Trucks are a common sight on Ohio’s roads and highways, especially the Ohio Turnpike. Like many drivers, you may get nervous driving around so many large trucks.
The large size of trucks means that injuries from a truck accident are often serious or life-threatening. If you are the victim of a truck accident, you may end up with more problems than just recovering from your injuries.
You might be out of work due to your accident or lose your job altogether if you are unable to perform it. Perhaps you experience anxiety that makes you afraid to drive again.
If the truck accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could potentially receive compensation for these and other damages through a personal injury claim.
Deciding who to file your claim against
But one of the biggest challenges with recovering compensation after a truck accident is determining who to bring the claim against. The negligence could have come from the truck driver, the trucking company or the truck manufacturer.
Distracted driving, intoxicated driving, speeding or failing to follow traffic laws are signs the truck driver was responsible. An improperly maintained truck or a truck driver without adequate training could mean the trucking company was responsible.
Determining if the truck manufacturer was responsible may be more difficult, but evidence of a design or manufacturing defect in the truck could mean the manufacturer is the right party to sue.
You should expect that no matter who you decide is responsible, they will defend themselves and attempt to minimize their damage.
Preparing for your personal injury case
Proving negligence requires showing that the truck driver, trucking company or truck manufacturer failed in their legal duty to ensure a safe driving experience and that failure caused your accident.
You must also prove your damages through evidence such as medical bills, photographs, wage statements or other documents.
Trucking companies often spend money and resources to defend against personal injury claims, so you should be thoroughly prepared to prove your case.