Ohio Truck Accident Help
A Division of Ohio Truck Accident
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Ohio
Flatbed trucks carry oversized and irregular loads. Construction materials, heavy machinery, vehicles, and even manufactured homes are loaded on flatbeds in Ohio.
Improperly secured loads, overloading, rollover risks, and mechanical failure are a few reasons that flatbed truck accidents occur. At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we help protect your rights and fight back against negligent parties responsible for these complex types of accidents.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.
A traditional flatbed has a maximum weight of 48,000 pounds, making even minor accidents serious. Accidents involving flatbed trucks are dangerous because of the risk of:
Cargo ejection from flatbeds can add to the impact of a crash, making these collisions especially dangerous. A recent Ohio flatbed accident on I-71 and 17th Avenue near South Linden involved a flatbed truck that lost its entire load on the roadway. North and southbound lanes were shut down for hours as a result.
Ohio’s ports receive and ship goods daily on flatbeds from Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Most arrive at their destinations safely, but others are often preventable accidents that are caused by:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict cargo securement rules meant to keep roadways safe. Requirements include:
An unsecured load (or one that is improperly secured) can shift, causing truck imbalance and accidents. Cargo ejection is also possible.
Ohio ranks among the top 5 worst states for winter driving, and for flatbeds that feature an open design, this makes driving especially hazardous. Ice, rain, snow, and wind can cause load instability, loss of traction, and a higher risk of accidents.
Distractions cause over 231 serious injuries in Ohio each year. On busy highways, like the Ohio Turnpike, I-71, or I-75, it takes mere seconds for an accident to occur. Truckers may check their cell phones, drive and text, respond to dispatch, or look at their GPS, all causing road distractions and accidents.
Long hours on the road, high-pressure work environments, and quotas all contribute to truck driver fatigue. Accident risks increase when someone is fatigued because reaction time slows and judgment becomes impaired.
Tall, wide loads require careful securement and planning. Dispatch may overlook routes with low underpasses, posing risks to truckers and motorists.
Section 4511.19 of the Ohio Revised Code restricts any person from operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Truckers who fail to follow these laws suffer from slow reaction time and impaired judgment.
Flatbed truck accidents may be caused by mechanical failure due to a lack of maintenance, inspections, or excessive wear and tear. Trucking companies may try to reduce costs by cutting back on maintenance, or a part manufacturer may have a known or unknown defect that caused the accident.
Aggressive driving and speeding to make deliveries or pickups on time are more common than you think. Truckers may ignore speed limits, traffic signals, or weave in and out of traffic. Due to longer stopping times, speeding in flatbeds is especially dangerous.
Several parties may be held liable in a truck accident, including:
An attorney can identify responsible parties after conducting a thorough investigation and analyzing the facts surrounding the case.
If you are injured in a flatbed truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation under Section 2315.18 of Ohio law.
Defendants may pursue economic and non-economic damages.
These are calculable expenses you incurred due to your injuries, including:
These are damages that are more challenging to calculate but can greatly impact the quality of your life. Non-economic damages can include:
Some or all of these damages may apply to your case. An attorney will pursue maximum compensation and calculate the value of your claim based on the damages that apply to your case.
Accidents involving flatbed trucks are complex. Multiple parties may be involved, and insurance companies will fight to pay out as little as possible on your claim. You want someone on your side who understands Ohio personal injury law and will advocate fiercely for your interests.
An experienced attorney can help strengthen your case in many ways, including:
Several parties may be liable in a truck accident, which can make proving fault more complicated. An attorney will review the facts and evidence to identify all responsible parties and work to prove their negligence.
Your attorney will also consider the impact of Ohio’s comparative negligence doctrine. Under state law, the damages you can recover will be affected by your percentage of negligence. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 10%.
If you are more than 50% responsible for the accident, you lose your right to recover damages. An attorney will help you understand the state’s negligence laws and how they impact your case.
Evidence will be key in proving your claim. An attorney will work to gather and preserve critical documents and statements to show that other parties were negligent and liable for your injuries. This process may involve:
Evidence can disappear quickly in a truck accident. Early action is key. An attorney will know how to gather and preserve evidence to support your case.
Attorneys may bring in experts to analyze evidence and support your claim.
Statements from these individuals can help your attorney build a strong case.
Insurance companies want to protect their interests and minimize payouts. They may offer lowball settlements or even try to shift the blame onto you.
An attorney will know how to combat the tactics insurers use to avoid paying fair settlements and fight to secure the compensation you are entitled to. They will handle all communication and negotiations, so you can focus on your recovery.
Accident prevention should start with proper cargo securement. FMCSA regulations should be followed for cargo placement, tie-downs, and weight limits. Restraints such as straps, nets, and chains can prevent spills and turnovers. Checking the weight distribution is also key to avoid tipping. Thorough pre-trip and en-route inspections are critical to ensure that all regulations are followed. Additionally, proper driver training and following safe driving practices will further help prevent accidents.
Flatbed trucks are prone to unique types of accidents due to their open design and unsecured cargo risks. Common accidents include:
These accidents often happen because of poor cargo securement, overloading, or driver error.
If you’re involved in an accident with a flatbed truck, the first and most important thing to do is call 911 and move to a safe location (if possible). Seek medical attention even if you don’t think you need it. If possible, document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, cargo that may have shifted or spilled, and any other details that could support your claim. Then, contact a personal injury lawyer to start the process of filing a claim and preserving evidence.
If cargo falls from a flatbed truck and causes a crash, the trucking company and cargo handlers may be held responsible for failing to properly secure the load. FMCSA regulations require specific securement practices to prevent these types of incidents. Your attorney can gather evidence—including inspection logs, maintenance records, and dashcam footage—to prove negligence and pursue compensation.
Flatbed truck crashes can cause severe, life-altering injuries due to the size of the truck and the nature of unsecured cargo. Victims may suffer:
These injuries often require long-term medical care and can dramatically affect a victim’s ability to work and live independently.
Generally, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Exceptions apply if the injured victim is a minor, the injury was not immediately discovered, and in other specific situations outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10.
When accidents involve flatbed trucks, the consequences can be devastating. When accidents like these are caused by another party’s negligence, you need an experienced Ohio truck accident attorney to recover the compensation you deserve.
At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we understand the unique challenges of truck accident cases. We’ll help you navigate every step of your claim and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.