  • Speeding
  • Failing to check blind spots
  • Failing to make sure lanes are clear before making a wide turn
  • Driving in a way that is unreasonable for road or weather conditions

Trucking Company Negligence

  • Failing to provide adequate training for drivers
  • Failing to properly maintain or inspect trucks
  • Failing to maintain and enforce safety policies
  • Hiring drivers who aren’t qualified or who have bad driving records
  • Pressuring drivers to work longer hours than federal or state rules allow
  • Overloading trucks or failing to secure loads

Ohio Truck Accident Injuries & Factors to Consider

Once you determine what caused the truck collision and who’s liable, you’ll need to demonstrate the impact on your life.

Truck accident-related injuries frequently include:

Every injury victim’s experience is different. A truck accident claim focuses on:

  • The gravity of your injuries
  • Your assorted financial losses
  • The negative impact on your life
  • Your degree of fault
  • The parties involved & insurance limits

When a crash takes a life, our team also handles fatal truck accident claims and wrongful death representation for grieving families.

Frequently Asked Ohio Truck Accident Questions

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Ohio?

In most cases, Ohio gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under Ohio Revised Code section 2305.10. Wrongful death claims also generally follow a two-year deadline. Because critical evidence such as black-box data and driver logs can disappear quickly, it is wise to talk with a lawyer well before the deadline approaches.

Who can be held liable for an Ohio truck accident?

Liability can extend well beyond the driver. The trucking company may be responsible through vicarious liability, and a maintenance provider, cargo loader, or parts manufacturer can share fault depending on what caused the crash. Identifying every responsible party often means more available insurance coverage to pay for your losses.

What evidence matters most in a truck accident claim?

The strongest evidence usually includes the truck’s black-box and electronic logging device (ELD) data, the driver’s logbook and hours-of-service records, maintenance and inspection records, and the police report. Much of this is held by the trucking company and can be overwritten within weeks, so preserving it quickly is essential.

How much insurance do commercial trucks carry?

Under federal rules, interstate carriers hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, and trucks hauling hazardous materials must carry significantly more. Many large carriers carry far higher limits, which is one reason truck cases differ from typical car accident claims.

How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?

KNR handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and you owe no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free.

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Fight for Everything You’re Owed

Recovering Truck Accident Compensation

Those injured in large commercial truck accidents in Ohio often endure serious injuries with lengthy recovery periods, hospitalization, surgeries, and physical therapy. You shouldn’t bear the financial burden if another party caused your accident and injuries.

Calculate the True Cost of Your Injuries

After an Ohio truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your:

  • Medical expenses (current & future)
  • Lost income (time off work & diminished earning capacity)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium (the negative effect your injuries had on your relationship)

Coming up with a figure for these may seem simple, but issues like pain and suffering or disability and disfigurement are not based on receipts. The value of these elements depends on the accident itself, where and when the accident took place, the mental and emotional impact of the crash, how your injuries have changed your life in the long run, and more. You can read more about the full range of truck accident damages and losses you may be able to recover.

An experienced personal injury attorney can work with experts to determine all of your damages and recognize when you receive a lowball insurance settlement offer.

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Truck Accident Insurance Settlements

Often, the insurance firm that covers the commercial trucking operation that is likely at fault will want to offer you a settlement as soon as possible following a trucking accident. Many victims of accidents involving commercial tractor-trailers may be tempted to settle early to avoid the complications of a lawsuit. That early offer may result in less compensation than is fair or appropriate.

In most circumstances, the initial offer is low and not the amount you need to be fully compensated for your injuries. An attorney will not only recognize an offer that is too low but will also have the skills to negotiate a higher final settlement. Whether you settle your claim or file a lawsuit, your trucking accident attorney can ensure your best interests are represented through the process.

Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit

Sometimes, it is impossible to gain full compensation from an insurer. The responsible party may be uninsured, the insurance company might deny your claim, or the policy limit could be lower than the amount you need. In these situations, you will need to head to court to seek compensation for your property damage and injuries.

During a personal injury lawsuit, your attorney will use a variety of types of evidence to prove to the court that the other party was negligent and that this negligence led to the crash that caused your injuries. Your attorney will seek a verdict from the court or jury that will fairly compensate you for your injuries.

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What Makes KNR Special?

Serving Ohio for More than 20 Years

Since our inception in 2005, Kisling, Nestico & Redick has been dedicated to helping personal injury victims fight for the compensation they deserve after an accident affects their way of life. We have helped more than 10,000 people, and we’re ready to keep fighting for Ohioans and anyone who deserves compensation for their personal injury claims.

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What Makes KNR Special?

KNR Does More For Truck Accident Victims

No one wakes up expecting to be involved in a car crash, and you certainly don’t anticipate the devastation of being in a large truck collision. However, the unexpected happens daily. You may have to deal with insurance companies to cover medical costs, car repairs, lost wages, and other losses. When the claims process becomes too much, it is time to contact KNR.