Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Dayton, OH

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency situations, you can contact the Dayton Police Department at 937-333-COPS (2677).

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

  You can obtain a copy of an accident report filed with the Dayton Police Department by contacting its Records Division at 937-333-1060.

• Do you need to hire an attorney after a truck accident in Dayton?

  There is no law requiring you to hire a lawyer if you want to pursue legal action following a truck collision. Some truck accident victims seek legal counsel and representation to focus on their health and recovery while their case is being filed. A Dayton truck accident lawyer can safeguard your right to compensation, whether by working on a settlement or by taking your case to trial.

• What are the benefits of hiring a truck accident attorney in Dayton?

  A truck accident lawyer in Dayton can handle the legal aspects of your case and communicate with the insurance company. One can also investigate the details of your accident to determine which parties may be held accountable for your losses. If there are several liable parties, your attorney may advise you to file multiple actions to seek maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Additionally, a lawyer can help you understand the due process and legalities related to your truck accident case.

• Should you accept a settlement from an insurance company after a truck accident in Dayton?

  It is not usually advisable to accept an insurance company's settlement offer for your Dayton truck accident. Instead, you can contact an attorney with experience negotiating truck accident settlements and representing injured victims in court. Although these cases can also be settled out of court, working with a truck accident attorney can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

• Why do truck accidents in Dayton often result in serious injuries?

  Vehicular accidents in Dayton that involve trucks are more likely to result in catastrophic and fatal injuries due to the huge weight differences between a truck and a private passenger vehicle. A loaded semi-truck can weigh approximately 80,000 pounds while a regular car weighs around 4,000 pounds. In addition, trucks often transport dangerous goods such as toxic chemicals and flammable liquids.

• What is the time limit for filing a truck accident claim in Dayton?

  In Dayton, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a truck accident claim. Filing late could prevent you from seeking just compensation for your injuries. However, there are some exceptions to this statutory deadline. Cases involving wrongful death, automobile accidents, premises and product liability, and medical malpractice have different statutes of limitations. Hiring a truck accident lawyer would be beneficial to determine your legal options and the right deadline for your specific 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.