Among the common causes of Columbus truck accidents are driver error, slick roads, driver inexperience, and improper training. Hours of service violations—driving more than the allowable number of hours or without the required rest periods—are also commonly reported causes of truck accidents. If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident, a Columbus truck accident lawyer can help you prove its cause.
You do not have to prove the cause of your accident or identify the at-fault party on your own. If one of these or any other negligence-based action caused your accident, a local law firm can help you prove it. They will also help you build a strong case with evidence of the negligence, which can lead to a financial settlement. You can request compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
What Types of Driver Errors Cause Truck Accidents in Columbus?
Commercial truck accidents are dangerous events that can lead to severe injuries and fatalities. Driver error is the most common cause of these accidents. If you have been in a truck accident and suspect driver error to be the cause, the common types of driver errors include:
- Driver inexperience
- Speeding or recklessness
- Hours of service violations, per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Interior and exterior distractions
- Improper merges or lane changes
- Drug or alcohol intoxication
If the driver was the cause of the accident, your lawyer can help you seek compensation from the driver if they are an owner/operator or from the company that employs them.
How Would a Lawyer Document Negligence Due to Driver Error?
To prove the truck driver was at fault for your accident requires proof of their negligence. A lawyer can obtain evidence that supports your personal injury claim from such sources as:
- Truck driver logbook
- Official police report
- Witness statements
Your lawyer can also obtain the driver’s training record, hiring records, and driving history report. These pieces of evidence could be difficult for you to obtain on your own. A truck accident attorney has the resources to gather these things.
What if Driver Error Was Not the Cause of My Columbus Truck Accident?
A commercial vehicle is a huge piece of machinery with numerous working parts. The failure of a truck component could cause an accident. These failing components can include tires, brakes, windshield wipers, or any number of things. A poorly maintained truck could also be the cause of an accident.
Additional causes not attributable to driver error can include:
- Winter weather and icy roads
- Professional negligence
- Unfamiliar roads and routes
The at-fault party in cases like these can include a government or municipal agency, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, and, again, the trucking company. Your lawyer will determine who to pursue for damages.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered for a Columbus, OH Truck Accident?
A collision with a large truck can leave you with a wide range of financial expenses and losses. Your truck accident attorney can help you calculate the value of the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Accident-related medical care
- Accident-related losses of income
- Property damage or destruction
- Ongoing physical pain and suffering
- Ongoing mental and emotional trauma
- Lasting disabilities and disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
If the cause of your truck accident was any form of negligence, the at-fault party can be compelled to compensate you for these costs. Your legal team will determine how much your truck accident settlement is worth. They will collect the bills and receipts that prove the value of your economic damages, along with tangible evidence of your non-economic damages.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Columbus, Ohio?
The sooner you get a lawyer involved in your case, the better, since Ohio law limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. While the circumstance of your accident can change the statute of limitations, you generally have the following:
- Two years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10
- Two years from the date of a loved one’s demise to file your wrongful death lawsuit, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02
Failure to meet the appropriate filing deadline could mean you cannot file your lawsuit at all. This could leave you with no legal recourse that compels the at-fault party to compensate you. A lawyer who is familiar with truck accident cases can help you avoid this.
When Is the Best Time to Hire a Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer?
A truck accident lawyer can help you start preparing your case in its immediate aftermath. It is never too soon to put one to work for you. With early intervention, they can:
- Speak to witnesses while their memories are vivid
- Collect and preserve valuable evidence
- Identify the at-fault party or parties
- Complete and submit insurance claim forms
- Deal with the insurer so you do not have to
- Handle verbal, written, and electronic communication
Your lawyer can also explain why accident reconstruction is important after a truck accident and consult with a specialist on your behalf. They will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair and appropriate settlement, providing you with regular updates on the progress of your case.
Isn’t It Expensive to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney Serving Columbus?
Fear of its costs should not prevent you from getting legal guidance when you really need it. A personal injury lawyer in Ohio costs nothing up front or out of your own pocket. Most will accept your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning their fee is a percentage of your financial award. If you do not receive compensation, you will owe no fees at all, making legal representation risk-free.
Contact Our Truck Accident Consultation Team Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident, our law firm will explain the common causes of Columbus truck accidents and explore the precise cause of yours. A member of our team will consult with you about your truck accident claim at no cost or obligation.
Learn more about your rights and the at-fault party’s responsibilities by contacting our consultation team at The Fitch Law Firm LLC today.