Akron Truck Accident Lawyer

Why Truck Accidents in Akron, OH Are So Dangerous

When drivers are negligent, large commercial vehicles can create significant risks for other drivers on the road. Semi-trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles, and can weigh up to 35,000 pounds unloaded and 80,000 pounds loaded. Any collisions, even at slower speeds, can cause catastrophic damage. Many factors can influence a crash, which means no two incidents are exactly alike.

Trucks’ Weight & Momentum Can Mean Devastating Crashes

Truck weight alone makes the impact of any accident life-threatening. Size and weight add to a semi-truck’s momentum, increasing stopping distance by more than 200 feet compared to an average passenger vehicle. Ohio’s interstates in the city have a 70 mph speed limit, meaning trucks can take 525+ feet to stop.

Trucks’ High Center of Gravity Increase Chances of Rolling Over

Big rigs are 13.5+ feet tall, greatly increasing the risk of trucks rolling or tipping over. Sharp curves, like those along East Market Street, add to the dangerous road conditions of the area. Akron’s aging infrastructure, close proximity to Cleveland, and harsh winters contribute to the city’s number of truck accidents. Victims in truck accidents are often sent to Summa Health System for emergency procedures.

What Causes Truck Accidents Near Akron?

Truck accidents can be caused for several reasons, and there could be several different parties sharing fault for the crash. Finding the cause and who holds liability can make these kinds of cases tricky, so working with an Akron-area truck attorney is essential. They can investigate your claim while you recover.

Common causes of crashes include:

• Driver Fatigue
• Driver Impairment
• Distracted Driving
• Speeding & Aggressive Driving

More Causes of Truck Collisions

Common Akron Truck Accidents

Traffic volumes are high on I-76, I-77, I-277, or SR 8, and the risk of a trucking accident increases. The central interchange for I-76 and I-77 is another hotspot for semi-truck accidents, with tight curves and merging traffic.

• Rear-end collisions: I-76 and I-77 speed limits reach 70 mph, and with sudden slowdowns and long stopping speeds, rear-end collisions are common.
• Rollover crashes: I-76 W is known for its sharp turns and rollover crashes. Inclement weather conditions increase the likelihood of a turnover.
• Merging accidents: Highway merges are common hotspots for accidents, including areas like I-76, I-77, I-277 and SR 8.
• Jackknife accidents: Sharp turns and steep inclines cause a truck’s trailer to swing, making it difficult to correct and often leading to jackknifes. Nearby vehicles can be hit by the trailer or the truck can block the entire road, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Harsh weather (in winter): Freezing rain, sleet, and snow increase the risks of trucking accidents. Akron receives almost a foot of snow annually, and with average temperatures below freezing all of January and most of February, it’s not uncommon for icy spots on highways to cause accidents.

More Types of Truck Accidents

Common Truck Accident Injuries in Akron

A collision with an 18-wheeler can cause serious injuries. The sheer weight and size of these vehicles can leave accident victims in Akron with:

• Bone fractures: Severe broken bones can result from high-impact crashes on Akron’s busy highways and thoroughfares. Many victims require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Burns: Hazardous materials are commonly transported along Akron’s interstates, such as I-76 and I-77, increasing the risk of severe burns. Skin grafts, reconstructive surgery and disfiguration are common with truck burns.
• Lacerations: Cuts and abrasions are common with any truck accident. Shattered windshields and dangerous debris can cause deep cuts and even scarring.
• Organ Damage: Life-threatening organ damage can occur due to the blunt force trauma that trucking accidents cause.
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: A high-speed crash on I-76 can cause spinal cord injuries that lead to partial or total paralysis. This life-changing injury will require long-term care.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Head trauma from the impact can cause cognitive deficits and memory impairment that require extensive rehabilitation.
• Soft tissue injuries: The sudden impact from a large commercial truck can cause neck pain and other soft tissue injuries that require immediate and ongoing care.
• Psychological trauma: The mental and emotional trauma of a truck accident can cause anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

More Truck Accident Injuries

Our Akron Lawyers Are Here to Help

Ohio Truck Accident Help is here to help you navigate Akron’s complex legal system and pursue the maximum compensation possible for injuries and losses. Contact our Akron truck accident lawyers today. We will evaluate your case during your free consultation.

How to Prove Fault after an Akron, OH Truck Crash

Proving negligence is key. You must be able to demonstrate that:

• The other party (or parties) owed you a duty of care
• They breached that duty
• Their breach of duty caused your injury
• You suffered damages as a result

Truckers owe you a duty of care. If a truck runs a red light on East Market Street and sideswipes your vehicle, they breached that duty of care, and their negligence likely led to the accident and resulting injuries.

Other parties can also be held liable, including:

• Trucking companies for poor maintenance or violating safety regulations.
• Parts manufacturers for defective truck parts.
• Cargo loaders, if a load was improperly secured.

Demonstrating negligence is one piece of the puzzle. When seeking compensation, we’ll take into consideration Ohio’s comparative negligence laws, which state that:

• Your settlement is reduced by your fault percentage.
• You can only recover damages if your share of fault is not 51% or higher.

Evidence Used in Truck Accident Cases

We’ll navigate comparative negligence laws and hold all liable parties responsible for your injuries by:

• Gathering police reports
• Taking witness statements
• Gathering video and photo evidence
• Bringing in accident reconstruction experts
• Building a strong case in your favor

Our deep understanding of Ohio’s legal system allows us to pinpoint fault on all liable parties: truckers, trucking companies, maintenance crews, and anyone else’s negligence that may have contributed to your injuries.

What Kind of Damages Can You Recover After an Akron Truck Accident?

At-fault parties may be held liable for economic and non-economic damages. As your attorney, we’ll help you understand your options and what types of compensation may be available to you.

Economic Damages

These are tangible and measurable damages after a truck crash. They include medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, property damage, and future medical costs.

If a car accident on I-77 leaves you with a broken wrist and whiplash, the cost of care or surgeries you receive at Summa Health Akron Campus or Cleveland Clinic Akron General would fall under economic damages. If those injuries also forced you to take time off work, you may also be able to recover these losses.

Economic damages cover the full scope of your tangible, financial losses, and that includes any future medical care you may need for your injuries. An experienced Akron Truck Accident Lawyer will consider all of these damages when calculating the value of your claim and may bring in medical experts to support your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

These are damages that aren’t tangible but impact the quality of your life significantly. Non-economic damages cover the emotional and mental effects of the accident, such as diminished quality of life, pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, and other related damages.

Punitive Damages

Although rare, some truck accident cases involve punitive damages. For example, if a trucking company knowingly sent a fatigued driver onto I-77 and that driver’s fatigue resulted in an accident, they may be held liable for punitive damages for their gross negligence.

How We Help Truck Accident Victims in Akron

At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we know that the legal process can be complex and overwhelming. We’re here to walk you through every step. Here’s how our process works:

• Medical Care and Documentation – Your health is the top priority. Immediately following the accident, you will likely receive medical treatment at Summa Health Akron Campus or Cleveland Clinic Akron General. We’ll ensure you gather the treatment documentation and medical records you need to establish your injuries and their severity.
• Notify At-Fault Parties – Next, we’ll immediately notify all responsible parties, which may include the trucking company, the driver, and other third parties that may be liable. Our lawyers will handle all communication with insurance companies, so you can focus on your health and recovery. We’ll help you avoid lowball settlement offers and ensure your rights are protected.
• Conduct a Thorough Investigation – Our team will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and gather evidence to support your claim, such as accident scene photos, police reports, and witness statements. Depending on the severity and complexity of the accident, we may bring in accident reconstructionists or other local experts to determine the cause of the accident.
• Build Your Case – Once we’ve gathered all of the evidence, we’ll start building a strong claim to demonstrate how the negligence of the opposing party led to your injuries and financial losses. When valuing your claim, we’ll consider all applicable damages, including lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, and additional non-economic losses.
• Negotiations – Insurance companies often use tactics to minimize payouts and prevent accident victims from recovering the compensation they deserve. We’ll negotiate relentlessly to secure a fair settlement. If they refuse to come to a fair agreement, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court.
• File a Lawsuit if Necessary – If we can’t reach a settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas. Our legal team will handle every step in the process to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Act Fast After an Akron Truck Crash

If you were hurt in a truck accident in Akron, you have a limited time to file a personal injury claim – two years from the time of the accident. The sooner we can start building your claim, the better. Acting fast will allow us to secure critical evidence to support your case.

FAQs for Akron Truck Accident Victims

How Much Is An Akron Truck Accident Claim Worth?

Calculating the value of a claim is a complex process. Several things are considered, including the severity of your injuries, medical costs (current and future), the extent of your pain and suffering, and other factors. An Akron truck accident lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to value your claim properly.

How Do I Find The Best Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me In Akron?

There are a few important things to consider when getting legal help after being hit by a commercial truck in Akron. Experience is one of the most important considerations. Have they handled cases similar to yours? What is their track record for truck accident claims? Additionally, consider their communication policy (when and how can you reach the lawyer?), fee structure, and whether they have the resources to achieve the best possible outcome.

What To Do After A Truck Accident In Akron?

If you’re involved in a truck accident in Akron, the first and most important thing is to call 911. If you’re on a busy interstate like I-77 or I-76, pull over and get to a safe area before getting out of your vehicle.

Get medical attention, and if possible, take photos of the scene and gather contact information from witnesses. Once you receive medical attention, contact a lawyer.

Will My Case Go to Court in Akron?

Most personal injury claims settle outside of the courtroom. However, if the opposing party refuses to agree to a fair settlement, taking your case to trial may be the only way to achieve a favorable outcome. That’s why it’s so crucial to work with a   who is willing to go to court if that’s what it takes to get the settlement you deserve. If your case gets to this stage, we’ll explain how to sue a trucking company after an accident in Akron and what to expect.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on the Money I Receive?

Some parts of your settlement may be taxable, depending on how your compensation is structured. Under IRS Section 104(a)(2), compensation for illness or physical injury is generally not considered taxable income. However, lost wages, punitive damages, or interest may be taxed. Discuss your tax concerns with your Akron truck accident lawyer before agreeing to a settlement.

What if the Trucking Company or Driver is Based Out of State?

It doesn’t change your case. Because the accident happened on a roadway within Akron or Summit County, Ohio courts have jurisdiction. You can file your claim locally and we will handle the out-of-state corporation.

Should I Give a Recorded Statement to the Truck’s Insurance Adjuster?

No. They are looking for reasons to shift the blame to you and reduce your payout under Ohio’s comparative negligence laws. Politely decline and tell them to speak to your attorney.

What Unique Evidence Do You Pull From a Commercial Semi-Truck?

Unlike regular car accidents, we quickly subpoena the truck’s black box (for speed and braking data), Electronic Logging Devices (to prove driver fatigue), and federal maintenance logs.

Should I Seek Treatment if I’m not Taken Away by Ambulance?

Yes, you should seek treatment from a medical provider as soon as you can after an accident. Go immediately to protect your health and your claim. You can be treated at major local centers like Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, or Western Reserve Hospital. Waiting even a few days gives insurance adjusters an excuse to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.

Can I File a Claim if a Loved One Was Killed in an Akron Truck Accident?

Yes. The executor of the estate can file a wrongful death claim in Summit County to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional trauma for the surviving family.

Get a Trusted Truck Accident Lawyer in Akron

At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we know that truck injuries can upend your life. Our experienced lawyers are committed to holding negligent trucking companies accountable. For decades, we have been fighting for accident victims in Akron and the compensation they deserve. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation with our top-rated truck accident lawyers serving Akron, OH.

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