Thousands of motor vehicle collisions across Ohio involve commercial vehicles each year, with nearly 20,000 reported in 2022. Commercial vehicles include public transportation buses, private passenger taxis, ride-shares, box-trucks, transport trucks, and more.
Larger vehicles have more mass, which makes it more difficult to brake or steer away from a collision. Regardless of who is at fault, a person in a smaller vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist is at greater risk of serious or fatal injury after an impact with a larger vehicle such as a bus or transport truck.
If you or someone you love have been injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation that may help cover the costs of medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our commercial vehicle accident attorneys and learn how Graham Law can help.
Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Ohio
According to Ohio’s Department of Public Safety, leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Distracted driving (eg. texting at the wheel)
- Reckless driving
- Driver fatigue
- And more
Adverse weather conditions and poor road maintenance may likewise play a role in road collisions. Particularly in commercial vehicles, which may be prone to greater wear and tear as a result of frequent use, faulty vehicle mechanics (eg. worn-out brakes, broken headlights) can contribute to a collision.
The drivers of transport vehicles, whether passenger buses or cargo trucks, are often beholden to a schedule that may influence their choices behind the wheel. When a schedule places extreme pressure on a driver, the resulting speed or route alternatives may increase the risk of a collision.
The way cargo is loaded in a transport truck is likewise essential to its safety on the road. Uneven cargo can cause a truck to tip over in a sudden turn, and insufficiently secured cargo can spill out onto the road, forcing other vehicles to swerve, brake, and potentially crash into one another.
Driving a large vehicle requires specialized training. Unfortunately, sometimes, truck companies attempt to save time and money by minimizing the amount of training their drivers receive. This may increase the likelihood of driver error, which may endanger their fellow road-users.
Common Injuries in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Injuries sustained in a collision with a commercial vehicle accident can range vastly, from minor to live-threatening. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Organ damage
- And more
Injuries such as trauma to the brain or spinal cord can result in life-altering conditions such as complete or partial paralysis, loss of cognitive functions, and more. As a result, an injured accident survivor may not be able to continue working in their current job, or potentially in any job.
The resulting financial stress may be made worse by mounting medical bills, the costs of rehabilitative treatments, medication, possible attendant care, as well as necessary home alterations (eg. ramps, railings).
There may be financial support available. With the assistance of our commercial vehicle accident attorneys, you may be eligible to receive compensation to help offset the costs incurred as a result of your accident. Contact us at Graham Law today to learn more.
What is Required as Proof in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim?
A personal injury claim requires evidence as to the nature and circumstances of the accident, and its effects. When you work with our commercial vehicle accident attorneys, we will ask guiding questions to clarify your story, and provide tailored support as to the evidence you may need.
The more evidence you are able to gather regarding your accident, the better. This may include:
- Photographs and videos at the accident scene
- A medical report from your physician
- Eyewitness testimony
- A police report from the collision scene
- Information about the other driver(s) involved
- Information about any other parties involved in the accident
- And more
If your commercial vehicle accident involved a truck, there may be relevant evidence in the driver’s logbook or the vehicle’s “black box.” If the accident involved a rideshare vehicle, there may be information available in the driver’s rideshare account.
To learn how we might support you in recognizing and obtaining the evidence you need, contact us today at Graham Law to book a consultation with our commercial vehicle accident attorneys.
Contact Graham Law and Book a Consultation with our Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys Today
Recovering from a commercial vehicle accident can be a challenging process. At Graham Law, we strive to lift the burden of legal questions so that you can focus on your health. An initial consultation with our commercial vehicle accident attorneys is free of charge. Contact us today online or by phone at 740-454-8585 and see how we might make a difference for you.
