Ohio Truck Accident Help

A Division of Ohio Truck Accident

Common Causes of Ohio Truck Accidents

Truck Crashes Are Different. So, Is Ohio Truck Accident Help. Truck crashes often involve unique causes like driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or company negligence. At Ohio Truck Accident Help, our experienced attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to identify these factors and hold all responsible parties accountable. We’re here to secure the maximum compensation you need.

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Causes of Truck Accidents Uncovered

From driver conduct to company negligence, we explore the causes of truck accidents and how these factors contribute to accidents and affect legal outcomes.

Why Truck Crashes Happen

& How Our Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

A lot can go wrong with commercial trucks. It takes a lot of training and skill to ensure they operate safely. When accidents happen, many victims struggle to understand what happened and why. But knowing what caused a truck accident is a big part of recovering from the harm done. At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we protect Ohio truck accident victims. Our truck accident lawyers know what it takes to find answers and get results.

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What are the Leading Causes of Ohio Truck Accidents

Every year, thousands of lives are lost, and many more are catastrophically injured in truck crashes. Determining the cause of a truck accident can be complex, as multiple factors often contribute.

In Ohio, common causes of truck accidents include trucking companies rushing training for new drivers, neglecting routine maintenance, or improperly securing cargo. Each case requires a thorough investigation to identify these underlying causes, and an experienced truck accident lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Truck Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers are frequently pressured to drive long hours and cover extensive distances, often leading to driver fatigue. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. A lawyer can obtain driver logs and electronic monitoring data to prove whether a driver exceeded legal limits or was overly fatigued at the time of the accident.

Truck Driver Error

Commercial drivers must adhere to a higher standard of responsibility due to the size and power of their vehicles. Driver errors can range from speeding to failure to yield, and these actions can have severe consequences. A lawyer may gather eyewitness accounts, dashcam footage, and training records to demonstrate negligence in handling the vehicle.

Improper Truck Maintenance

Large trucks are complex and require routine maintenance to remain safe on the road. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or neglected repairs can lead to catastrophic accidents. Attorneys can request maintenance records from trucking companies or mechanics to show if regular service was overlooked, establishing a basis for liability.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, such as checking a phone, is dangerous for any driver, but the consequences are amplified for a truck driver. Distracted driving by a trucker could result in severe crashes. Attorneys can investigate mobile data records or use traffic cam footage to prove a driver’s inattention played a role in the accident.

Wide Turns

Due to their size, trucks require a significant amount of space to complete turns, which can cause accidents if not done carefully. When a wide turn isn’t executed correctly, the trailer can collide with vehicles, property, or pedestrians. A lawyer may analyze accident reconstruction reports to illustrate how improper turning practices caused the collision.

Blind Spots

Large commercial vehicles have extensive blind spots that can obscure other vehicles on the road. Truck drivers are trained to compensate by checking these areas before changing lanes, but failure to do so can lead to accidents. Lawyers can use evidence from accident reconstruction and witness statements to show how blind spot negligence contributed to the crash.

Oversized or Overloaded Trucks

When trucks carry loads that exceed recommended weight limits, they place undue stress on the vehicle, risking blowouts and rollovers. Overloading is a common issue due to efforts to cut transportation costs. Attorneys can work with cargo experts to inspect shipping documents, demonstrating if the truck was overloaded and in violation of weight restrictions.

Improperly Secured Cargo

Loading cargo may seem simple, but it requires precision to ensure safe weight distribution for travel. Unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing accidents or dangerous road debris. Lawyers often collaborate with experts to inspect the vehicle and load records and show whether improperly secured cargo contributed to the crash.

Defective Truck Parts

Truck manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the quality of their parts. The trucking company, parts manufacturer, or maintenance provider could be held liable if defective parts are installed. Attorneys can obtain records to track part manufacturing and maintenance, determining if the defect directly caused the accident.

Impaired Truck Drivers

Commercial truck drivers are prohibited from operating vehicles under the influence. Still, some accidents are caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A lawyer can request toxicology reports, conduct interviews, and collect witness statements to show that impaired driving was a contributing factor.

Why Legal Help Matters

Truck accident cases are complex and often involve multiple parties, including the trucking company, driver, maintenance team, or cargo loaders. A truck accident lawyer has the experience and resources to gather evidence from driver logs, maintenance records, load documentation, and traffic data. By proving the cause of a truck accident, an attorney can build a compelling case to secure compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and recovery needs.

Hurt by a Truck in Ohio?

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Truck Crash Contributing Factors

Direct & Indirect Causes of Truck Accidents

Identifying the precise cause of a truck accident is not always cut and dry. The driver’s employer could have been engaging in a reckless practice that the driver was unaware of. Or a third party may have neglected to run a mandatory diagnostic of a truck’s braking system.

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Inclement Weather

Heavy rain or snow makes roads slicker and adversely affects a driver’s visibility. And while a driver can’t avoid some weather-related accidents, other times, they may be traveling too fast for the conditions or a city insufficiently salted a major road.

Such actions could arguably be considered negligent and may entitle injury victims to compensation.

Road Conditions

Poor road maintenance or shoddy highway construction can easily result in a severe large truck collision. There are regulations around work zones and proper signage to alert drivers of hazards and altered traffic routes.

A truck accident could easily happen if a government agency or third-party contractor ignored these requirements.

Delivery Deadlines

Some motor carriers pressure drivers and employees to meet unrealistic deadlines and quotas. This often comes at the expense of safety checks, driver rest periods, and required truck maintenance.

Improper Training

It takes considerable skill to drive or work on a large commercial truck. However, considering current driver shortages and supply chain issues, some trucking companies have cut corners regarding training and safety compliance.

An ill-trained truck driver or tech may not even be aware of their deficiency, yet they are putting others at risk.

Negligent Hiring

There are strict regulations around getting and keeping a commercial driver’s license. Still, many trucking companies know how to circumvent specific policies to get drivers working for them.

In some cases, companies do not complete drug tests, and background checks, and drivers who would otherwise be disqualified from driving are on the road.

Your Rights & Options After a Truck Wreck

Who’s At Fault for a Truck Accident?

Any number of factors or reckless actions can cause a truck crash. It usually requires an in-depth investigation to truly understand the nature of your accident and accurately identify the root cause. Doing so can get answers and place responsibility where it belongs.

 

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Liable Parties After a Truck Crash

It’s hard to establish fault without assistance, but our attorneys can help pinpoint what caused your truck accident and identify all the liable parties who contributed to it.

Here are a few examples of those commonly responsible for causing truck accidents in Ohio:

  • Reckless Truck Drivers
  • Motor Carriers/Trucking Companies
  • Truck Part Manufacturers
  • Unloaders & Loaders
  • Truck Mechanics & Techs

You May be Entitled to Compensation

When another’s negligence or inaction causes a truck accident and your resulting injuries, you should not be held responsible for the cost of your recovery. Ohio law gives you the right to pursue compensation for your assorted damages and losses related to the accident, whether with an insurance settlement or lawsuit.

Every truck accident is different, with distinctive causes and contributing factors. An experienced lawyer can help calculate your damages and what you can recover. But generally, after a truck accident, you can be compensated for your:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Time away from work
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium, or the impact your injuries have on your relationships

Find What Caused Your Truck Crash & Fight for Your Rights

The trucking company, their insurance provider, and their lawyers are not interested in your well-being or ability to recover. These large corporations are interested in reducing their liability and maximizing their profitability. They do this by diminishing your injuries and their culpability for causing them.

While the exact cause of your truck accident will vary, you should always work with a legal team who can properly investigate, assign fault, and determine who owes you compensation.

At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we focus on helping Ohio truck accident victims with every aspect of their case and present the strongest possible claim for everything you deserve.

Truck Accident Causes FAQs

What types of driver errors commonly lead to truck accidents?

Driver errors like speeding, failing to yield, or improper lane changes can have severe consequences. Truck drivers are held to high standards, and any negligence behind the wheel can be used to establish liability in an accident. Eyewitness accounts, traffic cameras, and accident reports can support a claim.

What should I do if I suspect a truck driver was impaired

If you believe the truck driver was under the influence, contact an attorney immediately. They can request toxicology reports and witness statements to prove impairment, which can strengthen your case and help hold the driver and potentially their employer accountable.

Can poor training contribute to a truck accident?

Yes, inadequate training can lead to critical mistakes on the road. Operating a commercial truck requires specialized skills, and if a driver hasn’t been properly trained, they may lack the knowledge needed to handle emergencies or complex maneuvers. A lawyer can investigate a company’s training practices and obtain records to demonstrate if poor training contributed to the accident.

Are delivery deadlines a factor in causing truck accidents?

Unrealistic delivery deadlines can pressure drivers to speed, skip rest breaks, or drive longer hours. If deadlines contribute to a driver’s fatigue or unsafe behavior, attorneys can investigate company policies and work schedules to establish liability.

Can an accident reconstruction expert prove what caused a truck crash?

Accident reconstruction uses physics and engineering to recreate the circumstances of a crash. By analyzing skid marks, impact points, and vehicle positions, experts can provide valuable insights into the cause of the accident. Lawyers often work with reconstruction experts to demonstrate how a specific cause, such as speeding or improper turning, led to the crash, supporting your case for compensation.