Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Akron, OH

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Akron, Ohio?

  The non-emergency contact numbers for the Akron Police Department are 330-375-2552 and 330-375-2181.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Akron, Ohio?

  You may get a copy of your truck accident police report at the Akron Police Department's Records Room, which is located at 217 S. High Street. Reports may also be obtained online at https://online.akronohio.gov/APDWebPortal/search.

• How often do truck accidents occur in Akron?

  According to reports from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were a total of 785 commercial truck accidents in Summit County in 2022, with 293 of these occurring in Akron. In 2021 and 2020, there were 264 and 236 Akron truck accidents, respectively. In fact, out of the 88 counties in Ohio, Summit County ranks 10th in traffic accidents per capita.

• Where do Akron truck accidents usually occur?

  The three most common sites of truck accidents in Summit County are all located on the Akron Beltway. Interstate 77 was the site of 17% of all truck accidents in Summit County in 2022. Meanwhile, Interstate 76 accounts for 11% of these truck accidents, and Ohio State Route 8 accounts for 7%.

• What are the common casualties of Akron truck accidents?

  In 2022, 87% of Akron truck accidents resulted in property damage only. Meanwhile, 6% of these accidents resulted in injuries, both minor and serious. There were no reported fatalities from Akron truck accidents in 2022. From 2018 to 2021, there have been five recorded fatalities from truck accidents in Akron.

• How long do Akron truck accident victims have to pursue legal action?

  As per the Ohio Revised Code §2305.10, the statute of limitations on motor vehicle accident claims is two years. Truck accident victims may pursue both monetary and non-monetary damages, which include medical costs, loss of property, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Surviving families of victims may also sue for wrongful death.

• Can you still recover compensation even if you are partly at fault for your Akron truck accident?

  As long as victims of truck accidents in Akron are less than 50% at fault, they are allowed to pursue damages. As per Ohio’s comparative negligence laws, victims’ calculated percentage of fault will be deducted from their total awarded damages. You may consult with an Akron truck accident attorney in order to determine liability in your truck accident case.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.