Trucking accidents are one of the most devastating types of accidents. As Ohio drivers know well, the state’s highway system serves as a trucking corridor along which truckers move freight destined for all parts of the country.
Driving on an Ohio highway means you’ll be sharing the road with plenty of large trucks, and accidents are bound to happen. When one does, you need to know whether you should hold the truck driver or the shipping company responsible for your injury expenses.
Understanding Liability in an Ohio Truck Accident
Personal injury law dictates that you can hold someone else responsible for injury costs when their negligence causes an accident. In the context of an Ohio trucking accident, that means an insurance policy can cover your truck accident injury costs, but only if you can first establish liability.
Ultimately, proving negligence and holding a trucking or shipping company responsible for accident costs is a complex process that requires the skill of an experienced Ohio trucking accident lawyer. However, it doesn’t hurt to have an idea of how liability for the accident will be determined.
Truck Driver Accident Liability
Truck drivers are often responsible for causing trucking accidents. As the person behind the wheel of the truck, the driver is typically the first party you look to when trying to establish liability. A trucking accident lawyer can prove that the truck driver was negligent in many different ways. Some of the most common include:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Breaking trucking regulations
Just like any other driver, a truck driver shouldn’t speed or break other basic driving laws. However, truckers are also responsible for following trucking safety regulations, like not driving for too many consecutive hours. When a driver breaks these laws, and the result is a crash, they can be held responsible for the ensuing injury costs.
Shipping Company Accident Liability
It’s less common for a shipping company to be found liable for an Ohio trucking accident, but it’s certainly possible. Truck drivers drive the vehicle but often don’t have anything to do with the cargo loaded onto it.
When a truck accident occurs because of how the cargo was loaded, the shipping company might be liable for the crash. This is most common in situations when cargo wasn’t safely secured, or the truck was overloaded, resulting in an unsafe weight.
Determining Liability After an Ohio Trucking Accident
Truck drivers and shipping companies aren’t the only parties that can be held liable for an Ohio trucking accident. Trucking companies, truck manufacturers, mechanics, and other drivers on the road are all parties that can be found at fault for causing an Ohio truck accident.
Wading through the possible liable parties, collecting evidence, and negotiating a fair settlement is a challenging process. An accident involving a large truck can result in severe injuries, meaning significant compensation is hanging in the balance.
Protect Yourself After an Ohio Truck Crash
Long-term financial well-being is at stake when it comes to filing an Ohio truck accident claim. Don’t make the mistake of trying to navigate this process alone. The sooner you contact an experienced Ohio truck accident attorney, the better your chances of proving liability and recovering the injury compensation you need.