Cleveland Truck Accident Lawyer

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.

Truck Accident Attorneys

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are a significant concern on our roads, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is essential for prevention and for seeking justice if you’re involved in one. As experienced truck accident lawyers in Cleveland, OH, at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., we have seen firsthand the devastation caused by these accidents and are committed to helping victims.

Driver Error

One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver error. This can range from fatigue due to long hours behind the wheel to distracted driving, such as using a mobile phone. Speeding and aggressive driving are also prevalent issues. Commercial truck drivers are held to a higher standard given the size and impact of their vehicles, and failing to meet these standards can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Equipment Failure

Another significant cause of truck accidents is equipment failure. This includes issues like brake failure, tire blowouts, and malfunctioning steering systems. Regular maintenance is crucial for these large vehicles, but unfortunately, it is sometimes neglected. At Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., we understand the technicalities involved in these cases and can help determine if equipment failure played a role in your accident.

Poor Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can also contribute to truck accidents. Heavy rain, snow, ice, and even high winds can impact a truck’s performance on the road. It’s vital for truck drivers to adapt their driving to these conditions, but sadly, this isn’t always the case.

Improper Loading

The way a truck is loaded can significantly impact its stability and maneuverability. Overloading or uneven loading can cause the truck to tip over or make it more difficult to control, leading to accidents. Our team at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., can investigate if improper loading contributed to your accident.

Lack of Training

Adequate training is essential for truck drivers. Unfortunately, some drivers are on the road without proper training, which can lead to serious accidents. Understanding the nuances of operating a large commercial vehicle is crucial for safety.

Negligent Hiring Practices

Sometimes, the root cause of a truck accident can be traced back to negligent hiring practices by trucking companies. Hiring drivers with poor driving records or failing to conduct proper background checks can put everyone on the road at risk.

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.

Truck Accident Compensation

Truck accidents often result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for the victims. Understanding the compensation you may be entitled to is crucial in these situations. As experienced truck accident lawyers in Cleveland, OH, at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., we are dedicated to helping victims navigate the complex process of seeking fair compensation.

Types of Compensation in Truck Accident Cases

Victims of truck accidents may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the specifics of their case. Common types of compensation include:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments. Future medical expenses should also be considered if long-term care is needed.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If the injury results in time away from work, compensation for lost wages is crucial. In cases where the injury affects future earning capacity, victims may be entitled to compensation for the loss of potential future earnings.
  • Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. It includes compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life and any mental anguish experienced.
  • Property Damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle and any other personal property affected by the accident is also recoverable.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases where the truck driver or company’s actions were particularly reckless or negligent, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Determining liability is a critical aspect of any truck accident case. It’s not just the truck driver who can be held accountable; the trucking company, manufacturers of trucking equipment, and even government entities responsible for road maintenance could be liable. As your truck accident lawyers in Cleveland, OH, we at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to identify all potential sources of liability.

Truck Accident Compensation Insurance

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Trucking companies often have large insurance policies, but these companies can be aggressive in defending their interests. As experienced attorneys, we negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Liability and Negligence in Truck Accident Cases

Understanding liability and negligence is crucial in the context of truck accidents, as they form the backbone of most personal injury claims. At Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., a leading firm of truck accident lawyers in Cleveland, OH, we have extensive experience in dealing with such complex legal concepts. Our expertise helps clients navigate the intricate laws surrounding truck accidents to seek fair compensation.

Understanding Negligence in Truck Accidents

Negligence is a legal term that refers to a breach of duty of care, leading to harm or injury to another person. In the context of truck accidents, negligence can occur in various forms. This might include a truck driver violating traffic laws, such as speeding or driving under the influence, or a trucking company failing to maintain their vehicles properly. Identifying and proving negligence is a critical step in any truck accident claim.

The Concept of Liability

Liability in truck accidents pertains to the responsibility for the harm caused in an accident. Determining who is liable is a key part of any legal claim following a truck accident. Unlike standard car accidents, where liability often rests with one of the drivers, truck accidents can involve multiple liable parties. These may include the truck driver, the trucking company, manufacturers of truck parts, or even governmental entities responsible for road maintenance.

Proving Negligence and Liability

Proving negligence and liability involves establishing that the party at fault breached their duty of care and that this breach directly caused the accident and resultant damages. This can be a complex process, requiring the gathering of evidence such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and witness statements. At Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., our expertise in handling truck accident cases enables us to meticulously investigate and build a strong case on behalf of our clients.

Choosing the right legal team is critical in truck accident cases. Our firm has a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing trucking in Ohio. We are committed to advocating for our clients’ rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Our approach involves thorough investigation, expert analysis, and robust legal strategies tailored to each case’s unique aspects.

Accepting Offers From An Insurance Company

When faced with the decision of whether to accept an offer from an insurance company, especially in the aftermath of a truck accident, the situation can be complex and fraught with uncertainty. This article explores the various factors that should be considered when making such a critical decision, particularly with the guidance of a competent truck accident lawyer in Cleveland, OH, like those from Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A.

Understanding the Insurance Offer

  • Initial Assessment: Insurance companies often present an initial offer soon after an accident. It’s crucial to understand that this first offer might not fully cover all your damages and losses.
  • Coverage Details: Scrutinize what the offer covers. Does it include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering?
  • Long-term Impact: Consider the long-term effects of your injuries. Some complications might not be immediately apparent.

Why Consult Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A.

  • Expert Evaluation: A truck accident lawyer can evaluate the fairness of the offer. They have the experience to understand the nuances of such cases.
  • Negotiation Skills: Lawyers are skilled negotiators. They can communicate with insurance companies effectively to seek a better offer.
  • Legal Representation: In cases where an agreement cannot be reached, having legal representation is vital for pursuing litigation.
  • Experience: Our team has extensive experience in handling truck accident cases in Cleveland, OH.
  • Personalized Approach: We provide personalized attention to each case, understanding the unique aspects of your situation.
  • Proven Track Record: Our history of successful settlements and verdicts speaks to our capability to handle complex cases.

Evaluating Your Needs and Future Implications

  • Medical Expenses: Consider future medical needs related to the accident. Ensure the offer covers ongoing and potential future medical expenses.
  • Income Loss: If the accident impacts your ability to work, the offer should compensate for both current and future lost income.
  • Quality of Life: Consider how the accident affects your quality of life. Compensation should reflect the pain and suffering endured.

When to Accept an Insurance Offer

  • Fair Compensation: Only accept an offer if it fairly compensates for all your damages and losses.
  • Professional Advice: Always consult with a truck accident lawyer before accepting an offer. Our team at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. can provide the necessary guidance.
  • Full Understanding: Ensure you fully understand the terms of the offer and its implications.

The Importance of Legal Representation

  • Protecting Your Rights: A lawyer ensures that your rights are protected throughout the process.
  • Avoiding Pitfalls: Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts. A lawyer can help navigate these tactics.
  • Peace of Mind: Having professional legal representation provides peace of mind, knowing that your case is being handled expertly.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and are considering an offer from an insurance company, we urge you to reach out to us at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. Our team of seasoned truck accident lawyers in Cleveland, OH, will provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your losses. Together, let’s assess your situation and make an informed decision. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this process alone; we are here to help.

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.

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.

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.

Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., Cleveland Truck Accident Law Firm

25550 Chagrin Blvd.,
Suite 245
Cleveland, OH 44122

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