Ohio Truck Accident Help

A Division of Ohio Truck Accident

Ohio Truck Accident Injuries

Truck Crashes Are Different. So, Is Ohio Truck Accident Help. Being hurt in a truck accident often means severe injuries and significant recovery time—let our experienced truck accident lawyers fight for you & secure all the compensation you deserve.

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Semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles pose significant risks on Ohio roads, often resulting in severe injuries and complex claims. At Ohio Truck Accident Help, our truck accident attorneys bring deep industry experience, and with a proven record of fighting for truck accident victims, we understand the challenges of these cases and how to succeed. Our knowledge of truck accident injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and burns, allows us to pursue max compensation for both immediate and long-term needs. Trust Ohio Truck Accident Help for dedicated representation focused on your justice and recovery.

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What Makes Truck Accident Injuries So Severe?

According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, 192 of the 1,244 fatal crashes reported in 2021 involved commercial motor vehicles. While the sheer size of trucks contributes to the danger, several other factors make these accidents uniquely severe.

  • Weight and Momentum: An empty semi-truck can weigh up to 35,000 pounds and more than double that when fully loaded. This massive weight increases impact force, leading to devastating injuries in collisions.
  • Height: Standing around 14 feet tall, trucks have a higher center of gravity, making them more prone to tipping or rollover accidents, especially in sharp turns or collisions.
  • Visibility: Large trucks have significant blind spots that obscure smaller vehicles, and impatient drivers who don’t account for these can inadvertently increase crash risk.

Each truck accident is unique, with injuries and damages depending on factors like collision type and the truck’s speed. Consulting an experienced Ohio truck accident attorney can provide a clear path forward, ensuring your case is evaluated for maximum compensation and tailored to your recovery needs.

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What Factors Affect the Severity of Truck Crash Injuries?

Factors that Affect Severity
Truck accidents are inherently dangerous, but the severity of injuries can vary widely depending on multiple factors:

  • Speed of Impact: The speed of both the truck and the impacted vehicle plays a significant role. High-speed collisions often result in more severe injuries, particularly when smaller vehicles are involved.
  • Type of Collision: Different collision types lead to varying levels of injury. For example, a T-bone collision can cause severe side-impact trauma, while a trailer-side underride accident may result in catastrophic injuries due to the car sliding underneath the truck trailer.
  • Safety Restraints: Wearing a seatbelt or having airbags deployed can sometimes lessen the severity of injuries, although the force of a truck collision may still cause serious trauma even with safety features.
  • Vehicle Size and Positioning: The size and structural integrity of the impacted vehicle, along with its position at the moment of collision, influence injury outcomes. Smaller cars are particularly vulnerable when hit by large trucks.
  • Cargo and Hazardous Materials: Trucks carrying hazardous materials pose additional risks. Spilled chemicals, flammable substances, or unsecured cargo can lead to burns, toxic exposure, or secondary injuries from flying debris.

Having an experienced Ohio trucking accident attorney who understands these nuances can make a significant difference in pursuing compensation. An attorney familiar with truck accident injuries and factors affecting injury severity can help evaluate your case thoroughly, identifying all responsible parties and advocating for maximum recovery tailored to your specific injuries.

Understanding Truck Accident Injuries

Truck Accident Injuries We Handle at Ohio Truck Accident Help

Truck accidents can lead to similar injuries as other vehicle crashes, such as broken bones or traumatic brain injuries. However, due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these injuries are often far more severe and have lasting impacts. In Ohio, some of the most common and serious truck accident injuries include:

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Brain & Head Injuries

Truck accidents frequently lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), where the extreme force of impact can cause damage to the brain. Symptoms may include memory loss, dizziness, mood changes, and cognitive impairment, with recovery times ranging from weeks to years, depending on severity. A victim with a severe TBI may require extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy to regain motor and communication skills, significantly impacting their quality of life and independence.

Paralysis & Spine Injuries

The intense impact in a truck accident often results in spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Symptoms can range from limited movement and numbness to permanent paralysis, depending on the location and extent of the injury. Recovery times vary; some may require ongoing physical therapy, while others may face lifelong dependency on mobility aids. A victim with a spinal injury might need home modifications, adaptive devices, and long-term care to assist with daily life.

Broken Bones

Truck accidents often result in multiple fractures, with common injuries to the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones. Fractures can vary in severity, from simple breaks that heal in weeks to complex, life-changing injuries that require surgery and rehabilitation. For instance, a victim with a severely fractured leg may need reconstructive surgery, casting, and months of physical therapy to regain strength and mobility, sometimes facing chronic pain and limited movement.

Burn Injuries

Truck accidents sometimes lead to fires or explosions, causing severe burns due to leaking fuel or chemicals. Burns can range from mild to third-degree, with symptoms including intense pain, blistering, and potential infection. Recovery can take months, and treatment may involve skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and infection management. A victim with second-degree burns across a large area may face disfigurement and require ongoing care to manage pain, scarring, and potential mobility issues.

Internal Injuries

The force of a truck accident often causes internal injuries to organs like the liver, spleen, and lungs. These injuries are serious and can be life-threatening, with symptoms including abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and internal bleeding. Emergency surgery is often required, followed by an extended recovery period. A victim with a punctured lung, for example, may require surgery and weeks of recovery in intensive care to stabilize and regain full lung function.

Amputations

The impact of a truck accident can crush or severely damage limbs, sometimes necessitating amputation. Amputations cause immediate physical trauma and long-term physical and psychological challenges. Recovery involves physical therapy, prosthetics, and adapting to new ways of performing daily activities. A victim who loses a limb may need custom prosthetics and extensive rehabilitation, facing ongoing care costs and adjustments to maintain mobility and independence.

Whiplash & Soft Tissue Injuries

Even low-impact truck accidents can cause soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, due to the intense force involved. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Recovery from soft tissue injuries can take weeks to months and may require physical therapy, chiropractic care, or medication. A victim with severe whiplash may need months of treatment to restore mobility and manage chronic pain, impacting their ability to perform routine activities.

Lacerations and Bruises

Lacerations and bruising occur frequently in truck accidents, with cuts and abrasions often requiring stitches, while deep bruising can cause discomfort and swelling. While recovery from minor lacerations may be quick, deeper wounds can lead to infection and scarring. A victim with extensive lacerations may need wound care and cosmetic treatments, potentially leading to lasting physical and emotional impacts.

Psychological Trauma

The emotional and psychological effects of a truck accident can be profound, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Symptoms may include flashbacks, mood swings, and an aversion to driving or riding in vehicles. Recovery involves counseling, therapy, and sometimes medication. A victim with PTSD may need ongoing psychological support to regain a sense of normalcy and cope with daily challenges.

Each of these injuries highlights the severe and long-term impact of truck accidents on victims’ lives, often requiring specialized medical care, rehabilitation, and support to aid recovery.

Your Rights & Options After an Injury

Dealing with Truck Accident Injuries

After an accident, you’ll likely receive treatment for your injuries, and the severity of those injuries will likely determine the amount of time, energy, and resources you’ll need to devote to recovering from these injuries. Because truck accidents can be more dangerous than car-on-car collisions, so you could put considerably more resources into recovering than other victims.

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Damages & Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

It’s vital to understand what you should do in the aftermath of a truck accident from a legal standpoint if you hope to recover compensation for your losses. While you work on recovering and adjusting to life after a truck accident, there are steps to take to ensure you can seek the maximum compensation available.

Injury journals and photos of your injuries are concrete evidence to support your claim after a large truck accident. You can also get statements from friends or doctors who can testify that your way of life has been affected by the injuries caused by a large truck accident.

Each truck accident claim is different, and a truck accident lawyer can be your best option to determine your total losses and what damages you can receive compensation for.

After a large truck accident, you can pursue damages for:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Time away from work
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium

These economic and non-economic damages can vary from case to case, but an Ohio truck accident lawyer, one focused on and experienced with the complexities of truck accident claims, will be able to navigate the claims process with you to pursue equitable compensation.

Truck Injury FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, prioritize safety by moving to a safe location if possible, calling 911, and seeking medical attention even if injuries are not immediately obvious. Document the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and avoid discussing fault until you’ve consulted with an attorney.

How is Compensation Calculated for Truck Accident Injuries?

Compensation is calculated based on factors such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the severity of injuries. Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule, so if you’re partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your share of the responsibility.

What  Injuries Are Common in Truck Accidents?

Common injuries in truck accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, burns, internal organ damage, and soft tissue injuries. These injuries are often more severe due to the truck’s size and weight, and they may require extended medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Can I Recover Compensation for Long-Term Medical Treatment?

Yes, if your injuries require long-term care, you may be entitled to compensation for ongoing medical expenses, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home modifications. Your attorney can help document these future costs to ensure they are included in your claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Ohio?

Under Ohio Revised Code 2305.10, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation, so consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

Liability in truck accidents can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, and cargo loaders. Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation of the accident details and relevant regulations.

What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule, allowing you to recover compensation if you are less than 50% responsible. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help evaluate your level of responsibility and its impact on your claim.