Ohio Truck Accident Help
A Division of Ohio Truck Accident
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Ohio
A refrigerated truck accident can cause serious damage to motorists and property. Impact damage is the primary concern in any type of commercial truck accident, but cargo leaks present additional hazards. Loads may also include food products, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, animal products, and chemical and industrial products.
At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we understand the complexity of reefer failure and accidents. Our team knows how to investigate these incidents and will seek the compensation you deserve.
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Ohio’s businesses transport dangerous materials daily. Failing equipment can cause certain chemicals to become unstable, catch fire, or spill out of the truck. Refrigerated truck accidents involve vehicles that weigh 12,400 pounds empty and may have payloads of 55,000+ pounds.
Crashes cause significant injuries and fatalities, but damage may go beyond your vehicle. Risks include:
Food spoilage or spillage on roadways is less of a concern than leaks and fires. Coolants from damaged or failing units result in chemical exposure to you and first responders. Additional concerns include coolants creating slippery roadways and causing environmental damage.
Hazardous materials and chemicals from the spillage may be flammable and ignite on impact or after spilling on the roadways.
Cargo may include biological materials, medicines, or biohazardous materials that contaminate roadways and cause significant public health risks. One truck on I-71 outside of Columbus recently crashed, stranding motorists for over eight hours.
If dangerous chemicals were hauled, the health risks for all motorists involved would be immense.
Refrigerated trucks are large, dangerous vehicles that cause traumatic injuries on impact. A head-on accident can cause broken bones, disfigurement, brain and spinal cord injuries, and even death. Hazardous materials that spill from the reefer can cause additional injuries, including:
Toxins and pathogens can contaminate the local environment, posing challenges for emergency response.
Annual Ohioan fatalities for truck-related accidents in 2024 hit 146, with over 2,300 injuries reported. Driver error is to blame for many accidents on the most dangerous highways in the state: Interstate 70, 71, 75, Ohio Turnpike, US Route 20 and 40.
Common causes for accidents include:
Ohio’s Department of Transportation reports that 40% of heavy truck-related accidents involve driver fatigue. Truckers sleep an average of less than five hours per night, according to the report. The National Transportation Safety Board believes that drowsy driving is responsible for approximately 50% of all accidents.
Over 8,517 distracted driving crashes were reported in Ohio last year, some involving truckers. Texting and driving, talking to dispatch, looking for dropped items on the floor, talking on the phone, or trying to reach dispatch are all common distractions that cause accidents.
Refrigerated trucks, when loaded, can take over 500 feet to stop when traveling at 60 MPH during dry conditions. Passenger vehicles need just over 300 feet to stop. Speeding and aggressive driving are common causes of trucking accidents due to the longer stopping distances and higher center of gravity.
Section 4511.19 of Ohio’s Revised Code prohibits driving under the influence. A small percentage of truck accidents involve DUIs, but those that do are often deadly.
Brakes, tires, and trailer maintenance are all crucial for safe road operation. Poor vehicle maintenance contributes to many truck accidents, although it may not be the direct cause of the incident.
Refrigerated truck drivers are often under pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines. Tight delivery windows may encourage truckers to keep going despite poor weather conditions, skip breaks, or take risks they otherwise wouldn’t have taken.
Slippery roads, poor visibility, and high winds can all contribute to reefer truck accidents. Rain, snow, and ice increase the risk of jackknifing and losing control. Fog or heavy rain can also limit sight distance, making it more difficult to react in time to avoid an accident.
In adverse weather conditions, drivers are still responsible for slowing down or even pulling over if conditions become dangerous.
Reefer truck accidents are rarely simple. Several parties may share in the responsibility, including:
Identifying all liable parties is key to ensuring you obtain maximum compensation in your case. At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we’ll review all the facts and evidence to determine which parties are responsible for the damages you’ve incurred.
If you were injured in an accident involving a refrigerated truck, you may be entitled to compensation under Ohio law. Filing a personal injury claim will allow you to pursue economic damages, including:
Navigating the legal system on your own can feel like a daunting task. Having a legal team on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Here’s what an attorney can do for you:
Attorneys bring legal experience, knowledge, and skill to the table to make the claims process as stress-free as possible.
Calculating the value of an injury claim is a complex process. Your individual case’s value will depend on the severity of your injuries, whether you were partly responsible for the collision, and other factors. We’ll calculate the true value of your claim (including future medical costs) to pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to under Ohio law.
If you are involved in an accident with a refrigerated truck, move to a safe location (if possible) and call 911. Seeking medical attention should be your top priority, even if you think your injuries are minor. Take photos and videos of the scene, including damage to vehicles, skid marks or debris on the road, or any other details that may support your claim. Then, contact a personal injury attorney to start filing a claim as soon as possible.
Refrigerated trucks carry perishable goods that must be kept at controlled temperatures. This adds an extra layer of risk and complexity. If the refrigeration system fails, cargo may spoil and shift inside the trailer, potentially causing an imbalance that leads to a crash. Additionally, drivers on tight delivery schedules may be more prone to speeding, fatigue, or skipping required inspections.
Due to the size and weight of reefer trucks, injuries tend to be severe and may include:
● Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
● Spinal cord damage and paralysis
● Fractures and crushed limbs
● Internal bleeding and organ damage
● Severe burns or lacerations (especially if refrigerated fluids leak during impact)
These injuries often require long-term treatment and rehabilitation and may result in permanent disability.
Yes. In addition to standard FMCSA regulations, reefer trucks must comply with FDA and USDA guidelines for transporting perishable goods. These standards impact loading procedures, maintenance of refrigeration systems, and driver operation times. Violations can contribute to accidents and may serve as evidence of negligence.
Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and emotional anguish that require ongoing care and rehabilitation. Responsible parties should be held liable for their negligence. An experienced and reputable truck accident law firm in Ohio will advocate for your interests and negotiate with insurers to secure a fair settlement in your case.
At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we help clients navigate every step of the claims process and fight for maximum compensation.