Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Cincinnati, OH

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns like inquiries or any other city service, residents can dial 311 or 513- 765-1212 to reach out to the Cincinnati police or fire department.

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

  You can request a copy of the police report from the Cincinnati Police Department Records Center if you were involved in the accident or are a family member of someone who was. You must include the names of the involved parties and the date and location of the accident in your request. This can be done by:

  • Accomplishing the online records request form
  • Emailing cpdrecords@cincinnati-oh.gov
  • Calling 513-352-3559
  • Visiting the Police Records Section in person

• Is Cincinnati prone to truck accidents?

  Based on a study by Insurify, Cincinnati was ranked the 19th most accident-prone area for driver-at-fault collisions. Truck accidents in particular are common due to interstate highways like the I-75 and I-71 running through the city and seeing a high volume of commercial truck traffic. The American Transportation Research Institute has also consistently named Cincinnati among the top 100 locations with truck bottlenecks for the severity of its freight congestion.

• Is it necessary to hire an attorney for truck accidents in Cincinnati?

  A dedicated truck accident lawyer will provide guidance to injured victims and their families through the legal and administrative procedures necessary to secure appropriate compensation. While the victim/s focus on healing, attorneys can gather witnesses and evidence to build a strong case and negotiate fair compensation packages for sustained injuries and losses, including medical expenses and loss of income.

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Based on a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck accidents in Cincinnati often occur due to distracted or inattentive driving, fatigue due to long hours on the road, speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, mechanical failure, and poorly-loaded cargo. A driver’s lack of training, driving experience, and familiarity with the road also contribute to such accidents.

• Which party am I suing? The Cincinnati truck driver or their employer?

  Determining which party to hold liable for the accident will depend on the driver's employment status. If the driver is an independent contractor, they will be solely accountable for the damages against the victim. However, if the driver is an employee of a logistics or trucking company, the employer may also be responsible for the legal liabilities of their employee’s actions.

• Who can be held accountable for truck accidents?

  The truck driver, their employer, and other motorists involved in the accident can be held responsible for the resulting damages. Truck manufacturers, loading companies, bars, and restaurants may also be part of the investigation to determine if they have committed negligent actions that contributed to the accident. In addition, insurance companies of the parties mentioned above may be involved in litigation if they do not provide the compensation the victim deserves.

• 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.