We represent individuals and families in Columbus, Ohio who have been injured in serious truck accidents. Collisions involving commercial trucks, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, delivery vehicles, and other large commercial vehicles often result in devastating injuries and life-changing consequences. Our role is to help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and pursue full and fair compensation after a truck accident.
Truck accident cases are far more complex than ordinary car accident claims. They involve federal safety regulations, corporate defendants, multiple insurance policies, and aggressive defense tactics. We approach every truck accident case with the care, preparation, and determination it deserves.
If you were injured in a truck accident in or around Columbus, we are here to guide you through the legal process and advocate for your recovery.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Serious
Truck accidents tend to cause more severe injuries than passenger vehicle crashes due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When a vehicle of that size collides with a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian, the results are often catastrophic.
Beyond the physical danger, truck accident claims are legally complex. Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with extensive safety rules governing driver hours, vehicle maintenance, training, cargo loading, and more. When these rules are ignored or violated, innocent people are often harmed.
Truck accidents also frequently involve multiple responsible parties, which can include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the vehicle, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, or manufacturers. Identifying all liable parties is a critical step in building a strong claim.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Columbus
Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, but most are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue caused by long hours behind the wheel
- Distracted driving, including phone use and in-cab technology
- Speeding or driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions
- Improper lane changes and failure to check blind spots
- Mechanical failures caused by poor maintenance
- Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
Truck drivers and trucking companies have a responsibility to operate safely. When they fail to do so, we work to hold them accountable.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Truck accidents take many forms, each with unique dangers and legal considerations. Common types of truck crashes include:
- Rear-end collisions caused by delayed braking or tailgating
- Jackknife accidents where the trailer swings out of control
- Underride accidents involving smaller vehicles sliding beneath a trailer
- Head-on collisions due to fatigue or loss of control
- Rollover accidents caused by shifting cargo or excessive speed
- Side-impact collisions at intersections or during lane changes
Understanding how the accident occurred allows us to determine liability and pursue the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Truck Accidents
Because of the force involved, truck accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical care. These injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Herniated discs and severe back injuries
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Amputations or crush injuries
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress
Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential for both your health and your legal claim.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can protect your well-being and your ability to pursue compensation.
- Seek medical care immediately, even if you feel fine
- Call law enforcement and obtain an official accident report
- Take photos of the vehicles, scene, injuries, and road conditions if possible
- Gather contact information from witnesses
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies
- Keep records of medical treatment and expenses
Truck accident cases often hinge on evidence that can disappear quickly. Acting promptly can make a significant difference.
Columbus Truck Accident Infographic
How Truck Accident Claims Are Different
Truck accident claims differ from car accident cases in several key ways.
- Commercial trucks are regulated by both state and federal laws
- Trucking companies often have teams dedicated to minimizing liability
- Multiple insurance policies may apply
- Critical evidence such as driver logs and vehicle data must be preserved
- Defense strategies are often more aggressive
We understand these challenges and know how to counter them with thorough preparation and strategic advocacy.
Investigating a Truck Accident Case
A strong truck accident claim begins with a detailed investigation. This process may include:
- Reviewing police and crash reports
- Analyzing photographs and video footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Examining driver qualification and training records
- Reviewing hours-of-service logs
- Inspecting maintenance and inspection records
- Analyzing cargo loading documentation
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
Our goal is to uncover exactly what happened and who is responsible.
Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases
One of the most important aspects of a truck accident case is identifying all parties who may be liable. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck or trailer
- Maintenance or repair providers
- Cargo loading companies
- Manufacturers of defective parts
Holding all responsible parties accountable helps maximize the compensation available to injured victims.
Compensation Available After a Truck Accident
Truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses for current and future treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
When a truck accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies representing trucking companies are not on your side. Their goal is to limit payouts and protect profits. They may attempt to:
- Shift blame onto the injured person
- Downplay the severity of injuries
- Pressure victims into quick settlements
- Use statements against you
We handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.
Ohio Truck Accident Laws and Deadlines
Ohio law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to pursue a claim. Failing to act within this time frame can permanently bar recovery.
Ohio also follows a comparative negligence system. This means you may still recover compensation if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not more than fifty percent responsible. Any compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Understanding these rules is essential when evaluating your legal options.
Why Choosing the Right Truck Accident Lawyer Matters
Truck accident cases require experience, resources, and attention to detail. Choosing the right lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
We take the time to understand your injuries, your losses, and your goals. We build each case with the expectation that it may go to trial, which strengthens our position during negotiations. Our approach is focused on results, accountability, and client care.
Columbus Truck Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tractor-trailers and other large trucks are in more than 5,000 fatal truck accidents each year. Due to their massive size and weight, there is a higher rate of fatalities and catastrophic injuries compared to other types of vehicle accidents.
Contact our firm to speak with our dedicated Columbus truck accident lawyers for legal help if you or a loved one has been injured to find out what legal recourse you may have for your losses.
Columbus Truck Accident FAQs
Our Columbus, OH truck accident lawyers can help you find your next steps after your accident, no matter how minor or severe it seemed on the surface. Our team has supported major clients such as Mutual of Omaha and Walmart, and now it’s time for our team to support you. Read on to learn more about how our diverse legal experience can help after your accident.
Accidents involving trucks can have serious repercussions, leading to complex legal challenges. At Brenner Law Offices, we understand how overwhelming this experience can be. Below are some of the most common questions we encounter from clients involved in truck accidents, providing you with straightforward answers to get through these difficult times.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
The amount of a truck accident settlement can vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact on the victim’s life. Settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering experienced play a crucial role in determining the settlement amount.
How Long Do Most Accident Settlements Take?
The time frame for reaching a settlement in a truck accident case can vary significantly. Some cases may settle in a matter of months, while others could take years, especially if the case goes to trial. The duration largely depends on the difficulty of the case, the amount of evidence, and the cooperation of all parties involved.
What Evidence Do You Need For A Whiplash Claim?
To support a whiplash claim, essential evidence includes medical records detailing the injuries, a doctor’s testimony about the nature and extent of the injuries, and any relevant imaging studies. Additionally, gathering witness statements and documentation of how the injury has impacted your daily life will strengthen your claim. Our Columbus personal injury lawyer can also investigate your accident to uncover who else can be held accountable for your injuries.
What Can Happen If Whiplash Goes Untreated?
If whiplash is not treated properly, it can lead to chronic pain and long-term mobility issues. In some cases, untreated whiplash can result in decreased quality of life due to ongoing discomfort and the potential for other complications, such as severe headaches and spinal problems.
What Can Be Mistaken For Whiplash?
Symptoms similar to whiplash can be mistaken for other medical conditions, such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or even general neck pain from other causes. It’s vital to get a thorough medical evaluation after an accident to accurately diagnose and treat any injuries, distinguishing whiplash from other potential issues.
Columbus Truck Accident Glossary
At Brenner Law Offices, we understand the devastating impact a truck accident can have on your life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking crash in Columbus, OH, our attorneys are here to provide legal support, working with you to pursue fair compensation. Below, we explain key terms to help you better understand your case.
Jackknife Accident
A jackknife accident occurs when the cab and trailer of a truck fold toward each other at a sharp angle, resembling a pocketknife. This often happens when the driver brakes suddenly or improperly, causing the trailer to swing uncontrollably. These accidents are highly dangerous and can involve multiple vehicles.
For example, consider a driver navigating a curve on a highway when a jackknife accident occurs. The trailer’s unexpected movement might block multiple lanes, leading to catastrophic injuries for other drivers. Our team has experience handling cases like these, identifying the cause of the accident and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Liability Insurance Coverage
Liability insurance coverage is a mandatory policy for commercial trucking companies, designed to compensate victims for injuries, property damage, and other losses caused by a truck driver’s negligence. This type of coverage is critical in providing victims a financial pathway to recovery.
For instance, if a truck driver rear-ends a vehicle at a stoplight, liability insurance may cover the medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and other damages incurred by the victim. Our attorneys work diligently to review insurance policies and negotiate fair settlements on behalf of our clients.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
The FMCSR establishes rules that govern the operation of commercial vehicles, focusing on areas such as driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service. Violations of these regulations can lead to serious accidents and serve as evidence of negligence in legal claims.
Imagine a fatigued truck driver violating FMCSR’s hours-of-service limits and causing an accident due to impaired judgment. In such cases, our firm investigates whether regulatory violations occurred, strengthening your claim against the trucking company.
Comparative Negligence
In Ohio, the principle of comparative negligence allocates fault among all parties involved in an accident. As long as you are less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a driver is found 20% responsible for a collision with a truck, their final settlement will be reduced by that percentage. We carefully evaluate the evidence to minimize any assigned fault and maximize your compensation.
Accident Reconstruction
Accident reconstruction is a detailed analysis of how an accident occurred, using evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Socialists may create visual models or reports that help establish liability.
For instance, if a truck’s brakes failed, leading to a collision, an accident reconstruction specialist might determine whether the failure was due to poor maintenance or a manufacturing defect. We collaborate with these specialists to build strong cases for our clients.
We bring decades of experience and personalized attention to every truck accident case. Whether you are dealing with a jackknife accident or a denied insurance claim, we are committed to fighting for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can help you move forward.
Brenner Law Offices, Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer
338 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
What You Can Expect When Working With Us
When you work with us, you can expect:
- Clear communication and honest guidance
- A thorough investigation of your case
- Strategic handling of insurance negotiations
- Preparation for litigation when necessary
- Personal attention throughout the process
We believe informed clients make stronger decisions, and we are committed to keeping you involved every step of the way.
We Are Ready to Help After a Columbus Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Columbus, Ohio, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents can change lives in an instant. Our commitment is to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and strong legal representation.
Attorneys Adam J. Hubble and Todd Brenner have experience with a wide variety of cases, and our list of clients includes Mutual of Omaha, Walmart, and Nationwide Insurance Company. Now, it’s our turn to help you. Get in touch with us today, and see what our Columbus truck accident lawyer can do for you.
Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be daunting, and knowing where to turn for reliable legal assistance is key. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Brenner Law Offices, we’re dedicated to supporting you through every step of your legal journey so you can receive the compensation you really deserve. Reach out today for a consultation, and see hour our Columbus truck accident lawyer can support your personal injury and insurance claim.