Youngstown Truck Accident Lawyers

Youngstown, Ohio Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in the U.S. have increased recently, and some studies suggest that a third of fatal truck crashes are caused by the truck driver.

With highways like I-680, I-80, I-76, and State Route 422 passing through Youngstown, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties see a lot of truck crashes. The damage involved in these accidents can be incredible. In many cases, innocent victims suffer from painful injuries, time away from work, and other life-long damages.

Ohio is a major artery of the trucking industry. Trucks often weigh up to 30 times more than passenger cars, and their height and ground clearance can create risks to smaller vehicles. Large trucks are also harder to maneuver and take a lot longer to stop.

Ohio is curently projecting a surge in the trucking industry. This means more potential for accidents.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents in Ohio include:

• Driver error
• Equipment maintenance
• Inclement weather
• Improper cargo loading
• Equipment failure

In addition, truck braking can be a major factor in collisions. If a tractor-trailer is fully loaded, it can take up to 40 percent more space and time to stop. Stopping can take even longer on wet or slippery roads. Poor brake maintenance can also contribute to slower stopping time.

Another serious risk factor is driver error. This is often prompted by fatigue. Federal law states that truck drivers are permitted to drive up to 11 hours at a time. However, many drivers violate these guidelines.

The majority of 18-wheeler truck accidents are in fact caused by sharing the road with passenger vehicles. Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers are incredible machines that require skill to operate.

For example, running out of the travel lane accounts for more than 30% of truck accidents.

While passenger-car drivers have some control over these causes and can take precautions to mitigate the risks, there is no way you can control other drivers on the road. If you are hurt in a truck accident, it’s important to have legal guidance to recover any losses.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

After a semi-truck accident, Ohio law requires you to stop at once to provide your name, address, and vehicle registration to all the parties involved.

Typically, an accident involving an 18-wheeler involves extensive damage. This will require getting law enforcement on the scene immediately, such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

You should also note that the time limit to file a truck accident claim in Ohio is two years from the date of the incident. Therefore, you must file a personal injury or property damage claim within that period.

This can seem like a lot of time. But keep in mind that memories fade over time and a lot of the evidence will be under the trucking company’s control. Driver logs and maintenance records can disappear. And their legal departments and insurance companies will be devoted to paying as little as possible.

That’s why you should have a Youngstown truck accident attorney collecting evidence and looking out for interest as soon as possible.

Truck Accident Lawsuits

A negligence claim is the most common lawsuit after a truck wreck. This requires you to prove the other driver did not exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle.

Some ways to prove negligence in a truck accident is if the other driver was breaking traffic laws or otherwise being reckless.

Another common truck accident lawsuit is wrongful death lawsuit following a fatal truck crash. These are typically pursued by surviving family members, and seek compensation for damages like the deceased lost wages and funeral expenses.

Additionally, if a truck defect played a role in the accident and you becoming injured, you may have cause to file a lawsuit against the trucking company or the manufacturer.

Youngstown Truck Accident FAQs