Semi Truck Accidents
Ohio attorneys you can trust
Truck accidents involving 18-wheelers in Ohio can be very complicated – and very severe. That’s because these large, semi-trucks often weigh thousands of pounds more than most cars and other, smaller vehicles.
And since many semi truck accidents occur on highways like I-90 or I-77 in Cleveland - or elsewhere in Ohio - injuries can often be severe since many tractor trailers are traveling at high speeds in an effort to get to their destination as quickly as possible.
Not sure what to do about your semi truck accident? Contact Merriman Legal, LLC, of Cleveland. We can walk you through all your legal options and answer any questions you might have during your free case evaluation.
What are common causes of semi-truck accidents in Ohio?
Accidents involving semi trucks happen for many different reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Speeding trucks
- Distracted truck drivers (including texting truck drivers, even though texting while driving is illegal for all commercial truck drivers)
- Tired truck drivers (truck drivers often fall asleep at the wheel)
- Inexperienced truck drivers
- Poorly maintained trucks
Whatever the cause of your crash, make sure you make your case count right from the start. Make sure you contact our law firm and schedule an appointment today.
What are common injuries from semi-truck accidents?
Due to the size and weight of 18-wheelers, injuries from these accidents are often severe or life-changing. Fatalities are also more common in truck accidents compared to regular car crashes. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
Why are semi-truck accidents in Ohio so complex?
Truck accidents often involve more than just driver error. Liability can extend to the trucking company, the truck’s manufacturer (if a defective part caused the crash), or the company responsible for loading the truck.
Additionally, insurance companies stand to lose a lot of money from a semi-truck accident. They often make lowball settlement offers soon after the crash, knowing victims may accept less before realizing the full extent of their injuries.
Having a skilled Ohio attorney on your side can help you level the playing field against the trucking companies and their insurers. Our lawyers can thoroughly investigate your semi-truck collision and gather the facts to support your claim. That includes:
- Crash scene evidence such as photos and videos, witness statements, and the police report.
- Truck driver records, including driver logs, cellphone data, and toxicology reports.
- Trucking company records such as vehicle maintenance records, loading records, and hiring practices.
- Black box data that shows the truck’s speed, braking, and engine performance before the crash.
- Medical records to calculate your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
- Expert testimony from an experienced crash reconstructionist.
Why choose a skilled Ohio semi-truck accident lawyer?
You might think you don’t need an attorney if you’re injured in an accident caused by a commercial truck driver. If the driver did something wrong, all you have to do is contact the police, your insurance company and they’ll take care of everything, right?
Wrong. In most cases, semi truck accidents turn out to be extremely complicated. That’s because the truck driver who caused your crash will likely not admit to doing anything wrong. The truck driver might even try to claim you did something to cause your crash.
And then there’s the trucking companies and insurance companies that are often involved in such cases. They usually do everything they can to pay injury victims as little as possible. That’s why you need us on your side, standing up for your rights and demanding the compensation you rightfully deserve.
