Truck Accident Lawyer Cleveland, OH
As a Cleveland, Ohio truck accident lawyer, I have witnessed the catastrophic injuries and fatalities associated with commercial truck crashes. A fully loaded semi-tractor trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds. An average passenger car or SUV weighs 3,000 to 6,000 pounds. You do not have to be a mathematician to understand that a big rig can do a massive amount of damage to smaller vehicles when a collision occurs. Recovering full compensation for victims of car crashes caused by commercial trucks often requires skilled analysis of insurance coverage, vehicle and trailer ownership, and other circumstances like drunk driving or violations of state and federal trucking regulations. Not only do truck crashes result in serious personal injuries, like spinal cord injuries, brain damage, amputation, disfigurement and permanent disability, more often than with routine car crashes, the unique nature of these accidents require the services of an experienced attorney who can go toe-to-toe with the big resources of insurance companies and trucking company lawyers.
Commercial truck accidents can result in devastating consequences, causing severe injuries and property damage. If you or a loved one have been involved in a commercial truck accident in Ohio, it is crucial to understand your rights and the legal steps to pursue compensation for your losses. Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., is dedicated to providing expert legal guidance for victims of commercial truck accidents. In this informative guide, we will highlight key information about commercial truck accidents in Ohio and how our experienced team can help you seek justice and fair compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have devastating effects on the lives of those involved. As a firm deeply ingrained in the community, at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., we understand the complexities that follow a collision of this magnitude, especially in the Cleveland, OH, area. Here, we outline the common causes of these harrowing incidents, and we offer guidance on how one might proceed in the wake of such an event.
Driver Error and Fatigue
- Lack of Rest: Truck drivers often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue. This exhaustion can decrease a driver’s reaction time and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Distractions: The use of mobile devices, eating, or any activity that diverts attention from the road can be a critical mistake for a truck driver.
Equipment Failure
- Poor Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial. Failure to maintain brakes, tires, and other critical components can lead to malfunctions.
- Defective Parts: Occasionally, the parts themselves are faulty, which may not be the fault of the trucking company or driver, but rather the manufacturer.
Weather and Road Conditions
- Adverse Weather: Snow, ice, and rain can make roads treacherous for all vehicles, especially for trucks that require longer stopping distances.
- Road Layout: Tight turns, poorly marked roads, and lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents.
Improper Loading
- Weight Distribution: An improperly balanced load can cause a truck to tip or jackknife.
- Overloading: Exceeding a truck’s weight capacity can make it difficult to control, particularly on declines or during emergency stops.
Lack of Training and Oversight
- Insufficient Training: Truck drivers need comprehensive training. A lack of training can lead to poor driving practices.
- Inadequate Supervision: Companies must oversee their drivers effectively. Without oversight, drivers may engage in unsafe behaviors.
Traffic Law Violations
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is a common cause of accidents, as it reduces the time available to react to road conditions.
- Ignoring Traffic Signs: Running red lights or stop signs can lead to catastrophic collisions.
If you find yourself affected by a truck accident, remember that you’re not alone. We at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. are here to listen and provide the support you need. We encourage you to reach out to us as your truck accident lawyers in Cleveland, OH. We can help you understand your rights and the next steps to take. Our approach is not about overwhelming you with legal jargon but about offering you a guiding hand through this challenging time.
7 Common Truck Accident Injuries
As a Cleveland, OH truck accident lawyer can confirm, truck collisions often result in serious injuries. These commercial vehicles are much larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road. The legal professionals at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A understand how devastating these accidents can be.
Here are seven common truck accident injuries.
- Broken bones. The sheer force of a truck accident can cause victims to break bones in various parts of their bodies, including the arms, legs, ribs and hips. Breaking a bone is very painful and can take a long time to recover from. Common treatments for broken bones include casts, pain medications and splints. If a bone breaks in more than one place, surgery may be needed.
- Head injuries. Head injuries are one of the most common and severe injuries people sustain in truck accidents. Victims can suffer these injuries if they hit their head on an object during a collision. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness. Head injuries may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries. During a truck accident, people can also suffer internal injuries. Organs inside the body, like the spleen, lungs and kidneys, can get damaged and cause internal bleeding. If internal injuries are not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening.
- Burns. In a truck accident, a truck’s fuel tanks can erupt, causing a fire. As a result, victims can suffer severe burns. As a Cleveland truck accident lawyer can explain, burns are one of the most severe injuries people can sustain in these accidents. Besides causing excruciating pain, burns can cause infection, fluid loss, breathing problems and permanent scars. If you suffered serious burns, you may require skin grafts.
- Whiplash. If your head jerks back and forth suddenly during a truck accident, you may suffer whiplash. The neck injury can cause pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion. Sometimes whiplash symptoms are not present right away. However, if whiplash is not treated promptly, it can lead to chronic pain.
- Spinal cord injuries. Truck accident victims can also sustain spinal cord injuries, which can be life changing. Symptoms of spinal cord injuries include numbness, tingling, loss of movement, difficulty breathing and loss of bowel or bladder control. Spinal cord injuries can also cause permanent paralysis, which may require long-term medical care.
- Lacerations. If objects hit your skin during a truck accident, you may suffer lacerations. While lacerations may seem minor compared to other truck accident injuries, it is still important to seek immediate medical treatment. Lacerations can also cause complications like infection and permanent scarring.
- Emotional distress. Truck accident injuries are not just physical. Some victims may also suffer depression, anxiety or even post-traumatic stress disorder. They may lose interest in their favorite activities and withdraw from family and friends. If you suffered emotional injuries after a truck accident, mental health counseling may be helpful.
Schedule a consultation with a Cleveland truck accident lawyer from Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A today.
Cleveland Truck Accident Law Inforgaphic
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accidents can be devastating and cause serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. In the aftermath of a truck accident, victims and their families may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. This is where a Cleveland truck accident lawyer can be of great assistance. Here are some ways in which an accident lawyer can help:
Investigation
Truck accident lawyers are experienced in investigating the cause of accidents involving commercial trucks. They can work with experts in accident reconstruction, trucking regulations, and engineering to gather evidence, analyze the facts, and determine who is responsible for the accident. This may involve reviewing the driver’s logbook, the truck’s maintenance records, and the company’s safety policies and procedures.
Negotiation
Truck accident lawyers can negotiate on behalf of victims with the insurance companies of the trucking company or driver. They can work to obtain fair compensation for the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies are often more willing to negotiate with a lawyer than with an individual who is not represented.
Litigation
If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, a truck accident lawyer can represent victims in court. This may involve filing a lawsuit against the trucking company or driver and presenting evidence in front of a judge or jury. A lawyer can work to prove the negligence of the trucking company or driver and seek damages on behalf of the victim.
Determining Liability
Truck accidents are often complex, involving multiple parties and factors that can contribute to the cause of the accident. A truck accident lawyer can help determine who is liable for the accident and seek compensation from those responsible. This may involve holding the trucking company accountable for failing to properly maintain the vehicle or hire qualified drivers, or seeking damages from the driver for their negligence or reckless behavior.
Navigating Trucking Regulations
Trucking companies and drivers are subject to numerous federal and state regulations that govern the operation of commercial vehicles. A truck accident lawyer Cleveland, OH turns to from Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. can help victims understand these regulations and determine if they were violated in the accident. This may include regulations related to driver training, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, and vehicle maintenance.
Maximizing Compensation
Truck accident lawyers can help victims obtain the maximum compensation they are entitled to under the law. They can work to ensure that all medical expenses, lost wages, and future expenses related to the accident are taken into account when negotiating a settlement or seeking damages in court. They can also help victims understand their legal rights and options, and ensure that they are fully informed throughout the legal process.
Cleveland Truck Accident Law FAQs
What should I do if I’ve been injured in a truck accident in Cleveland?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Cleveland, your first priority should be to seek medical attention for any injuries. Then, it’s essential to consult with an experienced Cleveland truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., our attorneys will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
How can a truck accident lawyer help me with my case?
A skilled truck accident lawyer can provide comprehensive legal support throughout your case. They will conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed. Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. has a proven track record of successfully handling truck accident cases, and our team is dedicated to obtaining the best possible outcome for our clients.
What makes truck accident cases different from other motor vehicle accidents?
Truck accident cases are often more complex than regular motor vehicle accidents due to the multiple parties involved, including trucking companies, drivers, and manufacturers. Additionally, trucking companies and insurers may have legal teams working to protect their interests. Having a seasoned Cleveland truck accident lawyer on your side ensures you have a strong advocate fighting for your rights and fair compensation.
What compensation can I seek after a truck accident in Cleveland?
After a truck accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical costs. Our experienced lawyers will assess the full extent of your damages and work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve.
Is it necessary to file a lawsuit to resolve my truck accident case?
Not all truck accident cases require filing a lawsuit. In many instances, our lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement with the involved parties and their insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire a Cleveland truck accident lawyer?
At Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., we work on a contingency fee basis for truck accident cases. This means that you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our initial consultations are also free, so you can discuss your case without any financial obligations.
Cleveland Truck Accident Statistics
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks are involved in an average of 5,000 fatal crashes each year in the United States. The most common type of truck accident is a rear-end collision. Truck accidents are more likely to be fatal than car accidents.
Contact Our Cleveland Truck Accident Lawyer today!
If you or a loved one have been involved in a commercial truck accident in Ohio, seeking legal representation from Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our dedicated team of attorneys possesses the expertise and resources needed to navigate the complexities of commercial truck accident claims and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you on your path to recovery and justice.
A Cleveland truck accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance to victims of truck accidents. They can investigate the cause of the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, represent victims in court, determine liability, navigate complex regulations, and help victims obtain fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced and qualified truck accident lawyer from Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
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