Akron Truck Accident Lawyer
Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain are just some of the consequences you might experience as a result of a trucking accident in Akron. But if someone else was to blame for the collision, they might owe you compensation for all these and more. At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we’re here to help you demand this financial compensation. While you rest and adjust to life after a truck accident, we can pursue the money you need to rebuild your life. Contact us online or call us today for a free case evaluation with one of our Akron truck accident attorneys.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Akron, Ohio
What you do after a commercial truck accident and in the days and weeks to come is critical to building a successful compensation case.
One of the most critical tasks is to seek medical care and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Not only will this improve your medical prognosis, but it will draw a causal link between the accident and your serious injuries.
It’s also important to avoid saying anything that might indicate you’re to blame for the accident. In addition, don’t say anything to anyone after the truck accident that might suggest your injuries aren’t serious.
You’ll also want to document the ways the accident has affected you. Write down your memories of the incident while they’re still fresh, and keep a daily pain journal to record your physical and emotional state as you begin to heal. Keep copies of any medical, repair, and incidental bills, and document any income you’ve lost because of your serious injuries.
Finally, get in touch with an experienced truck accident attorney in Akron. The sooner you do, the sooner your Akron personal injury lawyer can start fighting for the financial compensation you could be owed.
Who May Be At Fault for a Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases are often complex for several reasons, including that multiple parties could be to blame for the accident. While drivers might seem like the obvious liable party, the situation is often far more complex. Beyond the truck driver, potentially at-fault parties for accidents include the following:
- The trucking company – The trucking company is often liable after a collision involving a large commercial vehicle. This trucking company is responsible for hiring safe truck drivers and for the on-the-job actions of its direct employees. Thus, the trucking company may be liable even if a truck driver’s negligence technically caused a crash. The company may also be responsible if an accident results from failure to perform a related duty. For example, the trucking company might be liable if an accident occurred because it neglected to maintain its vehicles.
- A truck’s designers or manufacturers – Commercial trucks rely on many parts working correctly. A collision may occur due to an overlooked defect or failure in these components. In this scenario, the designer or manufacturer may be liable.
- Other motorists on the road – The fact that a truck collided with your vehicle doesn’t always mean the trucker’s error caused the collision. For example, another motorist may have performed a dangerous maneuver that forced a trucker to swerve into your lane. In this scenario, the truck driver would likely be at least partially to blame.
Identifying who is at fault after a truck crash may require thoroughly investigating the incident, and conducting such an investigation is challenging without the resources and experience of a qualified Akron truck accident attorney.
Types of Truck Accidents in Ohio
Semi truck accidents can take several forms. Common examples of truck accidents include:
- Rollovers
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone crashes
- Jackknife crashes
- Blindspot collisions
- Wide right turn accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) researches trends in truck accidents. Their studies indicate a truck driver’s actions or negligence is a “critical reason” about 87% of accidents in the nation occur. Many of the above types of accidents can happen when negligent truck drivers operate large vehicles.
Common Truck Accident Injuries Victims Have to Deal With
Any accident injury is likely to require medical care that may be costly. Such serious injuries can also leave Akron truck accident victims unable to work. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for truck accident injuries to cause lifelong difficulties, such as paralysis.
Common truck accident injuries that victims sustain include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Eye injuries
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
Many truck accidents are so severe that victims do not survive them. FMCSA data reveals approximately 13% of all fatal crashes in the U.S. involve large trucks.
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims in Ohio
You may be eligible for compensation if you’ve sustained a truck accident injury someone else caused. The following types of compensation may be available:
- Medical expenses
- Long-term care
- Home modifications
- Lost income
- Diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
A jury might also award punitive damages if a truck accident case goes to trial. Unlike the above types of compensation, punitive damages exist to penalize a liable party for particularly egregious behavior.
Discuss this matter with an attorney for more information about potential compensation. An Akron truck accident attorney can’t promise the insurance company will offer a specific settlement. However, they can help you better understand how much compensation a claim like yours may be worth.
Statute of Limitations to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in OH
Don’t delay when setting an appointment with an Akron truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options. In Ohio, the statute of limitations gives victims two years to file a truck accident lawsuit. You could forfeit your right to compensation if you wait too long to take legal action.
While this is plenty of time to pursue a successful truck accident claim, there are other practical reasons to get started as soon as possible. More evidence will be available, which could help your attorney pursue the total amount you deserve.
Contact our Akron Truck Accident Lawyers for Help
The Akron truck accident lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, know you’re facing an uphill battle now. Let our law firm fight it on your behalf. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and find out how we can pursue the compensation you deserve without any upfront cost to you.
