If you or someone you know was injured in a truck collision, a Columbus truck accident lawyer can help you secure the justice and compensation that you deserve. At The Fitch Law Firm, our experienced legal team can support you in navigating the claims process so that you can focus on recovery. We’ll help you collect evidence, determine what parties are liable for your injuries, and assess any economic and non-economic damages that you may be able to recover.
In general, truck accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, although some exceptions may apply. However, it’s best to reach out to a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as you can. Acting quickly may improve the strength of your claim and allow your lawyer to gather critical evidence that might otherwise become inaccessible with time.
Because our firm is dedicated to helping you take down barriers to justice, you pay nothing unless you settle or win your claim. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Our Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer Can Manage Any Commercial Accident
We have lawyers who can help you handle a range of truck accident cases, including:
- Columbus Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer: Semi-trucks are large commercial vehicles designed for hauling goods across long distances. These trucks typically consist of a cab (the “semi”) and a separate trailer that carries cargo. Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks can be extremely dangerous in accidents, causing severe injuries or fatalities when they collide with smaller vehicles.
- Columbus Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer: The term “big rig” refers to the combination of the truck’s cab and trailer. Big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and their size makes them prone to accidents.
- Columbus 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer: 18-wheelers are a specific type of semi-truck that is recognized by their 18 wheels. These trucks are typically used for long-distance transportation and are some of the largest vehicles on the road. An 18-wheeler’s size and weight can make it difficult for drivers to maneuver safely.
- Columbus Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer: Tractor-trailers are the large commercial vehicles commonly seen on highways. They consist of a tractor unit, which is the engine, and a trailer that is attached to it. These trucks are used to transport everything from consumer goods to raw materials.
- Columbus Intersections Truck Accident Lawyer: Large commercial vehicles often require a greater turning radius and longer distances to slow down or stop. If these are not accounted for, accidents occur at intersections with smaller passenger vehicles.
- Columbus T-Bone Truck Accident Lawyer: Truck drivers must maintain a higher degree of vigilance while operating their vehicles. Failure to pay attention to changes in traffic, signs, or signals could lead to side-impact collisions in intersections.
- Columbus Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer: Amazon provides a wealth of goods to consumers with fast deliveries, but most drivers are independent contractors. Accident victims may deal with complicated insurance coverage following a collision.
- Columbus FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer: FedEx also has many independent contractors as its drivers. We can help determine who is liable in your truck accident case.
- Columbus UPS Truck Accident Lawyer: UPS drivers, on the other hand, are mostly employees of the company. Our legal team can handle a commercial vehicle accident claim with UPS for you.
These commercial vehicle wrecks could result in jackknife accidents, rollovers, and underride collisions. Our commercial vehicle accident lawyers can handle these and many more.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer?
The legal team of lawyers at The Fitch Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis. For clients like you, this means:
You Do Not Pay Any Attorney’s Fees Up Front
We understand that being injured in a truck accident can strain your financial resources. However, everything from your first consultation to litigating your case in court is done with no out-of-pocket cost to you when we take your case.
In our contingency fee agreement, our truck accident law firm agrees to postpone our attorney’s fees to the end of your case and only if we win. We can discuss our terms and what we intend to do to build your case during your first consultation so that there are no surprises at any point during your legal journey.
You Pay Us Out of Your Settlement or Court Award
Many lawyers work on an hourly basis, which can be out of the budgets of accident victims when facing other financial burdens. Since our firm works on contingency, we do not charge by the hour. Instead, we accept a pre-approved portion of your case’s earnings if we recover compensation for you.
When you decide to work with us, we will lay out our payment plan that includes a percentage of the money we win for you. We determine this percentage based on the responsibilities involved in building your case and discuss this figure with you before working on your case.
If You Do Not Recover Compensation, You Do Not Pay Attorney’s Fees
If we take your case, we do so because we are confident that we will “win” it. However, if we cannot secure compensation for you, you will not be obligated to pay our attorney’s fees.
By working with The Fitch Law Firm, you can gain the team effort of multiple legal workers fighting for your compensation.
The Last Thing You Should Worry About Is How You’re Going To Pay For Your Medical Bills.
(614) 545-3930
Understanding Damages in Truck Accident Cases
If you were injured in a truck accident in Columbus or anywhere in Ohio, you are most likely facing some serious hardships. Though injuries in vehicular accidents can have a wide range, truck accidents often result in severe to catastrophic injuries, such as:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck trauma
- Broken and crushed bones
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs or function
- Burns and lacerations
Medical care for these injuries could be a long and expensive endeavor and may require the services of any of the three level one trauma centers in Columbus, Ohio:
Your medical expenses for treating your injuries could include the costs for hospitalization, medications, in-home nursing, physical therapy, doctor’s appointments, and surgeries.
Victims of 18-wheeler accidents may be able to claim damages that are both economic (which have a direct financial value) and non-economic (monetary values which are not pre-determined), such as:
- Medical bills: If your injuries required or will require medical care or rehab.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity: If your injuries caused you to miss time from work and may impede or prevent you from carrying out your work in the future, you might be able to recover the monetary losses of your missing wages, tips, benefits, and bonuses.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Costs that you pay directly as a result of your injury, such as property damage costs, transportation expenses, and health components such as medications and home health assistance.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation received for the turmoil you faced because of your injuries, whether that involves physical or emotional pain.
- Catastrophic injury: If you sustained a permanent or long-lasting injury that impairs your day-to-day life.
- Wrongful death: Compensation for family and loved ones of accident victims who have passed, allowing them to recover damages such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship and consortium.
But this is not a complete list of recoverable damages. Our team can go over which damages are compensable in Ohio and then help you itemize and assign financial value to each damage you claim in your case.
Trucking collision claims often involve more serious damages than other motor vehicle accident claims due to the sheer size of a semi-truck and, therefore, the damage that it can cause in the case of an accident. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and they can cause traumatic and severe injuries and/or damage as a result. Relevant documentation, such as medical records and treatment, proof of wages, and expert analysis and testimony, can help our legal team calculate your losses and pursue compensation that adequately covers your damages.
Why Choose a Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer From The Fitch Law Firm
Our attorneys have decades of experience representing personal injury victims and helping them obtain the compensation they deserve to focus on recovery after an accident. We have a compassionate and capable legal team that will support you at every step of the legal journey and help you build a strong case against those responsible for your injuries. Here’s what that looks like:
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Our attorneys have years of experience and expertise navigating truck accident claims and will take immediate action on your behalf to secure critical evidence that can help your case. We’ll help you collect any accident footage, relevant documentation, and witness or expert testimony that will support your claim.
Liability Analysis
Even if your trucking accident was caused by one specific driver (the at-fault party), they may not be the only party who is liable for the injuries that you sustained due to their negligence. Some cases may involve multiple parties in addition to the driver and/or company that employs them, such as:
- The company that leases the truck
- The truck manufacturer
- The truck parts manufacturer
- The truck’s maintenance crew
Our attorney will identify all potentially liable parties that could compensate for your losses and request damages for each one.
Negotiations
A commercial truck accident is different than a regular car accident due to the larger network of connected parties. When you file your claim, you may be facing more than a single driver: you could be up against powerful corporations, their insurers, and the experienced legal teams that represent them. That’s why it’s important to have a qualified commercial truck accident lawyer helping you navigate the intricacies of the legal landscape and handle settlement talks on your behalf.
Trial Preparation
Not all truck accident claims go to trial; many claims are settled before they ever reach the courtroom. If your case is taken to trial, you can trust The Fitch Law Firm to thoroughly present the facts and advocate for the compensation that you deserve.
Investigating Your Columbus Truck Accident Case and Gathering Evidence
Our legal team can collect the following pieces of information to prove why the opposing party should be held liable for the truck accident and the injuries you suffered:
- Crash report and scene documentation
- Traffic camera footage (if available)
- Photos and videos of your accident and the scene
- Your medical records
- Photos of your vehicle, injuries, and the accident scene
- Testimony from eyewitnesses and your healthcare team
- The commercial driver’s logbook and hours of service
- Black box data
- Driver qualification and training records
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Expert testimony
- Reconstruction support for more catastrophic cases
Our trucking accident attorney can also send a spoliation letter to the trucking company or any party that possesses evidence that could support your case for damages. We can seek to obtain traffic camera accident footage from local law enforcement or state agencies and subpoena any party that may have surveillance footage of the collision.
We also work with a network of industry professionals who can provide specific insight into your case. When we build your truck accident case, we will consult with these field professionals and record their analysis as testimony for your case. Legally speaking, these individuals would serve as “expert witnesses” on your behalf.
Expert witnesses could include:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Health care providers
- Economists
- Vocational rehabilitation specialist
While these processes take time to carry out, we can take care of them while you recover from the crash. We will work to ensure you have the evidence you need to prove your damages from the truck accident in Columbus.
You Generally Have Two Years to Sue for Damages in a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Ohio
Some view claims differently from lawsuits. Claims are filed with insurance companies, while lawsuits are brought before the courts. Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10 states that you generally have two years from the date of your truck accident to file your lawsuit. This is the general rule, though there are exceptions.
A lawyer from our law firm can explain how the statute of limitations applies to your truck accident case and if there are any exceptions. They can also file your lawsuit on time so that you do not miss your chance to recover damages.
Who Is Liable for Your Columbus, OH, Truck Accident?
Who is liable for your truck accident will depend on the specifics of your situation. Liability and fault are two separate things. The liable party will pay for your losses. The at-fault party is the one who caused it.
The odds are that the liable party in your case will be the trucking company, as it is likely vicariously liable for its driver’s actions. However, if the at-fault party was self-employed, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance carrier.
As mentioned earlier, some trucking cases involve multiple parties in addition to the driver and/or the company that employs them.
How the Insurance Claims Process Works in Ohio
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says all motorists, including those who operate commercial vehicles, must carry auto insurance. Because Ohio is a fault state under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33, you would file a claim with the liable party’s insurer after a crash. If the insurance company refused to pay for your losses, you would proceed with a lawsuit.
The specific value of your losses will depend on:
- How severely were you injured
- How much did you have to pay for your economic damages
- Your quality of life
There may be additional factors that could influence the value of your settlement, which our attorneys can explain to you.
While you are still recovering, dealing with the liable party or an insurer may be the last thing on your mind. Let a truck accident lawyer from our team handle it for you so that you can spend time recovering.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Columbus, OH, Truck Accident Case?
There is no standard time for how long it takes to resolve a personal injury case. Depending on your situation, it could take days, weeks, or even months.
The progression of your case will depend on various things, such as the following:
The Insurance Company’s Cooperation
When you file your claim, the insurance company will either:
- Accept your claim and award you compensation
- Deny or limit your claim
- Present a counteroffer that may be less than what you want
Some insurance representatives may try to stretch out the process for as long as possible. They may refuse to answer or return your calls promptly, continuously request irrelevant information, or shuffle your claim around from person to person.
You have rights under Ohio Revised Code Section 3901-1-54. We fight against the insurance company’s attempts to violate them and move your case forward.
Your Recovery
We sometimes advise you against accepting a settlement offer until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This decision is because if you require additional treatment after negotiating your settlement, the insurance company will not be responsible for covering those expenses.
Your recovery period will play a role in the resolution of your case. Our team will do everything in our power to move your case forward while still ensuring your damages are covered.
Fault for Your Accident
For some truck accident cases, the fault is clear-cut. Other times, however, things get a bit more complicated. If it is unclear who caused your accident, this could delay the claims process.
A truck accident attorney from our team will gather all the necessary evidence to prove who caused your accident and how. Then, they will present this information to the insurer when negotiating a settlement.
What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Truck Accident in Columbus, Ohio?
Your health is the primary concern after a trucking collision or accident, and you should seek immediate medical treatment even if you believe that you’re fine, as some medical issues may not be immediately apparent.
Immediately after an accident, avoid recorded statements to the insurance until you’ve spoken to a lawyer, and record anything you can at the scene that may be supporting evidence. This includes:
- Photos of the scene
- Witness contacts
- The truck number
- The truck’s company name
- Location and time of the accident
Below are some other measures that could help promote the progression of your case. Keep in mind that our lawyers can accomplish many of these tasks for you, such as:
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) suggests you should file your claim as soon as possible. This prompt action promotes a smooth financial recovery process, and it also reduces the chance of the insurance company contesting the cause of your injuries.
We can handle the entire process. You will not need to talk to the claims adjuster with The Fitch Law Firm on your side.
Requesting the Police Report
In Ohio, you are required to file a police report if someone was injured or killed due to a collision. You will want to request a copy of the police report as soon as possible, such as from the Columbus Division of Police or the Ohio State Highway Patrol, depending on where the accident took place. The insurance company might use even the slightest error to refute your claim.
We can request a copy of the police accident report for you. We can also verify its information to make sure that it accurately reflects what happened.
Compiling Evidence of Your Accident
To file a successful claim or lawsuit, you will need evidence to back up your side of the story. Immediately following the truck crash, we can help accumulate pieces of evidence.
Some vital pieces of information that we can use to prove the cause of your accident include:
- Receipts, billing statements, and invoices related to your medical expenses
- The names of your prescription medications
- Correspondence between you and the insurer
- Your follow-up doctor’s appointments
- Car repair estimates
You do not have to worry about investigating your own personal injury case. At The Fitch Law Firm LLC, our lawyers lead investigations to get the information necessary to build our clients’ cases. We will get to the bottom of what happened and develop your case according to our findings.
Questions? We Have Answers to the Most Commonly Asked
What Happens If the Insurance Adjuster Denies My Claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim and is unwilling to negotiate, we will be prepared to take your case to court. There, we can seek a court award based on our evidence and arguments.
How Much Is My Pain and Suffering Worth?
Pain and suffering are subjective losses and are based on the individual’s lost quality of life. However, we have the knowledge and means to assess your case and seek a settlement that fairly reflects this loss.
How do attorney fees work for truck accident cases?
At the Fitch Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only receive payment if you win your claim. If you choose us to represent you as your truck accident attorney, you’ll owe nothing upfront, and you’ll pay a pre-determined percentage only after we’ve helped you obtain compensation.
What if I was partially at fault—can I still recover damages in Ohio?
Yes, you can still seek financial compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Ohio functions under a comparative negligence law, which means that motorists can be compensated so long as they are less than 50% at-fault for the incident, but the damages they can recover will consequently be affected according to their degree of fault.
Contact Our Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer Today
We Build Your Columbus Truck Accident Case While You Recover
When you hire a commercial truck accident attorney from our firm, our team works together to build your case. Our main office is located in Columbus, Ohio, and we can speak with you in consultations either in person or remotely—whichever is easiest for you.
As our client, you can leave the hard work to us and focus on your health instead. Our team can manage your case for you, which includes:
- Giving you updates on your case’s progression
- Negotiating a potential settlement with the negligent parties
- Investigating the cause of your accident
- Explaining how state and federal laws apply to your case and answering your questions
- Managing all emails, phone calls, and text messages with the involved parties
- Calculating the cost of your damages, both now and in the future
- Filing a lawsuit, if necessary, and representing you in court
Your goals are our goals. You are not just another client or case number to us.
We Provide You with Timely Case Updates
We do not want you to be in the dark about your case. We will send you regular updates via phone call, text message, or email, and you may always call regarding the status of your case.
We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about your case’s progression. You and your truck accident lawyer are a team. You can ask them or another team member anything you want about your case as it evolves.
We Navigate Ohio’s Personal Injury Laws
The personal injury landscape is full of intricate laws and regulations, some of which are changing all the time. Even if you have a basic understanding of these laws, you could be at a disadvantage when representing yourself. Our team can evaluate your case and determine how Ohio’s laws affect these factors:
- How long do you have to file your case
- Whether there are “caps” on how much you can pursue in non-economic damages
- Whether state or federal trucking laws apply to your situation
- How the law determines fault
Trucking companies have lawyers, and they may have separate legal teams if their business spans multiple states. When fighting for the compensation you need, going up against commercial lawyers can be arduous and intimidating.
Allow our team to take on that burden for you. We can investigate how Ohio law might apply to your case and explain your rights as we build it.
We Advise You Throughout Your Case
If you have never filed a personal injury claim before or are unfamiliar with relevant laws pertaining to accident cases, it can be challenging to make confident legal decisions on your own. Many people feel intimidated by Ohio’s legal system, which is why one of our duties as your representative is to break these complex theories down in a way that you can understand.
With our guidance, you do not have to do any guesswork when deciding how to move forward with your truck accident case. A lawyer from our team serving Columbus can explain your options so that you can make informed decisions.
We will advise you on:
- Whether you should give a recorded statement about how the Columbus, OH, truck collision happened
- Whether you should continue negotiating for a higher settlement deal with the opposing party’s insurance company
- Whether you should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit for your truck accident, based on how negotiations are playing out, or the other party’s policy
- Whether the insurance settlement offer you receive is fair based on your truck accident damages.
- What measures can be taken to protect your legal rights
- What information should you share if you are called on to testify in court
Keep in mind that while your lawyer and other members of our team may advise you at different stages of your case, we remain your representative. That means you make all legal decisions. We serve your legal interests and shall remain transparent about what legal moves you can make to potentially achieve them.
When you call our team, we can provide you with more information about how our Columbus truck accident lawyers can handle your case. Call The Fitch Law Firm today to speak with a member of our team during a free consultation.